The Studio Crew
Amanda Garza
Hi, I'm Amanda - a native Houstonian and Texas heat lover!
I started boxing at 16 because I wanted to feel strong and confident. I loved it so much that I eventually competed at the amateur level and finally turned pro before switching my love of throwing punches in the ring to coaching others in the art of boxing. Strength training came in later after realizing the importance of balancing strength with cardio, the ultimate duo - I became certified as a personal trainer and now specialize in both.
Alongside fitness, my big family of six has my heart. My wife and I are raising our four kiddos together, so when I’m not training clients or teaching at Duo, I’m most likely hanging with the family.
When Duo asked me to bring boxing to the studio, the Strike class was born. I knew I wanted to develop something that combined boxing with Pilates and what better way than working the lower body with Pilates Jumpboard and the upper body with boxing; truly the best of both worlds.
Ashleigh Haves
Hey everyone, I'm Ashleigh!
I've been shaping bodies since 2018 and just moved all the way from the soulful city of Memphis to the glamorous Houston, TX. You can find me at Duo Houston, where we're brewing a perfect blend of coffee and Pilates!
By day, I'm not only a full-time dog mommy to the most adorable pup named Chai but also an Electrical Project Manager, juggling volts and poses like a pro. With a bachelor's Degree in English and Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership, I know how to communicate and lead, making our sessions together more inspiring.
When I'm not teaching Pilates or playing with Chai, I adore whipping up new recipes in the kitchen, exploring the hottest local restaurants and bars, and spending quality time with family and friends. And oh, did I mention I'm a tea lover?
From Earl Grey to Oolong, I appreciate them all.
Can't wait to see you at DUO, where we'll bend, stretch, and raise a toast to a cup of tea. XOXO!
Cat Li
Hey there, I’m Cat (short for Catherine) - coffee addict, foodie, wellness girlie, and fitness lover. I recently graduated from Rice University with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. Health is a top priority for me, and I do my best to honor that through every aspect of my life.
I first tried Pilates while looking for a new way to exercise as studios began opening up after the COVID pandemic. I took one class and fell in love, so I kept going back for more. No other workout has even come close to Pilates since then. After finally discovering a form of exercise that I could enjoy, I wanted to do the same for others and help them move their bodies in a way that feels good.
My goal as an instructor is to share my love for Pilates and inspire people to become the strongest version of themselves. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my clients show up consistently and crush their fitness goals. One day or day one? The best time to start is always now!
Emily Nguyen
My name is Emily and I was born and raised in Houston. I fell in love with Pilates because it was the only form of exercise that I truly enjoyed. I found every class to be challenging, rewarding, and fun. After a year of taking classes I began instructor training. I love seeing my clients getting stronger every week. My classes are dynamic, upbeat, and fun. You can always expect Taylor Swift to be on the playlist in my classes! See you on the reformer!
Jennifer Cumba
Bio Coming Soon
Kathryn (Kat) Smith
Kathryn has been teaching a wide variety of fitness classes in Houston since 2013. She is absolutely thrilled to be a part of the team at Duo. For her, Pilates is a focused practice that provides the perfect blend of strengthening and mobility to complement and support all other fitness pursuits. When Kathryn is not teaching class,
you can catch her in the neighborhood playing piano, riding a bicycle, walking her sweet puppy, Leah, or having a delicious cup of coffee at Duo!
Maria Posa
My name is Maria and I am a Personal Trainer with a great passion for movement and healing.
I earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy and a master’s degree in acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. I’m is very passionate about health and wellness which allows me to incorporate practices like mindfulness and conscious breathing to improve physical, mental, and emotional health.
Since 2014, I’ve held a certification in yoga and Pilates, and in 2020 began Pilates Reformer training.
My classes are fun and challenging with an emphasis on athleticism and body awareness.
Michelle Raleigh
Hi! My name is Michelle and I’m so excited to be part of your Pilates practice.
I hold a deep interest in wellness, nutrition, body systems, and the mind-body connection. After a decade of working in corporate America, I focused my career on wellness, and shortly after, I completed my nutritional studies in 2017 and Pilates training in 2022.
I’ve coupled my love of self-care and eating to nourish, with a mindful Pilates practice that has aligned and rehabilitated me after suffering a back injury in 2014. Mindful movement through a Pilates practice has helped me rediscover my strength, grace, and confidence.
I teach from the heart, bringing my love of playful curiosity, self-discovery, and mind-body connection together for each class. I lead my classes with compassion, and I strive to work with each client to understand their personal needs. My classes offer a balanced and controlled flow so your mind and body are challenged in a safe and positive environment.
Outside the studio, I enjoy spending time traveling with my family and experiencing new cultures. I consider myself a self-care guru who is always searching for ways to feel my very best!
Nicole Scola
Hi! My name is Nicole, and being active has always been a part of who I am. Growing up, I was a 3 sport athlete and played club basketball and attended workout classes for fun while in college. I'm a competitive girl at heart who likes a good challenge. After being affected by a sickness that caused inflammation and pain in my joints, I attended a Pilates class with the hope of experiencing an effective workout that helped build strength and mobility back into my body where I needed it most. I was hooked from the start. I immediately took to training, as I knew that I needed to take this passion for Pilates a step further. I have been teaching at Duo since. What better place to be than at a coffee shop that has a Pilates studio AND offers happy hours?!
I am from Boston, MA, and moved to Houston in 2021. Outside of the studio, you can find me working my 9-5 selling booking software for fitness studios, salons, and spas, OR at Texans games cheering on my boyfriend! Can’t wait to see you all on the reformer!
Rachel Malone
Hi, My name is Rachel and I can't wait to meet you at Duo!
I'm a classically trained and comprehensively certified Pilates instructor through Peak Pilates. I began taking Pilates to help with alignment issues and pain due to scoliosis. After finding relief from my back pain, I was instantly hooked!
As a former elementary school teacher making the switch to instructing Pilates came naturally. I am passionate about helping clients achieve their goals by finding their mind, body & spirit connection.
I'm a true believer in the body awareness that Pilates brings to its participants and that it really is a movement modality for everybody. I continue to deepen my teaching knowledge, by attending workshops and lectures.
When outside of the studio, I enjoy traveling (mostly to the beach!), visiting family and friends, trying-out new restaurants, and of course grabbing a coffee at Duo!
Rayna Reid Rayford
Physical movement and activity have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From starting dance classes at the age of 3, to varsity athletics in middle and high school, to rowing at the D1 collegiate level, I am truly a fitness fanatic. I also understand the importance of going the extra mile, having completed several marathons and triathlons, even an Ironman.
After a friend suggested trying out a Pilates reformer class, I was hooked, and a year later started my instructor training. I am extremely excited to share my passion for healthy living with the Duo community!
I moved to Houston in 2019, and outside of the studio, you can find me crafting or catching up on the latest in pop culture!
Sadie Reidy
My name is Sadie and I am so excited to be a part of such an inspiring team here at DUO!
I grew up playing various sports throughout school and while at University, I taught Mat Pop Pilates and earned a certification in Barre shortly after. My passion for teaching fitness and health overall lead me to earn a degree in Kinesiology, Athletic Coaching. After teaching mat Pilates at various studios, I began taking interest in Pilates reformer and began frequenting classes. The increase in strength and mobility from just a few weeks of attending classes really sparked my excitement and I began my instructor training shortly after!
With a mixture of classy, upbeat, and tempo-based movement, My classes will challenge you and push you to the limit. Can’t wait to see you all on the reformer!
Sally Le
Hi! My name is Sally, and I can’t wait to meet you! Here’s a little about me.
I found Pilates after learning I needed to modify my workout regimen to accommodate changes in my cardiovascular health. I wanted to find a low-impact workout that would build strength and tone. After I took my first Pilates class, the rest was history.
As a certified group fitness instructor, I focus on strength, mobility, and agility in my pilates classes. You can expect a dynamic and challenging class paired with the best throwback song remixes. My goal is to get you to your fitness goals while you have fun.
As a former orthopedic rep, I specialize in hip and knee anatomy. Needless to say, I keep my routines interesting and impactful while protecting your joint lines. I was recognized as one of Houston’s Top Fitness instructors in 2022. I largely attribute that accolade to my attention to creating challenging workouts with safety in mind.
When I’m not at the studio, you can find me hanging out with my pups (Chip and Tater), basking in the sunshine or drinking coffee at Duo. Feel free to book a private with me or catch me in a group class!
Suzie Showalter
Hi! I’m Suzie!
I discovered Pilates during college after a childhood of playing basketball, running cross country, and participating in exercises that left me feeling like I needed to alter myself to excel. Through Pilates, I have discovered that I am so strong and beautiful, both mentally and physically. I have fallen in love with the mind body connection Pilates brings and have a confidence in myself that at some point was lost in my younger years. I am a firm believer that Pilates is for everybody and every BODY! You are so very welcome here!
If I’m not in the studio, I’m drinking a Duo Dreamsicle matcha, walking my 120 lb dog, hanging out with one of my (9) sisters, or helping bring babies into the world as a labor and delivery RN. I can’t wait to meet you on the reformer!
Vanessa Teste
Hola,
I’m Vanessa; Born and raised in Houston!
After the birth of my son, I was in search of a way to boost my mental and physical health, so I started taking PiYo and fell in love. The mind and body challenge associated with PiYo is just what I needed; It also helped me realize a desire to share that experience with others.
Shortly after Insanity, I got certified in PiYo and also started teaching Pilates Reformer.
A few things about me; I Love astrology, animals, good vibes, Halloween, and hanging out with friends & family. I’ve also run an online vintage store for the past 10+ years!
I hope to see you on the reformer for a Plank-tastic time!