Audrey Stever, owner and director of Absolute Pilates has been living in the Woodstock/Canton area for 20 years. After 28 years of teaching ballet and jazz, she decided to further her education by studying and training to teach pilates. Having experienced the pilates method as a former dancer, Mrs. Stever was very familiar with the traditional work of Joseph Pilates and the many benefits one can receive from pilates. Mrs. Stever received a Reformer Certification from Power House Pilates in 2004. She then continued to complete a comprehensive certification to include Mat, Reformer, Wunda Chair and Cadillac repertoires from Reformation Pilates in 2005. She continues to attend educational conferences and has taken additional training for pilates as it relates to dancers, golfers and tennis players, scoliosis and other forms of rehabilitation. Mrs. Stever enjoys working with dance companies offering insight into the pilates method and how it relates to dance. She also devotes time to clients who are generally fit as well as professional athletes. Mrs. Stever has used the pilates method to help expectant mothers and clients who are suffering from chronic back pain. She has a keen eye for lines and kinetic movement. When asked why she chose to study pilates she stated, “I have seen it help so many different kinds of people and I want to be able to share that information with others. For me personally, it is going to keep me moving into my nineties, pain free.” Mrs. Stever resides in Canton and is excited to bring pilates to the Woodstock area. She is married to Mark Stever and has three sons, Kyle, Shane and Bart.
Debbie Flanagan is a certified Pilates Instructor. She has 10 years of experience teaching beginner to advanced levels of mat and apparatus lessons. She received certification through Katrina Roelle, Master Instructor and owner of Reformation Pilates. Debbie teaches Anatomy for Pilates to instructors in training. She earned a Bachelors of Science degree at East Carolina University in 1991. She is a licensed physical therapy assistant with a strong background in orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation. She led a work-conditioning program at a physical therapy clinic in Raleigh, NC. She taught patient education classes for back, neck and stroke conditions. Debbie has received a variety of continuing education in osteoporosis, spondyolisthesis, geriatric muscular and vestibular conditioning, fibromyalgia, diabetes, hip/knee replacement and stroke rehabilitation. She has also studied Maitland’s approach to manual therapy. She uses Pilates techniques for post-rehabilitation and pre/post-natal clients. She teaches Pilates focusing on breath, neutral spine, flow, precision and integrity of the movement. The exercises and movements are taught with modifications as needed for each individual.
Jeannine Corbell was born and raised in Darmstadt, Germany where she received her degree in dance and pedagogy from the University of Frankfurt/M., Germany. She came to the United States on a full scholarship to Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago and continued her career as a professional dancer, performer and master teacher on the West Coast. In 2000 she relocated to Atlanta where she received her certification in Pilates Mat and Apparatus through Body Awareness Studio. She has a great following of clients and is a Teacher Trainer for Balanced Body University. She loves to combine her vast knowledge of Dance, her teaching experience and great understanding, love and passion for Body Movement into her high energy Pilates classes. Welcome Jeannine! We are excited to have you here!
Melinda Wright, Certified Instructor
Melinda’s enthusiasm for physical fitness began at a very early age. As a child through her adolescent years, Melinda participated in competitive gymnastics. During her years as a gymnast, she learned the many components of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Her passion for health influenced her to elect Exercise and Health Science as her field of study while attending Kennesaw State University. While studying at the University, Melinda was a member of the Back-to-Back NCA National Championship competitive cheer teams in 2004 and 2005. After completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Health Science, Melinda was introduced to pilates. In April 2010, she began her extensive training through Balanced Body University (BBU). Currently Melinda has completed Mat I, Mat II, Tower I and Reformer I. Beginning January 2011, she will be completing her comprehensive training. She currently teaches gymnastics at the competitive level at World of Gymnastics.
Melinda firmly believes pilates is the key to healthy aging.
As Joseph Pilates once said, “I must be right. Never an aspirin. Never injured a day in my life. The whole country, the whole world, should be doing my exercises. They'd be happier.” -- Joseph Hubertus Pilates, in 1965, age 86
