ABOUT US
Strong Foundations
Balanced Birch Studio engages students in authentic instruction in Classical Pilates™ and the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® through hands-on, personalized, boutique instruction for clients of all abilities.
Balanced Birch Studio focuses on injury prevention, rehabilitation and strength training through integrated movement coaching. You will receive a one on one personalized program, targeting proper alignment, breath, and joint mobilization/stabilization, to build a dynamic state of body awareness and mindful personal connection.
Balanced Birch Studio offers flexible scheduling to accommodate a variety of client needs. Our studio is a comfortable and warm environment committed to building community. Clients leave feeling inspired and prepared to take on new challenges!
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Balanced Birch Studio is a Training Center for Classical Pilates USA™ Teacher Program which is operated by U.S. Pilates LLC™. Find out about upcoming trainings and seminars by visiting
MARY ELLEN LIACOS
Studio Founder, Lead Instructor
​Private Sessions Available Tuesdays & Thursdays​​​​​​​​​​
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Adrienne Craig-Williams
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GYROTONIC® Practitioner
Adrienne (she/her) recently moved to the Pioneer Valley after living in the Hudson Valley and New York City. She has been an enthusiastic GYROTONIC® practitioner since 2016, and is a certified GYROTONIC® Level 1.
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Adrienne came to GYROTONIC® to recover from an injury and address congenital hip issues. GYROTONIC® Exercise has changed the way she moves through the world and has opened up possibilities for movement which she thought were lost! Her goal for her clients is to decrease pain and tension, strengthen their mind-body connection and move confidently about the world!
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In her free time, she enjoys board games, reading, math, and is also a high school math teacher! Adrienne is a GYROTONIC® enthusiast and is looking forward to sharing her experience with others!
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DAPHNE LAMOTHE
classical pilates apprentice​
Daphne is a Classical Pilates Apprentice who began her Pilates journey after receiving recommendations from friends and family who had experienced its numerous benefits. Since practicing Pilates, she has gotten stronger and has had much less day-to-day pain in her lower back and shoulders. Her posture and flexibility have also improved. Her goal for her clients is for them to leave each session feeling energized and confident as they move toward greater wellness!
Originally from Queens, NY, Daphne is now an Amherst local. She was a ballerina growing up, ran marathons, and was a fencer in college while earning her Ph.D in English literature. But, Pilates is the one activity she can imagine taking into her senior years. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading and playing the viola! ​
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Mary Ellen Liacos is the Founder and Owner of Balanced Birch Studio. She is a Certified Classical Pilates USA™ and GYROTONIC® method instructor with 10+ years of teaching experience. She has worked with students of all levels and abilities, specializing in youth and geriatric instruction. Mary Ellen has extensive experience training athletes, particularly pre-professional figure skaters and dancers. She has deep knowledge coaching clients with ALS, Parkinson’s, and those who are postpartum or returning from surgical rehab.
Raised in New Hampshire, Mary Ellen moved to Boston to pursue her dance career at the age of 17. She trained at Boston Arts Academy and The Boston Conservatory where she was first introduced to Pilates. Mary Ellen graduated from UMASS Boston with a bachelor's degree in Women’s and Gender Studies and has been recognized for her work in arts and social activism. She has worked with several non-profits in Boston that raise social consciousness.
Mary Ellen continued her Classical Pilates™ training through the United States Pilates Association® LLC, working with notable educators such as David Freeman, Brett Howard, Clare Dunphy, Peter Fiasca, Iwalani Kaluhiokalani, Sheila Mello, Nora Gomez-Dears, Jennifer O'Mara and Cary Regan. She is now a Teacher Training Center Director through Classical Pilates USA™. She is certified in the GYROTONIC® method, studying with Karen Burka, Kathy Van Patten, Martha Mason and Iwalani Kaluhiokalani. Mary Ellen currently dances with Anna Myer and Dancers/BeHeard.World and Continuum Dance Project. She incorporates her training in dance with her Pilates and GYROTONIC® practice; integrating these methods through instruction at Balanced Birch Studio.
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Anastacia rueda
certified Classical Pilates Instructor
Anastacia is a Certified Classical Pilates Instructor who found Pilates after years of high-impact exercise. With a background of cheerleading and tumbling, she wanted to find a healthy way to move her body as well as to strengthen & stretch the muscles that would make her feel tense. Pilates has made her more aware of her body as well as strengthening her core, improving her flexibility and posture. Her goal for her clients is to improve their mind-body connection and awareness.
Anastacia has her Bachelors of Science in Natural Resource Conservation with a focus in Wildlife Conservation & Ecology from UMass Amherst. An animal lover, she has four pets and has volunteered at wildlife sanctuaries in Australia and Thailand. In her free time, she likes to hike, read and explore the night sky with her telescope
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From Southampton, MA has been doing Classical Mat Pilates for over 20 years. After having her second child she researched different exercise regimes and was attracted to the Classical apparatus. Laura says Pilates has changed every aspect of her life. It proved to be the best outlet for her to get her body and mind back into shape after having children and it is a great outlet from life and career stressors. It has also been the best exercise regimen for her powerhouse which has helped overcome a long time back injury from a motor vehicle accident. She is a full time pediatric Certified Nurse Anesthetist and a full time mom with a full time passion for Pilates! Her goal for her clients is to help them cultivate a dedicated practice to Joseph Pilates’ authentic teachings so they, too, can reap all the benefits this practice has to offer their minds and their bodies.
Laura pelullo
classical pilates apprentice
hallie hughes
classical pilates apprentice
From Kailua, Hawaii has been practicing Pilates at Balanced Birch Studio for three years. She discovered Pilates when her orthopedic surgeon recommended Pilates after she got two hip replacements. Pilates has challenged her mentally and physically, and taught her that sometimes less is more. Hallie’s goal for her clients is for them to feel mobility and strength in body and mind. She is married to her college sweetheart and have three teen/tween children and two goofy dogs. Hallie is also a lawyer, member of the Massachusetts bar, and a certified end of life doula!