Leah Ousley

Founder & Instructor

Leah earned her 500-hour Pilates certification through BASI and has been teaching full-time since 2010. Her career is consistently focused on continuing education, which helps her better serve her clients. Recently, Leah completed a master’s degree in Kinesiology, specializing in personalized exercise prescription programs and Functional Fitness for older adults. After studying the human body at the graduate level for five and a half years, she brings evidence-based knowledge to her clients that sets her apart from her peers. Leah helps her clients learn how to leverage their brains’ ability to communicate with muscles (neuromuscular training), which is essential for changing movement patterns and helping clients achieve their best results.

In 2016, she was introduced to Posture Alignment Therapy and realized it filled a gap in her Pilates work with clients. This method helps clients identify their muscle imbalances during the first session. Leah completed the 500-hour certification because it deepens clients' understanding of their bodies, reduces or alleviates pain, and empowers them to take control of their own health. She takes pride in connecting with her clients in ways that benefit them and believes it is her duty to help clients transfer what they learn from her into daily life. Clients inspire her daily, and seeing them improve their overall health and live with less pain brings Leah great satisfaction.

Leah has experience working with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears, hip replacements, knee replacements, spinal cord damage, sciatica, Parkinson's, atrial fibrillation, COPD, cancer, pregnancy (prenatal & postpartum), multiple spinal disc issues, nerve damage, Morton's neuroma, plantar fasciitis, drop foot, bunions, and more.

Learn more about Leah in an article featuring her in Voyage Chicago.

Emmanuel Ramirez

Instructor

Emmanuel completed his Pilates certification with Steven Winterstein of Kinetic Axis and is also certified through the National Pilates Certification Program.
Emmanuel Ramírez is a professional dancer and ballet teacher with more than 15 years of experience. Born and raised in Mexico, he has lived in Chicago for the last 4 years. He began practicing Pilates 15 years ago to strengthen and condition his dance technique. He enjoys helping others learn and feel the benefits of Pilates in their fitness routines and daily activities.

Rick Munoz

Instructor

"Reformer Pilates has helped my clients and me rehabilitate and also train at the highest level. Reformer Pilates has been a regular part of my professional training and personal exercise routine for over a decade." Rick mixes an element of personal training and the Reformer during group and private sessions. He has been a working actor since 2000, SAG in 2005, and IMDb nominated for "Best Supporting Actor" for his work on his original film "In the Driver's Seat. Rick has worked on over a hundred gigs in; film, tv, runway, print, and performing theater on stage in nine plays in Chicago. He's successfully coupled his acting and 19-year Personal Training career, allowing him to help numerous people meet their fitness goals, including A-List actors, A-List Musicians, and Hall of Fame athletes.

SARAH GLASGOW

Instructor

Sarah completed the BASI Pilates comprehensive training program in Chicago and has been teaching for four years. An Atlanta native, she has spent time working at a studio in the Atlanta area. She has recently transitioned to Chicago to be closer to family and to continue her Pilates career.

Sarah first became interested in Pilates through teaching barre classes. She loves the Pilates emphasis on alignment and the opportunity to build, restore and heal the body through quality movement.
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Additional qualification: SoulBody Barre certification since 2019.

Daniel McEowen

Physical Therapist

Dr. Daniel McEowen is the founder of SustainAbility Movement Health and Physiotherapy, featuring services focused on keeping the moving parts inside your body functioning so that you can sustainably participate in your life the way you desire. Dr. McEowen is a graduate of the University of Indianapolis Krannert School of Physical Therapy in 2011 and is currently a Doctorate of Health Science candidate. He is dedicated to continuously learning and has become a "lifetime provider" of Astym soft tissue regenerative treatment. He has a particular interest in understanding the body's interconnections to promote a healthy and functional movement system. To this aim, Dr. McEowen has completed coursework with CREAT, RockTape, DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization), and the Institute of Physical Art (IPA) in pursuit of a certification in Functional Manual Therapy (CFMT). Working with Dr. McEowen, you will receive only one-on-one individualized care designed to meet your specific needs with interactive, manual techniques and education to keep you moving in life.

HANNAH STRAUSS

Studio Manager

Hannah is a transplant from Florida, where she studied Theatre and Political Science at Florida State University. She is also an actor and real estate agent with Fulton Grace Realty. Hannah became interested in Pilates as a means of incorporating movement and breath into her acting techniques! Connecting the mind, muscles, and breath create another pathway to access deep emotions. Hannah enjoys seeing movies at the Music Box and theatre around the city, yoga, weightlifting, and a nice walk by the lake.