Our Instructors
We pride ourselves in providing quality instruction from Instructors that have completed comprehensive training and certification. We want that to be important to you too!
Tennille
STOTT PILATES® Fully Certified Instructor
STOTT PILATES® Injuries and Special Populations Qualified Instructor
MELT Method® Instructor
Tennille’s introduction to Pilates began more than 20 years ago as part of a personal post-rehabilitation and exercise routine. While her interest in instructor education gave her the opportunity to elevate her private practice, it quickly developed into a love for teaching, and more specifically, post-rehab and athletic training.
Tennille's experience with clients facing chronic pain, poor biomechanics, and osteoporosis has shaped her personalized approach to STOTT PILATES®. She guides clients through appropriate movement, promoting mind-body awareness and incorporating the balance of flexibility, strength, and core stability. Her expertise and attention to detail ensure customized programs tailored to each client's needs in both group and private settings.
In addition to Pilates, the MELT Method® has become an integral part of Tennille’s group and private practice. Whether on its own or combined with a Pilates repertoire, it increases a client’s ability to reduce the effects of accumulated tension and stress caused by everyday life. In addition, this scientific and research-based method will change the way you communicate with and move your body.
Tennille’s love of Pilates is evident in the classes she teaches. She is grateful to have the opportunity to help create an environment where learning is encouraged, and achievement is celebrated wholeheartedly.
Pilates, MELT Method
Molly
STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor
CORE® Instructor
Molly’s introduction to Pilates was as a client at our studio, The Pilates Firm, in 2010. Her goal was to increase core strength and flexibility in recovery from a back injury. She felt and experienced such benefits from Pilates that she set out to become a STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor in the spring of 2011. Molly is a native Texan, born and raised in Temple, Texas. She and her husband moved to Houston after college (in 1991), and after a brief five-year career in the corporate world, she opted to become a stay-at-home mom with her three now-grown daughters.
Pilates
Tina
Certified Personal Trainer - ACE
Functional Aging Group Exercise Specialist - FAI
OTR, Retired - University of Kansas Medical Center
Tina has always enjoyed fitness and exercise and began classes several years ago at The Pilates Firm to enhance her running training. She grew up in Florida and Kansas and received degrees in Exercise Science (Kansas State University) and Occupational Therapy. After retiring from OT, she decided to pursue her personal training certification and felt that a focus on functional training seemed like the perfect fit.
As a Functional Aging Group Exercise Specialist, her goal is to motivate clients to maintain and achieve greater movement through functional-based exercises that will impact their daily activities. Tina enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She and her husband have lived in Cypress for 30 years and have three grown daughters and two sons-in-law. She is excited to see the impact functional exercise will have on clients’ everyday lives.
Personal Trainer
Valerie
Certified Yoga Instructor - Yoga Institute of Texas
Valerie Owhadi is a versatile yoga instructor, grounded in a rich background of dance, spanning ballet, jazz, contemporary, and tap. After graduating from the Yoga Institute of Texas in 2013, she swiftly transitioned into teaching the art of yoga in 2014 within Houston's vibrant yoga community. Venturing beyond traditional yoga, Valerie expanded her expertise by earning certification in aerial yoga, igniting a passion for teaching in aerial spaces. Further enriching her practice, she acquired certification in self-massage with Tibetan singing bowls in 2015, infusing her classes with a holistic approach to wellness. For the last five years, Valerie has also been practicing Qi Gong with Master Lucy Xiaoping Wu.
Yoga
Laurie
Peak Pilates Certified Instructor
Laurie’s Pilates journey began when seeking treatment for chronic lower back pain and stiffness. After discovering the transformative power of Pilates in her own life, she pursued certification through Peak Pilates, honing a deep understanding of both the physical and mental benefits of classical Pilates practice.
Laurie believes that Pilates is for everyone, regardless of fitness level or experience. She creates a supportive and encouraging environment, helping clients build strength, flexibility, and body awareness. With a focus on proper alignment and mindful movement, Laurie designs personalized classes that challenge and inspire.
Outside the studio, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 18 years and their three children, hiking, exploring new places, as well as finding a new book to read.
Join Laurie for a class and experience the benefits of Pilates firsthand!