Risa Harris
studio founder
Risa is a third-generation classical Pilates teacher and Northampton native. She moved to New York City in 2004, where she studied classical vocal performance at Mannes College of Music. She was introduced to Pilates while managing the front desk at a studio in Manhattan. She loved the challenge and variety of classical Pilates, as well as the fact that, after several months of practice, her chronic back pain disappeared. Convinced of the method’s effectiveness, she enrolled in teacher training. She was certified in 2014 by Morwen Banq, who was certified by Romana Kryzanowska, Joseph Pilates’ protege.
Over more than a decade of teaching, Risa’s clients have ranged in age from thirteen to eighty-five. She has worked with pre- and post-natal clients, those with osteoporosis, arthritis, joint replacements, knee and back issues, as well as everyday athletes in search of a challenge.
A devoted student of the Pilates method, Risa takes weekly private lessons with Jennifer O’Mara.
Wherever you are in your fitness journey, Risa will zero in on your body’s needs and challenge its strengths.
Risa teaches at the studio Wednesday through Saturday.
Laura Pelullo
Laura has been practicing Classical Pilates for the past 20 years and is owner of Astréa Pilates. Pilates has helped her recover from several injuries and pregnancies and has become a steadfast in her exercise regimen and self care.
She has been training with Classical instructor and studio owner, Risa Harris, at Great River Pilates, where she will provide private one on one instruction and small group classes in tower and reformer.
Laura is a Classically trained Pilates instructor who was trained through the Classical Pilates USA© Teacher Certification Program through U.S. Pilates™ LLC, successor to U.S.P.A.©. She completed over 600 hours of extensive training with Jennifer O’Mara, Senior Teacher Trainer and Principal for U.S. Pilates™ LLC, Brett Howard, Senior Teacher Trainer, Director of Education and Principal for U.S. Pilates™ LLC, David Freeman, Senior Teacher Trainer and Principal for U.S. Pilates™ LLC and Mary Ellen, Teacher Trainer for U.S. Pilates™ LLC and owner of Balanced Birch Studio in Amherst, Massachusetts.
Aside from Pilates, Laura enjoys strength training, yoga, cycling, and being outdoors. She enjoys adventuring with her husband and two children. With a full time career, Pilates started off as an outlet for movement and stress management; it quickly evolved into a passion. She loves sharing her enthusiasm and enjoys working with clients from all movement backgrounds, ages and levels of experience. As a Joseph Pilates third generation instructor, Laura wants to bring the mind-body- connection to her clients and believes contrology is one of the best systems to do so.
Laura teaches at the studio on Saturdays.
Jeanne Michaels
Jeanne has over twenty years of experience teaching Pilates and personal training. The early days of her teaching began in Scarsdale, NY, near where she studied dance at Purchase College. Jeanne received her initial Pilates certification under Bob Liekens protégé of Romana Kryzanowska. Soon after, she pursued an opportunity to teach Pilates in Japan, where she refined her expertise and developed a deep appreciation for Japanese culture and fluency in the language. When she returned to the US, she continued to build on these foundations, working with clients all over New York City. She is now looking forward to working with clients in the Pioneer Valley!
With her background in ballet and modern dance, Jeanne offers clients exercise programs tailored to their needs, blending principles of Pilates, personal training, and functional mobility work such as Kinstretch. She works with clients of all ages to make them stronger and more flexible, and has had extensive experience keeping clients over 60 active, mobile, and motivated. She works one-on-one with clients to develop plans for achievable results. She holds a BFA in dance performance from Purchase College, an MA in education from Hunter College, and a personal training certification from the American Council on Exercise. Besides teaching Pilates, Jeanne has taught Japanese language courses at City University of New York (CUNY) campuses. Currently, Jeanne splits her time between New York City and her home in Easthampton, Massachusetts.
Jeanne teaches at Great River Pilates on Thursdays and Fridays.
Jenn Curran
Apprentice Instructor
Currently an apprentice instructor completing a rigorous 650-hour Classical Pilates certification through the Art & Science of Contrology in Stamford, CT under the directorship of Simona Cipriani. Upon completion, I will be a third-generation classically trained instructor.
My trauma-informed approach is informed by my own experience of complex trauma recovery and further grounded in training through Trifecta Pilates.
Jenn teaches at Great River Pilates on Mondays and Tuesdays.
