COLUMBIA - Reformer Progression


This class is taught by:

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.

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!

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.

Michele Brodsky

Michele is the Education Director at Coreworks and has been a certified personal trainer since 1993. As a personal trainer, Michele works with doctors and physical therapists helping to rehabilitate patients.  In addition, Michele runs the dance conditioning program at Coreworks.  Michele teaches all formats of Pilates classes as well as runs the Pilates teacher training program through Balanced Body.  

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.

Jessicah Midy

My life’s passion is for all forms of movement and continues to evolve. I completed a 500-hour training course to earn a Pilates Method Certification through The Lab at Pilates House Baltimore.

Join me for individualized training that bridges the gap between Classical and Contemporary Pilates. Each session offers the opportunity to engage the core for greater stability, improve flexibility, build strength, gain better control of everyday movements, and further develop overall endurance. I tailor every workout for the unique body in front of me and enjoy learning as much from my clients as they do from me.

In parallel, I hold a BFA from the Fashion Institute of Technology in Interior Design. I am grateful for my 15+ years of experience leading commercial and residential projects globally, including in North America, Europe, and Asia —as I believe the same commitment to form and function influences my Pilates routines as well.

Sarah Day

Sarah received her Pilates Certification through Polestar Pilates in August of 2015. She believes in the balancing effect Pilates has and thinks that everyone can benefit from its method. Sarah has worked in the Physical Therapy field for ten years, and has seen just how important movement is to the health of the body. She is excited to share her passion for Pilates with you!

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.

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:

  • Sun Sep 14 8:30 am - 9:30 am with Chris Ruane
  • Sun Sep 14 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm with Jen McIntosh
  • Mon Sep 15 8:30 am - 9:30 am with Joanna Gilmer
  • Mon Sep 15 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm with Michele Brodsky
  • Mon Sep 15 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm with Lana MacDonald
  • Tue Sep 16 7:30 am - 8:30 am with Kathryn LaRusso
  • Tue Sep 16 9:30 am - 10:30 am with Jessicah Midy
  • Tue Sep 16 11:30 am - 12:30 pm with Jessicah Midy
  • Tue Sep 16 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm with Jessicah Midy
  • Wed Sep 17 7:30 am - 8:30 am with Lana MacDonald
  • Wed Sep 17 8:30 am - 9:30 am with Joanna Gilmer
  • Wed Sep 17 11:30 am - 12:30 pm with Sarah Day
  • Wed Sep 17 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm with Lana MacDonald
  • Wed Sep 17 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm with Jessicah Midy
  • Thu Sep 18 7:30 am - 8:30 am with Joanna Gilmer
  • Thu Sep 18 10:30 am - 11:30 am with Kelly McDonald
  • Thu Sep 18 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm with Jessicah Midy
  • Fri Sep 19 6:30 am - 7:30 am with Lana MacDonald
  • Fri Sep 19 8:30 am - 9:30 am with Lana MacDonald
  • Fri Sep 19 10:30 am - 11:30 am with Kathryn LaRusso