Staff

Julie

My name is Julie Charrison, and I am the founder of Pilates at Studio 8, a boutique Pilates studio in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I began practicing Pilates in 2003 while training for the Chicago Marathon, incorporating daily Pilates into my running routine to build strength and prevent injury. Years later, after undergoing back surgery in London, Pilates became essential to my recovery and long-term spinal health. That experience deepened my belief that Pilates is not just exercise, but a powerful tool for healing, resilience, and lifelong movement.

My approach at Pilates at Studio 8 is shaped by extensive training with classical and contemporary Pilates master teachers, including experience working alongside Balanced Body and STOTT-trained instructors, as well as traditional classical teachers. Our studio uses Balanced Body Pilates equipment to support safe, effective movement for every body. I focus on intelligent, adaptable Pilates that strengthens the body, improves mobility, emphasizes proper breathing, and is supported by good nutrition, adequate protein, and hydration. Pilates at Studio 8 exists to help clients move well, feel strong, and support their health for the long term.

Julie

Monica

Monica discovered Pilates during her recovery from breast cancer surgery, using it as part of her post-op therapy. She was immediately captivated by the practice and has been passionate about it ever since.

As an instructor, Monica strives to not only teach the physical benefits of Pilates, but also to inspire a deeper appreciation for the joy of learning and growth over time. In the studio, she emphasizes proper form, ensuring that each client gets the maximum benefit from every exercise. At the same time, she fosters a welcoming and lighthearted community where clients can feel supported and encouraged throughout their journey.

Monica

Melissa

Melissa has always been passionate about fitness and health. Her love for Pilates began immediately after her first class in 2003, and she has been hooked ever since. She enjoys all styles of Pilates and is enthusiastic about every piece of equipment, believing it to be the most inclusive form of exercise. To her, Pilates is not only effective but also a practice that allows individuals to focus on being present, making it the ultimate stress reliever.

Her deep passion for Pilates inspired her to share it with others. She completed a comprehensive 600-hour advanced training course at Studio 8 and has gained extensive experience working with master trainers from a variety of Pilates disciplines. Melissa aims to keep her clients engaged and excited during every session, often incorporating her TRX training and other fitness modalities into her sessions to keep things fresh.

Outside of the studio, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband, dogs, and parents, and loves being outdoors. She’s always on the lookout for her next adventure, whether it’s exploring a new National Park, traveling to a new country, or seeking out unique animal encounters. Her adventurous spirit has led her to experiences like visiting the Great Wall of China, skydiving, and swimming with dolphins. A proud graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, Melissa believes life is meant to be lived to the fullest.

Melissa

Yaqui

Yaqui is a Pilates instructor in training at Pilates at Studio 8, currently completing her certification through Evolve Your Training (EYT), with graduation expected in 2026. With a lifelong background in sports and movement, Yaqui brings a deep appreciation for how the body functions—not just for performance, but for longevity, balance, and everyday life.

Growing up, Yaqui was always active in sports, and during her high school and college years she focused heavily on weight lifting and strength training. It was in college that she first discovered mat Pilates, and immediately noticed how different it felt from other forms of exercise. Unlike weight lifting or competitive sports, Pilates wasn’t about pushing through pain or chasing physical extremes—it was about control, awareness, alignment, and feeling truly connected to her body.

While Yaqui also enjoys CrossFit and other high-intensity training, Pilates is where she feels most in control of her movement. It has shifted her perspective from exercising at her body to working with her body. Through Pilates, she has developed a strong interest in holistic wellness, learning how to fuel herself properly through nutrition, hydration, timing of meals, and thoughtful supplementation to support both performance and recovery.

Outside the studio, Yaqui is married and stays busy keeping up with her two energetic chocolate labs. She is passionate about maintaining flexibility and mobility, not only for her current lifestyle but as an investment in her future—especially as she prepares her body for motherhood one day. Her personal interests include skiing, crafting, Cricut projects, home renovations, and interior design, reflecting her creative and hands-on personality.

Yaqui is excited to continue growing as an instructor and supporting clients on their own journeys toward strength, mobility, and body awareness—helping them feel more confident, capable, and connected in their movement.

Yaqui

Shane

Shane has been active his entire life and has a genuine passion for movement, performance, and overall well-being. With years of experience lifting, running, and swimming, he originally turned to Pilates as a way to support his running as he got older. He quickly discovered how effective it could be. Through Pilates, Shane improved his mobility and found that his hips and knees felt stronger and less painful, allowing him to continue the activities he enjoys with greater comfort and confidence.

With a background in management consulting, Shane brings a thoughtful, analytical perspective to health and fitness. He is currently pursuing his EMT certification, motivated by a desire to deepen his understanding beyond basic first aid and to better support safe movement, recovery, and long-term mobility.

Outside the studio, Shane is a proud husband and father and a devoted dog lover. He enjoys spending time outdoors and values balance—between work and family, strength and recovery, and ambition and well-being. This philosophy shapes his approach to Pilates: practical, supportive, and focused on helping clients feel strong, capable, and at home in their bodies.

Shane

Shiloh

Shiloh is the friendly and welcoming face behind the administrative operations at Pilates at Studio 8. With over 15 years of experience in office administration, Shiloh brings her expertise from industries as diverse as real estate and men’s and women’s fashion to her role at the studio.

Shiloh excels in assisting clients with scheduling, membership arrangements, and class bookings, ensuring a seamless experience for everyone. Her strong problem-solving skills and proficiency with software make her an invaluable part of the team, handling every detail with efficiency and care.

Shiloh’s background in theater, including training in movement and singing, gives her a unique appreciation for the art of Pilates and the joy it brings to clients. Known for her happy, charming, and easygoing personality, she fosters a welcoming atmosphere for everyone who connects with the studio.

When she’s not assisting clients, Shiloh enjoys exploring creative pursuits and staying connected with her love for the performing arts.

Shiloh

Leah

Leah brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and enthusiasm to her role as an apprentice Pilates teacher at Pilates at Studio 8. With over 20 years immersed in the fitness world, she has developed a deep understanding of how movement and wellness transforms lives. Her journey into Pilates reflects her lifelong passion for helping others achieve their best, both physically and mentally.

As a licensed speech therapist with experience at UNC hospitals as well as travel-contract hospital work, Leah has honed her skills in listening, communication, and personalized care, assisting an individual in discovering and increasing their strengths—qualities she now brings to her Pilates teaching. Her ability to connect with clients, understand their needs, and encourage them through challenges makes her a natural teacher.

Leah is also deeply committed to creating a healthy, balanced lifestyle. From her work with Shaklee, promoting all-natural, green products that promote your health and wellness, to her dedication to her family, she exemplifies care and commitment in all areas of her life. Together with her husband, Ramsay MacMillan, a seasoned personal and group trainer known for his positive mindset, they form a dynamic duo focused on wellness and community.

Originally from Cedar Falls, Iowa, Leah radiates Midwest warmth and friendliness. Her Jumpboard classes combine energy, precision, and fun, offering clients a unique way to strengthen and tone while enjoying the low-impact benefits of Pilates.

Whether you’re new to Pilates or looking to enhance your practice, Leah is here to guide and inspire you on your fitness journey. Join her at Pilates at Studio 8 and experience her infectious passion for movement, wellness, and helping others thrive!