MEET THE INSTRUCTORS.
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Emily Murnin
“I discovered Pilates about 3 years ago when a friend of mine, who is a STOTT Pilates certified instructor, encouraged me to try one of her classes. I have always been very fitness focused. I enjoy boxing, bootcamps, weight training, Barre, yoga, and running. However, I had never tried Pilates. I was hooked after my first class! Pilates is the perfect compliment to my regular weight training and running program. I became such a regular at the studio where my friend taught and was such a fan of Pilates, that she suggested I train to become an instructor. Level I Matwork was my first training course and after completing that, I knew becoming an instructor was definitely what I wanted to do and I wanted to continue my training to teach on all of the Pilates equipment. One of the things I especially love about Pilates is how the exercises are modifiable to accommodate any body type and fitness level. “ Emily is certified Level I in the STOTT Pilates method. She is trained in Level II Mat and Reformer and Injuries and Special Populations. Emily is also CPR and AED certified by the American Red Cross. She has been teaching Pilates since January 2019. Emily has her BSBA from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. After college she worked in commercial real estate as a Property Manager. She left the workforce to stay at home when her oldest daughter was born in 2010. When not teaching, Emily enjoys spending time with her 2 daughters, traveling, running, and weight training at the gym. She is in her second year of assistant coaching for Girls on the Run at her daughters’ elementary school and is very involved with the PTO at the school. She also likes to spend time enjoying good food, good wine, and good company! |
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Karalyn Skinner
I have been practicing Pilates for 7 years and teaching for the last 3 years, and I am certified in both Reformer and Mat Pilates through Personal Best Pilates Instructor Academy. I truly believe Pilates can be for everyone and every body, and I love leading folks through an accessible, fun, and renewing workout. I found my way to Pilates while studying English and History at the University of Missouri and instantly fell in love with the focus on breath, form, and the awareness of my body in space. I hope to instill and encourage a love of Pilates in my classes, and I especially enjoy teaching those new to Pilates and willing and curious to explore new movements. |
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Chrissy Tourkakis
Chrissy is a Fully Certified STOTT Pilates Instructor. She has been teaching pilates since 2017 and holds an additional certification in Juvo Board. Chrissy began practicing pilates in 2010, when she purchased a pilates studio gift certificate for her mom’s birthday and promised to tag along (great gift, by the way). Introductory lessons quickly turned into a lifelong love of the method. Chrissy has a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Washington University in St. Louis as well as a Master’s degree in Physical Anthropology from Iowa State University. She conducted her Master’s thesis field research studying the postural and locomotor behavior of chimpanzees in Fongoli, Senegal. A collector of odd jobs, and a lifelong student at heart, Chrissy has been an anthropologist, a zoo keeper, a dental office administrator, a wedding photographer, and mom to two precious girls, and has practiced pilates through it all. Chrissy finds the scientific layers of the pilates method inspiring- especially the adaptability of the method to suit every person at any time in their life. She relishes a great pilates flow with good music and group class camaraderie. More than anything, she loves helping her clients feel their best through movement. When not in the studio, Chrissy loves spending time with her sweet family, exploring the great outdoors, shooting a roll of film in her Hasselblad, marathoning audiobooks/podcasts, or drinking a good craft cocktail. |
