Learn More About Us

Meet the team behind the movement — and the mission that moves us.

The Heart Behind Mind Over Body

At Mind Over Body, we believe Pilates is more than a workout — it's a path to healing, strength, and self-discovery. Our studio was created as a welcoming space for all bodies and all backgrounds, where movement is intentional and community is everything. Whether you're stepping onto the Reformer for the first time or deepening a lifelong practice, you'll be guided by instructors who are deeply committed to your growth. As a teacher training studio, we hold ourselves to the highest standards — constantly learning, evolving, and showing up with purpose.

Two women performing exercises on Pilates chairs in a bright studio with exercise equipment and plants.

Meet The Team

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Melissa is a nationally certified instructor and the visionary behind Mind Over Body and the CORE3 international teacher training program. With over 14 years of experience studying and teaching across Washington D.C., Singapore, Jakarta, and Arizona, she brings a global perspective and a results-driven approach to every class.

Her teaching blends deep anatomical knowledge with a passion for helping every body — from athletes to those with injuries — move with more strength, control, and freedom. Melissa is known for her attention to detail, energy, and belief that real change comes from working smarter, not harder.

Master Instructor, Founder & Director of Mind Over Body Studio + CORE3 Pilates

Melissa Calmes, NCPT

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Laura Calmes

Owner

Laura received her 150 hr-RYT yoga certifications in Vinyasa Flow in June 2011 at Beloved Yoga in Reston, VA, and will complete her 500 hr-RYT by early 2018, which will include a Trauma-Informed Yoga Certification, Yin Yoga Certification, and Contemplative Yoga Certification. She also completed a 65 hr aerial yoga certification from Unnata of NYC and is looking forward to finishing a Warriors at Ease certification (Washington, DC) later in 2018 in order to assist the active and retired military. Laura enjoys studying when she can with Rosalyn Bruyere and Jennifer Stephenson McLamb in the field of energy healing and has participated in multiple donation-based healing clinics at the University of Kentucky Nurse’s clinic organized by Jennifer.

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Karlette Barnhart

Karlette discovered Pilates during her recovery from a knee injury and found it essential in regaining her health and vitality. Inspired by her own results, she became a certified Pilates instructor through Balanced Body, completing training in Reformer 1, 2, 3, Chair, and Mat. Passionate about lifelong learning, Karlette values continuing education and constantly seeks to enhance her skills.

Beyond the physical benefits of Pilates, she finds deep fulfillment in connecting with her students and helping them experience the transformative power of the practice.

Studio Manager/Pilates Instructor

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Kylee Preston

Client Success Specialist, Digital Media Manager, & Aspiring Pilates Instructor

Kylee is the warm welcome and creative eye behind the scenes at Mind Over Body. She handles everything from front desk operations and client communication to managing our digital media presence with consistent branding and engaging content. She supports Melissa and Karlette with day-to-day studio operations, maintains seamless client interactions, and handles all incoming messages, and scheduling needs with care and efficiency. Kylee also serves as our in-house graphic designer, creating everything from promotional graphics to beautifully designed training materials for Core3 Pilates.

Currently enrolled in the Core3 Pilates teacher training program, Kylee is preparing to step into the studio as an instructor herself! With her calm, go-with-the-flow energy and genuine passion for wellness, she brings positivity, professionalism, and creativity to everything she does - always making sure things get done and look great while helping our community feel seen, supported, and inspired.

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Amber Clary

Pilates Instructor

Amber Clary began taking Pilates 8 years ago with a group of friends. She fell in love with the challenge of incorporating Pilates Principles into her everyday life. She has completed Balanced Body’s teacher training with Master Teacher David Gensheimer in Nashville, TN. Amber also enjoys other styles of physical fitness such as weight training and functional training as well as a focus on mental wellness. She is a teacher of Special Education during the day and is excited to teach others how to improve their strength, mobility and mindfulness to live a balanced life. Amber is married and has 2 lovely daughters, Kelsey and Katie Ann.

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Carla Barrowman

After years of teaching dance and performance, Carla struggled with hypermobility and joint stabilization. She chose Pilates because of its therapeutic benefits. Since becoming a regular practitioner of Pilates, the pain, strains, and joint problems are a thing of the past. Carla was so inspired by how Pilates helped her that she chose to become an instructor. Her goal is to share these benefits with others. She is currently enrolled in the Balanced Body comprehensive instructor training and has completed Reformer 1,2,3, Trapeze Table, Barrel, Chair, and Mat 1,2,3 modules as well as Movement Principles, Anatomy, and Working With Injuries.

Pilates Instructor

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Dina Stogsdill

Dina has dedicated her life to fitness, beginning as a rhythmic gymnast in Russia at age 8. By 11, she joined the Soviet National Team, winning numerous international medals and earning the prestigious Master of Sport title at 14. After a decorated athletic career that took her to 27 countries, she became a successful coach, training athletes who joined the Russian National Team and won major competitions.

In 1995, Dina moved to New York, where she expanded her expertise by studying Pilates and Russian kettlebell training. Her elite-level training approach gained her recognition in New York's fitness industry, with features in media outlets like The Daily News and Fitness Magazine.

Dina works with a wide range of clients, helping them achieve goals from strength and weight loss to recovery from injuries. Known for her deep knowledge and attentive teaching style, she’s praised by clients such as Dr. Jeremy Boal of Mount Sinai for her exceptional skill and commitment.

Pilates Instructor

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Erin Hawley

Erin, a Lexington local with her husband, four kids, and two labradors, fell in love with Pilates after her first reformer class in 2006. She became a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NPCP) in 2013 and has completed extensive training through Balanced Body, including Reformer, Chair, Mat, Barrel, Trapeze Table, and more.

Passionate about helping clients connect with their movement and breath, Erin also values Pilates for its ability to reveal how stress and trauma affect the body and mind. Her warm, knowledgeable approach makes her a favorite among clients.

Pilates Instructor

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Katherine Howe

Pilates Instructor

Katherine has over 35 years of experience teaching Pilates and holds a Master’s in Physical Therapy, which deepens her ability to support healing and functional movement. Her approach is rooted in helping clients become aware of their movement habits and guiding them toward more efficient, intentional ways of moving. She emphasizes breath, deep core strength, and mindful alignment to promote strength, flexibility, and overall well-being.

Katherine trained primarily with Mary Bowen, one of the last living Pilates Elders who worked directly with Joseph Pilates. Mary’s teachings instilled in her the belief that the mind and body are deeply connected, and that Pilates can benefit everyone—regardless of age or ability. Katherine is passionate about helping clients move with purpose and feel more at home.

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Kathleen Robinson

Kathleen started her journey with Pilates in 2013. While recovering from a knee injury, Pilates became a healing form of exercise for her. She fell in love with the process and decided to expand her knowledge. Kathleen has training and certification in Booty Barre and Balance Body training, which includes: Reformer 1, 2, & 3, Trapeze Table, Barrel, Barre, and Mat. Kathleen is a lover of health and nutrition, and the importance exercise has on our mental health. Kathleen loves how Pilates challenges your mind, muscles, and breathing all at once. Kathleen loves to travel and is a huge dog lover! Never be shy about sharing pics or stories about your pooch!

Pilates Instructor

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Kiri Van Haaren

Excited to be back and teaching!! Fitness Professional for over 30 years. Mom to 4 fur babies and 1 college kid and a teenager. Certified Yoga instructor with Yogafit out of California. Obtained Pilates certification through Pendleton Pilates in Cincinnati, Ohio. I love to travel and I play a lot of tennis.

Pilates Instructor

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Andreina González

With 11 years of experience in wellness and physical preparation, Andreina specializes in dynamic Pilates sessions infused with breathwork and postural awareness. Her expertise spans Pilates Matwork, Reformer, functional training, and sports nutrition. Andreina’s teaching style combines classic Pilates principles with progressive intensity, cultivating vitality and physical transformation.

Pilates Instructor

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Brie is a retired ballerina who has been practicing Pilates since 2007. Brie danced professionally with American Ballet Theatre, Kentucky Ballet Theatre and Burklyn Ballet Theatre for almost a decade. As a professional, she co-owns Cox Consulting where she specializes in social impact management consulting for healthcare and agricultural organizations and operates a full-service marketing agency. Brie also supports her husband’s restaurants, Corto Lima & 3TEN.

Her class format targets zones of the body to progressively overload muscles with endurance and grace. She balances physical intensity with artistry for a fluid, dance-like class. (And plenty of stretching!) Brie also teaches ballet, pointe, dance fitness and modern at Jane’s School of Dance with a passion for all things fitness.

Pilates Instructor

Brie Lowry Cox

Committed to Excellence in Education

All of our instructors are part of an ongoing training and development program through the CORE3 Method, ensuring they bring fresh knowledge, advanced technique, and personalized care to every session.

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Interested in becoming a Pilates instructor?

All of our instructors are part of an ongoing training and development program through the CORE3 Method, ensuring they bring fresh knowledge, advanced technique, and personalized care to every session.