Meet Our Amazing Instructors at Barre Central
Patti Brown-Chlapowski, Owner & Barre Instructor
Always engaged in the pursuit of a healthy way of life, I have continually maintained a physically active lifestyle. In 2014, I took my first ever Barre class and was immediately hooked. The variety and combination of just the right muscles being worked was exactly what I needed. I instantly dreamed of having my own studio and an amazing opportunity arose one year later when Barre Central was born. “We can’t help everyone but everyone can help someone.” -Ronald Reagan
Sue Belyea, Member Services, Barre and Tone & Tighten Instructor
Susan Belyea is an amazing personal trainer, yoga, barre and fitness instructor. Sue has been involved in some type of exercise for most of her life as it helps her physically, emotionally and spiritually. For Sue, it's plain and simple - no exercise - no energy. Other interests include: nutrition, barbell classes, road trips with her partner Dennis and dinner with friends. Currently studying for a nutrition certification. Fun Fact: I love my gelato! “Replace every negative thought with a positive one.” -Lolly Daskal
Teresa Cantrell, Pilates Mat Instructor
I've called Florida home for over 25 years, but I'm originally from Lansing, Michigan. I joined a gym fresh out of high school and never stopped going. So, I guess you could say I have a passion for fitness. My early decades started out with floor aerobics, step aerobics, kickboxing, and many other forms of exercise. In the late 90’s I discovered Mat Pilates and found the first method of exercise that really strengthened my core and flattened my belly. I really enjoy helping other people become more comfortable in their bodies, improving their strength and flexibility while doing a form of exercise they love. I am also a certified Personal Trainer, Yoga instructor, and Pilates Reformer instructor. I discovered the Barre a little over two years ago and look forward to teaching that as well once I’ve completed my certification.
Sandy Christensen, Pilates Mat and Booty Barre Instructor
Sandy has always been involved in some form of exercise. She tried Pilates over 10 years ago and knew Joseph Pilates repertoire of exercises were challenging and could be done at any age. She became a Balanced Body certified Pilates Instructor in both mat and equipment and, shortly after, also became a Bootybarre Instructor. Adding a barre class to your overall fitness routine will lengthen and strengthen your body in a whole new way. Sandy loves helping people of all ages challenge themselves and get fit. Always emphasizing form, Sandy is very happy when you ‘get’ one of her many cues and take your fitness to another level. "Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” -Amy Rees Anderson
Elli Zaksaite, Barre Instructor
I am from a very beautiful country - Lithuania. Active lifestyle was a very big part of my life since I was a little girl. Competed in Olympics throughout my teenage years and have been active since. Deep inside always wanted to become a fitness instructor and just not long ago this dream came true. So blessed and happy that I had this opportunity. I would love to be a part of helping and supporting people to enjoy active lifestyle. Join me in this journey! 🧡
Tami Lukin, Barre Instructor
Tami (soon to be a Grami Tami) is an outgoing and very enthusiastic instructor, her classes are fast paced and feature a great many types of movements. She will always give an abundance of regressive or progressive options in each and every class. Tami is married to her much loved husband Ron (fitness freak) they have 3 amazing children. Tami also enjoys swimming, dancing, reading, and Sauvignon Blanc. She also loves doing theme classes: including Elvis tribute, Olivia Newton-John tribute, Motown Friday’s. “I’m not bossy, I just have great leadership skills.”
Debbi Doughty, Barre and Total Body Sculpting Instructor
I specialize in weight loss, weight management, muscle toning, muscle building, core conditioning, nutrition, individual fitness training, group fitness training, life coaching, weight loss coaching, and so much more! I am totally into fitness and wellness. I enjoy working out and eating healthy. Approx. 17 years ago, I decided to take fitness to the next level by making it part of my career (in addition to my accounting career), and I am so glad that I did. As a result, I'm more than happy to "pay it forward.” I enjoy helping others achieve their fitness and wellness goals, while making it fun and exciting. It's amazing how eating healthy, working out, and having a healthy mindset can change the way you look and feel about so many things, including yourself. Mind, body, and Spirit – once all 3 are inline, you are golden!! "Your future self will thank you for the choices you make today... Keep it Healthy!"
Megan Fallon, Yoga Instructor
Megan is a certified RYT 200 Hour yoga instructor. She received her training from Sacred Jade Yoga and her practice is rooted in Ashtanga. She found yoga in 2017 and has since used it as an anchor through the ups and downs of life. She has always had a passion for fitness and loves to incorporate strength and power into her flows. When not practicing yoga, you can find her running, enjoying the parks of St. Pete, spending time at the beach, or hanging with her pup!
Emma Guyette, Yoga Instructor
Emma is a seasoned yoga practitioner, having found the practice in 2016 as a method to cope with anxiety. She earned her 200 hour certification in 2021 with High Vibration Living, and a 25 hour Yin certification in 2023 with Yinspiration. She blends aspects of Yin and Yang for a balanced practice that will leave you feeling both strong and flexible. Expect a focus on the breath, an energizing music-based flow, and a supportive challenging environment. Emma is considers herself to be a “multidimensional educator,” as her greatest passions in teaching are movement and college- and graduate-level statistics and research. She founded her own tutoring company, Stats with Emma, in 2023. “To teach is to learn twice.” -Joseph Joubert
Anna Ayres, Yoga Instructor
A Painter originally from Vermont, Anna moved to St. Petersburg in 2014 inspired by the beautiful birds and botanicals found here. She soon earned her 500 hour Yoga Teaching Training from St. Petersburg Yoga and continued on to teach classes with the studio such as swing, Power, Restorative and Fundamentals. She’s found great healing through the 8 limbs of yoga and loves sharing the teachings, both physical and philosophical. Her classes focus on mindful movement and breath to balance the nervous system and gain mobility. She continues to paint in her spare time and lives in Gulfport with her favorite beach volleyball partner, Max.
Steph Horne, Yoga Instructor
Steph is a certified RYT 200 Hour yoga instructor who has practiced yoga for 25 years. She encourages practitioners to flow with a sense of creativity and playfulness. With an emphasis on balance and intention, her vinyasa flow is based in the timeless traditions of the Ashtanga and Hatha postures, with a focus on external and internal cues and intuitive movement. Steph wants her students to leave class with a newfound sense of contentment and gratitude for being exactly where they are. She believes that living for the present moment, always looking for ways to serve others, and radiating joy & positive energy into the world will lead to a more purposeful and fulfilling life. Steph draws inspiration from Jesus Christ & The Bible, Tiny Habits, The Happiness Project, Thomas Merton, Jay Shetty, and all of the wonderful teachers and fellow students from her yoga practice. When she's not doing yoga, you can find her walking in Kenwood or around Crescent Lake with her dog Buffy, talking about Rodan + Fields skin/hair self care, traveling with her husband of 30 years, occasionally handling a real estate closing as a Lawyer, Forest bathing at Sunken Gardens, biking, walking or churching with friends, volunteering with several local non-profits, doing puzzles, watching The View, Star Trek & Survivor, or looking for great quotes, witty images or memes to send to her friends.
Kayla Jacobson, Yoga Instructor
Kayla started her yoga journey in college, but it took a few years to figure out yoga was more than just a physical practice. Her yoga mat became her safe place, allowing her focus to go towards her breath rather than the hectic life around her. In December 2022, Kayla graduated her 200 hour YTT from High Vibration Living and is Yoga Alliance Certified. She is excited to share her passion of yoga in hopes that the practice will bring fulfillment to others lives. When she isn't practicing yoga, you can find Kayla going for a run in downtown Gulfport or hanging out with cats (her own, her current fosters, or the colony she feeds at the Skyway Bridge).
Erin Howell, Yoga Instructor
Erin found yoga four years ago as a way to balance stress when starting a doctoral program. As a classroom educator, the desire to teach and the thirst to learn more came naturally to her, and she decided to become a yoga teacher, teaching primarily power vinyasa and yin. The peace yoga provides and the ability to get out of her head and into her body is invaluable to her, and she loves sharing that experience with others.
Vera Wallo - Yoga Instructor, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Assisted-Stretch Therapist
Physical strength and abilities have a way of empowering a person like nothing else can. It’s a never-ending journey with no destination, just continual learning and growth. CrossFit, Kickboxing and Yoga are my main jams. I stay active outside the gym by paddleboarding, gardening, walking my dogs and riding my motorcycle. Wanting to share my passion for health and wellness with others, I decided to become a certified Personal Trainer and get my 200hr YTT. I will also be a licensed Massage Therapist by the end of the year and I work as an Assisted-Stretch therapist.
Devin Foley - Yoga Instructor
Devin is a dedicated yogi, intuitive tarot reader and teacher. Devin has overcome many obstacles in life, including childhood trauma and depression, which initially disconnected her from her body and the world. However, through the transformative power of yoga, Devin found healing and restoration. Devin holds a certification as a RYT 200-Hour instructor, specializing in Vinyasa style yoga. With her profound understanding of the mind-body connection, Devin crafts a balanced class that not only cultivates physical strength and flexibility but also helps students develop a deep sense of self-awareness to operate with authenticity and grace both on and off the mat. Devin is currently working on becoming a trauma-informed yoga instructor which involves gaining comprehensive understanding of how trauma impacts the body and mind, and how to create a safe and supportive environment for those who have experienced trauma.
