BBU Instructors

Leslie Clayton is the founder and owner of Body Awareness. Since it's opening in 1993, Leslie has been commited to bringing the Body Awareness philosophy to the Atlanta community. Leslie has a professional ballet and modern dance background, as well as having Polarity Therapy and Polarity Yoga training, is a Reiki Energy Healer, and a Crystal Healer.

Leslie began her Pilates training with Ramana Krysanowska in New York, and has studied with teachers from San Francisco, Santa Fe and Colorado. She combines her knowledge of dance, Pilates, Yoga and gentle body therapies to create effective programs for all therapeutic and fitness levels. Leslie brings Pilates trainers, fitness professionals and health care practitioners together for continuing education and to maintain the highest standards of fitness, health and well being for her trainers and her clients. Leslie is also a Level III Meridian Flexibility & Strength Training Intern.

Donna Riley has a bachelor of fine arts degree in dance from Rutgers University and holds 5 nationally recognized certifications in the fitness field. For the past 20 years she has dedicated herself to studying various movement techniques and conditioning programs including ballet, modem dance, jazz, Pilates, Alexander, and physical therapy based rehabilitation exercises. Donna is gifted in the art of analyzing and teaching movement in a way that helps her clients understand and train their body on a deeper level than ever before. Donna has a profound level of respect for the body because she believes that it is the most exquisitely designed machine on earth. "I am passionate about helping people experience the thrill of being strong, flexible, balanced, and centered," she says. "This process begins with an awareness of the body as an integrated whole. Ultimately, my goal is for them to truly own and celebrate their bodies! I utilize a sensible and balanced approach so all my clients feel a sense of accomplishment and success." Donna's years of experience with dance and fitness combined with her creative, unique, and inspiring style helps to ensure that her clients discover the joy of movement. Donna is also the only Level V Meridian Flexibility and Strength Training Instructor in the Southeast.

Sara Sammons-Ulmer was first introduced to Pilates in 2001 while completing her BFA in interior design at the University of Georgia. After graduation, Sara began training to become a teacher because she wanted to share the amazing benefits of Pilates with others. Sara is a Body Awareness Studio certified instructor. She is excited to be back at Body Awareness after teaching Pilates on Amelia Island, Florida for the last 2 1/2 years. Sara is currently a Body Awareness teacher trainer apprentice and is assisting as well as actively teaching in the 2007 teacher training program. Sara combines her knowledge of Pilates, dance, and gymnastics to create effective programs for all her clients. Sara is also a Level I Meridian Flexibility and Strength Training Intern.

Jeannine Corbell is a Body Awareness Studio certified Pilates instructor and combines her knowledge of dance and body conditioning in her classes. She received a degree in musical theater from the University of Frankfurt, Germany and performed, professionally, with the Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Company of Chicago. Jeannine was head of the dance department of St. Margarets Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano, California and was on the dance faculty of Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California. Jeannine is also a certified Gyrotonic teacher. Jeannine is also a Level I Meridian Flexibility & Strength Training Intern.

Cory Garner became a student of Pilates six years ago while completing her BS in Industrial Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her classes utilize a blend of classic and contemporary Pilates philosophies. She views the Pilates Method of exercise as a vital component in the creation and maintenance of balance, strength, and efficient movement in the complex systems of the human body. Cory was trained in classic style Pilates and has done numerous continuing Education workshops at Body Awareness. She has also studied in Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Colorado. Cory is also a Level II Meridian Flexibility & Strength Training Intern.