Heather Glidden

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• Fully certified in STOTT PILATES
• Certified in the Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis methodologies
• Therapeutic applications of Gyrotonic exercises for shoulder, pelvic girdle and scoliosis
• Pilates for injuries and special populations
• Prenatal and postpartum applications of Pilates and Gyrotonic exercises
• Current massage student
• BA in Dance Studies, Grinnell College, IA

Heather believes a few characteristics that contribute to a good life are compassion, daring, and a good sense of humor. Heather has drawn on all three of these traits to create Willow Wellness Studio. As an example of someone who is living a dream, she hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams as well.

Heather first studied Pilates in Colorado when her ballet teacher promised that it would make her a better dancer. She went on to receive a B.A. in Dance Studies from Grinnell College. She has studied various Pilates methods since 1992 and completed her certification in STOTT Pilates in 2006 at Equilibrium in Bloomfield Hills, MI. She discovered the Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis methodologies in 2004 and has been continuing to fall in love with them ever since. After completing her certification in both methods, she has gone on to study prenatal and postpartum applications of Gyrotonic and Pilates as well as therapeutic applications of the movements. She specializes in injury rehabilitation including shoulder, neck, low back, hip, scolioses and SI pain. She continually strives to deepen her knowledge of the human body, traveling around the country to advance her studies. Her own experiences with past pain and injuries gives her a deeper understanding and compassion for others who are currently struggling with pain or injuries. Through her teaching she seeks to help people of all ability levels lead happier, healthier lives.

Beginning in September of 2009 Heather has embarked on the massage therapy program at the Ann Arbor Institute of Massage Therapy. She hopes to use her massage training to enhance her work with therapeutic movement in addition to providing her clients with a wider range of services. She is scheduled to complete the program in September of 2010.

When she isn’t teaching, going to massage class, or responding to email and phone messages, Heather loves to spend time with her three dogs and her husband. She participates in dog rescue through Colonel Potter Cairn Rescue Network and serves on the board of directors for Happendance, a Lansing-based dance company and school. She also periodically participates in various dance projects in the Ann Arbor area.

Alesia Lapinsky

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• Level One training in Stott Pilates
• Pilates for injuries and special populations
• Student Level Two training in Stott Pilates
• Prenatal Pilates Specialist
• Psychology and Political Science, University of Michigan

Alesia is passionate about health and wellness. She is interested in helping everyone achieve a high quality of life. Alesia is a lifelong fitness enthusiast and, having experienced injuries herself, understands the need for proper form to avoid injury and for successful rehabilitation. She is committed to safe and customized training for the individual. She enjoys working with all ages and levels to apply her problem-solving abilities in a creative way.

Alesia was a yoga practitioner for many years, including two months of study in India with B.K.S. Iyengar. She enjoys Rollerblading, biking, kayaking and skiing, in addition to pursuing her passion for food, the arts, and preserving the natural environment.

Chris Mackowiak

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• Certified in Stott Pilates
• Pilates for Injuries and Special Populations
• Certified AFAA group instructor
• Trained in Gyrotonic and ACE personal trainer

Chris decided early on to commit to a healthy lifestyle while training in synchronized swimming in both high school and college at the University of Oregon. This decision translated into not only an organic diet but varied physical activity. While busy raising three children, she participated in years of dance aerobics, step aerobics, swimming, power distance walking and weight training. In 1991 she trained with ACE as a personal trainer and with AFAA as a group instructor, teaching prenatal, postpartum, and senior populations as well as group resistance classes. With a desire to develop and learn more she began researching human anatomy, including injuries and misalignment, which inevitably led to training and certification in Stott Pilates. Chris has been teaching Pilates mat classes for several years with the MHealthy program at the University of Michigan.

In her free time Chris enjoys long walks with friends and her Airedale, Katie, playing classical guitar and singing and reading to her happy grandson, Miles, over Skype.

Allison Walacavage

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• Certified in STOTT Pilates
• Certified Apprentice in Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis methodologies
• Pilates for injuries and special populations
• Prenatal Pilates Specialist
• BA in French and sociology, Mount Holyoke College

Allison began practicing pilates as a modern dancer, using it to develop core strength and to correct muscle imbalances. She studied dance at Happendance School in Okemos, MI and completed summer programs at Interlochen and The Ailey School. After receiving her BA from Mount Holyoke College, Allison pursued STOTT Pilates training to deepen her understanding of the exercises and anatomy. She received her STOTT Pilates Level 1 certification in 2008 and has also completed her training in the advanced Pilates work. Allison is currently pursuing certification in the Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis methodologies. She enjoys working with clients of all abilities, challenging them to improve their body awareness, strength, and mobility. In addition to teaching at Willow, Allison is a staff instructor at Equilibrium Studio in Bloomfield Hills.

When not teaching or exploring movement, Allison works as a grant writer for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. She enjoys cooking and dancing, as well as traveling with her husband, Matt.

Alexi Love

• Fully Certified in STOTT Pilates
• Prenatal and postpartum applications of Pilates
• Pilates for injuries and special populations
• Pilates for golf specialist
• BA Psychology, University of Michigan

Alexi has moved away from Ann Arbor for new adventures. She will be missed!