Our Affiliates
Guest Instructors | Educators

Aligned Studio founder Sara Armbrister was originally introduced to the Pilates method to help her body keep up with the physical demands of a pre-professional musician and dancer. As a cello performance major at the University of Kansas, Pilates helped her recover from an overuse injury. Inspired to help other performing artists avoid and overcome injury, she began teaching in 2004. Sara initially completed her Pilates education through Centerworks® Pilates, and has received additional comprehensive training and continuing education through Balanced Body®, Fletcher® Pilates, Polestar, and many first-generation and master teachers. She has also received research grants and presented numerous lectures on injury prevention for musicians and dancers.

Sara served as Studio Director and Lead Trainer of Pilates Performance & Rehab Lawrence for many years, until she took over ownership and transitioned the studio to Aligned in 2016. She is also an educator for Balanced Body Pilates. She teaches the Balanced Body Pilates & Barre instructor training programs, as well as specialty workshops, at Aligned and as a guest presenter throughout the Kansas City area and across the country.

A dynamic, inspiring teacher, Sara aims to make Pilates accessible to all. Her diverse clientele includes athletes, dancers, fitness professionals, musicians, pre/post-rehab clients, and men and women of all ages and abilities.

Educational Background: Tamara graduated with her BA from Washburn University while earning her Physical Therapist Assistant degree, practiced for a few years and then went on to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She has been practicing in the field of physical therapy since 2000, with experience in the outpatient setting as well as inpatient rehabilitation. Since graduation Tamara has pursued extensive training in neurological rehabilitation with training in Neuro-Developmental Technique, Body Weight Support Treadmill Training, and vestibular rehabilitation. She is also a LSVT BIG® certified practitioner specializing in treatment of individuals with Parkinson's disease. As a physical therapist with extensive clinical experience and specialty training, she brings a comprehensive approach to the care of her patients and clients.

Pilates: Tamara began studying Pilates in 2000 with Polestar Pilates Education. While attending graduate school she worked at the Polestar Pilates Center in Coral Gables, Florida. This education and experience has allowed Tamara to implement Pilates based rehabilitation into the inpatient rehabilitation setting to facilitate motor recovery with neurological patients and utilized Pilates practice in outpatient settings to decrease pain and restore movement. Additionally, Tamara has presented on utilizing Pilates in rehabilitation to local organizations including the Kansas Occupational Therapy Conference. She understands and implements the philosophy and principles of Pilates and sees it as a vital tool that empowers the patient to manage and reach her/his maximum potential in a wide spectrum of neurologic and orthopedic conditions.

Neurological Rehabilitation: Tamara specializes in the evaluation and treatment of individuals with movement impairments due to disease or injury to the nervous system. She is a specialist in the rehabilitation of neurologic disorders such as: stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s, Guillan-Barre, balance deficits, and multiple sclerosis. She has extensive experience and training in this, and uniquely utilizes Pilates equipment accomplish profound success. With years of hands on clinical experience, Tamara is able to help patients achieve motor recovery with facilitation techniques that improve their quality of life.

Sports Medicine: Tamara enjoys working with the novice to experienced athlete. As an athlete and runner she is able to relate to individuals with a strong desire to compete and stay active. Tamara is able to identify faulty movement patterns and improper mechanics and enjoys helping athletes improve their motor control to further enhance their athletic skills.

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Educational Background:  Noelle graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet Pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma and then received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.  She has been working in outpatient orthopaedic settings since 2002.  Since graduation, Noelle has pursued extensive continuing education through Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (has taken ALL of the offered courses), Kinetic control, Pilates based coursework, C1 and C2 BSPT Schroth certified, manual lymph drainage certified by Evergreen Certifications, Progressing Ballet Technique, and is Dry Needling Certified through Myopain seminars.  Musculoskeletal injuries of the spine and all extremities are her main realm of experience.  In addition, her areas of specialization include: osteopathic based manual therapy, Pilates based rehabilitation, dance medicine, craniosacral therapy, dry needling, manual lymph drainage, osteoporosis, hypermobility syndromes, and scoliosis. Noelle is the owner of Kinesphere Physical Therapy LLC.

 

Pilates:  Noelle began studying Pilates when rehabilitating a dance injury in 1992.  Since that time, she trained through the Physical Mind Institute, Polestar Pilates Education and is Nationally Pilates Certified.  She is a Principal Educator for Polestar Pilates Education, where she teaches fitness and rehabilitation professionals how to use Pilates with their clients and patients.  Having taught across the United States, Caribbean, and Mexico, Noelle is a regular presenter at courses and conferences.  Pilates was a part of Noelle’s life before becoming a Physical Therapist and it continues to be an essential part of her success with patients.  Noelle developed the Pilates program at the Kansas City Ballet school. Noelle also teaches for Oov Education and is trained in the Konnector.  

 

Dance and Figure Skating Medicine:  Noelle continues to dance today, but the professional training of her Bachelor of Fine Arts allows her the understanding of a dancer’s career, body and injuries.   The Miami City Ballet and Broadway shows were Noelle’s past dance medicine experience before moving to Kansas City in 2006.  Noelle teaches at local dance schools, including the Kansas City Ballet School and has been invited to teach at dance schools in the US and Mexico.  As a sought after dance medicine physical therapist, Noelle works on touring Broadway shows coming through Kansas City and also served as the dance medicine specialist at Children's Mercy. She most recently presented in the 2017 International Association of Dance Medicine and Science conference.  Additionally, she is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT).  Noelle figure skated as a child and chose to continue only with dance.  As an adult, she trains regularly, competing and testing.  She is a member and volunteer through the Kansas City Figure Skating Club, where she works the medical shift at competitions.