I started taking classes at Pilates Unlimited a year before I elected to have major back surgery to correct scoliosis. Postsurgery, all my doctors, physical therapists and occupational therapists asked me what exercise routine I had been practicing before surgery because I was so strong and was hitting recovery milestones ahead of what they expected for a 57-year-old. When I was released from in-home physical therapy they were delighted to send me back to physical therapy at the Pilates Unlimited studio, where as I've regained strength and become accustomed to my new body, I've also had a chance to reacclimate to the equipment and prepare myself to join classes again this month, only four months after surgery. Pilates Unlimited has really helped me mentally and physically get through a life-changing experience! Patty S.
Meet the Instructors
Karen Sanzo, MS, PT
PMA Certified
Pilates instructor, teacher trainer, and physical therapist, Karen Sanzo is internationally recognized for her innovative approaches to the Pilates method. Her comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics and years of experience as a master teacher have shaped wellness programs across the nation.
Karen conducts Pilates certification workshops all over the U.S., teaching teachers how to demystify Pilates, making it accessible to everyone. Her highly effective method of working with beginners, communicating with precision, and demonstrating the fundamentals of movement are invaluable lessons for every Pilates instructor.
Karen also shares her unique approach to Pilates in manuals, CDs, and DVDs for professionals and the public. Her award-winning instructional DVD, Pilates for All Bodies: Getting Started is a two-DVD set that explains and demonstrates the basic exercises, then presents a thirty-minute mat class conducted by Karen. Awarded “Best Beginners DVD” by Pilates Style magazine in the January/February 2008 issue, it was touted in their review as “perfect for those just starting out, with a clear, in-depth tutorial on principles, moves and beginner modifications.”
Shelley Estes, BSE, Fitness Professional
PMA Certified Shelley Estes, a native of Dallas, Texas, has combined her love of dance, Pilates, teaching and her commitment to fitness and wellness throughout her life as a vocation and avocation. After graduating from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Dance, Shelley has spent the last 25 years as a fitness professional, Pilates Instructor, professional dancer, gymnastics coach and teacher.
Shelley’s involvement with the Pilates System began in 2000 with Colleen Glenn and Karen Sanzo. Today she is a Teacher Trainer with Pilates Unlimited and a member of the Balanced Body University Faculty, training Pilates instructors. Shelley has spent the last 4 years teaching Pilates to the dance majors at Southern Methodist University as an adjunct lecturer, and also enjoys teaching Pilates to the Highland Park HS Girls Golf team each year. Shelley has been a specialty week presenter at Rancho La Puerta Spa in Pilates since 2004, and a co-presenter with Larry Lane for the popular Broadway Week.
The Pilates philosophy teaches whole body health, and through Shelley’s knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics , and wellness, she will empower you to empower yourself with “zest and pleasure”.
Erin Burnam
PMA Certified
Erin graduated from TCU with a degree in Communications. She began her Pilates training at the Oasis Mind/Body Conditioning Center and has taught Pilates Mat classes. Erin completed her full certification on all the Pilates apparatus with Pilates Unlimited.
She creates programs and lessons using Pilates principles to integrate a challenging physical workout with balanced core and muscle systems. Erin believes Pilates leads to a stronger body and a healthier posture that improves one’s quality of life outside the studio.
Marilyn Forest-Dott
Marilyn began taking ballet lessons as a child and continued her studies as a dance major at the University of Arkansas. Her dancing was sidelined when a health problem caused severe pain from the simplest activity, even a short walk around the block. Forced to be nearly sedentary, Marilyn refocused her life and developed her creative talents in multimedia, web and e-learning.
Well over ten years passed before Marilyn’s painful health problem was resolved. During that time her body had changed considerably. She found it challenging to begin exercising again – trying to rebuild both strength and stamina. She was introduced to Pilates by Karen Sanzo, whom she saw for physical therapy. Marilyn’s Pilates practice progressed from those initial therapy sessions to group mat classes and eventually equipment sessions. She learned that the principles of Pilates complemented her years of dance training, providing a deeper understanding of posture and movement.
After practicing Pilates for several years and realizing the immense benefit it can offer every body, in virtually any condition, Marilyn began studying to become a Pilates instructor. She is now certified to teach the Pilates method using the full array of Pilates equipment. It is with a deep sense of fulfillment that Marilyn helps others discover for themselves a sense of well-being and vitality through Pilates.
Joan Wilkinson
Prior to Pilates, Joan taught a variety of fitness classes ranging from Biomechanics of Weight Training to Senior Fitness. When a back injury put teaching and training on hold, Joan was introduced to Karen Sanzo and Pilates. Working with Karen, Joan experienced first hand the healing aspects of Pilates. Eager to share the advantages of Pilates with her clients, Joan received Pilates Mat certification from Pilates Unlimited and Comprehensive Pilates certification with Balanced Body.
Given Joan’s diverse background, she is able to incorporate various perspectives into her unique style of teaching. Drawing on her multi-disciplined training style, she strives to enable her clients to achieve their greatest benefits. In addition to teaching Pilates mat, Joan conducts private training sessions and teaches barbell training, aquatics and senior fitness classes.
More than simply stretching and strengthening the body, Pilates encourages awareness of the spine, core strength and flexibility. As strengths and weaknesses are addressed, the result is a more balanced and fit individual.
Nimisha Calien-Kaylan
Nimisha is originally from South Africa and has graduated as a Physical Therapist in her home country in 2000. In June 2007 she moved to Texas, after spending a year and a half in London. While in London she was presented with the perfect opportunity to experience Pilates. She found that Pilates is a wonderful form of exercise to strengthen, tone & lengthen muscles and is an invaluable tool in restoring confidence in body awareness and promotes healthy patterns of movement. After having worked as a Physical Therapist for 5 years in South Africa she gained a keen interest in muscle imbalance, biomechanical problems and stability dysfunctions and the impact they have on body function. She found that Pilates was the perfect form to compliment her Physical Therapy degree. She then went on to train with the Body Control Pilates Association in London & has gained her mat work certification. On arriving in Texas she began training with Karen Sanzo and she has completed the Comprehensive Pilates Certification through the Balanced Body University and Karen Sanzo of Pilates Unlimited.
Nimisha has a keen interest in Continuous development and in Alternate Therapy with Mind/Body Wellness as her passion and is also a Certified Educator in Infant Massage and has completed Reiki Level I.
She believes clients should be introduced gently to the principles of Pilates, for better appreciation and understanding of Pilates and to always Move with joy!!
Aya Avnon
Aya was born and raised in Israel and along with her career as a school counselor and teacher she became interested in both water exercises and Pilates as a way to keep fit. Those two non- impact exercises improved her flexibility, balance, agility, core strength and endurance. This led her to a new career as a fitness instructor.
Aya is certified by Aerobics and Fitness Association of America as a group fitness instructor. She has a Cooper institute certification for Water Aerobics Leadership. She is certified by SCW Fitness Education for Pilates mat with June Kahn and completed her Pilates mat and full equipment training through Balanced Body with Karen Sanzo. Currently she is teaching Aqua fitness and Pilates in several fitness centers in the Dallas area. She attends continuing education workshops on a regular basis.
Aya is an enthusiastic and energetic educator who enjoys teaching Pilates and believes that people can improve no matter where they are on their fitness path.
Aya believes exercise should be fun. She hopes to see you in the studio soon!
Kelly Galey
Kelly chose Pilates for his rehabilitation following injuries related to running and cycling. As an avid and injured Pilates student, Kelly discovered quickly how Pilates exercises, taught by a skilled instructor, could facilitate recovery both mentally and physically. With appropriate rest and a gradual increase in mileage, coupled with Pilates three times a week, Kelly returned to his distance running and ultra distance cycling. "Pilates has changed my life," states Kelly. It helps keep me injury free and speeds my recovery if I overdo it. Pilates not only helped me become a better cyclist, it changed the way I open a door and the way I drive my car."
Now certified, Kelly's Pilates Mat classes are taught from this same point of view. If you are the person desiring more mobility in your hips and shoulders with the added benefit of core strength for function, this is the class for you. Everything Kelly teaches, you can reproduce at home. What a great gift is Kelly's weekend class.
I started taking classes at Pilates Unlimited a year before I elected to have major back surgery to correct scoliosis. Postsurgery, all my doctors, physical therapists and occupational therapists asked me what exercise routine I had been practicing before surgery because I was so strong and was hitting recovery milestones ahead of what they expected for a 57-year-old. When I was released from in-home physical therapy they were delighted to send me back to physical therapy at the Pilates Unlimited studio, where as I've regained strength and become accustomed to my new body, I've also had a chance to reacclimate to the equipment and prepare myself to join classes again this month, only four months after surgery. Pilates Unlimited has really helped me mentally and physically get through a life-changing experience!
Pilates instructor, teacher trainer, and physical therapist, Karen Sanzo is internationally recognized for her innovative approaches to the Pilates method. Her comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics and years of experience as a master teacher have shaped wellness programs across the nation. 
Shelley Estes, a native of Dallas, Texas, has combined her love of dance, Pilates, teaching and her commitment to fitness and wellness throughout her life as a vocation and avocation. After graduating from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Dance, Shelley has spent the last 25 years as a fitness professional, Pilates Instructor, professional dancer, gymnastics coach and teacher. 
Erin graduated from TCU with a degree in Communications. She began her Pilates training at the Oasis Mind/Body Conditioning Center and has taught Pilates Mat classes. Erin completed her full certification on all the Pilates apparatus with Pilates Unlimited. 
Marilyn began taking ballet lessons as a child and continued her studies as a dance major at the University of Arkansas. Her dancing was sidelined when a health problem caused severe pain from the simplest activity, even a short walk around the block. Forced to be nearly sedentary, Marilyn refocused her life and developed her creative talents in multimedia, web and e-learning. 
Prior to Pilates, Joan taught a variety of fitness classes ranging from Biomechanics of 
Nimisha is originally from South Africa and has graduated as a Physical Therapist in her home country in 2000. In June 2007 she moved to Texas, after spending a year and a half in London. While in London she was presented with the perfect opportunity to experience Pilates. She found that Pilates is a wonderful form of exercise to strengthen, tone & lengthen muscles and is an invaluable tool in restoring confidence in body awareness and promotes healthy patterns of movement. After having worked as a Physical Therapist for 5 years in South Africa she gained a keen interest in muscle imbalance, biomechanical problems and stability dysfunctions and the impact they have on body function. She found that Pilates was the perfect form to compliment her Physical Therapy degree. She then went on to train with the Body Control Pilates Association in London & has gained her mat work certification. On arriving in Texas she began training with Karen Sanzo and she has completed the Comprehensive Pilates Certification through the Balanced Body University and Karen Sanzo of Pilates Unlimited.
Aya was born and raised in Israel and along with her career as a school counselor and teacher she became interested in both water exercises and Pilates as a way to keep fit. Those two non- impact exercises improved her flexibility, balance, agility, core strength and endurance. This led her to a new career as a fitness instructor.
Kelly chose Pilates for his rehabilitation following injuries related to running and cycling. As an avid and injured Pilates student, Kelly discovered quickly how Pilates exercises, taught by a skilled instructor, could facilitate recovery both mentally and physically. With appropriate rest and a gradual increase in mileage, coupled with Pilates three times a week, Kelly returned to his distance running and ultra distance cycling. "Pilates has changed my life," states Kelly. It helps keep me injury free and speeds my recovery if I overdo it. Pilates not only helped me become a better cyclist, it changed the way I open a door and the way I drive my car."