Pilates Story opened on February 14th, 2017 to carry the torch of Joe Pilates’ work and his mission of “Return to Life!” We had NO idea how much work we needed to do. After our amazing two year anniversary party in 2019 where 75 people showed up and we stayed up till midnight (yes, we drank many bottles of wine and laughed a lot ), our community continued to grow.
Then, COVID hit. 2020 – 2023: we call that the BLIP (see the Avengers). Now going strong since 2017, we’re offering services beyond pilates like personal training and therapeutic massage! We are heading “to infinity and beyond” to engage your unique body story and help tell it.
At our studio, you can feel and experience Joseph Pilates’ life’s work. We are nothing but truthful and original. We all come from different places and backgrounds, but Classical Pilates continues to connect us. We are a highly trained and passionate group of teachers who are deeply knowledgeable about our bodies and the art and science of movement.
Our Team:
Owner and Pilates Teacher:
Hye-Yeon Park
When Hye-Yeon was 11 years old she was hit by a car in an accident that left her unbalanced with steel rods in her hip, perpetually weak muscles and joint pain. She started practicing Pilates in 2004 after a total left hip replacement to learn how to use her regained mobility safely and mindfully. Pilates helped her to reconnect with the body that had been lost to her for so many years. Hye-Yeon’s goal as a teacher is to help you to discover and connect with your own body, which should be a vessel of happiness and the fullness of life, the way she discovered hers. It is not easy but it is possible! She strongly believes that.
After six years of practicing Classical Pilates, Hye-Yeon decided to join the advanced teacher training program at The Pilates Center where she eventually became a teacher training advisor. and has now been teaching classical Pilates since 2010. She completed The Heritage program with Cara Reeser in 2019 to learn Kathy Grant’s work and is on the path to complete a graduate certificate course in Movement Science Made Simple (MSMS) with Cara Reeser and Jeremy Laverdure to further gain the knowledge of anatomy of movement and rehabilitation. Additionally, to gain the deeper perspective of the makeup of the human body and movement patterns, Hye-Yeon also takes classes with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen of Body Mind Centering.
Hye-Yeon wants to share what she has learned from her trials and errors as a forever student of mother nature. To share what she loves and knows about pilates, the anatomy of movement, everyday movements while sustaining strength of mind and body and keeping healthy human relationships is her complete joy. As a woman now in her fifties, she is exploring how to build a strong, empowering and thriving mid-womanhood by creating safe, creative spaces for women to come together and support each other. She’s also deeply invested into bringing DEI (Diversity Equity Integrity and Belonging) in the Pilates world and beyond by mentoring, teaching and collaborating with other modality.
To book a session with Hye-Yeon, please click the button below:
Pilates Teacher:
Micayla Wynn
Micayla Wynn is a Pilates instructor and professional dancer. She holds a NCPT through Polestar Pilates specializing in Pilates for rehabilitation. She was originally drawn to research and study Pilates following a dance related injury, where she first encountered the practice of Pilates for rehabilitation.
Micayla‘s teaching is designed with the knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics and a comprehensive understanding of injuries. Her teaching experience includes physical therapy clinics, hospitals, boutique fitness studios, non-profit organizations, in-home care, and has worked in Hospital for Special Surgery’s Rehabilitation & Performance Department.
Micayla has completed continuing education courses including: Pre/Post Natal Pilates, Pilates for Neurological Conditions and Oov Fundamentals.
Stemming from a lifelong passion for dance and movement, Micayla’s approach ensures that movement is always approachable, informative, and functional. Through identifying daily habits, and anatomical compensation, she works with her clients to set individualized goals which help achieve physical and mental progress. Micayla enjoys teaching as it is an ever evolving research of the body and the dynamic resilience held within.
To book a session with Micayla, please email: micaywynn@gmail.com
Virtual Mat Pilates Teacher:
Lisa Ryan
Lisa is a comprehensively trained Peak Pilates Certifiied Teacher. She has been teaching in Central Florida since 2008. She is committed to continuing education and lifelong learning. To that end, she is proud to be a graduate of the Kathy Grant Heritage Training taught by Cara Reeser. She is also currently enrolled in the Movement Science Made Simple graduate program.
Lisa began her personal pilates practice in 2004 as a cross training program for running. However, she quickly realized that everyone – regardless of age, goals, or fitness level – can benefit from this truly transformational movement system.
So whether you are an accomplished athlete, are just beginning your journey to physical fitness, or you’re somewhere in between, Lisa tailors safe and effective pilates sessions to help you achieve your goals.
Lisa herself enjoys an energetic and robust way of life. In addition to running and competing in the occasional local road race, she loves to paddle the Wekiva River whenever she gets the chance. She aspires to be a role model for her clients, and to instill in them a passion for engaging in an active, healthy lifestyle.
To book a session with Lisa, please email: lisamarieryan101@gmail.com
Clinical Pilates Teacher:
Teresa Wong, PT, DPT
Teresa first encountered Pilates in Los Angeles, training with Mari Windsor after the birth of her daughter. As a physical therapist, she instinctively recognized the critical connection between physical recovery and performance. Over the past 25 years, she has continuously integrated evidence-based physical therapy with sensory-focused Pilates, fundamentally transforming the way a person move. Her expertise in clinical Pilates has been applied extensively with professional athletes, military personnel dealing with injuries and PTSD, as well as individuals recovering from post-operative and chronic medical conditions. Recently, she has expanded her expertise to women’s health as a certified pelvic floor therapist.
Teresa’s training philosophy is grounded in understanding each person’s unique physical history, as movement is profoundly influenced by genetics, medical history and life experiences. The true power of clinical Pilates lies in its ability to strengthen deep stabilizing muscles and enhance the experience of movement from within. Ultimately, moving well is essential to quality of life.
To book a session with Teresa, please email: tsmwong@icloud.com
Pilates Teacher:
Karen Goldstein
Karen has been a certified Pilates instructor since 2004. She was first introduced to Pilates at the age of 18 years old, after developing knee problems while studying ballet in NYC. She was sent to the original Pilates studio run by Romana Kryzanowska, a direct disciple of Joseph Pilates. After returning home to the Bay Area, she continued her ballet training with, as her teacher noticed, “much better alignment”. Pilates training was not as prominent on the west coast for about 10 years, but later, when Karen continued to have alignment and pain issues from dancing, it had luckily become more available, and so she resumed her Pilates training under the guidance of Jennifer Stacey in San Francisco. She completed her Teacher Training Certification under Ellie Herman in 2004, and has studied extensively with Lizz Roman to learn how to use Pilates for rehabilitation of injuries and chronic pain issues. She has also studied with Karena Teck Lineback who specializes in Pilates for scoliosis and osteoporosis.
Karen likes to teach Pilates with an emphasis on form and how it applies to functional life movement. She likes to educate her students to have more freedom in movement, strength, and to learn ways to help themselves when their body/pain issues arise so that they can get along with more ease.
To book a session with Karen, please email: fleasus@gmail.com
Yoga Teacher:
Odelia Lao
Odelia is a yoga/barre teacher, human design reader, and ACC-certified leadership coach who helps clients take action with intention. She integrates her encouraging, mindful energy as a yoga/barre teacher with her strategic, corporate MBA background and curious, compassionate presence as a coach. Odelia’s mission is to help clients cultivate their mind, body, and spirit connection, so they can feel aligned and empowered to live their fullest lives.
Odelia is a high achiever who has experienced multiple life transitions and cares deeply about her community. She is a local San Franciscan who attended West Portal Elementary School up the block and Lowell High School. She attended the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley for her undergraduate degree, and has lived in LA, New York City, Nashville, and Cleveland. While she was getting her MBA at Vanderbilt University and working her dream internship, she found herself crying out of nowhere and being told by the doctors that she needed to make lifestyle changes to improve her health. She realized that she had been so career-focused that she lost connection with her body and spirit.
As part of her journey, Odelia found movement as a way to quiet the noise, re-connect with her body, and reclaim her life. She helps others unlearn their self-limitations and re-connect with their bodies. After teaching 1200+ barre classes at Pure Barre West Portal and attaining her 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification from the Amazon jungle of Peru, Odelia has worked with a variety of body types, injuries, and personalities. She combines Western and Eastern practices into one integrated experience, so clients can receive the grounding and inspiration they need from multiple angles.
To book a session with Odelia, please email: odelialao.co@gmail.com
Mindfulness & Meditation Teacher – Certified Wellness Coach:
Jeffrey Mince, PCC
Jeffrey Mince is an International Coaching Federation Professional Certified (PCC) Positive Psychology and Mindfulness Coach with specialized training in grief and end-of-life support. A former Buddhist Monk with over 30 years of meditation experience, Jeffrey blends his deep practice of Buddhist Psychology and Meditation with his professional background as a university-trained educator, a teacher of Buddhist Psychology, a touring musician, and a creative mentor. His diverse expertise shapes a compassionate, practical approach that fosters holistic well-being and emotional resilience. Jeffrey is passionate about helping others manage stress, develop emotional intelligence, and improve mental health through personalized, hands-on coaching.
For more information about working with Jeffrey please visit: www.PunkMonkWorks.com