About Us

Shauna Smith Yates

Owner/ Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher/ STOTT PILATES® Certified/ Rock Steady Boxing Coach

Shauna received her full Stott Pilates certification in 2001 and became an Instructor Trainer for the method from 2002-2019. She is a Master Trainer for and was Director of Education for Juvo Board, as well as, a Master Teacher for Art of Smart Movement teaching Core Barre, Core Reform, Core Suspend and AIS training.

She holds additional certifications from the National Pilates Certification Program, Precision Nutrition, PaddleFit, and Rock Steady Boxing. Shauna has studied Pilates for Neurological Conditions and is studying to become certified in the Z Health method of neurological training.

Shauna was honored to be nominated as one of 417 Magazine's Wellness Warriors in 2013, was a 2017 Springfield Business Journal's 40 under 40 recipient, and a member of Leadership Springfield's class 30. She is proud to be a representative for AeroPilates and Stamina Products fitness equipment and appears on QVC and HSN. She is excited to a co-creator of The Mixed Method Pilates Certification program now offered at The Bodysmith.

Allegra Schaeffer

Certified Pilates Instructor

Allegra has received her Certification in The Mixed Method. She fell in love with Pilates while at Missouri State University where she was a double major in Musical Theatre and Dance, and graduated this past Spring. She has been teaching dance and theatre for the past six years, is currently the assistant director of the Springfield Little Theatre’s Illumination Dance Company, and is leading a workshop for The University of Southern Maine. She is passionate about movement science and helping people find a version of Pilates that they will love and will give them the most benefit. She is available for group and private instruction.

Richard F Nebel, II

Certified Pilates Instructor

Richard is a native of the Ozarks and a classically trained ballet dancer who has worked professionally in New York City. Richard has worked as an aerialist, specializing in Spanish Web, lyra, and partner silks. Pilates is a natural extension from the movement styles he has dedicated himself to - balance, power, and focus.

Paul Weis

Certified Rock Steady Boxing Coach

Paul was an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God where he served as a youth pastor and pastor. He also spent 14 years in Guatemala in theological and leadership training. In addition, he spent ten years in Central America as the Area Director for over 200 missionaries. After returning to the United States, Paul was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He sought out the Rock Steady Programming to help manage symptoms. He has been coming faithfully and has seen the program's benefits in himself and others. Wanting to help others, he began volunteering as an assistant for some of the Rock Steady Boxing classes. Getting his coaching certificate was the natural next step. Paul noted that he is blessed not to have many major symptoms. While in this condition, he wants to do all he can to help others physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Abbe Ehlers

Yoga and Pilates Instructor

Abbe Ehlers, RYT-500, has been a yoga practitioner for over 14 years and teaching yoga since 2004. Abbe received her yoga teacher certification from the Yoga Alliance after studying with a variety of gifted teachers and through The Yoga Studio of Kansas City. She continues to keep her practice and teaching fresh through self-study and continuing yoga education with master teachers, predominately Aadil Palkhivala and others including; Judith Hanson Lasater, Julie Gudmested, Suzetter Schultz, Shiva Rae. Her foundation for yoga is Purna and Iyengar inspired but she incorporates a variety of styles including vinyasa flow. In 2009, Abbe completed extensive studies in therapeutic yoga with Mr. Palkhivala.

Polly Brandman

Licensed Massage Therapist / Tai Chi Instructor / Rock Steady Boxing Coach / Trained Pilates Instructor

Polly Brandman graduated from the Ozark Institute of Natural Therapies and became a licensed massage therapist in 1990. She is trained in classical Swedish massage, Thai massage, neuromuscular therapy, Active Isolated Stretching, and Reflexology. She also taught Kinesiology and Body Mechanics for Ozarks Institute of Natural Therapies and Professional Massage Training Center.

Her pursuit of Martial Arts began in 2000, studying Youn Wha Ryu and Tai Chi. She attained a Black Belt, 2nd Dan and is a Certified Instructor through Grand Master Han's Martial Arts. She has taught classes in Tai Chi at the Ozarks Senior Center, Ozarks Martial Arts, for the Missouri State University Recreation Program and for CoxHealth Fitness. She is currently pursuing certification in Z Health.

Jennifer Simpson

Certified Kettlebell Instructor / Certified Precision Nutrition Coach

In 1996, Jennifer Simpson became a licensed massage therapist specializing in neuromuscular and craniosacral therapies. In 2006 Jennifer became a certified kettlebell instructor under the RKC and StrongFirst School of Strength respectively. She is a Level II StrongFirst instructor and a Certified Kettlebell Functional Movement Specialist. She also performs Active Isolated Stretching and is certified in Core Barre.

An avid learner Jennifer does many continuing education classes and is currently working toward her certifications in ZHealth, a brain based training program. She is also certified in Precision Nutrition and offers nutrition counseling. Having struggled most of her life with body image and weight issues Jennifer wants to encourage and support others to become stronger and empowered no matter what their size, shape or age.

DJ Schoolcraft

Certified Personal Trainer

DJ brings a bit of military drill to our studio. He spent ten years in the U.S. Army and Missouri National Guard, during his service, he played Rugby for four years with a German team and his army post team. He is a certified personal trainer. He is also certified in Pilates, and Rock Steady Boxing. He was nominated in 2020 as a Rock Steady Boxing Coach of the Year. His workouts are known to be tough, but full of fun and laughter as well.

Tracy Maxfield

Certified Pilates Instructor, NMT, SRA, NKT, P-DTR Certified

Tracy is trained in multiple treatment methods. He is certified in Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), Spinal Reflex Analysis (SRA), Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT), and Proprioceptive - Deep Tendon Reflex (P-DTR). He has combined these modalities into a very powerful style of treatment. Tracy would say, while others work with the body's hardware, he works with the software by using sensory receptor based therapy. Whatever issue you’re having, Tracy may be able to help. It’s hard to describe a session, but if you go in with an open mind and give him at least three treatments, you will find yourself amazed at the results.

Deb downs

Certified Rock Steady Boxing Coach

Deb received a BS in Education from Missouri State University majoring in Physical Education and Health and a MS from University of Central Missouri in Exercise Science with an Emphasis in Fitness and Wellness. She has taught Physical Education and Health at Bolivar and coached Volleyball Basketball and Track. Deb finished her teaching and coaching career with Springfield Public Schools where she taught Adapted Physical Education and coached Volleyball and Basketball at Kickapoo High School. Deb enjoys spending her time playing golf and enjoying the outdoors.

Camryn Parnitke

Pilates Instructor

Camryn began Pilates classes as a first year in the Acting program at Missouri State University. She quickly fell in love with the way the practice effected her mentally, physically, and emotionally, and knew she wanted to help others discover the benefits of Pilates too. She is trained comprehensively in The Mixed Method under Shauna Smith Yates. 

Angie Snyder

Certified Yoga Teacher

Angie began her yoga journey in 2002, by attending a very gentle community class held in an elementary school library. From that moment on, she was hooked. She began teaching in 2005 and is RYT-200 certified. She appreciates all styles of yoga, and recognizes that not every style is for every body. While she loves a good vinyasa class, she also loves Iyengar style with a focus on proper alignment. And she's a big fan of props! Props make our bodies happy, so be prepared to play with them when you come to her class!

Grace Billingsley

Office Manager

Grace is very active in Springfield's arts scene, having grown up through Springfield Little Theatre's YES Troupe and Pre-professional Track programs. Some of her most cherished onstage roles include Elle Woods in Legally Blonde and Wednesday in The Addams Family! As an actress and dancer, Grace maintained good health and fitness thanks to the wonderful instructors at the BodySmith, then at the downtown location. Grace is currently Executive Director of High Tide Theatrical where she focuses on fundraising and development. She is very excited to use her skills to contribute to the success of The BodySmith! 

Our studio offers a full range of private, duet and group classes designed to facilitate our clients’ individual goals. Our instructors are creative, STOTT PILATES® certified and offer an array of specializations.

The Bodysmith’s beautiful, 4600-square foot studio space is appointed with state-of-the-art STOTT PILATES® equipment. We are located on historic Route 66 near Hammons Field, right next to the Steak 'n Shake on National and St. Louis. We have three parking lots for easy parking

For your safety: If you are interested in joining a group class for the first time we recommend taking our Introductory Class offering.

• Private, duet and closed groups are 55 minutes in length, drop-in classes are 45 minutes.

• 24-hour notice of cancellation is required to avoid being charged. (Does not apply to closed groups.)

• Late cancel and “No shows” will be charged the full amount of the scheduled session.

• All packages are non-refundable.

• 5 session packages, whether private, duet, or drop-in classes, are valid for 60 days from the date of purchase; 10 session packages are valid for 90 days.

• As a courtesy to your group members in a closed group class a 2 week notice is appreciated if not continuing with the group class in the following session.