About Us
The Story Behind Centered Studio Pilates
Movement has the power to heal when it’s taught with care.
Centered Studio Pilates was founded in 2013 in San Leandro, California, with one clear purpose: to help people move better, feel stronger, and live with greater ease through the practice of mindful, functional Pilates.
What began as one Teacher’s dream to share the life-changing benefits of Pilates has grown into a supportive community built on compassion, education, and empowerment.
Our approach is rooted in science and delivered with empathy — every class and session is designed to help you strengthen, stretch, and restore at your own pace.
We don’t believe in fast-paced, high-volume classes or “no pain, no gain” workouts. At Centered Studio Pilates, we prioritize quality movement, personal attention, and an environment where every client feels seen, encouraged, and safe.
Is This You?
You are in the right place if...
You’ve been wanting to get back into movement but worry about injury or pain.
You’ve tried large classes before and felt lost, unseen, or rushed.
You want expert instruction that meets you where you are — not a one-size-fits-all routine.
You’re ready to feel strong again, confident in your body, and supported by Teachers who truly care.
You want to age with grace and maintain flexibility.
If any of this sounds familiar, you'll fit right in here.
We Understand — and It’s Why We Care
We get it — starting something new can feel intimidating, especially if you’re dealing with pain or have felt discouraged in other fitness environments.
Many of us on the Centered Studio Pilates team first came to Pilates to heal from our own injuries and rediscover movement we could trust.
That’s why we’re passionate about helping you do the same. We know how powerful it is to find a space where your body feels capable again — and we’re here to make that experience fun, accessible, and uplifting for you.
Centered Studio Pilates is not your typical Pilates studio.
We offer a therapeutic, functional approach focused on posture, alignment, balance, and sustainable strength — not trends or generic workouts.
Every Teacher on our team is trained by respected Pilates education programs, allowing us to modify exercises for every body type and ability.
We believe Pilates should help you move through daily life with ease — bending, lifting, walking, and living with confidence. And that’s exactly what we teach.
Our Mission in Simple
To make mindful movement approachable, empowering, and joy-filled for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Marylinn and Centered Studio Pilates is great. I have been doing Pilates since 2008. Marylinn is the best instructor. She varies the routines to keep them fresh and challenging. I have some limitations from back surgeries and am able to work around them with her help. Nice equipment. Small classes. Great hours. Highest recommendation. If you are just starting Pilates or have been doing it for years like me, you should come to Centered Studio Pilates.
Murdock G.
This is a great Pilates studio with quality instructors, a wide variety of equipment and a number of uncommon classes (e.g., a combination cardio and Pilates class using a mini-trampoline attached to the reformer). I have a number of issues with my hips, back, and arms that periodically flare up, and every instructor I've had at Centered Studio Pilates has been attentive and willing and able to adapt my sessions to accommodate the limitations. I credit my classes and private sessions with the instructors at the studio a major factor in the mobility and flexibility I've been able to retain as I've moved into my seventies.
Kirsten M.
I love Centered Studio Pilates! Marylinn is wonderful and so motivated as a trainer. She pushes her clients and tailors workouts to the skill level of the class! I am seeing my body transform in just four weeks of twice a week Pilates.
Love the cardio jump classes and love the overall layout of the studio.
Kelle K.
Meet Our Team
Our Teachers share a common philosophy — that movement should meet you where you are and evolve as you do. Each Teacher is exceptionally trained and deeply committed to ongoing education, ensuring you receive the most effective and most encouraging instruction possible.
Together, we bring a blend of science, empathy, and enthusiasm to every session — creating a supportive space for clients of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
MARYLINN WHEATLEY-POWERS, NCPT®
Founder / Director & Teacher
Marylinn started her love of movement at a young age with a background in dance and performance. She discovered Pilates in 2005 and began practicing it regularly. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and a minor in Psychology. She began her first comprehensive Pilates Teacher training program with STOTT PILATES® in 2012 and was certified in 2013. She is also comprehensively certified by Body Harmonics and is a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT).
Marylinn considers herself a perpetual student and is always looking for new techniques and exercises to incorporate into her clients’ sessions. She completed a Specialist Certificate in Post-Rehabilitation Conditioning by STOTT PILATES and became Total Barre Qualified in 2016. She is especially interested in using Pilates as a tool to improve dynamic posture and develop, efficient, functional movement patterns. When she is not practicing Pilates, Marylinn enjoys yoga, spinning, hikes with her dogs and husband, and reading.
MINDY RIZZO
Studio Assistant / Client Care Team
Mindy is a long-time local resident that came to Centered Studio Pilates after retiring from a career in customer service, operations, and logistics. She brought her strong organization and communication skills to our lovely studio!
She already had a great love of Pilates and enjoys chatting with clients about all things Pilates. She is happy to help our community of clients with patiently answering questions, booking appointments and making sure our studio and sessions run smoothly for everyone.
SARAH SCHORI
Senior Teacher
Sarah took her first Pilates class at age 11 and loved how it helped her with her ballet training. While attending the University of Arizona School of Dance, Pilates was instrumental in helping her through a hip injury (pre and post surgery), so she decided to go through the Fletcher Pilates Comprehensive Program.
After completing her Pilates program and BFA in dance in 2009, Sarah taught and danced a few years at home in the Bay Area. She then moved to NYC where she deepened her knowledge and honed her skills while working at various studios including Erika Bloom Pilates Plus. She studied scoliosis protocols, pre and post natal, neuro disorders and gait training with NYC master teachers including Irene Dowd, Kuan Hui Chew and Madeline Black.
Sarah is known for her attention to detail and warm, calming nature. Her goal is to help all clients move through their life joyfully and pain free. When she isn’t teaching Pilates, she’s teaching ballet and theater and performing in musicals.
NAHAL FOULADPOUR
Pilates Teacher
Nahal’s journey began at a young age when she discovered her love for movement through a magazine featuring leg balancing exercises. Although she didn’t know it at the time, those early experiences would lay the foundation for a lifelong passion.
After the birth of her first child, she experienced the power of Pilates. It became a source of strength and support during a pivotal time in her life, helping her navigate the challenges of motherhood with grace and resilience. Recognizing the profound benefits of this practice, she made the decision to pursue a career as a Pilates Teacher after welcoming her second child. She is comprehensively certified by Body Harmonics.
Nahal believes that Pilates is more than just a workout; it is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. She is committed to sharing her knowledge and love of Pilates with others and looks forward to guiding many more on their paths to wellness and strength
AMY SIMMONS
Pilates Teacher
Amy studied Dance Ethnography at San Francisco State University, where she specialized in cultural dance and movement practices from around the world. SFSU is also where she first fell in love with Pilates, offered as the class "Dance Medicine" where, in the often competitive dance world, "we all got to be on a sort of 'Island of Misfit Toys' together and improve our movement in a curious and non-competitive way," she says. Amy also has an extended musical and performing arts background, and has played in various bands and ensembles. She enjoys creating Pilates programs that fit the needs of the modern working (and retiring) population, as well as special interest leisure activities like archery, dog training, guitar playing, crafting, etc.
Amy has also worked in a clinical setting with brain injury patients, incorporating movement, rhythm exercises, and games into their treatment plans for improving cognition and mobility challenges. Inspired by the work of Kathy Stanford Grant, she is under the mentorship of Tonya Amos through the Balanced Body comprehensive teacher training program, focusing her Pilates training on bringing the work to marginalized communities in an accessible and empowering way.
When not studying or teaching movement, Amy is coaching her energetic Malinois mix in dog sports, scent work, and gentle loving belly rubs.
SUZY GRANT
Pilates Teacher
Suzy made a profound connection with Pilates after sustaining several injuries in her dance career. Pilates was transformational in repairing, growing, and maintaining her physical strength and mental well-being. The emphasis on anatomy, strength, and fluid movement felt like a natural connection with dance which made it a welcome addition to her movement practice. As Pilates helped her to feel more connected and grounded, she began teacher training to share Pilates with others.
Suzy is a certified STOTT PILATES® Instructor in Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, Chairs, and Barrels and has also completed training in Injuries and Special Populations. She received her BA in Dance from Columbia College Chicago and has studied Performance Improvisation forms for over 20 years. She has experience working with people of all ages and backgrounds. She loves to help her clients make connections within their bodies and to help them develop confidence and trust in their physical abilities. Suzy is interested in the specificity and detail of Pilates and loves that Pilates can be modified to meet all bodies where they are.
When not in a Pilates studio, Suzy also enjoys dancing, reading, and being outside in nature.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re brand new to Pilates or looking to deepen your practice, there’s a place for you here.
Explore our Private Sessions and small Group Classes to find the right fit for your goals and comfort level.
Every journey starts with a simple step — booking your free consultation.
