Our Instructors
We’re a team of two, each offering something unique to our clients. Learn more about us - and our certifications - below!
Kelley O’Connor
Owner, Instructor
My name is Kelley O’Connor and I am a Physical Therapist Assistant and Certified Pilates Instructor. I have over 17 years of Physical Therapy experience in Orthopedics with a concentration in sports related injuries.
I began my Pilates journey 14 years ago teaching Mat classes while still working as a PT Assistant. My passion grew, and I eventually became comprehensively certified in all Pilates equipment.
Ten years ago I took the leap into Pilates full time and have never looked back. The strong connection Pilates and PT share is what drove my desire to learn and expand my knowledge in the practice of Pilates. I hold three Pilates Certifications through Balanced Body, Power Pilates, and recently Polestar Pilates as a Rehabilitation Practitioner, bringing the world of rehab & pilates together.
My specialty is working with clients who’ve had previous or current injuries looking to regain strength and core stability in a safe and practical manner. I perform a Fitness Assessment on each client, designing sessions based on their needs and goals. My approach is a fusion of Physical Therapy and Pilates with the goal of providing a positive movement experience and improving quality of movement both in & outside the studio.
Pilates is such an effective way for clients to gain mobility and strength. I’ve watched people overcome significant injuries to become strong, healthy individuals through Pilates work.
Karen Cochrane
Instructor
My journey with Pilates began in 2013 by taking group classes just once a week. After experiencing the positive impact Pilates had on my body and mind, I became passionate about sharing Pilates with others. In 2022, I became certified in Pilates Mat I and II, equipping me with the skills to teach both beginner and intermediate clients in group mat classes.
I joined Movement For Life in 2023 and now teach mat classes, reformer classes, and private sessions.
In 2025, I completed the Power Pilates Comprehensive Training Program, a 600 hour program dedicated to learning the classical exercises on all Pilates apparatus, including Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and more. This training covers everything from beginner to advanced, including modifications for various injuries or needs clients may have.
In class, I offer classical Pilates structure and routine, with playful and joyful cuing that is sure to have clients feeling their deepest abdominal muscles. Whether you're new to Pilates or deepening your practice, my personalized approach ensures that you leave every class and private session feeling stronger, more flexible, energized, and ready to take on whatever comes next. Pilates exercises work to both strengthen and lengthen muscles, and are known to help alleviate pain by strengthening muscles that support the spine and joints throughout the body.
Outside of teaching Pilates, I can be found at the lake on a paddleboard, waterskiing behind a boat, reading, or wandering through local hiking trails with my dog. Pilates is the foundation to healthy movement that allows me to be active in all areas of my life!
“I joined Movement for Life after suffering a back injury. Physical therapy only took me so far, yet I was still not pain free. After just a couple months of Private sessions and group classes, I am virtually pain free and I’ve returned to all my normal activities. Kelley is very knowledgeable in Pilates and knew what exercises I needed for my recovery. I feel my core getting stronger, and notice more flexibility in my hips every day. Even if you are not recovering from an injury, I would highly recommend Movement for Life to recover or avoid injury. ”
Certifications
Why Certification Matters
Pilates certification isn’t just a credential - it’s a commitment to quality, safety, and thoughtful instruction. Each certification requires 450+ hours of course time, plus independent practice and observation. This means a certified instructor has completed rigorous training in anatomy, movement principles, and effective cueing, ensuring each session is both purposeful and safe. Certification also means ongoing education and accountability, so your practice evolves with your body over time. In short, working with a certified instructor helps you move better, feel stronger, and build confidence in a way that truly supports long-term wellbeing.
National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP)
Being an NPCP-certified Pilates instructor means your instructor has met the national standards for safe, effective, and professional Pilates teaching. The National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) is the only third-party certification accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, so you can trust that your sessions are grounded in proven methodology, thoughtful cueing, and a deep respect for how bodies actually move.
Balanced Body
Balanced Body certified instructors are trained through one of the most respected and comprehensive Pilates education programs in the industry. This certification emphasizes smart, functional movement, precise technique, and adaptable programming with a more contemporary style - so every session is tailored to your body, your goals, and how you move best. You can expect thoughtful, well-informed instruction that supports strength, mobility, and long-term resilience.
Power Pilates
Power Pilates certified instructors are trained in a program rooted in the original, classical Pilates method. This certification emphasizes The Pilates Method: specific order, precision, alignment, and intentional movement - ensuring each session is structured, effective, and grounded in tradition. This training allows instructors to deliver thoughtful, detail-oriented instruction that helps you build strength, control, and body awareness safely and progressively.
Polestar Pilates
Polestar Pilates certified instructors are trained in a program that blends classical Pilates principles with modern movement science and evidence- and rehabilitation-based research. This approach emphasizes mindful movement, intelligent progression, and whole-body integration - making each session both thoughtful and effective. Polestar training allows your teacher to meet you where you are, supporting strength, mobility, and confidence in a way that feels safe, personalized, and sustainable.