Our Philosophy & Staff

For Heather, movement has always been more than exercise — it is a lifelong practice of caring for the body.Her foundation began in classical dance, performing with The Charleston Ballet before earning her B.A. in Dance from Radford University. She continued her training in New York with the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and the Martha Graham School. After years of teaching, choreographing, and performing professionally in Charlotte, Heather discovered Pilates. These experiences inspired Heather to combine technique and mindfulness to practice a sustainable approach to movement.

In 2005, she founded Iron Butterfly Pilates, creating a welcoming, refined space where people of all backgrounds can feel strong, supported, and at ease in their bodies. She believes that everyone should experience the united strength, alignment, and longevity of Pilates. Her teaching is attentive and intuitive, helping clients build confidence and lasting strength from within.

Body Awareness Pilates Certification/ Bodhi Tree En Yoga Teacher Training Yoga Certification.

Originally from Austin, Texas, Anabel’s connection to movement began in dance. She holds both a BFA and M.A. in Dance Studies from Florida State University, where she explored dance science and somatic practices, including Pilates. A minor in Biomedical Physics further informs her understanding of alignment and the subtle mechanics that allow movement to feel effortless.

 Anabel teaches with quiet focus and thoughtful guidance. Her sessions blend technical clarity with a calm, encouraging presence. She enjoys helping clients develop awareness, stability, and ease — creating strength that feels natural in everyday life. 

Balanced Body Pilates Comprehensive Certified

Allison received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Mary Washington, and Master of Business Administration from Loyola University. 

After years of playing competitive sports and training for marathons, Allison began looking for a form of movement that incorporated the entire body and made her feel good both mentally and physically. She  soon discovered all of the amazing benefits Pilates has to offer. Allison is extremely grateful to be a part of the Iron Butterfly team and her passion is felt in her teaching. Allison’s sessions are charged and challenging, helping her clients feel energized during and after their workouts.

Balanced Body Pilates Comprehensively Certified

Dorie danced professionally for many years across New York, California, and Japan. As her career evolved she shifted her focus to working in theatre, film and television as a performer. She also taught ballet, injury prevention and conditioning for dancers. 

Dorie continues to study dance conditioning, and her passion for the human body’s ability to move, remember, heal, and grow is felt in her teachings. Dorie approaches her sessions with an enthusiastic compassion and patience that only comes from experience. 

Power Pilates Systems/ Progressing Ballet Technique

Erin  graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from The University of North Carolina. During her graduate years, her research focus was on Pilates Based Physical Therapy.  During her graduate program, Erin completed her 900-hour certification with The Pilates Center, Boulder. 

While shadowing under another Pilates Based Physical Therapist, Erin realized the unlimited benefits Pilates adds to traditional Physical Therapy. It is Erin’s mission to assist patients in realizing their true physical potential, promoting longevity, functionality, and moving with intention. 

The Pilates Center/ Doctorate of Physical Therapy/ Physical Therapist / Certified MS Specialist 

Movement, for Joelle, is both discipline and art. As a former competitive gymnast, dancer, and track athlete, she developed an early reverence for precision, control, and the quiet power of refined performance. 

Joelle’s academic foundations, BA in Health Education from Virginia Tech, and a Nursing Degree from Radford University led her to utilize both science and intuition to inform her work. Her teaching is intentional, exacting, and elegantly effective — cultivating strength, balance, and resilience through thoughtful, purposeful movement. Joelle loves learning and is currently going through a classical bridge comprehensive program with The Vertical Workshop.

Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher /  Balancepoint Pilates Comprehensive Pilates Teacher

Julianna works full time as a  Physical Therapist at Congruency PT, while also collaborating with Iron Butterfly Pilates. 

Julianna traded life on a farm to become a dancer and aerialist. She discovered Pilates during her dance training at the University of Utah, where she received her MFA. Julianna enjoys the lifelong movement possibilities within the form.

Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher/ The Pilates Center / Physical Therapist

A former competitive athlete, Katy brings a lifelong understanding of strength and precision to her work. After earning her degree from East Carolina University and building a successful career in banking, a spinal injury redirected her path — and introduced her to the transformative power of Pilates.

What began as rehabilitation evolved into vocation. Katy’s approach is intelligent, exacting, and deeply intentional — blending athletic discipline with restorative elegance. At Iron Butterfly Pilates, she guides clients toward strength and lasting vitality. Katy loves helping her clients feel refreshed and ready for the day.

Pilates Academy International/  Balancepoint Barre/ Core Reform Smart Movement

Kathy’s introduction to Pilates followed a life-changing car accident, where she experienced firsthand its power to restore, strengthen, and transform.  Drawn to the efficiency and depth of Pilates, Kathy left a successful career in pharmaceutical sales to pursue teaching.

Kathy’s sessions are intentionally designed to be uplifting, blending challenges with encouragement.  She is passionate about helping clients at every stage of their journey to cultivate strength, resilience, and ease in their bodies. 

Stott Pilates Level 2 / Special Populations Certified

Born and raised in South Africa, Kim’s foundation in movement is both academic and deeply intuitive. She earned her degree in Sport Science and honors in Biokinetics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where her early work in sports rehabilitation first introduced her to Pilates. What began in clinical precision evolved into mastery. Kim refined her craft in London, while advancing her education through the BASI method — cultivating a style that is intelligent, fluid, and exacting. Kim brings international perspective and quiet expertise to Iron Butterfly Pilates. 

BASI Method

With a background in professional dance and years spent teaching at Bodiography Contemporary Ballet, Lauren’s work is shaped by both artistry and discipline.  She holds a BFA in Ballet from the University of Utah and an MFA in Dance from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, where her understanding of movement evolved into a refined, highly informed practice.

Lauren offers a Pilates experience that is classically based and deeply personalized.  Her approach is grounded in anatomical intelligence, allowing her to seamlessly adapt each session to the  body in front of her.  

Balanced Body Comprehensively Certified/ PowerHouse Pilates Mat 

Lindsay’s foundation in movement began with a lifelong connection to athletics in upstate New York.  After a career in public relations, she transitioned into the fitness world, earning certifications in Spinning and Barre before discovering Pilates.

Lindsay’s approach is dynamic and uplifting, offering a thoughtful balance of fun challenges and joy in movement. Her sessions are designed to inspire confidence, strength, and a genuine connection to movement. 

Classical Pilates Education / Exhale Barre/ Mad Dogg Spinning

Introduced to Pilates as a competitive figure skater, Sarah quickly recognized the power to refine strength, flexibility, and precision.  Over time, Pilates became not only a training method, but an essential part of her approach to movement and well-being.

With a degree in Kinesiology from the University of Northwestern, St. Paul, and comprehensive training across the classical apparatus, Sarah brings an informed, kind perspective to her work.  Her sessions are designed to meet each client with intention – supportive, educational, and rooted in the belief that movement should feel both empowering and sustainable. 

Nationally Certified Pilates Instructor

A third – generation Certified Classical Pilates Instructor, Shannon blends a rich lineage of training with a strong foundation in dance, holding a BA in Dance from Appalachian State University.  Her work is defined by an understanding of alignment and the subtle intelligence of the body in motion.  

Shannon approaches Pilates as both an art and a practice – one that should feel empowering, individualized, and deeply supportive.  Her sessions are thoughtfully designed to meet each client where they are, cultivating confidence, and a lasting sense of connection within the body. 

Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program Appalachian State

Tarraneh  brings a distinctive blend of athletic discipline and thoughtful hospitality to Iron Butterfly Pilates.  A collegiate ice hockey athlete, she earned her scholarship to St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, where she graduated with a degree in Biology and a concentration in Biomedical Science.

Known affectionately as “T” Tarraneh is a CrossFit Level 1 and CrossFit Gymnastics certified coach, as well as a personal trainer and nutrition advisor.  Her background reflects a deep understanding of strength, performance, and whole-body wellness.

Complementing her fitness expertise is a strong foundation in management and client care. Tarraneh’s attentive presence helps create a seamless and welcoming studio experience.  Her passion for movement and commitment to excellence make her an integral part of the Iron Butterfly family.