Director and head instructor

Over a decade ago, Shawn McCormack left her high-powered corporate job at GQ to become an instructor at the Lotte Berk Method, training with U.S. founder Lydia Bach as well as directors Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp. A long time hard-charging athlete,Shawn found this method of exercise to be challenging, empowering and energizing. When the Lotte Berk Method closed its doors five years later, Shawn taught a similar technique, Core Fusion, at Exhale spa for two years before going out on her own to create a more modern, balanced sequence of disciplined movements to sculpt the bodies of her private clients throughout New York City. In these one-on-one sessions, she is passionate about tailoring each workout to each client's specific goals, maximizing their time - and minimizing potential injury.

Now, with The Body, this Lotte Berk Method veteran and certified yoga instructor has designed a workout that pours all of this passion and experience into the ideal 55-minute class. Taking from the very best of Lotte Berk Method, yoga and Pilates, the sequences that Shawn has fine-tuned for The Body are perfect hybrids of strength-training, intense stretching, and high-energy movement - every position is attainable, effective, and carefully designed to ensure clients are never risking injury. "If you can come to The Body two or three times a week, you will see changes in your body in a month - maybe less," says Shawn. "Your waist will be narrower, your thighs and hips trimmer, your arms and shoulders sculpted." That incredible transformation is what will keep The Body's clients coming back for more - finally fully committed (some might even say, addicted) to a fitness routine.

Alana Reed began studying The Pilates Method at Skidmore College in 1995 as a student in the dance department. Upon graduation, Alana moved to New York City and earned a Masters Degree in Social Work from The Columbia University School of Social Work. In 2001 Alana was certified to teach Pilates by Romana Kryzanowska, one of 5 living original protégés of Joseph Pilates and the leading Pilates instructor in the world. Alana has traveled all over the U.S. to study Pilates with the most experienced and innovative teachers in the industry. Alana taught mat classes and individual private sessions at the Sports Club LA in Rockefeller Center for 5 years. She works with many different populations including many pregnant and post-natal clients. Alana now focuses on private clients at her studio in Midtown Manhattan, private homes and teaches mat classes at hedge funds throughout the city.

Kat Steers trained extensively in the R.A.D. method of classical ballet and went on to receive her B.F.A. in Modern Dance from The North Carolina School of The Arts. She has performed on Broadway, national and international tours, and has been a member of the Radio City Rockettes for the past 16 years. Kat has taught all forms of dance. Each year she enjoys teaching Radio City Rockette Experience classes and Summer Intensives. She also teaches fitness privately in which she incorporates all forms of exercise, Pilates, and dance that she has experienced over the years. Kat is certified in Stott Pilates as well as pre and post natal Pilates and is CPR certified. Kat spent last year teaching a variant of the Lotte Berk Method and is happy to be joining the team of teachers at The Body.

Jaime began dancing from an early age and went on to major in Dance Performance at Oklahoma City University. She has since been dancing professionally in musical theater around the country and has been a Radio City Rockette for the past 10 years! Jaime earned her certification in all levels and equipment Pilates through Pilates Academy International and teaches privately around the city. In addition to exercise, Jaime has begun to take on photography, www.jlfrolaphotography.com. She is excited to join the Body team!

Annie Petersmeyer grew up in Northern California where she played competitive sports and trained in dance. After being named athlete of the year in junior high, she decided to quit sports and focus primarily on dance, her true passion. Annie won numerous scholarships through dance competitions giving her the opportunity to train at Steps and Broadway Dance Center in New York City and the Edge in Los Angeles.

Annie graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music from Florida State University. She has performed professionally in various musicals in New York and around the country and on the David Letterman show. Annie earned her Pilates certification through Pilates Academy International and teaches privately.

Caitlin Diebold received her Bachelor of the Arts degree with Honors in Theatre/Dance, from Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut in May 2004. After graduation Caitlin moved to New York City to pursue a career in nonprofit development. After 2 years working at The Bowery Mission in development Caitlin decided to pursue her love of dance and movement. She enrolled at the Steinhardt School at NYU for her Masters and while studying was trained and began teaching at Ealanta Exercise under Shawn McCormack. In January 2008 Caitlin completed her Masters in Dance Education from New York University. She then worked at American Ballet Theatre as a development associate for 2 years.