Instructors

Christine Romani-Ruby, MPT, ATC

Christine Romani-RubyChrissy is the co-owner and educational director of the PHI Pilates Studio of Pittsburgh. She comes to the studio with 19 years of experience as a Physical Therapist and Certified Athletic Trainer, 20 years as a personal trainer and fitness instructor, 10 years as the founder and president of PHI Pilates an organization that trains Pilates instructors in the United States, Asia, South America and Europe, and 7 years of experience as a college professor in the areas of Physical Therapy and wellness.

A licensed direct access Physical Therapist, Chrissy holds a double BS in Exercise Science and Natural Science, a MS in Physical Therapy and is presently a doctoral candidate in education at Indiana University of PA.  She is an Associate Professor in the department of Exercise Science at California University of PA and a part time instructor in the department of Physical Therapy at Slippery Rock University.

A renowned professional in the field of Pilates, she has developed Pilates programs for large fitness companies such as Town Sports International and Club Corp and was the first Pilates training organization to streamline the education by bringing it into the facility environment in scientific learning modules that are safe for group exercise of the general population. She has used her skills in Physical Therapy to embrace the principles of Pilates while maintaining a safe environment where individuals can progress with less risk of injury, no matter what their fitness level or disability.

Chrissy has created 14 Pilates DVDs, 5 Pilates books and a full curriculum of education for Pilates that has been taught internationally to both fitness and rehabilitation professionals for the past 11 years. All instructors at the Phi Pilates Studio of Pittsburgh are trained through the Phi Pilates curriculum as well as other Pilates educators. This curriculum is based on the scientific foundation of Physical Therapy while still being true to the Pilates six principles.

Kristin Henson

Kristen HensonKristin is excited to begin her third career as a Pilates instructor and co-owner of Phi Pilates Studio.  With a BA in Economics and a MA in Library Science, she began her first career with Alcoa.  Nine years later she started her second career as the Controller for a family business.  The one thing that the first two careers had in common was too much time sitting at a desk.  Kristin started her Pilates training with Chrissy Ruby five years ago to correct postural problems that were resulting in chronic back pain.  The experience was transforming and Kristin has continued her own personal training and certification with Phi Pilates.  She believes that Pilates can help everyone improve how they feel, how they move and how they look and is committed to providing training that is safe, challenging and fun.

 

Lindsey Hensler Chropka PTA

Lindsey HenslerLindsey holds an associate degree in Physical Therapy and a BS in exercise Science from California University of PA.  She is fully trained in Pilates by PHI Pilates and has been a member of the faculty since we our opened our doors in 2007. 

 

Marianne Bokan Blair

Marianne Bokan BlairMarianne started taking Pilates classes after reading about the benefits for equestrian riders.  Over the last six years, she has seen remarkable improvements in her riding and her posture.  She holds training in Pilates through Phi PIlates and has attended national workshops to enhance her skills.  She is PMA certified.  Marianne was one of the people who helped to create the vision for Phi Pilates Studio and she has been a member of the faculty since its inception.  Marianne enjoys sharing the many benefits of Pilates with her clients.  She is happily married with three daughters.

 

Lauren Nahas MPT

Lauren NahasLauren is a graduate of Duquesne University where she obtained a Masters of Physical Therapy degree in August of 2004. She is a licensed physical therapist and home care therapist, as well as the Pilates-based physical therapy and wellness program coordinator at Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy Associates, Inc. in Mt. Lebanon, PA. Lauren enjoys utilizing Pilates in the clinic by incorporating the principles into her physical therapy rehabilitation programs. She also has an extensive ballet background which further enhances her knowledge of body movement and awareness. Lauren is a master Pilates instructor for Phi Pilates and has received all of her training through PHI Pilates.

 

Ben Reuter, PhD, CSCS, *D, ATC

Ben ReuterBen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Exercise Science and Sport Studies at California University of PA.  He earned his doctorate in Exercise Physiology from Auburn University, and his masters, with an emphasis in Athletic training, from Old Dominion University.   Ben is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, with Distinction, and is an Associate Editor for the Strength and Conditioning Journal, a journal of the NSCA.  He was originally introduced to Pilates as a method to treat an athletic injury.  The success of the Pilates regimen, along with his interests in injury prevention and performance enhancement for endurance athletes, has led to his continuing involvement and education with Pilates.  Ben received his training in Pilates through Phi Pilates.  In 2007 he successfully passed the Pilates Method Alliance certification exam, and is currently certified by the PMA.  Ben has presented for a number of professional organizations regionally, nationally and internationally, including a trip to China to present for the NSCA in the summer of 2009.  Ben also presents as Master Teacher training Pilates professionals for Phi Pilates.

 

Nancy Dennison

Nancy DennisonNancy has been practicing Pilates for over 10 years and completed her training with Phi Pilates in 2008.  She is a certified Pilates instructor through the Pilates Method Alliance.  Nancy enjoys challenging her clients and helping them to improve their posture while getting a great workout.  She is our resident gardener and does all of the beautiful pots and decorations in front of the studio!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lynn Patterson

Lynn has been working with Phi Pilates since its inception in 1999.  She completed her training with Phi Pilates in 2000 and starred in several of PHI Pilates textbooks and videos.  Lynn is known for her creative classes and expert cueing.  Lynn is also trained in yoga.

MaryAnn Martin (Apprentice)

Maryann began her education at West Chester University where she was awarded with academic excellence for achieving top 3 GPA in the computer science graduating class.  After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, she worked at various positions in this field. After realizing the need to become more active outside of her full time occupation, Maryann became certified as a fitness instructor in 1997. She continued to teach and train clients throughout the years. Maryann is certified through AFAA as a fitness and kickboxing instructor. She enjoys teaching many class formats such as Resist-a-ball, BOSU, step, cardio mix, kickboxing, strength, and spin. She is also a SPINNING Star 2 certified instructor as well as CPR and AED certified.   Most recently, Maryann completed her Pilates training through PHI Pilates and is preparing to sit for the Pilates Method Alliance exam to become a certified Pilates teacher.
She currently enjoys splitting her time between her work as a consultant in Information Technology, a fitness instructor/personal training and the most challenging job of all -  being a mother of 3 young children.  Maryann’s constant drive for learning turned her to the Pilates world where she wanted to expand her knowledge and skills.

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4158 Library Road * Pittsburgh, PA 15234 * 412-563-1807

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