Mary Ellen Liacos is the Founder and Owner of Balanced Birch Studio. She is a U.S. Pilates™ LLC 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 of Teachers and Center Director for U.S. Pilates™ LLC formerly known as the United States Pilates Association® LLC and certifies instructors in the Classical Pilates USA® Teacher Certification Program. 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.