MEET THE INSTRUCTORS.
MEET EMILY FREEMAN.
Emily is the founder of Freeman Pilates and The Pause Studio.
MS, RD, NKT, STOTT I have an immensely strong passion for science and movement. My degree work has allowed me to learn about many aspects of the human body: anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, cardiology, nutrition and metabolism, and exercise science. I am a lifetime student and believe there is always more to learn as a bodywork and corrective movement practitioner. |
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MAX MAYERLE.
P.E.I. certified Pilates instructor and a level one Melt instructor.
Prior to Freeman Pilates, he was an instructor at Core Strength of Wichita, KS, and Align Wellness Studios of Milburn, NJ. Max is a former professional dancer who has worked with the Jon Lehrer Dance Company, Alithea Mime Theatre, Wichita Contemporary Dance Theatre, Chandler Dances, Wichita Grand Opera, Wheat State Dance Collective, the Regina Klenjoski Dance Company, and featured at the Kennedy Center (ACDA 2016). Max graduated with a BFA in dance with an emphasis in Modern dance at Wichita State University (2018). |
ELLEN BARHORST.
As a third-year medical student, I am currently exploring the vast amount of medical specialties with particular interest in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. I have a strong background in Exercise Science, and I am passionate about the intersection of clinical practice and exercise-based medicine.
In addition to my medical career and research interests, I also am a professional Pilates Instructor specializing in Reformer & Equipment Pilates. I currently teach classes 1-2x per week at Pause Freeman Pilates located in St. Louis. |
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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! |
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.
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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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EMMI SMALL.
Emmi has been teaching Pilates since her STOTT Pilates certification process began in 2018. She began teaching in college for UMass Campus Recreation, in Amherst, Massachusetts. After the completion of a BFA in Dance and a BS in Public Health, she taught extensively at Aull Pilates and Movement Studio, Elevate Fitness, and Newport Academy of Ballet, in Rhode Island. Emmi has completed workshops in Strength and Mobility, Advanced Matwork, Bodyweight Training, and Halo Training, and is working to become a specialist in Group Matwork. She takes pride in leading a class through an accessible, challenging, and fun workout! After moving to St. Louis in 2020 to complete a traineeship with the Big Muddy Dance Company, Emmi now is an instructor with St. Louis City Fitness, and is excited to be joining Freeman Pilates! Emmi is experienced with Pilates regulars as well as with clients new to the form. She is passionate about functional fitness and will be there to help you counteract imbalances caused by everyday life and strengthen your whole body!
