Instructors

Rhoda Daniel Studio Owner. NCPT (Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher), 300 Hr Yoga Instructor, AFAA, and U.S. Army Physical Fitness.
Rhoda holds a Bachelors of Science in Biology Ecosystems from Eastern Michigan University, Masters in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College; and is an Iraq War Veteran. After 34 years in the Army and Army National Guard; Colonel Rhoda Daniel retired. She is passionate about her second career at Bay Area Pilates, and has over 30 years as a Fitness Professional. Rhoda has taught a variety of classes, interwoven throughout both her military & civilian careers; that matured into a focused specialty of teaching Yoga since 1997 & Pilates beginning in 2005. Before Bay Area Pilates, Rhoda taught at a number of facilities; taught Military Personnel at U.S. Army Schools, on Installations; and taught elite Soldiers & Marines during combat operations in Iraq. She has experienced for herself the benefits of Pilates related to her own fitness, and injury rehab/recovery. Rhoda maintains her NCPT attending a variety of Pilates Continuing Education, with the specific focus on Classical Pilates. She is a member of the PMA (Pilates Method Alliance), and actively trains and mentors the next generation of Pilates Instructors at Bay Area Pilates in the Traditional, Classical Pilates Method. Prior to earning her NCPT; she completed her Comprehensive Pilates Training and Certification thru Balanced Body. Rhoda incorporates all of her training with clients. She hopes to bring Pilates to more athletes and Veterans. Outside of teaching, she enjoys gardening, trail running, and volunteers with a few non-profit charity organizations.

Tara Bird NCPT (Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher), Licensed YUR Back Instructor.
Tara was a dancer for many years including at CAS (now SASA) in Saginaw and a dance major at The University of Michigan. She transferred to study Art and Design and graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in Interior Design. Tara was the Campus Arts Director at Northwood University for two years and also worked in Commercial Design for Steelcase and Herman Miller. After sitting at a desk for several years, she starting doing Pilates to keep herself moving and to try to alleviate low back pain from having scoliosis. Upon experiencing such positive results from Pilates, she decided to teach and help others enjoy the benefits as well. Tara underwent training with both Stott Pilates and Master Teacher Trainer, Jennifer Kries. She has taught Pilates around the area since 2001 and also teaches college students at Central Michigan University in the Physical Education and Sports Department. Tara enjoys using her dance background and improvisational skills along with the Classical Pilates Repertoire to create new and challenging classes for clients each week. Tara is married and has two teenage boys. When she is not teaching, she enjoys quilting, painting, and gardening and is a member of The Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Karrie Bixler Comprehensive Pilates Certified with Balanced Body, Barre Certified, 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200), RYT-100 Kids Yoga, Certified Stretch Coach.

Karrie holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University.

During college, Karrie managed a wellness center for a local hospital and worked with clients in strength and post-rehabilitation training. This experience ignited a life long passion for health and wellness that has fueled her journey as a Fitness Professional for over 20 years. After spending a decade working as an education specialist in the tech industry, Karrie returned to her roots to dedicate her time to teaching movement. Her versatile background allows her to work effectively with all levels of clients—from beginners and those in post-rehabilitation to competitive college athletes and teens. Karrie particularly enjoys the control, focus, and intentional movement that Pilates requires.

Having navigated the challenges of hyper-mobility herself, Karrie brings a unique perspective to her teaching. For Karrie, Pilates was the key to unlocking true muscle control and deep engagement. This shift toward a more intentional, functional movement style forever changed her approach to exercise, prioritizing postural stability over simple flexibility—a lesson she now shares with every client she trains.

When she is not in the studio, she enjoys spending time with her family and taking long hikes with her chocolate lab.