Our Mission is simple - to empower our clients to live their best lives through Pilates, Barre and Yoga. We believe in the power of movement to heal, strengthen, and rejuvenate the body, and we're committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Heather L Rex - Owner
Heather is the owner of MBS Pilates. She currently instructs advanced classes and private sessions. Heather is an NCPT Certified Pilates Instructor completing the 780-hour Classical Pilates certification program through Pilates Sense. Her focus is on quality instruction, effectiveness, and safety. She is committed to continuing her education to expand her knowledge of the Pilates method and bodywork.
Amy Wrobel - Lead Instructor
Amy teaches various classes and is available for private sessions. She is an NCPT/PMA Certified Pilates Instructor, completing the Mat Pilates certification through Pilates Sense in 2006 and the Comprehensive Pilates Program through MBS in 2024. Amy centers her teaching around form, precision, and effectiveness. She understands that her students come to class to relax and strengthen their bodies and mind.
Amy Rudolph - Lead Instructor
Amy teaches various classes and private sessions. Amy came to MBS Pilates as a client, searching for an answer to her chronic pain. She was thrilled as her pain rapidly resolved and quickly developed a passion for Pilates. She is an NCPT/PMA Certified Pilates Instructor who completed Comprehensive Pilates Program in 2024 through MBS. Her patient mindset and easy-going attitude are cornerstones of her teaching style. She believes learning is a dynamic process, much like movement, and that successful practice stems from executing the basics very well.
Susan Parker-O’Connell - Instructor
Susan worked on the staff at the School of Salt Creek Ballet for twenty years, with eight of those years also serving as resident choreographer and ballet mistress for its regional company. She is an award-winning choreographer and seasoned teacher in the Midwest dance community, having first studied at Stone-Camryn School of Ballet in Chicago and later as a ballet and choreography student at the University of Utah. She performed with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago in the 1980’s under the direction of Lou Conte where she danced his quintessential works as well as the works of many other leading choreographers. She received the Monticello Scholarship and the Choreographer’s Connection Award, and she is a two-time recipient of the prestigious National Choreography Plan Award through Regional Dance America. She has been engaged by many other regional companies to set her pieces or create new works. She has also taught on the staff at the Lou Conte Dance Studio, the River North Dance Studio, and Dance West Ballet, and has performed in professional musical theater, commercials, films and industrials.
Claudine Beeson - Instructor
Out of simple curiosity about this 1,000-year-old healing system, Claudine began practicing yoga in 1999. After just one yoga video, she realized two things: she had neglected to get in touch with her body, and she truly did not know what it was like to breathe. By being accessible, attentive, and articulate, Claudine helps her students learn to do what they never thought their bodies could do. Her practice ranges from teaching beginners, focusing on alignment and reconnecting with our bodies, to help more experienced students move their practice forward with an emphasis on taking what we learn on our mats into our daily lives. For Claudine's students, the physical practice of yoga begins a journey. That journey leads to a greater ability to be present in the moment and to trust your inner wisdom.
Gizel Schwartz - Instructor
Gizel has taught Pilates for over 23 years in the Chicagoland area. She received her comprehensive certification from Body Arts and Sciences International. Her classes are focused on anatomy and alignment, with a bit of creativity sprinkled throughout. Her priority is empowering her students to connect deeply with their minds and bodies. She also holds certifications in yoga (200hr Yoga Alliance), Barre, Kettlebells, and TRX. In her spare time, she enjoys working out and running around after her three boys.
Anne Taft - Instructor
Anne has been teaching fitness and yoga for over 25 years. Her background includes training/certifications in Vinyasa and Yin yoga, Posture Alignment Therapy, Corrective Exercise, trigger point techniques for fascial release, functional strength, and meditation. She has worked with athletes of all ages, seniors, youths, sports teams, and Military Veterans. She invites students to enjoy the full capacity of their breath and move intuitively so their yoga practice accommodates their unique physical structure.
Mary Stellmack - Instructor
I discovered Pilates later in life, in my early 50s. Before that, I spent my career at a desk job, never considering myself particularly athletic. Aside from daily long walks, I didn’t have a regular exercise routine. Over the years, I dealt with persistent aches and pains caused by muscle imbalances and hypermobility, leading to frequent chiropractor visits that only provided temporary relief. Then, a doctor suggested I try Pilates, which was a game-changer. At first, it was a slow journey as I learned to engage my core muscles, but as I grew stronger and my pain diminished, I was hooked. Now, 15 years later, I’m in the best shape of my life, and Pilates has completely transformed how I move and feel. I joined the mat teacher training program to share my passion for Pilates with others. I focus on precision and control to help students get the most out of their practice. I especially love encouraging new students of all ages and fitness levels to try Pilates - you never know how life-changing it might be!
Katie Petrakos - Instructor
Katie is a passionate fitness instructor with a background in aerobic instruction and 15 years of dance experience. She brings energy and enthusiasm to every class, creating an uplifting and engaging environment where clients feel both challenged and supported. Committed to helping others feel their best, Katie ensures every session is effective, fun, and empowering - you’ll leave feeling strong, motivated, and energized!
Kelly O’Donnell - Instructor
With over 30 years of experience in the fitness industry, Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to every class she teaches. A versatile instructor certified through AFAA and a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), she leads a variety of formats with expertise and enthusiasm. Kelly thoughtfully blends breath, movement, and music to create classes that are not only effective, but also fun and deeply meaningful. Her goal is to help every student feel strong, inspired, and connected - both on and off the mat.
Carly Miller - Admin Assistant
Carly is a valued member of the MBS Pilates team, serving as our dedicated part-time Administrative Assistant. Her passion for Pilates and group fitness first led her to discover MBS Pilates, where she quickly fell in love with the supportive, family-like atmosphere and inspiring classes. Motivated by the studio’s welcoming community, Carly joined the team to help support both clients and staff.
When she’s not at the studio, Carly enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Milo the Mascot
Hello there! My name is Milo, and I'm the friendly labradoodle you might see hanging out in the corner of the studio. I'm a bit of a quiet guy, but that's just because I'm busy soaking up all the good vibes and energy from the amazing humans who come to work out. When I'm not in the studio, you can find me playing in the park or snuggling up with my mom and dad on the couch. I may be a little scruffy, but I'm full of love and can't wait to meet you!
