About Us

James Harren, B. Sc., M.Ed.
Owner

While working as a Pilates instructor at the Houston Ballet, he earned an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Psychology (1991) and his Master's of Education in Physical Education with a specialization in Exercise and Health-Related Fitness (1993). While earning his Master’s degree, he worked as a University of Houston Teaching Fellow, instructing undergraduates and student athletes in a variety of exercise science-related classes, including Nutrition, Exercise Physiology, Anatomy, Strength Training, Motor Learning, and Sports Psychology. Since graduating he has kept his knowledge current by studying with other Pilates Master Instructors as well extensive training in other related disciplines, such as the Alexander Technique, and NeuroMuscular Therapy. James worked as a staff instructor in the Body Conditioning Program of the Houston Ballet from 1987 through 1993, after finishing his 12 month Pilates Method training and internship at the Ballet's facilities. From 1993 through 2000 he served as Director of the Body Conditioning Program. In 2000 when he merged his private practice with Bryan J. Peters & Associates, he continued to serve as Co-Director until summer 2004 when he formed PilatesHouston. He continues to consult with Houston Ballet helping coordinate their Pilates program, train, and rehabilitate their dancers, students, and visiting choreographers. He has traveled nationally and internationally presenting Personal Trainer Certification workshops for Exercise Science Alliance, as an ACE (American Council on Exercise) CEC provider, and most recently as a Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) CEC provider. He danced professionally with the City Ballet of Houston from 1986 through 1989 and has owned and operated a personal training company. His particular rehabilitation interests include sacroiliac joint dysfunction, the spine and neck. James has taught in the Houston Fitness scene since 1985 and has taught the Pilates exercise technique since 1986. He is a second generation teacher of the Pilates Method, certified in 1987 by Romana Kryzanowska, a protégé of Joseph Pilates, and was supervised during his internship by Colleen Glenn. He has received additional Pilates Training from Ron Fletcher, and Bryan Peters, among others. James co-presented the paper, "Scapular Stability in Dancers and Associated Pilates Applications," at the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science conference in 1994. He also presented the paper, “The Influence of Mass Media on the Prevalence of Eating Disorders in Sweden and the United States,” at the 1992 International Society for Comparative Physical Education and Sport while still a graduate student at University of Houston. He holds dual citizenship in the United States and Ireland, and is a member of MENSA.

Shannon Anderson, BFA, PMA-CPT™

Shannon Anderson has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a minor in English from Sam Houston State University where she graduated Magnum Cum Laude.  Comprehensively trained, Shannon is a second-generation Pilates teacher through the Ron Fletcher Program of Study and is the Houston-area facilitator for Fletcher Pilates® teacher-training.  Ms. Anderson is also certified from the Physical Conditioning Centre where she studied with Elizabeth Jones-Boswell both the classical and therapeutic aspects of the Pilates method.  Final testing for that certification was overseen by Master Teacher Michele Larsson.  In addition, Shannon is a certified Pilates teacher (CPT) through the international Pilates Method Alliance (PMA). An active member in the Pilates community, Ms. Anderson is a founding member of the Houston Area Pilates Association for which she has served as vice-president 2008-2009 and president 2009-2011.  Shannon was also partner and co-founder of Pilates for Massage Therapists.  She was licensed through the Texas Department of Health Services as a Continuing Education Provider for Massage Therapists from 2008-2010. Ms. Anderson is also an approved CE provider for the American Council on Exercise (ACE).  Through her work with the Fletcher Company and the Pilates Association, Shannon has helped provide quality continuing education for Pilates teachers.  Shannon has also been responsible for coordinating volunteer efforts which have included free Pilates classes at Sally’s House (a local women’s shelter) and Pilates Day fundraisers - workout for St. Jude Children’s Hospital in 2009 and Child Advocates in 2010 and 2011.  Ms. Anderson has taught for the Houston Ballet Academy.  With a decade of experience, Shannon has been successful in helping people of all ages and abilities to enhance their lives through the Pilates method of exercise. 

Kat Bigbee

Kat received her bachelors degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. During this time she apprenticed at a local Pilates studio and studied under STOTT PILATES instructor Anne Marie Allara. She was inspired to become an instructor after experiencing the benefits of better physical, mental and emotional health first hand through Pilates Kat has been practicing Pilates for five years and is currently completing her STOTT PILATES certification in mat, reformer, cadillac, chair and barrels. She is devoted to form and technique while at the same time creating a unique and fun environment for exercise.

Louise Colley

Louise Colley graduated with a degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Queensland in Australia. Since graduating in 2004, Louise has worked in Occupational Rehabilitation in a multi-disciplinary team environment, working in conjunction with occupational physicians, physical therapists, exercise physiologists and psychologists to assist clients to return to their pre-injury function following injury. Louise has advised on ergonomic workplace re-design in the mining and construction industry and conducted ergonomic training, musculoskeletal assessments, and functional assessments in addition to exercise programming and task retraining. Her most recent role, prior to moving to Houston was managing the provision of rehabilitation to clients with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and complex orthopedic fractures sustained from their involvement in motor vehicle accidents.  Louise is committed to evidence based practice and developments in injury prevention, early intervention and postural analysis. She has studied under the STOTT Pilates method. Louise has also studied myofascial release. She applies a holistic approach to injury prevention, fitness, health and well-being. She is very interested in implementing practical applications to core function and practical exercise techniques to assist individuals to obtain their optimal performance level and fitness goals.

Nick Cucuzzo, Ph.D.

Nick has been involved with wellness, the science of movement, healthy living, preventive medicine, health-related fitness, and Pilates style exercise for the past 27 years.  These endeavors evolved from his classical dance experiences and his university studies in the USA and abroad.  He has worked with: adult fitness programs, obese children and adults, aspiring ballet dancers, recovering substance abusers, stress patients in addition to mentoring university students doing internships and practicums for their advanced degrees in various health related professions.  Under a grant from the National Institute for Disabilities, Rehabilitation and Research, Dr. Cucuzzo orchestrated a model pediatric burn rehabilitation program in Galveston acting as Director of the first Children's Wellness Center in the Shriners Hospital system. The center took a holistic approach to improving severely burned children’s musculoskeletal conditions and their families’ quality of life by increasing their levels of physical activity which included the innovative use of the Pilates reformer and Cadillac.  Nick has taught Pilates mat classes for seniors in Santa Fe, New Mexico, ballet dancers in Ancona, Italy and the general public. He has attended university and professional language schools in Italy, Greece, Australia, Mexico and Norway.
Beginning in 1980 at Houston Ballet (where he also taught fitness classes), Nick has personally exercised with Pilates to keep himself balanced, capable and resilient to the demands of a professional dance career and the stresses of modern day living.  He looks forward to assisting clients in their personal quest for achieving what he likes to call “optimal wellness” as well as, collaborating with the many other capable and experienced instructors that now abound in Houston. Nick is certified through the Physical Mind Institute in NYC having trained at Pilates Concepts of Houston with John Gossett for the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, and Mat work. His academic degrees include: a Masters of Education, Univ. of Houston in Exercise Science, and a Ph.D. with a full graduate assistantship, the Florida State University in Movement Science.  He has taught and held professorships at Santa Fe Community College, Western New Mexico University, Virginia’s Old Dominion University, Univ. Texas Medical Branch Galveston, the University of Florida, and Stetson University.

Sasha Davis, PMA-CPT™

Sasha is a Gold Certified Pilates Method Alliance teacher who has been teaching for more than 25 years. Sasha started her career as a performer in the London Royal Ballet and Royal Opera Ballet. She took her first Pilates class when a dance injury threatened her career and was hooked. After moving to the US she began her Pilates training with Alan Herdman, in Houston, and in London. She has taught Pilates at the Houston Ballet (Ben Stevenson) Academy since the early 1980's, being one of the first to bring the Pilates Method to Houstonians. She has taught at many studios in Houston and abroad, including, The Houstonian, and Pilates Concepts of Houston (working alongside John Gossett) She was on the teaching staff of Body Control Pilates in London and still guest teaches with them. She has trained with Pilates Elder Ron Fletcher. She has taught all over the world including London, USA, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia. Sasha is also a certified Gyrotonic Instructor

Debbie Diehl

Debbie has been a part of the fitness industry for the past 20 years focusing on body alignment, stability and mobility. As a Certified Personal Trainer, she has taught cardio-based exercise classes, stability ball/core-conditioning classes, cycling classes and weight training.  She is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine.  Her work with clients has encompassed improving stamina and reaching healthy weight levels through a sustained nutritional diet and aerobic training, maximizing muscular strength through weight training and addressing postural and structural imbalances through core strengthening, flexibility and balance training. Debbie is an avid Yoga devotee and has studied various forms of practice under Robert Boustany.  She has attended intensive yoga seminars with Ana Forest, Johnny Kest and others.  Her vast knowledge and experience in body mechanics and movement is evident as a Certified Pilates Instructor.  She received her Pilates certification through the PhysicalMind Institute in New York City in all levels of Matwork, Cadillac, Reformer, Stability (Wunda) Chair, Spine Corrector, Ladder Barrel and Arc Barrel. Debbie also received additional training from Houston’s own Bryan Peters and has participated in numerous Pilates workshops from other notables such as Bob Liekens, Michele Larrson, Jonathan Urla and others.  In addition to PilatesHouston, Inc., Debbie is also an instructor at Pilates Concepts of Houston, Houston’s training/certifying studio for The PhysicalMind Institute under John Gossett.  Debbie’s past and present clientele include conditioned athletes, seniors, post-natal mothers, children, persons with rehabilitative needs and obesity.   She has experience working with children and adolescents having neurodevelopmental challenges such as Asperger’s Syndrome.  Applying the principles of proper breathing with muscle movement, Debbie works with the child to improve the function of the brain’s proprioceptors for improved mental focus, greater muscle efficiency, coordination and range of motion. Debbie is a member in good standing of The Pilates Method Alliance.

Patricia Erickson, B.A., PMA®-CPT

Patricia Erickson, a PMA CEC provider, was recognized in 2005 by the Pilates Method Alliance as a Gold Certified Pilates Teacher. Fully certified in 1994 by first generation Pilates master Romana Kryzanowska, she is a second generation Pilates instructor, and with her move to Texas, she brings to Houston 19 years of teaching experience. Her education includes the study of anatomy and neuromuscular training with Irene Dowd in New York from 1998-2000, and she holds her B.A. degree in Literature and Philosophy from Sarah Lawrence College. Patty's teaching balances her study of the traditional method with her clinical experience in physical therapy. She built, owned and directed successful Pilates studios in Greenwich, Connecticut and Newport, Rhode Island between 1998-2005, and in 2006, she established the Pilates program for Performance Physical Therapy in RI where she continues to consult.  She has presented seminars for physical therapy clinics and Pilates teacher training schools in New England and Houston. Patty enjoys her work as Secretary of the Pilates Houston Association. A former professional ballet dancer with Ballet West and Cincinnati Ballet, she has taught ballet and Pilates for Brown University and Sarah Lawrence College; she has also instructed dance students in anatomy through movement at Festival Ballet School in Providence, RI.  A native Houstonian, she is happy to be back in Texas with her family.

Akihiro Kawasaki, B.Sc.

Akihiro is originally from Ibaraki, Japan. He is currently working at Houston Ballet's Ben Stevenson Academy as a weight trainer after having earned an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in May 2011. He has been involved in fitness and wellness since 2003 when he became certified as a personal trainer in Japan.
He worked as a personal trainer and fitness instructor from 2003 to 2005 at Tipness Fitness Club in Tokyo, Japan. There, he strove to provide a fun and efficient workout and diet program to each client. He was responsible for ensuring that new clients had a safe and enjoyable exercise experience. He came to the U.S. in August 2005 to gain more experience as a personal trainer. After learning English, he attended and graduated from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) in Perkinston, MS in 2007. At MGCCC, he received a scholarship as a Student Athletic Trainer by assisting various sports teams by leading pre-game stretches and preparations. Akihiro provided both rehabilitation and injury prevention training. He was part of the athletic training team when MGCCC won the H.O.T. bowl game in 2007. Akihiro also served as a SMART program motor development instructor for preschool age children ages 3 to 5 at Samford University, AL in 2010, teaching a broad range of gymnasium and aquatic experiences. He believes that improved motor performance and physical fitness improve classroom performance, creativity and the development of a positive self-image. Akihiro interned in Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Rehabilitation departments through the Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster, AL in 2011. During his internship, he observed and evaluated exercise habits of patients to create workout programs for employees of the hospital. Akihiro is a certified Yamuna Body Rolling (YBR) practitioner. The YBR® is a combination of health, fitness and massage. The YBR® approach to health and fitness uses balls to work specific muscles in detail to create suppleness in tight areas and optimize range of motion. It offers a great opportunity to work directly with all parts of the body: bones, tendons, muscles, lymph system and organs. YBR® naturally complements yoga through its similar goals: to free the body of restrictions and eliminate stress and tension, creating calm and balance. With a broad background in athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, acupressure massage, and personal training, Akihiro offers both Yamuna Body Rolling exercises and personal training.

Eric A. Long, B. A.

Eric graduated from California State University with a degree in Psychology, while working as a trainer and post-rehabilitation specialist in Los Angeles. He began his career in the health & fitness industry in 1999, becoming certified as a personal trainer. Eric then met with Master Trainer Russ Samuels where he developed a more holistic approach concerning fitness & wellness, by implementing practical applications to core function and corrective exercise techniques. After several years of studying the kinetic chain and deep longitudinal systems (DLP), he began researching various Pilates certifications. Eric received his Pilates training through STOTT PILATES, training and interning under the tutelage of John Garey. He has gone through the full instructor training, including all levels of Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, chair and barrels. Eric continues to utilize all modalities of exercise, combining coordination, balance and core conditioning. He has taught Pilates and weight training for Houston Ballet, both in the Body Conditioning Studio and classes for the students. He has worked with a wide array of clientele, ranging from injuries and disease, to diet and weight loss.

Sandy Marcello, B.F.A.

Sandy Marcello has been teaching the Pilates Method for 19 years. She earned a teaching certificate from Elizabeth Jones Boswell at the Physical Conditioning Center for her training through mentorship (1987-1994). In 1992 she completed a comprehensive teacher training program with the Institute for the Pilates Method in Santa Fe, NM (now called the Physical Mind Institute and based in New York City), under the direction of master teacher Michele Larsson. Sandy holds a BFA degree in dance from Sam Houston State University, where she graduated cum laude. She was the recipient of Performing Scholarships for her studies there and upon graduation was honored with the Dance Excellence Award. While receiving her initial teacher training at the Physical Conditioning Centre, Sandy was greatly influenced by teacher Steven Bradley. She studied classical Pilates, Pre – Pilates and modifications for special conditions. Sandy is grateful to have worked for John Gossett at Eastside Studio from 1997-2001. Other teaching credits include classes in Pilates, Modern Dance, and Creative Movement at the Houston Ballet Academy; a class called “Moving Center - Dancing, Drawing and Pilates” at the CG Jung Center and Houston Community College; classes in Pilates Mat at MD Anderson’s Place of Wellness; and currently Pilates Mat for the Methodist Hospital Employee Wellness Center. As a certified Pilates Instructor and a Movement Teacher, Sandy continually increases her knowledge; recent studies include coursework on Pilates for seniors, Standing Pilates, and the use of the Spine Corrector and Wunda Chair.

Sarah Marquez

Sarah Marquez has been teaching Pilates for 12 years. She is a certified personal trainer and rehabilitative exercise specialist through Baylor College of Medicine. Her Pilates certifications and training include the Physical Mind Institute and Stott. She also apprenticed under the mentorship of James Harren and Bryan J. Peters and continued working for Bryan for the next 10 years. Her dance background includes Ballet, West Coast Swing and the Argentine Tango, which has been her passion for the last 7 years. Other hobbies include swimming, cycling , and running, completing her first triathlon in October 2010. Sarah enjoys training all levels of fitness from the accomplished ballet dancer to the mature adult needing a gentler form of movement and range of motion—and is able to accommodate for rehab issues if necessary so the client can still get the benefits of the Pilates method.

Veronica McConnell

Veronica McConnell has been active in fitness teaching to group and individuals since 1999.  Her interest in the body-mind connection has evolved to a full focus on Pilates the past 4 years.  Veronica has completed studies in beginner and intermediate STOTT PILATES Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair and Barrel level 1, Injury Special Population (ISP), and beginner and intermediate Bosu.  She studied The STOTT PILATES method with highly regarded STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor Trainers, Reisa Karns-Stotkard and Mathew Conner, MS, both with an extensive background of anatomy and dancing techniques.  Early on, she was fortunate to gain a solid foundation in Pilates from studies with Master Trainer Elizabeth Jones-Boswell, M.Ed., owner of the Pilates Centre and Rehabilitation Centre in Spokane, Washington.  Veronica’s interest in anatomy has continued in further studies of anatomy of movement.  She is also studying with Eric Franklin, founder of the Franklin Method, a rich variety of movement, experiencing the benefits of the mind-body connection thru imagery, movement and touch.  She stays current with the Pilates industry and fresh ideas by attending Body Mind Pilates and Pilates Method Alliance yearly conferences.  Veronica thanks all her teachers, educators and friends she has made throughout her training including Sasha Davis, Michele Larsson, and Dale Shearer.

Clare Miklaunus

Clare was born & raised in the San Francisco area. At the age of sixteen, Clare was offered a position in the Corpse de Ballet of the English National Ballet. She accepted, & swiftly moved to London where she danced for a season, performing many classical ballets & touring across the globe. In 2001, Clare chose to audition for The Houston Ballet & was accepted for the following season. She has made Houston her home & performed various styles of work throughout her seven year career with The Houston Ballet. Her favorites being many Principal & Soloist roles. With a thirst for knowledge, Clare also continued her academic studies for the duration of her time with The Houston Ballet, at Houston Community College. In the summer of 2008, Clare retired from The Houston Ballet & chose to return to San Francisco to study Pilates under the instruction of Jean Sullivan, Margaret Tappan & Ashley Beldon, in the ITT Program. She graduated with high marks & attained her Certifications from the ITT Program at A Body of Work Studio. She has also attended workshops taught by various well renowned master teachers in the Bay Area, including Elizabeth Larkam & Chelley BonDurant of Madeline Black’s Studio M. While residing in the Bay Area, she ventured into her Pilates & Dance teaching career. This undertaking has sparked great inspiration & passion within her & her students alike. She has had the pleasure of teaching Ballet, Point, Jazz, Afro/Brazilian, Pilates Mat & Apparatus classes for many schools & health facilities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The freedom to connect with her students & bestow onto them the knowledge of healthy movement & dance is something that Clare finds true joy in doing.

Vanessa Pearson

Vanessa became a student of Pilates over 8 years ago when a car accident almost ended her theatre career. With the help of a close friend and STOTT PILATES instructor, Christina Heldreth, Vanessa was able to continue working with numerous exciting companies throughout the United States. Over the past years, she has studied several methods including Method, STOTT PILATES, Physical Mind, and Balance Body. Her curiosity soon turned into enthusiasm for teaching so she decided to move to New York and train through STOTT PILATES under Katherine and Kimberly Corp of Pilates on Fifth. This unique studio provided Vanessa with an unpretentious environment where she was able to study with five of New York’s top instructors and absorb their approach to teaching. Vanessa is certified by STOTT PILATES in Levels I & II in CCB and Levels I-III in Matwork and Reformer.

Dale Shearer

Dale Shearer has been an Elizabeth Jones Boswell certified instructor since May 8, 1992. Dale is a seasoned Pilates Instructor with over 15 years of experience at full service studios that specialize in individual programs for the client. Dale has attended numerous continuing education workshops and lectures over the years from the following Master Teachers: Ron Fletcher, Michele Larrson, Toni Beck, Allan Herdman, Karma Kientzler, Dr. Rebecca Clearman, and B.K. Huttner. Dale continues to study the Elizabeth Jones Boswell and Ron Fletcher Body of Work at Studio A in San Antonio as well as STOTT PILATES in Houston.

Catherine Wright, M.Sc., MT, Certified Bones for Life® Teacher

After spending 23 years working (in horticulture) with plant systems, Catherine switched her focus to human systems.   She trained as a massage therapist at Utah College of Massage Therapy and practiced in Utah and Alaska.  It was in massage school that she learned of the Feldenkrais Method and became interested in it.  She later learned about Bones for Life which grew out of the FM and was developed by Ruthy Alon, senior trainer of the Feldenkrais Method.  She was fortunate enough to study with Ms. Alon and continues to study with her. Catherine has worked as an educator/ teacher throughout her career.  She teaches Bones for Life classes and sees clients on an individual basis.  She is currently enrolled in the first Feldenkrais training to be offered in Texas, the Houston Feldenkrais® Training.