COLUMBIA - Reformer Progression


This class is taught by:

Joanna Gilmer

Joanna began her journey with Pilates in 2011 in Warsaw,Poland. On the first day of practice, her teacher started class by quoting Joseph Pilates “In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 you’ll see the difference, and in 30 you’ll have a new body”. As a “skeptical” beginner, Joanna was amazed that everything that was said about Pilates became true. As a result, she has become a committed practitioner of Pilates, and in convincing others that thanks to this method, not only the body movement and strength can improve, but you will also gain greater balance and energy. You simply start feeling better!. Joanna is Comprehensively Certified by Balanced Body and teaches Mat, Reformer, Tower and Chair. In addition to practicing Pilates, Joanna also enjoys running, biking,cooking, reading, and traveling with her husband and spending time with her family.

Kelly McDonald

Kelly was first introduced to Pilates as a teenager through her classical ballet training. Years later, after starting her family, she rediscovered her love for the practice and experienced firsthand how Pilates could heal, strengthen, and restore the body. Inspired by the transformative impact it had on her own life, she felt called to share the method with others.

Kelly is certified through The Lab and is currently completing her bridge to become fully certified with Balanced Body. Her teaching style blends a deep understanding of movement with a compassionate, down-to-earth approach.

When she's not in the studio, Kelly is usually on the move—chasing after her three kids, two dogs, and enjoying the beautiful chaos of family life with her husband.

Chris Ruane

Chris is a clinical Hanna Somatic Educator and Practitioner, Maryland Certified Massage Therapist, 500 hour yoga and Pilates teacher with over 17 years experience and is currently pursuing a Masters Pilates certification. She considers herself a mood movement detective who's focus is to help you achieve full range of movement in a pain-free body. Her background as an Irish dancer, athlete and musician give her personal insight into the mechanisms of chronic pain and her education and neurophysiology and hands on experience guide her work in creating custom tailored movement and Bodyworks sessions to help you move throughout life pain-free.

Lana MacDonald

Lana has been teaching Reformer Pilates in her homeland of New Zealand since 2020, now a recent resident in Maryland she is keen to share her passion for gaining strength and stability through Pilates. She loves being part of clients Pilates journeys and enjoys encouraging clients to challenge themselves and never be afraid to try something new. Lana also has a love of yoga and has recently completed her 200hr YTT.

Kathryn LaRusso

From a young age, movement has been at the heart of my life. Growing up as a dancer, cheerleader, and stage performer, I’ve always felt connected to the power of movement. After a fulfilling 22-year career as a hairstylist and salon owner, I decided to make a career change and pursue my passion for health and wellness.
In 2024, I was led to become a certified comprehensive Pilates instructor—a career change that has brought me new purpose and joy. I am also a certified holistic health coach, guiding others to live healthier, more balanced lives.
In my classes, students can expect a focus on the mind-body connection, with movements designed to foster both physical strength and mental clarity. My goal is to empower clients, helping them leave each session feeling strong, confident, and more in tune with their bodies. Longevity is a key principle in my teaching, with an emphasis on sustainable practices that support long-term health and vitality.
Outside the studio, I love cooking nutrient-dense meals, hiking, traveling, and enjoying quiet moments at home with my husband and our dog, Luna.

Fran Berndt

Founder and instructor, her love for Pilates is what made Coreworks possible. Fran holds a comprehensive Pilates certification from Balanced Body, and has completed all levels of training on the CoreAlign unit. Additional training was completed through Stott Pilates and PHI Pilates. Fran is also a Licensed Buff Bones Instructor. Fran has been practicing and studying Pilates since 2000.
Fran opened the first Coreworks Pilates Studio in 2003 in order to provide a non-threatening and warm environment for students to exercise and pursue their wellness goals. Fran believes 100 percent in the importance of the mind body and breath connection for increased ease of movement and quality of life.

 

Jen McIntosh

"Come as you are." Like the invitation of the Nirvana lyrics, for nearly 30 years Jen has deeply appreciated the practice of Pilates and its ability to meet us where we are - with equipment that can flexibly challenge, support, or rehabilitate at any given moment. From restorative to athletic, every class is a bit of self-care and longevity...and fun! Trained in Balanced Body (Irvine Valley College in CA + Coreworks, MD) and Peak equipment, Jen teaches mat, Reformer, and Tower. She is also a 300+ hours Certified Yoga Teacher, trained by Charm City Yoga (Kim Manfredi) and Yogaworks in the Hatha/Vinyasa-style tradition, and her teaching is uplifting, mindful, and grounding.

Jen is an applied mathematician (decision scientist), executive coach, and conflict trainer/mediator. Like so many of us, the common thread in our day jobs is a whole lot of sitting. So, she especially understands and enjoys some extra stretch and attention to postural support in the practice. Cue the 'deep sigh exhale', and she'll see you on the carriage!

This class is held at the COLUMBIA Studio.
9160 Rumsey Road, Suite B4
Columbia, MD 21045
 
A full-body class for students ready to expand their practice with more variety, creative sequencing, and refined technique. You’ll work with moderate pacing, layered options, and added strength or balance challenges.

Who it’s for:
Students with a strong foundation and at least 3 Foundation classes completed.

Upcoming classes:

  • Thu Oct 30 7:30 am - 8:30 am with Joanna Gilmer
  • Thu Oct 30 10:30 am - 11:30 am with Kelly McDonald
  • Thu Oct 30 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm with Chris Ruane
  • Fri Oct 31 6:30 am - 7:30 am with Lana MacDonald
  • Class Full
    Fri Oct 31 8:30 am - 9:30 am with Lana MacDonald
  • Fri Oct 31 10:30 am - 11:30 am with Kathryn LaRusso
  • Fri Oct 31 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm with Fran Berndt
  • Sat Nov 01 10:30 am - 11:30 am with Jen McIntosh
  • Sun Nov 02 8:30 am - 9:30 am with Chris Ruane
  • Sun Nov 02 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm with Jen McIntosh