The Instructors…
Meet Our Team
“It is the mind itself which shapes the body.”
- Joseph Pilates
Emily Owen has been immersed in movement and fitness since her teens and discovered Pilates as a path to sustainable strength, alignment, and lifelong mobility. She completed her 500 hr. comprehensive certification through Peak Pilates in 2016 under Nancy Hurd and advanced her training with the 500-hour program through Lolita’s Legacy under Tanya Swayze Miller in 2019. Her continuing education includes post-graduate study with Discover Move Inspire and massage therapy training at Lauterstein-Conway Massage School. With thousands of hours of teaching experience and ongoing study in Pilates for neurological conditions, Emily brings a thoughtful, fully comprehensive, and integrated approach to helping clients—especially older adults—move with strength, confidence, and longevity.
Emily Owen
Owner - Instructor
With more than 25 years of Pilates practice, Sonya has experienced firsthand the transformative power of movement to build strength, improve mobility, and create a deep sense of stability and balance.
After retiring from an executive career in 2024, Sonya began teacher training with Balanced Body. She is certified in both Reformer and Mat Pilates and continues to study with mentor Angelie Melzer of TEAM Pilates, with a focus on special populations.
Sonya is passionate about helping clients move with confidence through thoughtful instruction, safe progressions, and an encouraging, supportive environment.
Sonya Luechauer
Owner - Instructor
Jerri started her pilates journey 30 years ago, when she was tired of lower back pain that was not fully resolved after physical therapy and other treatments. After hearing about pilates, she decided to give it a try! A few sessions in, the back pain was significantly reduced and manageable. Starting with private rehabilitation for two herniated discs, she moved into classical mat and reformer pilates where she continues practicing today. She received her comprehensive certification through Club pilates, including reformer, mat, springboard, chair, and ladder barrel. Her teaching style is influenced by classical techniques but enjoys mixing contemporary aspects to her classes. She continues to enhance her education with workshops & practice with master instructors. Her teaching passion is to help others find movements that make them feel their best.
Jerri Howard
Instructor
Hillary first discovered Pilates in 2016 and immediately connected with the strength, control, and mind-body awareness that the practice cultivates. What began as a personal passion quickly grew into a desire to help others experience the transformative benefits of movement.Certified in Mat Pilates and currently pursuing her 500-hour comprehensive certification through Balanced Body, Hillary believes that Pilates is truly for every body. She is passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive space where individuals of all backgrounds and experience levels feel comfortable exploring movement.Whether someone is stepping into their first Pilates class or beginning a new chapter in their wellness journey, Hillary strives to make movement feel approachable, empowering, and inclusive—because everyone deserves the opportunity to move freely and feel at home in their body.
Hillary Mendez
Instructor
Diane has been teaching pilates for over 15 years, bringing the first classical pilates studio to our area - The Core Pilates + Barre.
She has completed over 500 hours of comprehensive training through Peak Pilates in 2016 under Nancy Hurd. She is also certified in Bootybarre, TRX, Piloxing and Tabata.
Form is Diane's forte and she is passionate about protecting her clients from faulty movement patterns. For 15 years she worked in a Neuro Rehab Physical Therapy Clinic. She worked with Quadraplegic, Hemiplegics, Amputees, Spinal Cord Injuries, Strokes and head injuries. Giving her extensive knowledge on muscle engagement and body awareness in space she aims to physically and mentally challenge her clients in each session.
Diane wants to help others to feel their strongest by providing a space for them to feel challenged and empowered every class.
In her spare time she enjoys gardening, crocheting, sewing, making pottery and enjoying her 18 grandchildren.
Diane Packer
Instructor