get to know us

LEARN ABOUT THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE ARA FABULOUS

  • OWNER / INSTRUCTOR
    Marlys Yvonne is a Pilates instructor, studio owner, artist, and creator of the Ara Movement and method. Her training as a ballet dancer helped to mold the Ara practice, which focuses on thoughtful transitions, mind-focused movement and an educated, contemporary approach to teaching Pilates.

    She has used The Ara method to cross-train NFL players, pre-Olympic swimmers, professional ballet dancers, elite tennis pros, and everyday people who are also committed to approaching their bodies with acceptance, encouragement, and respect. Marlys works with clients of all levels, ages, and abilities to experience a deeper understanding of their body, creating a lifetime habit of exercise & movement.

  • Michaela has lived in the Coachella Valley for nearly 20 years. Living in such an active community helped her to develop a desire and appreciation for hiking and movement. Michaela found a deep appreciation for Pilates after a sports injury resulted in a fractured sacrum. Discovering the healing and rehabilitative nature of Pilates has given, Michaela has enthusiasm to share her experience with others. She is eager to encourage her community to feel and enjoy the mind/body connection that Pilates provides, and guide the body in its own restoration.

    "Michaela's class is great, the movements she guides us through are varied and interesting with lots of opportunities to modify as well as intensify for a more challenging workout!" - Maya T

  • Born in New Jersey, Janie has made California her home for the last 30+years. Growing up, Janie honed her communication and people skills working in retailing as a buyer, merchandiser and store manager. During a bout with severe sciatica, she developed an interest in rehabilitating through the Pilates Method.

    Once her condition was stabilized, she continued practicing pilates as her main form of exercise. When the retail industry changed in the early 2000’s, Janie decided to further her knowledge of Pilates by attending a certification program at Pilates Sports Center in Encino, California. Janie completed the course and became a certified instructor in 2009. After working at several studios in and around the Los Angeles area, she opened a small studio in Bel Air, California. In 2015, Janie moved to the Desert and has since worked in several studios and country clubs in the Coachella Valley.

  • Cayla O’Brien is a passionate Pilates instructor dedicated to helping clients build both strength and grace through mindful movement. With a deep belief in the power of the body-mind connection, she guides students to enhance flexibility, stability, and strength to encourage the self-love you and your body deserves. Whether you’re new to Pilates or an experienced practitioner, Cayla will inspire you to move with intention, confidence, and poise.

  • Molly has been teaching Pilates since 2016 after being a long time lover of the practice. After many modalities of movement over the years, which also came with injuries and boredom, Pilates fit the bill. She loves that it benefits a wide range of people, from professional athletes to those rehabbing an injury or surgery. Molly loves meeting people and bringing joy into movement. She loves that as we become stronger and more familiar with Pilates movements, they become harder and more challenging as we grow with the practice. Super excited to be joining the Ara community!

  • Courtney is a passionate Pilates instructor who grew up in the heart of the desert and now enjoys raising her family in the same beautiful landscape. Her journey into Pilates began when she discovered Ara, a space that became her sanctuary—a place to let go, reset, and reconnect with herself and the community around her. Through Pilates, she found balance, strength, and selfcare, and it’s her mission to share that experience with others. Her classes are designed to help you find your center, build confidence, and create space for yourself through all stages of life. Whether you’re looking to recharge or deepen your connection to mind and body, Courtney is here to guide you every step of the way.

  • Antony is a native of London, England. He is a former professional rugby player with nine years of experience playing in the English Premier league. On receiving a career ending back injury, he was introduced to Pilates as a way of rehabilitating his back, and fell in love with the system. He moved to New York City, and immediately started training to be a Pilates instructor. After a two year apprenticeship with one of New York’s leading Pilates instructors, he became a teacher and worked at studios and with private clients all over Manhattan. His clients ranged from injured Broadway and NYC Ballet/ABT dancers, actors, Wall Street bankers and ‘ladies who lunch’ on the Upper East Side. He also taught the Lotte Berk Method at the famous Lotte Berk brownstone at E67th and Madison Ave. Antony is certified by Ron Fletcher Pilates and Stott Pilates, the Lotte Berk Method and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology.

  • As an instructor with a strong passion for movement and wellness, Kaitie is known for her caring and dedicated approach to guiding her clients. She emphasizes mindful movement, proper alignment, and breath awareness in every session. With a commitment to continuous learning, she stays up-to-date with the latest Pilates research and techniques to ensure clients receive the best possible instruction. Kaitie believes that the true power of Pilates lies in its ability to create space, not just in the body, but in the mind; Pilates is more than just an exercise to her — it's an opportunity to pause, listen to your body, and cultivate balance and strength from within. Her classes are never the same, filled with creative and challenging exercises that push clients beyond their comfort zone, while ensuring they feel supported and empowered every step of the way. While her commitment to challenging her clients is evident, she balances it with a warm, lighthearted demeanor. Her sense of humor and easygoing nature help to foster a positive, welcoming environment, making each class feel like both a workout and a fun escape. With a focus on pre and post natal training, Kaitie offers a nurturing approach that blends strength-building with mindful movement to support women through the transformative stages of pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Through personalized sessions, she helps clients improve flexibility, relieve discomfort, and regain core strength, ensuring safe and effective exercises tailored to each individual's needs.

  • Chloe is Canadian born and raised and spent the last eight years in New York pursuing her acting training and career development. Through the physicality of her craft as well as having dealt with scoliosis from a young age, Pilates has been a saving grace. Having discovered Pilates over five years ago, Chloe is a huge advocate for the practice. The ability to find length and strength through Pilates has changed her life. Chloe has spent the last two years as the studio liaison at Ara Pilates. She believes deeply in the welcoming community and powerful mission that Marlys and the team have worked diligently to uphold.

  • Strength-Focused Pilates Instructor

    Madie is a dynamic strength-focused Pilates instructor, passionate about empowering women to uncover their most resilient selves. Growing up with type 1 diabetes, she faced considerable health challenges that ignited her determination to conquer obstacles and embrace a vibrant life filled with movement and strength. Through unwavering perseverance and a commitment to fitness, Madie transformed her health and now thrives in a diverse array of physical activities. With a rich and colorful background in ballroom dance, Madie perfected her skills across the Midwest and southern Wisconsin, ultimately earning a prestigious national title in American Smooth dancing. This experience not only deepened her understanding of body mechanics and fluid movement but also instilled a profound appreciation for the artistry and discipline required in physical expression. Madie is certified in weight lifting, nutrition coaching and mat Pilates, but her true passion lies in exhilarating reformer-based strength and cardio classes, where she artfully blends her expertise to create engaging and effective workouts. She firmly believes that there are no shortcuts to success; the journey is just as vital as the destination. With a focus on a positive mindset and empowering attitude, Madie encourages her clients to embrace challenges as transformative opportunities for growth. Her mission is to help women cultivate their inner strength and build unshakeable confidence through movement. In her classes, participants can expect a high-energy environment that fosters empowerment, resilience, and a strong sense of community.

  • Brooke's journey into the world of movement began with a deep-rooted fascination for how the body works. After earning her degree in Kinesiology from California State University, Long Beach, she gained hands-on experience as a physical therapy aide. It was through this work that she discovered her passion for mindful movement and its transformative effects on both physical and mental health. In Winter 2023, she made the move to the desert, where she continued to deepen her practice and knowledge. Certified in Pilates and Lagree, Brooke combines her love for movement with her expertise to guide others in finding strength, balance, and mindfulness. Her approach is rooted in the belief that movement is a powerful tool for healing, connection, and growth.