Meet the Team

Mary K Herrera - Studio Owner, Teacher trainer, Certified Pilates instructor: NCPT, NCPC-PMC, CBE

 

What’s your pilates story?

I discovered Pilates following a soccer injury that resulted in a torn ACL. Despite undergoing extensive physical therapy for many months, I still felt profoundly weak. Simple tasks like walking for more than 30 minutes became excruciatingly painful. Realizing the need for a transformation, I turned to Pilates to not only strengthen my injured leg but also to fortify my entire body. Through consistent practice, I experienced a remarkable improvement in my strength and overall well-being, surpassing my pre-injury condition. This transformation fueled my passion, leading me to embark on Pilates teacher training in 2017.

Driven by my love and passion for Pilates, I established Era Pilates with a vision to create a space where individuals could enhance their movement capabilities and achieve greater strength. Over the years, I've dedicated myself to honing my expertise by learning from master trainers such as Lisa Eppen, Anula Maliberg, Cara Reeser, and Jennifer Gainni. My areas of specialization include contemporary and classical Pilates methodologies, business management, prenatal and postpartum Pilates, and childbirth education.

Era Pilates has been a realization of my aspirations. Leaving behind the corporate world, I committed myself entirely to Era Pilates, and I haven't looked back since. As the years passed, my vision for Era Pilates evolved, leading to the inception of Era Pilates Teacher Training School in 2023. This initiative aims to shape the future of the Pilates industry in Indianapolis and beyond, ensuring that the principles and benefits of Pilates are disseminated widely.

What do you find the most rewarding through teaching?

Building connections with my clients is immensely rewarding for me. Witnessing their strength and confidence grow through consistent practice fills me with joy. Moreover, my journey through teacher training has sparked a passion for nurturing new instructors. It's not just about teaching them new exercises; it's about instilling in them the ability to think critically and provide proper assistance to clients with special concerns or to help our clients achieve their goals.

Anna Inuzuka - Pilates Instructor

 

What’s your Pilates story?

I first tried Pilates on the recommendation of my music teacher while I was studying French Horn at The Boston Conservatory. He recommended it because it strengthens your core, posture, and breath control (all important things for a brass player). I can still remember practicing mat work in my tiny dorm room. Fast forward three years, I tried reformer pilates while attending graduate school at CalArts in Southern California. I loved it and would’ve taken class everyday if I could. I graduated but ultimately decided not to pursue a career in music. Music lead me to Pilates, and I cannot exactly say what pushed me to do it, but I decided to sign up to train as a Pilates Instructor. Fast forward to now and I’m fully certified and have been teaching for nearly ten years. I’ve always found the focused approach to exercise that Pilates offers to be really grounding, I still do! 

What do you find most rewarding about teaching?

Seeing my students improve their relationship with their body. Let’s face it we only have one body and it’s with us our whole life. Seeing my students go form believing they’re weak or broken to knowing they’re strong, from hating exercise to finding joy in movement, from feeling insecure to being confident in their body and abilities. It is definitely rewarding. Pilates is both an external and internal experience and there’s a lot to learn, but learning Pilates is really fun!

Liz Eppler - Pilates Instructor

 

What’s your pilates story?

My Pilates journey began in 2020, after a running injury led me to find out I have hip dysplasia. After seeing a physical therapist it was recommended that I give pilates a try. I was instantly hooked. I found myself getting stronger, without putting pressure on my hip. I was pain free and in the best shape of my life! A year later I took a Pilates Teacher training program and the rest is history! 

What do you find most rewarding about teaching?

My Clients! I love helping my clients become stronger, pain free, and healthier versions of themselves. Our private, duet, and trio sessions really enable me to make connections with clients. I love learning about what your goals are and helping you make a plan to meet them. I also love meeting new people! Nothing is more wonderful than witnessing the mental and physical transformations that my clients experience. I am so thankful to be able to be a part of this journey with you. 

Hali Foxworthy - Pilates Instructor

 

What’s your Pilates story?

This began when I moved to Bates Hendricks and decided to try Era Pilates after an ever rotating routine of other workouts. It was super challenging and I was not great on my first visits like I had been at other standard exercise classes, intriguing me to try more and get better. I loved getting to try the exercises on different pieces of equipment and being able to focus on my weaker areas to keep getting stronger- hello hip flexors! Fast forward 2.5 years later and I was signed up for Era's first ever class of teacher training.

What do you find most rewarding about teaching?

Working with clients! It's fun to teach someone new to the practice and see the look on their faces when you help them find that proper alignment in a position or when they complete that first session. I also love the communication and feedback aspect from others! So hearing what my clients and colleagues like or what they want to try in sessions, helps me grow as an instructor as well.

Jorey - Pilates Instructor

 

What’s your Pilates story?

My pilates journey began after suffering from an ankle injury in gymnastics during my last year of college. I had been an active athlete my whole life. My body had taken a beating and I could feel it in my everyday life. Getting out of bed, walking, and any type of physical movement had my body in pain. It made any type of working out difficult and no longer enjoyable. I tried crossfit, lifting, running, and HIIT workouts but nothing seemed to make my body feel like it had during my active years. One day I decided to go try a pilates class and I never looked back. I started to gain mobility, flexibility, and strength that I hadn’t had in awhile. After 4 years of practising pilates, life finally allowed me to get certified. Now I am able to help people improve their everyday life and feel like the best version of themselves!

What do you find most rewarding about teaching?

Making my clients feel the best they’ve ever felt is why I teach! I love setting up a plan to help my client gain mobility and strength to help them live pain free every day. Pilates can help you at every stage of life so no matter your age or your condition, pilates is for you!

Jeanine Drover - Pilates Instructor

 

What’s your Pilates story?

I started doing pilates after driving by a studio and being curious about it. At the time my fiancé said to me “why don’t you do it. Do something for yourself. You are always doing things for everyone else.” and so I did. I booked an intro class and from the first time I was on a reformer I was in love. I loved the full body workout. I loved how strong I became and then more confident in myself. I loved that any body type, any fitness level, can do pilates, just at different levels. I love the results you can see and feel in taking a class that is either very basic or advanced. That was 12 years ago, and I still love everything about it. I had been at a few other studios, in group classes. When I came to Era, it just took everything to the next level for me as far as really learning to get the most out of each exercise, the muscle focus, and goals that can be set from private sessions. From there my interest continued to grow and evolve to becoming a teacher.

What do you find most rewarding about teaching?

I want to see students grow and achieve their fitness goals. Whether that is just coming to class to move, becoming stronger, complementing another fitness routine, or strengthening a specific part of their body. Pilates being available to anyone of any fitness level allows me to work with almost anyone

Paige Mason - Pilates Instructor

 

What’s your Pilates story?

5 years ago I was recovering from a knee surgery and was in search for a new routine that wouldn’t be so damaging on my knee but still gave me a sweat. I stumbled upon Pilates and immediately became obsessed. For me Pilates is a mindful yet energizing practice where you have the chance to nourish your body and mind while feeling stronger, more aligned and centred. I truly believe that movement should be your happy place and your mat/carriage is an island where you can find harmony and balance, a safe place into which you can step into. Once the Comprehensive Teacher Training was announced, a lightbulb went off and an instant decision to become a Pilates teacher was made. It was the easiest decision I’ve ever had to make and excited to take my Pilates journey to the next level.

What I find most rewarding about teaching?

I love to see my clients shine through movement and connection. Motivating them to take their Pilates practice to that next level is truly rewarding. For me, having the opportunity  to work with individuals on bettering their self through movement is what excites me the most. I am very excited to continue working 1 on 1 with clients on goals that they are wanting to achieve. Knowing that I’m making a difference in someone’s life is satisfying and empowering. 


Adrianna Swift- Pilates Instructor

 

What’s your Pilates story?

My journey with Pilates began relatively recently, yet it's already made a profound impact on me. Like many, I've grappled with prioritizing my health as an adult, struggling to find consistency in exercise and self-care. Then, one day, I stumbled upon a Pilates-inspired class and was immediately captivated by the fluidity of movement. However, it wasn't until I discovered Era Pilates that I truly felt at home. Making the decision to dive into Teacher Training was a defining moment for me. Pilates has become more than just a workout; it's a sanctuary that grants me clarity and focus, allowing me to slow down and truly connect with myself.

What I find most rewarding about teaching?

What I find most rewarding about teaching is witnessing the transformative power of self-care unfold in others' lives. I firmly believe that nurturing oneself is essential for personal growth, and through teaching Pilates, I have the privilege of guiding individuals on this journey. It's incredibly fulfilling to see my students discover newfound strength and focus as they dedicate themselves to the practice. Witnessing their progress not only brings me joy but also reinforces the profound impact Pilates can have on one's overall well-being.