Meet the Wellness Team
At West LA Pilates we understand the importance of holistic care for the body and the mind. We share the Studio with Chiropractor Dr. Wilson Park and Acupuncturist Dr. James Kelly to offer you alternative modalities to aid in your quest for health.
Plus, we have some of the most highly trained and experienced professionals in the Pilates business. Whatever your age, whatever the injury, our team can help you.
Patte James
Pilates Instructor, Studio Owner
Through West LA Pilates, I have helped thousands of people since 1998. After more than 8 years of pain due to a torn shoulder muscle and disk problems, I met a woman who radiated optimal health. Learning she was a Pilates instructor, I immediately signed up for her classes. With each workout, I felt my body heal and strengthen and soon fell in love with Pilates. I work closely with Dr. Park in consultation for any client's rehab that may be required. With my extensive experience and training in Yoga, I incorporate those ideas into Pilates sessions for an optimum practice of health and well-being. At West LA Pilates, it is my mission to share Joe Pilates' amazing technique with others, bringing them relief from pain, increasing their core strength, assisting in developing long, lean muscles, and transforming their bodies for a new and improved lifestyle.
Dr. Park has dedicated his life to developing a biomechanical construct for an injury-free body. He has experience treating Olympians, professional athletes, and coaches in the most innovative ways to repair and maintain the body. Many of his therapies involve the use of digital gait analysis (the way you move and stand) and pioneering therapies such as light therapy to eliminated or reduce some of the most stubborn injuries ot the foot, knee, lower back, shoulder and neck.
James Kelly L.Ac. is a licensed acupuncturist and holds a Masters degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine. James' twenty year background in movement and professional dance training provides a unique perspective on functional anatomy. He also brings extensive botanical and nutritional knowledge to his formulation of personalized herbal remedies. James treats a wide array of problems and specializes in treating chronic headaches, fatigue, menstrual irregularities, and allergy issues.
Lee McCarthy
Instructor
Lee is known in the community as a master Pilates instructor. She has been teaching for 35 years with the philosophy that "everyone can move within their own capacity". As a former gymnast and dancer, Lee recognized the many benefits of the Pilates method. She has studied with Ron Fletcher and worked extensively in movement rehab. Lee draws from her mastery of movement in dance, gymnastics & Gyrotonics and incorporates these elements into each of her Pilates sessions. Always continuing to learn and apply her mastery, Lee's influences have included other master instructors such as Eva Nemeth, Ron Fletcher, Julie Horvath, and Finis Jhung Ballet.
Annalisa Pessin
Instructor
Annalisa came to Pilates & Gyrotonics out of a dedicated effort to address her aches and pains stemming from chronic scar tissue tightness and structural imbalances. She discovered that she enjoyed assessing other people's injuries and assisting them in their healing process. Fortunate to shadow a Master Teacher at a Physical Therapy office, she learned more about rehabilitating shoulders, lower backs, knee, and hip injuries. Annalisa also worked at a Physical Therapy office specializing in women’s health and wellness aiding women in breast cancer recovery, pre and post-natal stages, and chronic pelvis issues. She uses her wealth of knowledge, “out of the box” thinking, and attentive hands-on approach to work with clients from all walks of life.
Donna O'Sullivan
Instructor
Donna discovered the benefits of Pilates in her hometown of London in 2012. It opened her eyes to the balance and alignment within her own body after working for years at a desk and looking after a young family. Pilates dramatically improved her strength and posture. Donna and her family moved to L. A. where she continued to study, taking her passion to the next level under Master Trainer Julie Amick. Donna approaches and assesses each clients’ individual needs with great care and compassion, focusing on form and technique to create healthy bodies that prevent pain and injury, and resulting in life-long transformations.