Melissa knew at the age of 12 she wanted to grow up to be a teacher. After graduating from Drake University she taught band and piano lessons. In the evenings she studied ballet, pointe and jazz and eventually taught dance. She completed 3 cecchetti exams and was a soloist with the Dance Company of St. Charles. When her triplets entered kindergarten she discovered Pilates and very quickly she realized this was her lifetime passion. She completed a 700+ hour certification in Chicago and New York with Romana Kryanowska. She believes that a top notch teacher should continue to study with masters such as Romana, Janice Dulak, Juanita Lopez, Cynthia Lochard, Lori Coleman Brown and Anthony Rabara. After running Pilates For Life from her home for 3 years she opened the WingHaven location in 2005. She is now a level 4 instructor and trains apprentices.

 

 

 

Dede defines Yoga as a journey of self-discovery. She discovered Yoga after the birth of her second son; a transformation that inspired her desire to bring others into a similar reality.

Dede received her certification at The Pilates and Yoga Center of St. Louis, under the direction of Pam Schulte. Her training is in Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Hatha and Restorative Yoga. She values the individual person, bringing humor and encouragement to her students. Her classes are compassionately taught to provide deep access to the body, spirit connectivity and a path to explore and shift patterns that no longer serve. Dede uses the wisdom of Yoga to help her students learn to manage the stress and busyness of their lives and develop a deeper awareness of living in the present moment.

Dede lives her Yoga by pursuing balance, stillness, simplicity and laughter. She passionately loves taking long walks with her dogs, Sadie and Jake, reading, cooking, biking with her family and lingering with friends.

Robyn began her yoga practice in 2001. After her first class she felt better and slept better than she had in a very long time. Hooked on yoga she became a Certified Yoga Instructor in 2007 and continues to study with top instructors around the country. Teaching in a Vinyasa – Hatha style, with an emphasis on breathe awareness and alignment, Robyn believes yoga is for everybody and specializes in delivering tailored classes to fit specific needs. She is passionate about sharing yoga with others.

When Robyn isn't doing yoga you will find her cooking, boating or spending time with her husband, son, and Boston Terrier dog.

 

 

 

Jennifer graduated with a bachelors degree in Occupational Therapy in 1997.  She then worked in pediatric home health for 7 years at which time, she decided to retire to stay home with her children.  In 2005, she began taking Pilates with Melissa.  She immediately fell in love with the physicality and mind/body control that Pilates required.  Jen decided she had to share her love of Pilates with others and began the apprenticeship in January 2010.  She trained with Janice Dulak in Champaign, Illinois, completed her training in June of 2011.  Jen looks forward to combining her understanding of the body and passion for Pilates for Life!