Our Teachers

Our Pilates Teachers are certified through STOTT PILATES or are working towards their certifications. Our Yoga teachers are registered with the Yoga Alliance and have completed 200 hour+ certification programs. As "tutors" we want to guide you to a higher understanding of how exercising can improve the quality of your movement and positively affect the quality of your life. We teach in progressive steps, starting with stability and then adding mobility, strength, endurance, coordination and balance. This systematic journey leads to a positive change in your body, from the inside-out. Our current staff includes Mary Jo, Elizebeth, Carla and Kimberly. Here, in our own words, is a little bit about each of us.

Mary Jo Falvey

"I started Pilates Tutor Studio in 2004 when I was teaching Pilates at area fitness centers. I wanted to provide a resource to for learning Pilates properly, which is difficult to do in a large group setting. The studio began as a small home-based business and has grown into our wonderful space in Paper Mill Village.

I am intense, organized, determined and passionate. Originally a high school and college distance athlete, I was happily running marathons and playing tennis through my late thirties, all the while ignoring the fact that my body was becoming tight and sore. I discovered Pilates could help me regain balance in my muscles and help me sit up straight without pain in my back. I became inspired to teach others to make positive changes in their lives through this work after seeing how much Pilates changed mine.

My professional background includes a BA in Sociology from The State University of New York and an MA in Physical Education/ Exercise Physiology from Adelphi University. I love to learn, and I hold a myriad of Group and Personal Fitness Certifications, including STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor Trainer, STOTT PILATES Fully Certified Instructor, and ACE Certified Personal Trainer . I am most proud of my STOTT PILATES certification as it has provided me with excellent tools to teach students how to become good movers.

It's really important to me to find that balance every day. One thing you may not know about me is that I love going to Dixie Motor Speedway, especially to watch the Demolition Derby. The thrill of seeing those cars getting demolished is somehow very cathartic for me. My favorite quote is Live the Life you Love and Love the Life you Live."  top

Elizebeth Ellison

"I am passionate about well-being, both emotional and physical. I was inspired to become a pilates teacher when my father asked me how Pilates could improve his golf game. He was the stereotypical golfer, willing to try anything to improve his game.

I have a BA in French literature/Art History from the Newcomb College of Tulane University. In addition, I certified as an ACE Personal Trainer/Lifesyle and Weight Management Consultant, an NSCA Personal Trainer, a Fully Certified STOTT PILATES Instructor and a STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainer. I am also a Volunteer Coach for Girls on the Run of Atlanta.

I am most proud of getting in and out of Tulane in four years and in one piece. I am also proud of being invited to and surviving STOTT Instructor Training School. It made me stronger as a teacher and a person. All of this pales in comparison to hearing that my children are caring, compassionate individuals. One funny thing about me is that I will eat caramel corn to the point of making myself sick. I try to live by the Four Agreements. One day, I will live in a foreign country. My favorite quote is To thine own self be true. " top

 

Carla Stone

"I first studied Pilates many years ago as a Ballerina. My Pilates practice continued through my college years and was then completely ignored as I focused on career, marriage, and children. Now, after 20 years in a corporate environment, 2 kids, and a minor mid-life crisis I am thrilled to be returning to something that I truly love, and finding a much greater sense of inner peace and balance in the process. I love Pilates because anyone can practice it and everyone can benefit from it regardless of age, gender, or physical ability.

I have a BA in Psychology from Randolph-Macon Women's College and am certified as an ACE Personal Trainer. I am working towards my Level One Certification with STOTT PILATES.

One thing many people may not know about me is that I'm a closet Seinfeld addict. I don't watch a lot of television but I'll catch Seinfeld re-runs whenever I can. I've always felt a special kinship for Elaine, I think we share many of the same neuroses. My favorite quote, something I try to remind myself of daily, is Keep the peace within yourself. Then bring peace to others."  top

 

Kimberly Kirby

"“I love helping people to get to know more about their own bodies. I love to see that moment when they really connect their mind to their body and then ultimately to their spirit. That is what yoga has done for me and what I love to see in my students every day. I have a BA in Business Logistics from Pennsylvania State University. After 8 years in the corporate world, working as a Consultant, I left to pursue a career in Wellness. I am a certified Wellness Coach, a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher and the owner of invigoratedlife – a wellness company that focuses on positive lifestyle changes that stick (not dieting).

I spent 13 years in a gym practicing and competing in gymnastics. My love for that sport led me easily into yoga where I can continue to maintain muscle tone and flexibility, but more importantly really connect to my body and let my inner light shine through movement.

One thing most people don't know about me is that I love romantic movies (and pretty much that is the only genre I go for) and I often take myself to a late night movie on a whim in the middle of the week. My favorite quote is by Gandhi Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."  top