info@excelpilates.com

Our Teachers - Our Commitment to You

Photo by Susan Biddle

Our principal goal is to empower all participants in the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning to be in control of their own health and well-being, and to provide a supportive atmosphere in which clients may grow, learn, and be guided toward a fitter lifestyle. Our teachers are highly trained, enthusiastic people dedicated to health and wellness. We are strongly committed to the power and depth of the original Pilates Method.

Certification. The physical conditioning system developed by Joseph H. Pilates is a highly evolved and in depth program that should be taught by individuals who have studied the system intensely and seriously.

Our fully certified teachers have fulfilled a minimum of 700 hours of active training in all apparatus and mat work, seminars, and apprentice teaching. We strive to share/inform consumers of the power of the original Pilates Method by offering apparatus and mat sessions with experienced professional teachers in a safe environment.

Lesa McLaughlin, Lesa McLaughlin, Owner, was certified as a teacher in The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning by The Pilates Studio in New York in 1995 under the tutelage of Romana Krowsanavska. She received a Gold Certification by the Pilates Method Alliance in 2005. She holds a BFA in Dance from George Mason University (1984) and has taught dance, movement and exercise for over 25 years. In 1998, she opened Pilates at Excel Movement Studios, a 5,000 square foot Pilates Studio in Washington, DC. and in 2002 another Studio in Annapolis. MD. She has worked with clients for 15 years in The Pilates Method Of Body Conditioning. Ranging in age from 13-83, clients have included athletes such as dancers, swimmers, ice skaters, runners, golfers, equestrian jumpers, and body builders, all working to achieve better performance or to gain a competitive edge. Ms. McLaughlin has also worked with clients at a rehabilitative level as well as injury prevention. Conditions and issues have included herniated discs, arthritis, Parkinson's disease, MS, knee surgery prevention, knee and hip replacement and pregnancy. In 2001 she collaborated with Kerry DeVivo to create and establish a comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program at Excel Movement Studios in which she developed the curriculum, program outline, and training manual. Currently, she teaches teachers all system levels as well as continuing education. Lesa McLaughlin's experience is that of a Master teacher. She considers her strength in teaching to be a deep understanding of the work of Joseph Pilates and helping each client to see, feel and reach their fullest potential. Lesa considers the work of Joseph PIlates to be an inspiration. She has experienced personally the depth and power of the work. She considers her ability to practice and teach Pilates a true privilege. The most satisfying aspect of her Pilates experience is to see daily, through her teaching, the meaningful impact it has on others.

Alix Buss has been studying the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning since 1999, and received her teacher certification from Excel Movement Studios in 2004. Alix graduated from The Pilates Center's Masters Program in 2008. She was certified in 2006 by the Pilates Method Alliance. Alix holds a BA in dance performance and choreography from Goucher College. In addition to teaching Pilates, she performs with a professional dance company throughout the Maryland, Virginia, and DC areas.

Michelle Mendelson has studied The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning since 1999 and received her teacher certification from Excel Movement Studios in Washington, DC in 2002. Michelle holds a BA degree in Political and Social Thought from the University of Virginia and has worked in journalism and elementary education.

Lorraine O'Neil was introduced to Pilates through a knee injury. After finding much relief through Pilates, she became an avid student of the method. She graduated from The Pilates Center at Boulder, Colorado in 2004. Since graduating, Lorraine has taught in Colorado, on the East coast, and in Paris, France. Lorraine has taught Pilates to students from all fitness levels, whether injured, a professional athlete, or someone who just wants to tone up, Lorraine will help tailor the Pilates method especially to you. Lorraine fully believes that Pilates is the perfect modality to meet you at your fitness level; and she is deeply invested in helping each of her clients access their individual potential.

Louise Papile has been studying the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning since 1997, and received her certification in January 2003, from Excel Movement Studios. Louise holds a BS degree in education and a MA degree in communications. Louise is also an avid swimmer and yoga practitioner.