Michelle brings over 20 years of experience teaching people of all ages, backgrounds, fitness levels, and histories of injury. She views each session as a collaboration between instructor and client, with her role being to help people experience the transformative power of the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning as created by Joseph Pilates.
A third-generation Pilates teacher, Michelle completed the comprehensive 700-hour Excel Teacher Training Program at Excel Pilates DC with Romana Kryzanowska-trained mentors, earning her certification in 2002. She received a Gold Certification from the Pilates Method Alliance in 2005 and is Pink Ribbon Program certified to work with breast cancer survivors. Michelle holds a degree in Political and Social Thought from the University of Virginia and previously worked in journalism and elementary education before discovering Pilates in 1999. That first six-week Mat series opened her eyes to a method that was challenging, thoughtful, and immediately impactful, helping her address aches and pains and build lasting strength. This experience inspired her to become a teacher and share the benefits of Pilates with others.
Michelle believes Pilates is for everybody. Her clients have included competitive equestrians, pre- and postnatal individuals, people with joint replacements and back injuries, marathon runners, children, and nonagenarians. She teaches with a focus on control, concentration, and intentional movement, helping every client leave the studio stronger, more aware, and refreshed. For Michelle, the greatest reward is knowing her students walk out feeling better than when they walked in.