Meet Our teachers
Lindsey Nelson, Pilates Teacher; Thai Yoga Bodywork Trainee; Owner
Curiosity, compassion, and physicality are the driving forces in Lindsey’s teaching. Practicing for 25 years and teaching for 14, she began her journey with the Pilates method doing mat Pilates at her ballet studio, right here in Mount Vernon, Ohio. While studying theoretical mathematics at Ohio State University, Lindsey experienced crippling low back and neck pain. She turned to Pilates for relief, and mindful movement saved her spine. Inspired, she chose to make a career shift. Lindsey has made it her mission to help others understand their bodies and find joy within them.
Lindsey received her B.A. in theoretical mathematics in 2009. From there, she completed the Advanced Teacher Training program at the Pilates Center of Boulder, Colorado, widely considered the most comprehensive program offered in the world. Lindsey has attended workshops on low back pain, pre and post-natal Pilates, Core-Align, group teaching techniques, and more. She has also given workshops on intermediate to advanced progression. For years, Lindsey worked along-side with some of the most respected physical therapists on the Front Range. She then owned Highlands Pilates, named ‘Denver’s Best Pilates Studio’ in Westword Magazine. She has taught people with sciatica, scoliosis, knee, hip and shoulder replacements, neurological disorders, stenosis, disc problems, Parkinson’s, and more. She has also helped professional athletes, dancers, golfers, physical laborers, movement enthusiasts, bikers, runners, skiers and swimmers hone their craft through strength, agility, and body awareness. Lindsey’s clients have ranged in age from 13 to 88. Since moving to Ohio, Lindsey has opened Roots Down and founded her very own teacher training program, bringing Reformer Pilates classes, for the first time, to Knox County, Ohio. She also completed Level 1 in a three part series of Thai Yoga Bodywork training. She will complete levels 2 and 3 soon, and she is loving the addition of passive work to her scope. Lindsey is thrilled to share her practice and put her Roots Down in Mount Vernon, Ohio!
Olivia Beogher, Pilates Teacher; Physical Therapy Assistant
Olivia graduated from MVNU with a degree in biology and received her physical therapist assistant degree from North Central State College. She has been a physical therapist assistant since 2017 and was first introduced to pilates in 2020, when she took her first online pilates class. She was excited to find how physical therapy and pilates have been used in tandem to help people move better and with less pain.
Incorporating her rehabilitation background with her pilates training, Olivia is passionate about giving her clients the tools and education they need to take ownership of their own pilates journey. Whether you are starting with an injury, joint pain, or are just looking for a space to move, pilates can help you feel more confident in your own body. Olivia offers private sessions for clients who desire to work towards specific goals; in addition, she also offers group classes for all fitness levels. Working with clients at Roots Down, Olivia strives to provide customized, compassionate care and supports her clients in building strength and resilience. She resides in Mount Vernon with her husband and 1 year old son, Grant. In her spare time, she enjoys roller blading, HIIT workouts, and landscaping.
Kendra Miller, Pilates Teahcer; Yoga Teacher
Kendra was initially drawn to yoga as a means of physical exercise but was soon captivated by the deeper benefits. Yoga helps her to de-stress, calm her mind, and allows her to be truly present in the moment on and off the mat. The sense of serenity and contentment yoga brings keeps her engaged and eager to continue learning and practicing. Kendra completed her 200-Hour yoga training with Rodney Yee and Colleen Saidman Yee through their Studio, Yoga Shanti NY in 2021 and since completed her 300-Hour advanced yoga training with Yoga Shanti NY in 2023. She continues to study with her teachers Colleen Saidman Yee and Rodney Yee. When the Pilates and Thai Yoga Body Work studio, Roots Down, opened in Mt. Vernon, she was excited to continue her fitness journey by adding Pilates to her practice. She continues to study with her teacher and Roots Down owner, Lindsey Nelson. Kendra’s goal when teaching is for students to experience the peace, strength, and joy Pilates and yoga has brought to her and, most of all, to have fun. Kendra loves that Pilates and yoga is for all bodies and is excited to use her teaching to show how they are inclusive for everyone. She looks forward to continuing her fitness journey with the Roots Down community. When she's not practicing Pilates and yoga, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, painting, and hiking in the beauty of nature with her dog, Riley.
Lesly Laslo, Pilates Teacher; Nutrition, Sleep & Recovery Coach
Lesly is a proud wife and mother of two wonderful children and understands the challenges of juggling a busy family life while pursuing personal passions. Married for 21 years, her family is the driving force behind her motivation to lead a healthy and fulfilling life, not just for herself but also to set an example for those she loves.
Pursuing knowledge and personal growth, she obtained a degree in horticulture, nurturing a deep connection to nature and a holistic perspective on well-being. More recently, she became a Precision Nutrition L1 Nutrition Coach to further her understanding of nutrition, empowering her and others to make informed and sustainable dietary choices.
Additionally, her curiosity about optimal wellness led her to become a certified sleep and recovery coach, recognizing the vital role of rest and rejuvenation in achieving overall health. Her fitness journey is an ever-evolving adventure. Beyond Pilates, she actively practices yoga and engages in weightlifting four days a week, recognizing the importance of a well-rounded approach to fitness. This diverse routine enhances her physical strength and nurtures her mental clarity and focus.
With a heart for helping people, she finds immense joy in guiding individuals on their unique paths to better health and wellness. As a Pilates instructor, she brings together her expertise in nutrition, sleep, and recovery, creating a comprehensive and holistic experience for her clients. In addition to her role as a Pilates instructor and wellness enthusiast, she serves as a full-time Vice President for a digital marketing company, where she lends her expertise to help small businesses thrive online.
Let’s build a stronger, healthier, and more balanced you, one step at a time. Join me on this empowering Pilates adventure, and together, let’s embrace a life of vitality, joy, and lasting wellness.
Matia Mathews, Pilates Teacher; Personal Trainer
Matia’s bio is coming soon!
Chelsea Smith, Pilates Teacher
Chelsea recently completed her Pilates Teacher Training. She is passionate about creating a positive environment for people to move their bodies and achieve better health. Chelsea obtained an undergraduate degree in Business Management from Ohio University and recently earned her Masters in Business Administration from The Ohio State University. She resides in Mount Liberty on 18 acres with her husband and two Pomeranians. Being active has been a cornerstone of her life. As a state championship athlete in lacrosse (2005) and a former dancer, she has experienced firsthand the joy and benefits of an active lifestyle. Unfortunately, she also know what it's like to suffer from injuries. These experiences have taught her the importance of living life pain-free and maintaining overall well-being by utilizing a Pilates practice. Her goal as a Pilates instructor is to help others discover the transformative power of movement. She believes in creating a supportive and encouraging atmosphere where everyone can thrive, regardless of their fitness level or background.
Erica Pullins, Pilates Teacher in Training
Erica is excited to continue growing and learning as she becomes a Pilates Teacher. She began Mat Pilates when she was 14 via DVDs and self-instruction at home. She continued to incorporate Pilates techniques into her weight training as she obtained her Fitness Trainer Certification at 21. She pursued a Bachelor degree in Health and Wellness, but decided to switch gears once she experienced an injury and being diagnosed with scoliosis. Erica graduated in 2020 with her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, working as a full-time Speech-Language Pathologist within the public school system. During her educational experiences, she has continued to have a love for Pilates and discovered Roots Down in 2023.
Falling in love with the reformer and her previous mat experience, she wanted to begin teaching and sharing her love for health with others. She began her training in January 2024 through PIA, she now has her Pilates Mat certification and is finishing up her Reformer Pilates certification. She has grown up in the Mount Vernon community and lives at home with her twin cats, Jesse and June Bug. Erica also enjoys participating in Pilates classes at Roots Down with her fellow instructors, playing classical piano, doing puzzles, baking and taking walks. She longs to make a difference and help her students to increase flexibility, strength, endurance and longevity. Erica’s goal for her students is for them to leave her classes encouraged and inspired. Erica is ready to start this new journey and is eager to change your world!
Jamee Hershberger, Yoga Teacher
Jamee Hershberger is a full-time social services liaison at OES. She has a Masters in Psychology with a focus in forensics. She is also a singer and songwriter. Jamee has been practicing various types of yoga since 2017 and teaching since 2019. Her favorite classes include Yin, Vinyasa, and Hot Yoga. She found yoga at a time when her world was upside-down and is an example of how a strong yoga practice can help heal, nourish the psyche, mind, body, and soul. Namaste