The Team
Lena Gatchalian, Pilates Teacher
Lena Gatchalian has been teaching Pilates since 2000. She is certified through The Studio for Body Contrology. Lena’s dance background also informs her teaching practice. She is an ABT ® Certified Teacher (Level 3) of the ABT National Training Curriculum. For dancers and non-dancers alike, she strives to emphasize beautiful line and carriage in functional posture and alignment. Her professional dance career began in Manila, Philippines then continued in New York City and San Francisco. Lena is the Rehearsal Director for Dance Brigade, with whom she has been performing since 1994. She stays current in her practice through various workshops, seminars and research.
Tiffany Burkhardt-Long, Apprentice Pilates Teacher
Tiffany is currently enrolled in the Intermediate Teacher Training Program at The Pilates Center. She will graduate in spring 2026. Sports injuries are what lead her to Pilates, specifically a knee injury that she stubbornly ignored. This led to years of imbalanced movement that carried on to more injuries. This cycle continued until spring of 2014 when she discovered Pilates. She immediately realized Pilates was her missing link to improving her balance and strength. Tiffany spent a decade as a student of the method and in 2022 she opened Raven Pilates. This year she decided to take the next step and become a Pilates Instructor. Pilates, teaching and learning are her passion. She is currently teaching at the Teacher in Training level and you can contact her at ravenpilatesonpolk.trainer@gmail.com to book a private session.
Aura Fischbeck, Independent Pilates Teacher
Aura Fischbeck-Wise has been teaching the Pilates Method since 2003. Her interest in Pilates as an exercise, rehabilitation, and mind/body integration technique evolved out of her background as a dancer. She was first introduced to the Pilates Method in 1998 in a dance class in college, taught by Cara Reeser. She then went on to receive her initial training at the Pilates Center of Boulder in 2003, and has done extensive continuing education in a variety of specialized topics around functional anatomy, and injury prevention and recovery. In 2014 she completed the Heritage Training with Cara Reeser, which focuses on the legacy of Kathy Grant, Pilates elder and master teacher. She has worked as an advisor and mentor to teachers in training through The Pilates Workshop and the Pilates Center Teacher Training program, completed the Pilates Center Masters Program in 2015, and is a nationally certified teacher through the NPTC since 2016. If you would like to book a class with Aura please contact her at: aura.fischbeck@gmail.com
Patti Reed, Pilates Teacher
Patti Reed gravitated to Pilates from a classical ballet background. When she stopped dancing, she taught cardio fitness classes until she wanted to switch her exercise regime to something more gentle on her joints. Patti started Pilates in 2006 at a classical studio in San Francisco. After a few more years, Patti’s teacher suggested that she try to become a teacher. Patti graduated from the Power Pilates 700 hour teacher training program in 2012. She has taught small group classes and private sessions ever since. Patti credits Pilates for keeping her mental wellbeing in check, along with her physical health.
Alexis Haynes, Independent Pilates Teacher
Alexis has been teaching Pilates since 2023 and has worked in the fitness industry for nearly a decade. She completed her 450-hour Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training certification through Equinox, where she developed a foundation in functional movement, strength training, and corrective exercise. Alexis has continued her education by training with mentors from Metropolitan Pilates, whose guidance has strongly influenced her teaching and approach. Her background in personal training and nutrition allows her to create well-rounded, individualized programs that support both rehabilitation and athletic performance. Alexis enjoys teaching with an emphasis on form, strength, and sustainable movement patterns that help her students feel stronger, more mobile, and more confident in their bodies. If you would like to book a class with Alexis please contact her at: alexisannhaynesfitness@gmail.com