Our Instructors

FOUNDER

Laney was certified by Romana Kryznowska in 2001. Soon after, she opened Pilates Body Shaping and was asked to become a Level 3 Teacher Trainer. Laney has worked with a variety of clients ranging from those suffering from chronic pain, to Olympic swimmers, professional dancers and athletes, members of Cirque Du Soleil, and the cast of The Lion King. Pilates Body Shaping is the only Certification Center for Romana's Pilates in NC, and a proud sponsor of Charlotte Ballet.

Cara starting taking Pilates in NY, where, as a personal trainer and distance runner, immediately gravitated towards its focus on the individual’s needs. She started training for her Romana’s Pilates certification in 2012 at PBS, where she had been practicing since 2003. Since completing her certification in 2013, Cara has enjoyed teaching Pilates, seeing clients progress, become healthier, more flexible, and stronger. Cara genuinely believes that Pilates can transform and help so many peopleinjured, athletic, stiff, and weaker.

Amelia has been training at Pilates Body Shaping since joining Charlotte Ballet in 2015. While Pilates is Amelia’s preferred method of cross training, she truly believes Pilates is for everyone! She finds creativity in the ability to tailor her lessons to an individual’s needs and loves seeing growth in her clients. Amelia completed the Romana’s Pilates certification program in 2022 and loves being a part of the Pilates Body Shaping community.

Cat has taught at Pilates Body Shaping since 2008. She has a vast background in fitness for the last 30 years. Cat served 20 years with the US Air Force and works as a residential broker with Keller Williams. Her desire to help fellow Veterans has resulted in the formation of Welcome Veteran - helping veterans transition from military to civilian life and was chosen to lead the first female veterans group in Charlotte- Women Veterans Network (WOVEN).

Cassandra has been working in the fitness industry for over twenty years, with a primary focus on Pilates training. Before moving to Charlotte in 2014, she was a fitness director and studio owner. She entered the Romana's Pilates teacher training program in 2016 and completed her certification in 2017. Cassandra will inspire you to reach your fitness goals through her love of classical Pilates. She truly believes a dedicated Pilates practice will challenge and change both your body and mind!

Josh Hall has been training at Pilates Body Shaping since 2012. Being a ballet dancer with the Charlotte Ballet he fell in love with the physical and mental dedication Pilates demands. He completed the Romana’s Pilates certification program in May 2018 and looks forward to continuing his Pilates journey and working with all types of clients!

Kirsten completed her certification with Romana’s Pilates in 2015. She started taking Pilates in NY while at music conservatory because she figured a strong core wouldn’t hurt. Years later, Kirsten owes an injury and pain-free career as a violist to Pilates. She recently completed her DMA (Doctorate of Musical Arts) from UNCG with a dissertation on Healthy Playing Practices for Upper String Players which emphasized her experience with Pilates. She is the Viola Professor at UNCC and will be Acting Assistant Principal Viola with the Charlotte Symphony for the 2019-2020 season. She loves being a positive part of her client’s day by helping them gain strength, flexibility, and confidence through their Pilates practice.

Diana has spent her career in the health services industry with a focus on serving her clients. Several years ago, Diana was reintroduced to Pilates; specifically the classical method. After noticing the profound changes in her own body with her practice and that of her clients, she decided to enhance her training and education through the Romana’s Pilates program. Pilates has become a lifestyle for Diana and a rewarding alternative to her corporate career. She loves helping her clients meet their wellness goals through Pilates with care and determination. She knows how Pilates can improve your mind, body and spirit and looks forward to continuing to share this with clients. Diana was an apprentice at Pilates Body Shaping and looks forward to continuing to assisting clients here.

Bernadette became a Pilates Body Shaping client in 2002, and a Romana’s Pilates instructor in 2010. A professor of chemistry at UNC Charlotte since 1992, she is also a board member for Community School of the Arts, and is active in the chemical profession. Bernadette appreciates knowing that Pilates helps her to maintain physical health and rejuvenate her mind, and how her work as an instructor enhances the quality of life for others.

Kathleen was certified by Romana Kryzanowska in 2002 and became a Level 3 teacher trainer in 2009. She was co-owner of MadKat Pilates in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, taught at Lyon Pilates in Boston, and also maintained a home studio before relocating to the Charlotte area in 2019. She is committed is helping her clients obtain overall health and wellbeing through the mind and body connection that originated with the teachings of Joseph Pilates over 100 years ago. Kathleen was a gymnast who was trained by her father, who himself was an accomplished national gymnast in his day. Along with her father, mother and five sisters, she helped run the family gymnastics school and coached many young rising stars. She later went on to compete collegiately at Cornell University. Kathleen has many interests, which include biking, golfing, and spending time with family. She is also a licensed NC/SC real estate broker.