KAHLEY'S PURPOSE
“What is passion? According to the American Heritage Dictionary, it can be defined as a powerful emotion or appetite, such as love or anger. To me, passion is the enthusiasm and deep, burning desire one transpires. It is the key ingredient needed to create and accomplish one’s vision. It is what inspires us as individuals to live and make the very most of what we have to give. My success began with a passion, a passion for people. I envisioned a place that would inspire and fill individuals with a sense of self-worth and renewed confidence.”
As a young adolescent, I struggled with the ongoing battle of wanting to be thin. I was a dancer, constantly having to look at myself in the mirror, unhappy with the reflection looking back at me. My negative self-image followed me into my late teens and then into my mid-20s. I realized that the battle was a mental challenge, one that could be conquered each day in the choices I make. I can either choose to give in or run from the temptation that seems to know me. In my experience, God always has provided me with a way out and it is up to me to take that path. To gain this strength. I had to fill myself up with faith, positive words and determination.
“I had one big dream in mind and I knew, to achieve it, I was going to have to fight my battle. I decided to move all alone, not knowing one soul, to Las Vegas, Nevada. There, I would attend school and pursue my dream to dance. Unfortunately, my body disagreed with my plans. I suffered from chronic knee pain and was advised to have surgery on both knees. It was then that I discovered Pilates. I began rehabilitating my knees through this method and fell in love with the theory. The results that Pilates gave me were absolutely amazing; I had no more pain!”
I began working under the direction of Dolly Kelepecz, who certified me through D.K. Body Balancing and the University of Nevada Las Vegas. I became an instructor at UNLV, teaching dance majors the Pilates method. I also taught at Dolly's studio and other fitness facilities. In 2004 I had the opportunity to travel to Tokyo, Japan to oversee the operations of Dolly's newest studio location. Through this experience and exposure to the Pilates world, I gained the confidence to open my own studio. In August 2005 Pilates by Kahley, a 1,400 square foot studio, opened in Kansas City. I was the only instructor teaching both mat and full equipment classes. At the age of 25, I was realizing my dream.
With a schedule of daily classes, Pilates by Kahley quickly grew to 10 instructors, 2,600 square feet and over 300 clients. At my studio, we share the goal of helping people discover or rediscover the beauty that lies within. It is so easy to focus on outward appearances, because the world praises us for that, but I can assure you that looking amazing on the outside doesn't mean anything if you feel dead inside. My team teaches the tools to regain self control, discipline, balance, inner peace and true beauty.
“We all have a place, a purpose on this earth, and it is up to us as individuals to fulfill that plan. I have learned that you will never feel complete until you have taken the risk to discover what you are truly capable of achieving. I can assure you that there is no greater peace than that of reaching the dream, goal, and vision you set out to achieve. Someone once told me that everything in life belongs to the conversation of your heart and when you choose to really listen, it can never steer you wrong. I have adopted this philosophy as a guide in life. Enthusiastically, I wake up each morning with the goal of helping my students gain physical, emotional and mental strength, and to listen to the conversation in their hearts.”
MEET THE TEAM
Kahley Schiller
- Certified Pilates Instructor and owner of Pilates by Kahley
- Senior Master Teacher-Trainer for DK Body Certification UNLV
- Second Generation Pilates Master Teacher
- Certified BarreAmped, Fire and Boot Camp Instructor
- Dance Instructor
- AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor
- AFAA Certified Personal Trainer
- Certified Instructor in the FitSprings Method
Kahley has studied dance since the age of 10. At the age of 14, she began teaching dance and continued the study throughout college. She received her Pilates mat and equipment certification through the University of Nevada. Las Vegas and DK Body. In addition, she is also a certified aerobics and personal trainer through Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and certified in the BarreAmped method. Kahley started working in the fitness industry in 2000.
Kahley has instructed at 24 hour fitness, La Femme, Pilates by Dolly and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Kahley has had the privilege to work with numerous clientele ranging from professional athletes, dancers, physical therapy patients, and those suffering with life threatening diseases, to people desiring to reach their personal goals.
She traveled to Tokyo, Japan to assist in the opening and operation of the newest Pilates studio by DK Body. Kahley has been featured in Japan's travel magazine 'Hare-Yoho'. showcasing Las Vegas. NV. She has worked with the cast members of the signature show Le Reve by director Franco Dragone at the Wynn Las Vegas. She has judged for the Cheertec & Dancetec National Championship competition held in Las Vegas, NV at the MGM Grand. Kahley helped create and organize UNLV and the DK Body Balance Method's participation at the 2005 National IDEA Convention in Las Vegas. Nevada.
She attended the 2006 InnerlDEA conference working with some of the most highly respected studio owners such as Kathy Corey, Siri Galliano, Elizabeth Larkam, and Christine Romani-Ruby. She also participated again in the 2007 National IDEA Convention. She has also worked with the Balance Body team as a demonstrator and model at various trade shows. In 2008 Kahley hosted an Intensive Pilates Workshop with Master Trainer Siri Galliano. In 2009 Kahley attended Pilates Intensive in Big Bear, California, working with world- wide recognized teachers such as First Generation Pilates teacher Jay Grimes, Dorothee VandeWalle and Kathryn Ross-Nash. In 2011 Kahley hosted a Rhythm Pilates Workshop by Lisa Hubbard at Pilates by Kahley. Kahley created a Pilates Mat and Reformer workout that was released onto DVD in 2012.
In October 2012 she traveled to Tokyo, Japan and taught a Boot Camp Pilates Workshop with the DK Body International team. In 2013 traveled back to Japan to teach Pilates workshops in 7 different cities throughout the country. Kahley was chosen to be on the cover of the May/June 2013 issue of Pilates Style magazine. She is also the 2013 Ms. Kansas United States. Kahley has had the opportunity to train with celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson in 2015. In 2017 she traveled to San Francisco and got certified under Jill Harris and her FitSprings Method which is now offered at Pilates by Kahley. In August 2019 Kahley was diagnosed with acute liver failure end stage from Autoimmune Hepatitis. She received a liver transplant in October 2019 and used the Pilates method for her road to recovery. In June 2023 Kahley completed Lolita San Miguel’s Pilates Master Mentor Program and is now a Second Generation Master Pilates teacher.
Kahley works closely with the REbeL Peer Education non-profit organization which empowers our youth to overcome body issues and created the Be You Bash in Kansas City which now has raised over $150,000 the last 4 years. Kahley is excited about bringing Pilates to Kansas City. She is passionate about teaching you this life changing method. Her mission is to provide you with your own path to self-discovery and new-found health. You will experience more energy, flexibility, tone, confidence, core strength, and better posture, with overall results that will amaze you.
Tara Hall
Tara is a certified Pilates Instructor by DK Body through UNLV. She is also certified in BarreAmped and has received a certification from the Cancer Exercise Training Institute. She attended a workshop in classical Pilates that was led by renowned Pilates instructor Siri Dharma Galliano and also attended a Rhythm Pilates workshop led by Pilates instructor Lisa Clayton-Hubbard. Tara leads various Pilates mat, reformer, Barre and BOSU core classes at the studio.
She feels that Pilates provides a great avenue to tone and strengthen muscles while also enhancing cardio development and improving overall balance and flexibility. She decided to pursue her certification so that she could share her passion for pilates and help others to achieve their fitness goals. In addition to her love of Pilates, she enjoys working with aerial silk and has two marathons under her belt.Tara firmly believes that frequent exercise and sound nutritional habits are the keys to looking and feeling good.
Amy Culp
Amy was first introduced to Pilates at the University of Kansas where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts with a degree in Dance. She was a Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader for 6 seasons. While cheering for the Chiefs she was a captain for 4 seasons, 2006 Pro Bowl Cheerleader and had the opportunity to travel to military bases all over the world while performing in USO tours. After “retiring” from cheering, Amy decided to follow through with her passion for Pilates.
She is certified in Pilates Mat through Personal Best Pilates Academy and reformer through the University of Nevada Las Vegas, D.K. Body Balancing Method. Amy loves the strength, flexibility and overall mental awareness that a great Pilates workout provides. She incorporates her knowledge of dance into her Pilates practice to provide a one of a kind experience. Seeing her clients set and achieve their goals, while learning proper form and alignment, is what motivates her as an instructor.
Susan Schiller
- Manager, Pilates by Kahley
- Certified Pilates Instructor
- "Grandma Susu" to the children in child care
Susan credits her daughter, Kahley Schiller, for introducing her to Pilates. Kahley was living in Las Vegas, teaching dance and Pilates, when she called Susan one day saying she wanted to open a Pilates' studio in Overland Park and asked her for help. A self-proclaimed "doer" who gets things done, Susan went into action. She found a building, worked with contractors to retrofit the space for Pilates. A sign in front of the building saying "Pilates' Classes Coming Soon" was the ONLY marketing effort at that time. Apparently it worked as people were lined up the first day.
That was in 2005. Pilates by Kahley was the second Pilates studio in Kansas City. Susan earned her Pilates' certification in 2008 through the University of Nevada Las Vegas and DK Body Balancing Method. Her private clients range from in age from theirs 50's to 80's. Many of them come to Pilates following physical therapy. As the studio's manager, Susan works the front desk, oversees marketing for the studio and looks after the children while their parents are in class. The children affectionately call her "Grandma Susu."
She also enjoys time with her grandsons. Mason and Kaynin, who comes to the studio with Kahley most days. Susan first practiced Pilates when she was 52, a testimony that Pilates is for everyone, despite their age, shape or ability. She calls it a beautiful more confident and gain sense of accomplishment after taking a few classes. She notes that clients realize these benefits of Pilates.
*Tones muscles*Improves posture and flexibility*Builds endurance throughout the body*Lengthens muscles and balances the body.*Strengthens the smaller muscles so larger muscles do not have to do all of the work.*Relieves stress.*Allows the body to be stronger and more supple.*Connects the mind, body and spirit-called Contrology, or controlled movement.
When Susan is not working at the studio, she sells Christian Dior fragrances and Nu Skin personal care products.
Keri Davey
Keri has always enjoyed physical fitness and loves to explore various types of exercise to challenge her body. She started doing Pilates 8 years ago and fell in love with it!
In 2016 she became a certified Pilates instructor through the University of Nevada Las Vegas, and the DK Body Balancing Method. Struggling with lower back pain for many years she loved how Pilates made her feel physically as well as the core strength and flexibility it provides.
Keri is also certified in the Barre Method through Genesis HealthClub and certified as a nutrition coach through Precision Nutrition. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion of Pilates with other people through private training and small group training. No matter what their current ability, Keri is committed to helping them achieve their fitness and health goals in the body God has blessed them with.
Megan Taylor
Megan fell in love with Pilates after years of taking classes. She is certified in Pilates by The University of Nevada Las Vegas, and the DK Body Balancing Method. She is Pilates Chair certified through Genesis Health Clubs, and a Certified Nutrition Coach from Precise Nutrition. Megan is a mother of 4 teenage children and a Registered Nurse that currently works at one of University of Kansas Surgery Centers. She previously worked in the ICU for 13 years.
Megan appreciates the many health benefits of Pilates including increased strength, flexibility, balance, posture, and improved mind-body balance. She uses her nursing knowledge of the body and of injuries to help individualize her Pilates practice for her clients.
Megan believes that Pilates is for all bodies and strives to make you feel calm and comfortable in your body through the movement and breath.
Leslie Giarraputo
Leslie Giarraputo has been a successful hairdresser for over 35 years. In 1999, she developed frozen shoulder syndrome, which lead her to seek therapy through the movements developed by Joseph Pilates. “Pilates” healed her injuries, it saved her hairdressing career, and it opened up passion for intentional body movement.
Moving to Newport Beach, CA in 1999, Leslie began her certification course for Pilates with renowned educator Rael Isacowitz, the founder of BASI Pilates. Immersing herself into the Pilates community was easy for the outgoing and friendly hairdresser, and she was eager to introduce Kansas City area to Pilates! A previous owner of two different studios, Leslie now shares her time with teaching Pilates and also with hairdressing.
“Leslie’s command of this method, coupled with her exuberant personality and knowledge of human movement, promise that she will be a teacher of the highest caliber. I highly recommend Leslie without reservation.”
-Rael Isacowitz, President of BASI. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Skyler Linn
Megan Duckers