MEET THE TEAM
Our Instructors
Mary El-Ebrashi is the owner and lead instructor of LO Pilates. She holds a comprehensive certification through PEAK Pilates, as well as certifications in MAMALATES,TRX and Barre. Her goal for the studio is to provide a non-intimidating environment with small, welcoming class sizes and quality instructors.
Mary has always been a fitness enthusiast, a long time mat Pilates lover, and turned to equipment Pilates in 2006 after having children to regain core strength, heal abdominal separation, and relieve her post-pregnancy chronic back pain. She is a full believer in the benefits of Pilates and its ability to heal. After many years of personal practice, Mary became certified through her own private instructor and Peak Pilates Master Instructor Jessica Schultz.
Mary lives in Lake Oswego with her fiance Curt, her two children, Sophia and Zane, Betty their little Boston Terrier and 2 cats Eddie Van Halen and Stevie Nicks.
In her personal time, she enjoys the snow skiing, boating, traveling, and a love of good wine.
Cara is an Oregon native, who grew up in Central Oregon. She moved to Portland at an early age to pursue her formal dance training at Oregon Ballet Theater, and continued her training at Pacific NW Ballet in Seattle. As a dancer in her teens she discovered Pilates while rehabilitating from a knee injury. She found the full body/mind movement system to be truly beneficial in recovering from injuries but also in enhancing strength and coordination in everyday life.Cara believes Pilates is a great foundation for movement of any kind.It brings her joy to help her clients achieve proper body alignment, connect to their core, and build strength. She also strives to make each class fun and approachable, and knows that EVERYONE can benefit and heal through Pilates. Cara is PEAK Pilates certified in mat and apparatus equipment. She trained with Peak Pilates Master Instructor Jessica Schultz. She is also certified in MAMALATES, a mom and baby pre- and post-partum based program, developed here in Portland by Wendy Foster. Cara teaches Pilates mat/equipment, barre, and movement classes at studios throughout the Portland area. She enjoys dancing, music, yoga, traveling, hiking, swimming, laughing, and relaxing in the beautiful NW with her family and friends.Her motto is, Keep the body moving while having fun!
