About Spiritus Pilates
Spiritus Pilates Studio focuses on the power of movement while simultaneously creating connections within our community. We welcome ALL individuals to our practice. Our method is for EVERY body; old, young, new, and advanced. Pilates is designed to meet you where you are, whether you are a high-level athlete or an “average Joe”. Our tailored approach aims to meet your needs while following the Classical Pilates Principles.
Our mission is to create a supportive, boutique community where movement is for everyone, learning is fun, and Pilates becomes a lifelong practice that empowers both body and mind.
Michelle Stutesman Gears
Owner, Licensed Teacher Trainer
Michelle embarked on her dance journey at the Classical Ballet Academy of Minnesota, where she honed her skills in the intricate world of ballet. This early exposure to the grace and discipline of dance set the stage for her future endeavors in movement and physical fitness. Driven by her passion for dance, Michelle pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Modern Dance at Texas Christian University, adding a contemporary flair to her artistic repertoire. Her dedication to the art form led her to explore the world of Pilates, a discipline that would become an integral part of her professional identity.
In 2004, Michelle graduated from The Pilates Center, immersing herself in the lineage of Romana Kryzanowska. Under the guidance of esteemed instructors like Kathy Grant with Kim Haroche and Eve Gentry with Debora Kolwey, Michelle delved deep into the roots of Pilates. This lineage traced its origins back to Joseph H. Pilates himself, forming the foundation of Michelle’s expertise.
In 2008, Michelle’s commitment to Pilates was recognized when Amy Alpers and Rachel Taylor Segal of The Pilates Center handpicked her to become a Licensed Teacher Trainer. Alongside this prestigious appointment, Michelle completed her Masters in Pilates, showcasing her dedication to both teaching and personal development. Eager to share her passion globally, Michelle seized an opportunity in 2013 to bring The Pilates Center teacher training program to Paris, France. This move marked a significant chapter in her life, as she blended her international experiences with her rich background in Pilates and dance.
For over two decades, Michelle’s dream of Spiritus Pilates Studio has been evolving. A culmination of her love for Pilates and dance, the studio reflects her commitment to uniting these two disciplines for the first time. Michelle is not just a teacher; she is a purist, with a keen eye for detail whether she’s guiding clients in person or through virtual sessions.
Known for her energetic and compassionate approach, Michelle believes that learning should be enjoyable. She brings her unique style, informed by her background in dance, understanding of body mechanics, and Pilates expertise. Her classes are a fusion of imagery, pulling from her dance knowledge, and integrating other modalities while staying true to the essence of Pilates.
Michelle’s teaching philosophy is characterized by partnership, hands-on guidance, and, above all, having fun. From trainees to regular clients, she makes Pilates approachable for everyone, ensuring that her classes are not just workouts but transformative experiences. Michelle’s ability to pull in various elements while always bringing it back to the core principles of Pilates sets her apart as a dynamic and holistic instructor in the world of movement and fitness.
Kelly Sams
Senior Pilates Instructor
Kelly has been teaching Pilates since 2014, finishing her Bridge Program through The Pilates Center of Boulder in 2016. Her teaching of the classical Pilates Method takes influences in her studies from Postural Restoration Institute (PRI) and of the fascial system, linking the body as a whole through every movement.
Lisa Spinney
Pilates Instructor
Lisa grew up in the Chicago area playing high level tennis and soccer through high school and into college. Looking for a new form of movement after graduating, she discovered Pilates and immediately saw its massive value in everyday life and well-being. From there, she continued practicing the Method regularly, and completed her teacher certification with over 800 hours of comprehensive training from the Pilates Institute of Southern California in 2009. In 2022, she decided to take her long-time practice a step further by seeking her Master’s in Pilates at The Pilates Center Boulder.
While she has taught across various avenues such as tennis classes and both elementary & middle school, Pilates has been where Lisa gravitates to the most. She recognizes that a dedicated teacher must also be a dedicated student, and is always looking for ways to better herself in both roles.
As her Pilates education stems from Joseph Pilates’ original work, she values the importance of sharing that from-the-source knowledge with others. Because it is so important to be present when practicing Pilates, Lisa loves working with all students who are truly ready to learn and want to be there. So much can be accomplished with imminent positivity and commitment for both the student and the teacher.
Outside of Pilates, Lisa enjoys live music, Chicago sports, traveling, baking, comedy, and spending time with her favorite people.
Susie Ward
Associate Pilates Instructor
Originally from Rochester, Minnesota, Susannah Ward is a graduate from Texas Christian University where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet and Modern Dance.
She received her Pilates Teaching Certificate from TCU’s School for Classical and Contemporary Dance where she went through an extensive 700 hour program. She grows her love for Pilates with each Mat, Cadillac, Reformer, and Wunda Chair workout she does. She is a vivacious teacher who values laughter. Although she likes to have a little fun, she also takes the work of each session seriously. During each session she teaches, she looks at each of her practitioners and gives cues that guide them towards functional alignment and strength. She believes it is important that those in her class leave feeling stronger in their body and uplifted in spirit.
When she is not teaching Pilates you can find her going on walks, dancing, reading fictional books, and listening to jazz.
