About Us

Shauna Smith Yates - OWNER

Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher | STOTT PILATES® Certified | Certified Neuro-Somatic Intelligence Coach | Rock Steady Boxing Coach

Shauna received her full Stott Pilates certification in 2001 and became an Instructor Trainer for the method from 2002-2019. She is a Master Trainer and was Director of Education for Juvo Board, as well as, a Master Teacher for Art of Smart Movement teaching Core Barre, Core Reform, Core Suspend and AIS training.

She holds additional certifications from the National Pilates Certification Program, Precision Nutrition, PaddleFit, and Rock Steady Boxing. Shauna has studied Pilates for Neurological Conditions and is studying to become certified in the Z Health method of neurological training. She has also recently completed her Neuro Somatic Intelligence coaching certification to assist clients in better meeting their goals through trauma-informed teaching with applied neurology to create lasting transformation.

Shauna was honored to be nominated as one of 417 Magazine's Wellness Warriors in 2013, was a 2017 Springfield Business Journal's 40 under 40 recipient, and a member of Leadership Springfield's class 30. She has represented AeroPilates and Stamina Products fitness equipment and has appeared on QVC and HSN. She is excited to be a co-creator of The Mixed Method Pilates Certification program now offered at The Bodysmith. 

Allegra Schaeffer

Certified Pilates Instructor

Allegra has received her Pilates Certification in The Mixed Method (2022), AIS (2022), and PBT (2024). She fell in love with Pilates while at Missouri State University where she was a double major in Musical Theatre and Dance. She has been teaching dance and theatre for over 10 years, and is currently an instructor at Lauren Ashley Dance Center. She is passionate about movement science and helping people find a version of Pilates that they will love and will give them the most benefit. She is available for group and private instruction.

Polly Brandman

Licensed Massage Therapist | Tai Chi Instructor | Rock Steady Boxing Coach | Trained Pilates Instructor

Polly Brandman’s career has focused on movement and movement education. She navigated from dance (Master of Fine Arts) to Massage Therapy, becoming licensed in 1990 and in practice ever since.  Her technique combines Swedish massage, neuromuscular therapy, Reflexology, and AIS. She has taught Kinesiology and Body Mechanics for massage therapy students.

In 2000 she began her study of martial arts and Tai Chi through Grand Master Han.  She attained a 2nd degree black belt in Youn Wha Ryu and certification as an instructor. In 2016, she became a head coach for the Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s program.  In addition she has trained in Pilates and is currently pursuing course work in Z Health, a brain-based, neurocentric approach to movement.

Sarah wilcoxen

Certified Pilates Instructor

Sarah Wilcoxon is a Pilates and Yoga teacher who likes to have clients working hard but laughing while they do it. She also works as a dance teacher, choreographer, and theatre director. One weekend each month, Sarah travels the U.S. as a Progressing Ballet Technique teacher trainer. She helps ballet teachers learn about strength and conditioning for ballet technique. 

Tracy Maxfield

Certified Pilates Instructor, NMT, SRA, NKT, P-DTR Certified

Tracy is trained in multiple treatment methods. He is certified in Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), Spinal Reflex Analysis (SRA), Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT), and Proprioceptive - Deep Tendon Reflex (P-DTR). He has combined these modalities into a very powerful style of treatment. Tracy would say, while others work with the body's hardware, he works with the software by using sensory receptor based therapy. Whatever issue you’re having, Tracy may be able to help. It’s hard to describe a session, but if you go in with an open mind and give him at least three treatments, you will find yourself amazed at the results.

Abbe Ehlers

Yoga and Pilates Instructor

Abbe Ehlers, RYT-500, has been a yoga practitioner for over 14 years and teaching yoga since 2004. Abbe received her yoga teacher certification from the Yoga Alliance after studying with a variety of gifted teachers and through The Yoga Studio of Kansas City. She continues to keep her practice and teaching fresh through self-study and continuing yoga education with master teachers, predominately Aadil Palkhivala and others including; Judith Hanson Lasater, Julie Gudmested, Suzetter Schultz, Shiva Rae. Her foundation for yoga is Purna and Iyengar inspired but she incorporates a variety of styles including vinyasa flow. In 2009, Abbe completed extensive studies in therapeutic yoga with Mr. Palkhivala. Abbe completed her Pilates training at the Bodysmith under the guidance of Shauna Smith-Yates. She believes in the benefits of both practices and is happy to share her love of movement with her clients. 

Deb downs

Certified Rock Steady Boxing Coach

Deb received a BS in Education from Missouri State University majoring in Physical Education and Health and a MS from University of Central Missouri in Exercise Science with an Emphasis in Fitness and Wellness. She has taught Physical Education and Health at Bolivar and coached Volleyball Basketball and Track. Deb finished her teaching and coaching career with Springfield Public Schools where she taught Adapted Physical Education and coached Volleyball and Basketball at Kickapoo High School. Deb enjoys spending her time playing golf and enjoying the outdoors.

DJ Schoolcraft

Certified Personal Trainer

DJ brings a bit of military drill to our studio. He spent ten years in the U.S. Army and Missouri National Guard, during his service, he played Rugby for four years with a German team and his army post team. He is a certified personal trainer. He is also certified in Pilates, and Rock Steady Boxing. He was nominated in 2020 as a Rock Steady Boxing Coach of the Year. His workouts are known to be tough, but full of fun and laughter as well.

Paul Weis

Certified Rock Steady Boxing Coach

Paul was an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God where he served as a youth pastor and pastor. He also spent 14 years in Guatemala in theological and leadership training. In addition, he spent ten years in Central America as the Area Director for over 200 missionaries. After returning to the United States, Paul was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He sought out the Rock Steady Programming to help manage symptoms. He has been coming faithfully and has seen the program's benefits in himself and others. Wanting to help others, he began volunteering as an assistant for some of the Rock Steady Boxing classes. Getting his coaching certificate was the natural next step. Paul’s desire is to do all he can to help others physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Jennifer Simpson

Kettlebell Instructor / Certified Neuro-Somatic Intelligence Coach / Licensed Massage Therapist

Jennifer has over 27 years experience as a manual therapist specializing in neuromuscular and craniosacral therapies. In 2009 she began teaching kettlebells with certifications from RKC and StrongFirst School of Strength. She holds additional certifications and trainings in Precision Nutrition, ZHealth and Certified Kettlebell Functional Movement.

Since 2015 Jennifer has been focusing her energy on applied neurology and teaching others how to improve their movement, vision and balance. She is a Neurosomatic Intelligence coach (NSI) and teaches how to become the expert of your own nervous system using tools to repattern beliefs and behaviors from a place of safety. Jennifer incorporates applied neurology and NSI into her kettlebell training and body work.

Jennifer takes a body positive approach encouraging and supporting clients to become stronger and empowered no matter what shape, size, fitness level or age. She holds space for people to succeed in their fitness and health journeys by uplifting them with her knowledge, enthusiasm, integrity and compassion.

Angie Snyder

Certified Yoga Teacher

Angie began her yoga journey in 2002, by attending a very gentle community class held in an elementary school library. From that moment on, she was hooked. She began teaching in 2005 and is RYT-200 certified. She appreciates all styles of yoga, and recognizes that not every style is for every body. While she loves a good vinyasa class, she also loves Iyengar style with a focus on proper alignment. And she's a big fan of props! Props make our bodies happy, so be prepared to play with them when you come to her class!

Grace Billingsley

Office Manager

From a young age, Grace trained rigorously in dance and theater, guided by the inspiring instructors at the Bodysmith, who helped her build a foundation of health and fitness. Today, she is a non-profit consultant and business advisor, supporting the studio's operations with her expertise. Grace remains deeply committed to the arts and philanthropy as the Executive Director of High Tide Theatrical, an organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in theater. Driven by her belief in the power of theater to inspire positive change, she works tirelessly to make the arts available to all.

Our studio offers a full range of private, duet and group classes designed to facilitate our clients’ individual goals.

The Bodysmith’s beautiful, 4600-square foot studio space is appointed with state-of-the-art STOTT PILATES® equipment. We are located on historic Route 66 near Hammons Field, right next to the Steak 'n Shake on National and St. Louis. We have three parking lots for easy parking