Our Instructors
Jennifer Cutler
Creating a space where strength, balance, and community thrive
jennifer@purepilatestc.com
Jennifer is the owner of Pure Pilates. She is a certified STOTT PILATES® Pilates instructor, teaching since 2000. She is trained in mat, reformer, Cadillac, ladder barrel and stability chair. Jennifer started her pilates instruction at The Fitness Center in Traverse City before opening Pure Pilates in 2005. Jennifer is also a certified personal trainer through AFAA and holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.
“After 20 years of teaching and practicing pilates, my thoughts on pilates have evolved. When I first started my practice I loved how amazing I felt and how my body changed. Soon after I noticed my neck pain from an old injury decreased, and my posture improved. I enjoy running and as the years go on I have stayed injury-free which I attributed to my Pilates practice. I believe that keeping my body in balance through pilates has allowed me to continue doing the activities I enjoy as I age. Though my most rewarding experience with Pilates has been seeing how it has improved our clients’ quality of life!”
Outside the studio, Jennifer enjoys running, mountain biking, sailing, skiing and traveling.
Linda Blakkan
Supporting clients and the studio behind the scenes
Linda was a client for 10 years before stepping into a key support role at Pure Pilates. She manages client accounts, helps schedule new clients, and serves as a welcoming point of contact, while helping the studio’s systems and operations run smoothly behind the scenes. As a lifelong runner, Linda discovered that regular Pilates practice helps her stay stronger, more balanced, and largely injury-free. In January 2020, she completed STOTT PILATES® Reformer training.
Linda believes Pilates strengthens the body while building a supportive community where clients feel seen, encouraged, and empowered. She loves guiding clients through their studio experience, from their first visit to becoming part of the Pure Pilates community. Being part of a team she believes in brings her great joy and a strong sense of purpose.
Outside the studio, Linda enjoys fixing things, hiking, gardening, and spending time with her family, including two exuberant Goldendoodles, Odin and Hilda.
Kim Marian
Fun, precise, and personalized Pilates designed for every body and goal
Teaching since 2010, Kim is a STOTT PILATES® Instructor Trainer and a Post Rehabilitation Specialist. In addition to serving Pure Pilates clients, she mentors Pilates instructors worldwide, sharing her expertise and passion for movement. Please refer to her complete bio to review her extensive training and certifications. Prior to Pilates, she earned an MBA and BGS from the University of Michigan and worked in advertising.
Kim feels honored to work with clients recovering from injury or surgery, as well as those with postural challenges such as scoliosis. She describes her style as fun, precise, tailored, occasionally sarcastic, varied, educational, and bright. “A session with me is focused on what your body needs, what your mind wants, and the safe evolution toward a stronger you. Plus you never know what color my hair will be!”
When not teaching or taking continuing education courses, Kim enjoys cycling, racing sailboats, cheering the maize and blue, and raising her daughter and Labrador Retriever with her husband.
Sahra Turner
Sahra was born and raised in Western Australia and trained at Royal Academy Ballet during her early teen years. In 2000, she relocated with her two teenage daughters to beautiful Traverse City and began teaching at Dance Arts Academy. Sahra has always been passionate about the therapy of movement and the mind-body connection — this led her to explore the STOTT PILATES method. Sahra completed her Reformer training in Bloomfield Hills and looks forward to combining her ballet teaching experience with the long, lean lines created with the pilates method.
Jennifer Lee
Transforming bodies through mindful, creative, and expert Pilates guidance
Jennifer became a certified Pilates instructor in 2002 and a Thai Yoga Bodywork practitioner in 2004. She has studied various Pilates styles and movement techniques such as Alexander, Bartenieff, Feldenkrais, and Yoga. Jennifer holds a B.S. in Dance Performance/Choreography from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and an M.F.A> from California Institute of the Arts. She is certified through Pilates Method Alliance, is Pink Ribbon certified, and has studied Pilates for osteoporosis, scoliosis, and other dysfunctions.
Jennifer’s passion is creating movement experiences that shift your mind and connect your body. She teaches her clients about body mechanics and helps them get the most out of their movement. She likes to think about HOW the body is moving, and enjoys using her creative problem-solving skills (originally honed during an abandoned engineering degree) to transform her client’s bodies.
When not teaching Pilates, Jennifer enjoys sewing, sailing, skiing, and cooking. She makes custom clothing and costumes for dance productions and special occasions. Jennifer lives on Old Mission Peninsula with her mother, husband, and their school-aged twins.
Jennifer Yeatts
Upbeat, thoughtful, and full-body Pilates for real-life movement
jenniferyeatts@purepilatestc.com
Jennifer is a Michigan native and a full-time, year-round, bike commuter. She completed her STOTT PILATES® Reformer coursework in January 2020. Having practiced Pilates for many years, she appreciates the body awareness, balance, and muscle tone that Pilates has brought her. Jennifer holds a B.S. in Secondary English Education and M.A. and M.F.A. degrees in Creative Writing. She is director of the Higher Grounds Coffee Learning Lab, where she teaches aspiring baristas how to make the best coffee.
With her upbeat and creative style, Jennifer balances a rational flow of exercises with some fun twists. She likes her classes to have a soft theme, like “burn out the glutes,” while still delivering a full-body workout every time. Jennifer believes, “Pilates should equip you for regular life movement, enabling you to keep doing the things that make your life fulfilling with flexibility and ease.” She enjoys working with clients who already move regularly, but do not think of themselves as necessarily athletic or sporty, and who are ready to take their body awareness, range of motion, and strength to the next level with Pilates.
Jennifer loves traveling and exploring every chance she gets.
Holli Harvey
Empowering you through purposeful movement and considerate coaching
After sustaining an injury during a dance performance, Holli discovered Pilates, not just as a path to healing, but as a calling. For 23 years, she has guided clients to stronger, more balanced bodies and empowered movement. Well-versed in both classical and contemporary methods of Pilates, she is certified by the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) and trained through Body, Arts & Science International (BASI), Holli is also a certified Corrective Exercise Specialist and PaddleFit Coach.
Holli loves helping her clients discover new levels of mental and physical strength and mobility through mindful, purposeful movement. “My goal as an instructor is to coach my students through proper form and muscle recruitment so they can translate the exercises into their daily lives.” She strives to make every client feel challenged and encouraged, having a sense of accomplishment through even the smallest of victories.
Beyond the studio, Holli shares her love of movement on the water as the owner of Acqua Dolce Paddle, coaching stand-up paddleboarding with safety, technique, fitness, and fun in mind. She is grateful for her supportive husband, adventurous kids, and sweet Schnoodle dog, who inspire her every day.
Crystal Mason
Crystal, a STOTT-trained Pilates instructor, began her love affair with this movement method in 2010 when Pure Pilates was above the Omelette Shop in downtown Traverse City. She has undergone training in mat, reformer, chair, barrels, and Cadillac, and also completed the ISP course through STOTT Pilates. Additionally, Crystal is a trained yoga instructor, having studied with Deborah Williamson and Baron Baptiste.
Crystal believes Pilates is more than just a workout; she continually returns to this method of movement to support her lifestyle. It has proven effective time and again, especially post-breast cancer surgery and recovery. The focus on breath and mindful movement is her favorite way to return to her center with a sense of calm and focus.
Crystal also works at The Pathfinder School as the Director of Admissions.
Leslie Williams
A native of the Texas Panhandle, Leslie holds a BFA in Dance from West Texas A&M University, a MFA in Choreography and Performance from the University of Michigan, is STOTT Pilates trained and currently serves as Adjunct Director of Dance at Northwestern Michigan College. A graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy and longtime summer faculty, Leslie has been spending each summer in Northern Michigan for the past 18 years. Prior to permanently relocating to the area with her family in the fall of 2022, Leslie served as Director of Dance and Full Professor of Dance at West Texas A&M University.
Discovering a love and passion for the practice of Pilates, early in her dancing career, she truly believes in the power of movement for everybody. Her personal practice has ushered her back from not one, not two, but FIVE orthopedic surgeries and childbirth! She credits her rehabilitation and ability to still move freely (after a 30 year career as a professional dancer and educator) to her weekly time on the reformer. Leslie is Stott Pilates trained since 2017.
Leslie was delighted to find Pure Pilates in the winter of 2023, as a client, and is excited to be a part of the wonderful team of instructors as she continues to intertwine her love of movement, teaching and Pilates.
Jessica Shelton
Supporting your body, inspiring your day
After working in fashion, design, and art, the physical demands and fast pace of life led Jessica to yoga, and eventually to Pilates—where everything “connected.” She became an instructor to share the approach that helped her better understand and work with her own body. Jessica has been teaching movement for over 15 years and Pilates since 2019. She trained under Balanced Body Master Educator Ahme Bovee and is committed to ongoing education, bringing a thoughtful, experienced, and approachable style to her teaching.
Jessica focuses on flow and lighthearted, clear instruction. “My goal as an instructor is to see and understand you more deeply, so I can support you in showing up for yourself.” Her clients often leave sessions feeling supported, empowered, and free. She especially enjoys working with tradespeople, craftspeople, desk workers, and anyone experiencing physical stress from their jobs, as well as clients focused on sports training, rehabilitative movement, and pre- and postnatal exercise.
Outside the studio, you’ll find Jessica swimming and hiking with her dog, paddleboarding, surfing, cross-country skiing, creating and teaching art and jewelry, attending concerts and exhibitions, and continually exploring movement, meditation, and mindfulness.
Amy Northway
Amy has avidly practiced Pilates for over 20 years. She has completed the Intensive Reformer and Intensive Mat-Plus training through STOTT. Amy enjoys watching new clients develop a love for Pilates. She is excited to watch as they gain a better understanding of the principles and how to apply them to their everyday movement.
Amy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Management of Health Services and has owned a local Home Health Company for over 20 years. She enjoys gardening, long walks, spending time with family and being outdoors year round. Amy embraces working with clients of all ages and abilities.
Aubrey Jabour
On-site PT evaluation at our studio
Aubrey is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Ergonomic Assessment Specialist. She offers physical therapy and posture consultation appointments in our studio.
Aubrey’s practice, Northbound Physical Therapy and Wellness, focuses on the treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal pain conditions (like back, shoulder, hip, and foot pain). Her services will benefit clients who have pain, movement limitations, or a health condition that is impacting their pilates practice or other movements. She can help you work with your practice and your instructor to evaluate sources of discomfort and determine what modifications or key focus areas would benefit you. Her treatment style often focuses on enhancing the mind-body connection to improve posture, body awareness, and muscular control and optimize the body’s natural movements.