All of our highly trained instructors are certified through each method's internationally recognized certifying board. Each instructor has extensive training and experience working in the field, thus allowing each instructor to bring a unique and diverse perspective and knowledge to the studio and each class.

  • Audrey Laurelton, CHC

    Learn About Nutritional Counseling

    Audrey is the co-owner of Equilibrium Montclair. Audrey began her Pilates training while at SUNY Purchase. Where she earned a Bachelor of Arts. Prior to graduation in 2001, she entered the Authentic Pilates program headed by Romana Krysanowska, the world-renowned protégé of Joseph Pilates. While in the program, she also had the opportunity to study with Master Trainers Sari Mejia Santos, Michael Fritzke and Ton Voogt.

    She became a certified Gyrotonic®teacher in late 2003, studying under Master Trainers Leda Franklin, Jennifer Daly and Chantal Deeble-Jackson. Audrey also completed her certification with Julio Horvath, the Gyrotonic® creator.

    Audrey is a certified health counselor graduating from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and has a continuing education certification in Integrative Nutrition from the Teachers College at Columbia University.

    Currently she's enrolled at Montclair State University in their Food and Nutrition Science program to continue her study and become a Registered Dietician with completion in 2011.

    Audrey has certifications in Yamuna Body Rolling and is a level 2 Reiki practitioner. Audrey uses her knowledge to tailor each session to her clients' needs and goals for improved health and overall well-being.

    "I've had the pleasure of working with Audrey for 8 years and, though I'm way into senior citizenry, my body is as pleased as I am. Audrey has gently, persistently and effective helped me have more confidence in my body, and to enjoy being in my body a whole lot more than before."~ Elaine B.

  • Deborah Vaphides, C.A.

    Learn About Acupuncture

    Deborah Vaphides is the co-owner of Equilibrium Montclair with Audrey Laurelton. She has practiced Acupuncture at Equilibrium Montclair for the last three years and this fall will be among the first graduating class with a Board Certification in Herbal Medicine at the Eastern School of Traditional Medicine. Deborah is also a certified Pilates instructor and has studied with its most well-known experts - Romana Krysanowska and her daughter Sari Pace. She is a lifetime learner and devotée of Asian Medicine as well as her other professions, Pilates and Gyrotonic. She is committed to practicing all of these disciplines with skill and enthusiasm and continually challenges herself to find time and energy to apply them in her own life.

    Deborah feels privileged to have a space in Montclair where she can offer her expertise, encouragement and support to the outstanding clients of Equilibrium Montclair!

    "I've had the pleasure of working Deb since 2008 and have enjoyed every session. More importantly, my body has responded in kind. My back, which had been a source of some pain and constant irritation, is stronger than ever, and my range of motion is as extensive as it has ever been. She is an attentive instructor and body technician, and I can't recommend her studio enough."~ Paul G.

  • Tom Lavosky

    Learn About Physical Therapy

    Tom Lavosky received his Bachelor of Physical Therapy degree from Hunter College in 1990 and later, his Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2007. He has been practicing as a Physical Therapist for over 18 years. He specializes in vestibular/balance disorders as well as orthopedic, neurological and of course, back pain. Mr. Lavosky has written case studies on patients with spinal and vestibular disorders as part of this doctoral training.He began his Pilates training in 2000 and quickly realized the value of using this method while treating patients with spinal disorders.

    In 2000, Mr. Lavosky realized the value of incorporating the Pilates method of training while treating patients with spinal disorders, so he completed hi Pilates certification in August of 2002 from Polestar Education, as well as continuing education at Power Pilates.

    Tom brings a wealth of education and knowledge to the Equilibrium team. He is available for Pilates training, Physical Therapy consultation as well as ongoing therapy.

    "Tom worked as a partner, not just a clinician. He listened to me, understood my goals and corrected me or said 'yeah, maybe that would work, too'. He has an open mind and is not dogmatic in his approach to healing; it seems like he is on the path with you, not removed from process as a guide, but dynamically involved."~ Kenneth P.

  • Betsy Tappen

    Betsy Tappen obtained her certification as a Pilates Instructor in 2003 after completing 700 hours of independent study under the tutelage of the direct protégé of Joseph Piates, Romana Kryzanowska. In March of 2008, Betsy was chosen to be one of the privileged Level 4 instructors in the world, qualifying her to train new instructors in the art of teaching Pilates. Betsy continues her education with Ms. Kryzanowska and her daughter, Shari Mejia Santos, a student of Joseph Pilates as well.

    As a former gymnast and coach of gymnastics, Betsy brings athletic enthusiasm and a level of excellence to the studio, while helping her clients achieve their fitness goals.

    "Regardless of what sport you are engaged in, it really helps to have stronger abs and midsection. Pilates has helped me develop these muscles and running is now significantly easier for me. I really enjoy working with Betsy, who is a trained gymnast and an outstanding athlete and Pilates instructor."~ Steve W.

  • Nikki Halberstam

    Nikki became a Romana's Pilates certified instructor by direct protégé of Joseph Pilates, Romana Krysanoska this year. She also studied with Master Trainer Sari Mejía Santos. Nikki loves to share her knowledge of the Pilates method with others.

    "Working with Nikki has been an incredible experience. She is always challenging me and enouraging me to step beyond the boundaries of my limits. She's truly amazing and I'm thrilled to work with her."~ Danielle K.

  • Beth Mastin

    Beth enjoyed the benefits of Pilates to such an extent it became more than just an excercise system. She explains,  " Pilates provided a gateway to a "Return to Life" for me after a long hiatus from the world of dance. The power of the method is great and my own direct experience of "Movement Heals" inspired me to teach and empower others." Her early years where emersed in her love of dance, studying at Lorretta Heights College in Denver, Colorado and continued with the Denver Civic Ballet. Beth received her Classical Pilates Certification through Power Pilates in NYC in  2006 under the Master teacher Bob Liekens who co-created the training manual and exam system with Romana Kryzanowska.

    Beth is continuing her exploration of health and well being through The Pink Ribbon Program's Certification as a Post Rehabilitative Breast Cancer Excercise Specialist in 2010. She also has been a practitioner of meditation for the last 35 years through the teachings of Prem Rawat.

    "I came to Pilates with the hope of addressing the issue of low bone density. And I am happy to report that the bone density in my lumbar spine has increased over the past three years since I began Pilates; in fact, my score is actually higher than normal! Thank You Equilibrium!"~ Nancy G.

  • Stephanie Vovou

    Coming from a professional dance background Stephanie was drawn to Pilates for its ability to target and strengthen the core of the body better than most forms of exercise. Stephanie began her Pilates training at Equilibrium Pilates before continuing on to become certified in the classical method of Power Pilates where she trained under Bob Liekens and Susan Moran-Perich. Having personally experienced the incredible effects of the Pilates Method she is enthusiastic to share it with others.

    "Stephanie is a wonderful instructor and brings a fresh perspective on the study of Pilates. She really works at helping me truly identify the goals of each exercise by describing what muscle groups I will be targeting and how to maximize the potential of each movement. Thank you for working with me Stepanie. "~ Colette D.

  • Karen Westhelle

    Karen Westhelle started her classical ballet training at an early age. After majoring in Dance at college, she studied modern dance at the Martha Graham school of Contemporary Dance as a trainee student. In addition to studying dance, Karen also taught both classical and contemporary ballet and still occasionally teaches. In 2006, Karen began studying Pilates and soon after, was accepted into the Romana Krysanowska's Pilates Certification Program. She was very impressed at how Pilates changed her body and helped individuals in a profound way with their physical ailments. Learning Pilates was a life-changing process for Karen and so here she is at Equilibrium to help others change their lives through the power of Pilates.

    "I was extremely tentative when I first decided to dip a toe into the Pilates 'pool'. Terribly out of shape and not athletically inclined, the prospect of getting started was daunting. Yet the incredibly supportive atmosphere created by the entire staff at Equilibrium made those first intimidating sessions a pleasure. After six months, the benefits have been tremendous; I couldn't go back to life without it. Working with Karen has been fantastic. In addition to being a certified Pilates instructor, she's an accomplished dancer and dance instructor. In her always cheerful and genuinely encouraging manner she never fails to provide a challenging (and somehow, fun) workout. Come on in, the water's fine!"~ Bill G.