I was drawn to Pilates over 20 years ago. Working as a massage therapist many clients repeatedly spoke of Pilates with such enthusiasm. After becoming a mother, I needed to connect with my core again. Having had an athletic background and working as a massage therapist for 8 years, Pilates instantly felt like a natural fit. My Pilates experience began on the Reformer and quickly my teacher suggested I consider starting teachers' training. After certifying in 2003 while living in Santa Barbara, CA. I returned home to West Michigan and began teaching in 2005 at Avalon School of the Arts. Continuing my education was a concern, where will I need to travel to? I received a gift, Master Trainer Ahme Bovee, relocated from Canada to open a studio in East Grand Rapids. It has been an amazing experience to train with Ahme and a wonderful compliment to be a part of their teaching staff from 2011 to 2015. Always growing with industry standards through Balanced Body University.

My journey has been both physical and spiritual. I have had the pleasure of knowing some clients for 17 years, wonderful people inside and out truly all ages coming together to grow is an amazing thing to be a part of. With gratitude in my heart, I bring to you, Pilates in Holland. A studio where we learn to move better physically and mentally in everyday life, enhance performance, and laugh at what seems impossible. It is a privilege to help others grow their body-mind connection with Pilates principles.

Say ‘Yes!’ to new experiences! After nearly 10 years of being a student of Pilates, I jumped into my Pilates teacher training, and I’m so excited to share this practice with you as it has been life-changing for me. I have been been a stay at home mom for 15 years, and I knew that I was ready for a new challenge. Before having children, I was a nurse. Educating others on healthy movement and lifestyle is a natural fit for me and my whole family is cheering me on in this new venture.

In 2009, I attended my first Pilates class with Mandy, and I knew at that very first class that Pilates would be a part of my life from then on. I felt stronger, more flexible, more connected to my body right away, which over time has led to increased self-confidence. Mandy is so warm and welcoming and exceptionally good at fostering community, and as an instructor, it is my goal to do likewise for you. I am recognized as a Comprehensive Teacher through Balanced Body University and Master Trainer Ahmé Bovée and am Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher through the National Pilates Certification Program.

I have experience as a student with mat class, private sessions, group reformer, Nia, and Fierce Flow, all through Pilates in Holland. I have become a passionate student of these forms of movement and I feel it gives me a unique perspective on all we offer. When it comes to moving our bodies, it should be something we enjoy and feel good about because it means we’ll keep coming back for more. The positive effects of Pilates in my life extend far beyond the studio and it helps me realize what my body capable of. Saying ‘YES! to certifying and teaching Pilates has truly been a gift and I hope you will say your own ‘yes!’ and come join me for class. I am excited to share my passion, experience, and knowledge with you.

What am I going to be when I grow up? A Pilates instructor! I love to teach, and I love exploring the anatomy of movement and its effects on how I feel as I do the things I do every day. Because Pilates has so helped the various aches and pains resulting from my desk job working as a Network Engineer for AT&T for 36 years, a broken knee, arthritis and lots of flute playing, I know that Pilates will always be a part of my life. So when I approached Mandy – “I have been thinking about teaching Pilates,” she was excited and I knew this would be a good fit.

I love the details, the nitty-gritty, of working with anatomy and technique. As a flute player and teacher, I can hear in the sound and tone of someone’s playing when small anatomy changes are made and how it helps my students achieve a better result in their playing. I love how this applies to being a Pilates student, I can see how strengthening or stretching certain muscle groups can alleviate or mitigate long-term pain and bring excellent results. This attention to detail is something I pride myself on and that I work hard to bring to my Pilates Reformer classes and private sessions.

I am recognized as a Comprehensive Teacher through Balanced Body University and Master Trainer Ahmé Bovée. I am also a certified Buff Bones instructor, which focuses on those with osteoporosis and osteopenia. In addition to my work at the studio, I play the flute and am on the board with the Holland Symphony, I teach flute privately and help mentor young flute players in several of the local school systems. My husband and I enjoy spending time with our grandchildren and watching them explore and excel in various sports

Health and fitness have been an important part of my life. I've always enjoyed doing a variety of activities: walking, elliptical training, hiking, belly dancing, and hula hooping to name a few. I started Pilates in 2014 to increase my core strength after an incident that left me with some dislocated ribs. Amazingly, Pilates also helped me regain strength from previous injuries that had resulted in various surgeries. This inspired me to build on my knowledge of Pilates to improve my own practice. But I also wanted to help others, so I started training to become a teacher. I am recognized as a Comprehensive Teacher through Balanced Body University and Master Trainer Ahmé Bovée. and am a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher.

I also work full-time as a certified professional ergonomist. The knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, and physiology I have gained through my education in this field allows me to bring this expertise to my teaching as well.

I’ve always enjoyed the feeling of movement, whether it be with Pilates, dancing, or taking a walk. I think it’s the fact that it allows you to focus and be present in the moment as well as feel a sense of accomplishment afterward. As a nurse, I understand the importance of preventative care and Pilates is all about doing just that. By keeping our bodies active and strong, we’re able to enjoy the things we love doing for longer.

I first discovered Pilates at Avalon School of the Arts, where my then 3-year-old daughter was taking dance classes. Mandy was offering a mat class two evenings a week and I thought, why not give this a try? This would be something for myself. I was hooked after the first class. That was 2008 and, not only have I grown in my love and understanding of Pilates, but I have had the privilege of doing this alongside an incredible teacher and friend.

No matter where I go, my journey keeps bringing me back to Pilates. After much searching and exploring it has been right in front of me the whole time. I am recognized as a Comprehensive Teacher through Balanced Body University and Master Trainer Ahmé Bovée.

I have been a student of Pilates with Mandy since 2005 (we think!) and have been hooked ever since. It has been an amazing journey to be a student of, and then friends with, Mandy as she opened this studio, increased her class offerings, took on new teachers, and completed her certification. It is inspiring to say the least.

I have my Master of Arts in Education and taught elementary and middle school for many years. I was a project manager at a graphics design firm in San Francisco until we moved to Holland for my husband's job at Hope College. I was able to stay home with my two kids until they were both in elementary school and then started working in the office at Fellowship Reformed Church. I served as their Director of Communications for 4 years until leaving to spend 5 months in Europe during my husband's sabbatical.

Since leaving my job, I have been looking for a new creative outlet. When Mandy approached me about being the Creative Lead for Pilates in Holland, I couldn't have been more excited. I love the community of teachers and learners at PIH and am thrilled to share everything it has to offer with the world.