Carrie Jessee Cohn, MBA is the owner and founder of Personal Best Pilates Studio. She has been a fitness instructor since 1986, and has experience with types of group fitness and personal training. She was named one of Kansas City’s Top Women Business Owners in 2005 by the Kansas City Business Journal. Also in 2005, Personal Best Pilates Studio was named top woman –owned business in the state of Kansas by the Kansas Department of Commerce.

• Certified Pilates Instructor – Pilates Method Alliance
• Certified Pilates Instructor - Physical Mind Institute
• Certified Pilates Mat Instructor - Physical Mind Institute
• Certified Group Fitness Instructor – American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• Certified Yoga Instructor – American Aerobic Association International (AAAI)/International Sports Medicine Association (ISMA)
• American Council on Exercise (ACE) Continuing Education Provider
• Balanced Body Partner in Pilates Education
• Certified Spinning â Instructor – Madd Dog Athletics
• Certified Box Aerobics Instructor – Promise Enterprises

Since becoming certified to teach Pilates, she has continued her study by with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as: Rael Ishikowitz, Elizabeth Larkam, Brent Anderson, Kathy Corey, Mari Windsor, Shelley Geier, Michael Miller, and Michelle Larson.

Formerly, she has held part time faculty positions in the Physical Education Department of Penn Valley Community College, and hosted Penn Valley Fitness, a weekly television program in Kansas City, MO.

Prior to opening her studio, Ms. Cohn worked in the private sector for 14 years, and has experience in manufacturing, construction, and information technology. She held executive positions in management and organizational development, training, organizational assessment, strategic planning, leadership development, organizational transformation, and human resource development.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Park College (magna cum laude), and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

Why she loves her job (in her own words)
I love the special relationships I’ve developed with our clients! And - I love it that I get to come to work everyday with the best, most dedicated team of Pilates Instructors in the city. I love that my business partner, who is also my sister, is also one of the finest and most accomplished teachers I have known.

When I first started teaching Pilates in 1999, there were only a few places in the country to go for quality education. It was my dream to create a Pilates Center in Kansas City, where instructors and practitioners alike could go for the highest quality instruction for a reasonable price. There are lots of places to go in town if you’re looking for a typical gym experience. Our Pilates Studio is definitely NOT a typical gym experience. I love sharing our new, 5,100 + square foot spa-like studio with all our wonderful clients and customers!

Amanda has been a leader in the health and fitness industry since 1987. She began her career as a group fitness instructor, and continued to teach all types of groups fitness classes, until she became certified to teach Pilates in 2000. She holds a BA in Exercise Science and an MA in Higher Ed, Exercise Physiology. Prior to starting Personal Best Pilates Instructor Academy (PBPIA), she was a full-time faculty member in the Physical Education Department of Santa Fe Community College. Having spent most of her career teaching higher education, she created PBPIA’s courses in a flexible, college curriculum format. The courses she designed have been recognized for continuing education credits for the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), the American Council on Exercise ( ACE), the American Aerobics and Fitness Association (AFAA), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Her philosophy toward Pilates instructor training is simple: to provide high-quality, exercise science-based education that is affordable, convenient and most of all taught in a supportive and inclusive environment.

She has received the following professional certifications:

• Certified Pilates Instructor – Pilates Method Alliance
• Pilates Mat Instructor - Physical Mind Institute
• Pilates Equipment Instructor (400 hours) - PBPIA
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) - National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• Certified Group Fitness Instructor - American Council on Exercise ( ACE)
• Continuing Education Faculty member - ACE
• Continuing Education Provider - AAFA
• Continuing Education Provider - NSCA
• Aerobic Kickboxing Instructor - Promise Enterprises:
• Yoga Fitness Instructor - Inner City Yoga

Since becoming certified to teach Pilates, she has continued her study with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as: Rael Ishikowitz, Elizabeth Larkam, Brent Anderson, Kathy Corey, and Mari Windsor

When she’s not working with clients or mentoring new Pilates instructors, she and her husband love to swing dance, backpack and work on their log home in rural Kansas City.

Why she loves her job (in her own words)
I have been a professional in the fitness industry since 1987. I always lifted weights and taught aerobics as my way of keeping in shape. After living with chronic knee pain, I decided to try Pilates and loved it. I do not teach aerobics any more, devoting all my group fitness skills to mat classes. I lift weights in a much smarter way and have noticed a change in my body! Being a fully certified Pilates instructor is not something you can achieve with a single weekend workshop, or by watching a video. Our Pilates Instructor Certification is a very challenging process, and requires a sincere commitment on the part of the student. But if a student is committed to the process, I believe it is my responsibility to provide the most supportive learning environment possible. I personally mentor each student through the entire process, and enjoy watching them grow as instructors.

Melissa was a Pilates practitioner for almost a decade before pursuing her full certification at Personal Best, which she completed in October , 2004. She holds certifications in both Pilates mat and equipment. She holds a BLA, magna cum laude, from Wichita State.

Pilates has impacted Melissa in a profound way. She began doing Pilates after undergoing back surgery for a herniated disc. At the time she was completely unable to move her left leg. She started working with Aliesa George at Centerworks in Wichita, KS., and soon was able to move without pain. Since then, she has continued to use Pilates to keep her stronger, healthier and pain-free. When she’s not sharing working with clients, or spending time with her 3 dogs and 1 cat, she loves writing and music.

Why she loves her job (in her own words)
I know what it’s like to suffer with extreme pain, and how empowering it was for me to overcome my pain with Pilates. The best part of my job is helping other people to triumph over pain. I enjoy watching my clients as they grow stronger, more flexible and even happier!

Jana graduated from Kansas University with a Bachelor's of Science in Physical Therapy. After working in a variety of settings, she found her niche doing manual therapies with clients suffering from chronic pain. She took a break from PT to raise her children, but continued teaching aerobics and group fitness. Jana graduated from Personal Best Pilates Instructor Academy in 2006

Why she loves her job (in her own words)
Pilates blends all of my favorite things into one great job! I am able to work with people one on one and in groups to maximise their potential. I am especially inspired when I can help a client find strength from within they didn't know they had. I love that Pilates can work for everyone - whether you have a complicated medical history or are a competitive athlete.

Andrea is a 20 year veteran of the fitness industry beginning as a fitness and dance instructor in Indianapolis for many years prior to relocating to Kansas City with her family. Since arriving in Kansas City, Andrea has received several national certifications including NDEITA (NETA) Group & Fitness including Cardio, Weight Training, and Yoga. Certifications also include Body Training Systems (Body Pump, Body Step, and RPM), Spinning (MADD Dog Athletics), and full certification at Personal Best 2007.

Why she loves her job (in her own words)!

Having endured extreme back pain and subsequent surgery, I am a living example of the healing power of Pilates. My dedication to Pilates has inspired my husband and daughters to lead progressively healthier lifestyles. My husband is a regular at Personal Best Pilates classes!

Becky discovered Pilates after suffering chronic back pain for many years. Having been involved with cheerleading, track, water skiing, yoga, and weight training, Becky has found that Pilates is for anyone who wants to work "smarter not harder" while maintaining the balancing act between mind, body and spirit. The wonderful results that she acheived from Pilates fired up her passion to share and teach clients the wonderful, effective techniques that have led her to the best fitness of her life! She holds double Pilates Mat Certifications from Body Arts and Sciences International as well as Personal Best Pilates Instructor Academy. She completed her full Pilates equipment cerfication from Personal Best Pilates Instructor Academy in 2008. Prior to starting her career in Pilates, Becky taught middle school, and moved around the country as a military family member, with 2 wonderful daughters. Beckyis happy to be once again in the Midwest and honored to be part of the Elite Personal Best Instructor team.

Why she loves her job (in her own words)
Teaching Pilates lets me combine my love for physical fitness and sports with my skill as an educator. I enjoy working adult clients as well as younger athlete clients, particularly young female athletes.

Tracy has been practicing Pilates for since 2004 and instructing Pilates since 2008. She was drawn to Pilates because of the mind/body connection as well as the increase in strength and flexibility 

Tracy graduated from the 475-hour Comprehensive Certification through Personal Best Pilates Instructor Academy in 2008.

Why she loves her job (in her own words)
I love teaching Pilates to assist my clients in achieving their unique fitness goals. It is very rewarding to see the fitness changes in my clients and share in their  experience. Pilates is truly a mind/body exercise; strength and flexibility for the body and  stress reduction for the mind! Outside of the studio, I enjoy spending time with my husband, two boys and our dog. We love to be outdoors, at the lake, watching a game or just working in the yard!

Jacque graduated from the University of Kansas in 2001, earning her BA in Communications. After college she worked in Marketing/Real Estate in Kansas City, until moving to Los Angeles, CA in 2003.  She was introduced to Pilates while living in Los Angeles. In 2005, Jacque moved to Denver and continued working as a Residential Real Estate agent and developing a passion for Pilates, as well as a true appreciation for the body awareness that this low impact exercise brought into her life. Moving home to Kansas City in 2007, Jacque decided to pursue a career as a Pilates instructor and began her certification with Personal Best Pilates Instructor Academy.

Jacque graduated from the 475-hour Comprehensive Certification from Personal Best Pilates Instructor Academy in 2008.

Why she loves her job (in her own words)
Pilates gave me an appreciation for health and fitness. Immediately, I noticed a difference in my posture and the connection of the mind to the body. I truly enjoy working people and passing on this knowledge of Pilates and its form. Seeing a client do a "rollup" for the first time, helping to relieve a client from back pain, and motivating them to live a healthy lifestyle are all very rewarding aspects of my job.

Kathleen discovered Pilates as a client of Personal Best Pilates Studio in 2003. “I was looking for something to help heal me from the stress and pain of everyday life.” She has suffered back pain and sciatic pain and Pilates has helped to relieve these issues while continuing to move and exercise, gaining strength, flexibility, and good posture pain free.
Kathleen completed her Mat Certification in 2008, and then continued to full certification in 2010. She also complete Advanced Stretching and Clinical Assessment in 2009.
Prior to becoming a Pilates instructor, Kathleen was a stay at home mom, raising four children and countless doggies.

Why she loves her job (in her own words)
I love to share my love of Pilates with others because Pilates is a mind/body exercise that is so rewarding and relaxing that the strength, flexibility and stress reduction just seem to happen almost effortlessly. Pilates can work for everyone, at any fitness level….at any age. Outside the studio, I love to spend time with my family and doggies. We love walking outside, cooking inside and traveling everywhere.

Colette Majerle, MBA was introduced and began practicing Pilates in 2005. She successfully completed her Pilates mat certification in 2008 and full equipment certification in 2009. Colette previously worked in the private sector, spending over 25 years in sales, management and entrepreneurial activities. She held various sales and management positions in Fortune 100 companies, and spent 5 years as cofounder of a sales management consulting organization, developing and delivering leadership and sales training. Colette has an undergraduate degree in Anthropology from the University of Kansas, and a Masters of Business Administration from Rockhurst University. In addition to Pilates, Colette enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with family and friends.

Why she loves her job (in her own words)
I have always loved learning and doing new things. I feel very lucky to have found a second career in Pilates. I am able to continually learn, as well as enhance my health. I enjoy working with people, and want to share my passion for Pilates to help others achieve their health goals. Pilates is always exciting, and varied. As Joe Pilates said Pilates is “the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind, fully capable of naturally performing our many daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure." This is what I aspire to, and enjoy watching others as they realize the power pilates has for developing a healthy body.

Karen Staley has been actively involved in Pilates for 7 years and has been teaching at Personal Best Pilates for over 2 years. She holds double Pilates Mat Certifications from Body Art and Science and Sciences International as well as Personal Best Pilates Instructor Acamdemy. After demonstrating excellent coaching and mentoring skills, she was promoted to Master Instructor for Personal Best Pilates Instructor Academy in 2006.  She is responsible for teaching all levels of mat classes, as well as instructor certification workshops.  Karen has earned several mat certifications through Personal Best and plans to pursue her equipment certification in the near future as well. 

Karen has a background in secondary business education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Before the birth of her son, Karen spent many years working for large corporate organizations in leadership and management development.  She has extensive experience in developing and facilitating small and large groups in leadership skills.  She believes that not all adults learn in the same way, and she strives to create a supportive environment that involves many different teaching techniques - verbal, tactile and visual.

Why she loves her job (in her own words)
“I love the physical and mental rewards of focusing on an exercise routine that emphasizes strengthening the body’s core area.  Pilates challenges me to continuously refine and improve.  It’s always a work in progress for me.  Most of all, I’m fortunate to have found a place where I can combine my background in adult education with my favorite form of exercise—Pilates!!"

Jamie has been teaching Pilates since 2007. In 2008, she began her career with Personal Best Pilates Studio as a mat instructor. In addition to teaching Pilates mat classes, Jamie began providing private instruction on the Pilates equipment in 2009.

Jamie holds the following professional certifications:
Certified Pilates Mat Instructor – Personal Best
Certified Pilates Personal Trainer for Reformer, Cadillac, Combo Chair and Barrels – Personal Best

In addition to her work as a Pilates instructor, Jamie also works as a music therapist. She completed her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy degree at the University of Miami and became certified as a music therapist by the Certification Board for Music Therapists in 2004. Jamie completed her Master of Arts in Music Therapy degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2006.

Why she loves her job – in her own words:
I started taking Pilates classes in 2005. After two years of practicing Pilates and seeing the amazing benefits first hand, I decided that Pilates was something I had to share with others. I love teaching Pilates, because Pilates offers something for everyone. Regardless of age, body type, fitness level, and physical limitations, anybody can participate in Pilates and reach their personal fitness goals.

Becky has been a fitness instructor since 1999. She graduated from Michigan State University with a BA in Business Marketing in May 2002. Since then, she has worked in Washington D.C. as a real estate consultant and market analyst while pursuing her passion for Pilates on the side. While on the east coast, she completed both her Mat and Reformer certifications in 2005 and 2006 respectively. After relocating to Kansas City in April 2008, she completed her equipment certification with Personal Best at the end of the year.

Becky holds the following professional certifications:
Certified Pilates Equipment Instructor – Personal Best Pilates Instructor Academy
Certified Pilates Mat Instructor – PHI Pilates
Certified Pilates Reformer Instructor – PHI Pilates
Certified Yoga Instructor – YogaFit
Certified Spinning Instructor – Mad Dogg Athletics
Certified Aerobics Instructor – American Fitness Association of America

Why she loves her job (in her own words)
Health and fitness have always been my passion. I discovered Pilates after having shoulder pain from weight lifting. Through Pilates, I strengthened my shoulder muscles and have remained pain-free. I love the complexity of Pilates and the way it continues to challenge me even after many years. I am passionate about helping clients understand ways to strengthen their bodies, eliminate and prevent pain, and improve their fitness.

Michael has been a licensed massage therapist since 1991. He is experienced in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, and Sports massage, and has spent that last 10 years working and training with Michael Uriate, DC, a chiropractor who developed The MyoKinesthetic System.

Ann has been a massage therapist since 2001, graduating from Alternatives for Health, a massage therapy school located in Columbus, Indiana as well as the Massage Therapy Training Institute in Kansas City in 2004. Ann specializes in Deep Tissue, Swedish, Neuromuscular and Pre-natal massage and is also well versed in Reflexology and Sports massage

Ann believes massage therapy plays an important role in leading a healthy well-balanced lifestyle. Massage is physically, emotionally and mentally beneficial and can greatly affect peoples lives in a positive manner. She has experienced first hand how massage therapy can improve peoples' quality oflife from infants to the elderly. Ann enjoys seeing the progress clients make through their sessions as well as educating them on the importance and the benefits massage therapy has to offer.

During her off time, Ann loves spending time working out and running. She recently accomplished a long time goal of running and finishing her first full marathon in the fall of 2007. She and her husband Travis have been married just over three years and enjoy outdoor activities and spending time with each others families.