Co-Founder, Pilates Instructor & Wellness Advocate

Hi I'm Joan, some people call me Joanie or Joan E. Before Co-Founding Empower Pilates, I was working and teaching clients outside my hometown.

Through this experience, I met Sarah our Co-Founder, we shared a passion for Pilates, wellness, and a background in healthcare. Over the year of working together we realized the need for a dedicated Pilates studio in our hometown. That shared vision became the foundation for Empower Pilates.

I trained with BASI, a world leader in Pilates teacher training and education. I am a licensed PTA and currently work as Executive Administrative Assistant to the CEO of Ecumenical Enterprises, Inc/The Meadows a non-profit nestled in the heart of Dallas, PA.

Opening Empower Pilates feels like a full-circle moment for me. This is my hometown and working here enhances my desire to share the benefits of Pilates with the Back Mountain community.

I love spending time with my family and staying strong in my faith - my motto is "Believe It-->Achieve It!" I enjoy riding my peloton, keeping up with our two cats Frank & Beans, and living each day with passion and purpose. 

I cannot wait to meet you!

Sarah Murray

Pilates Instructor & Co-Founder

Hi I’m Sarah! I am a Pilates instructor and Co-Founder here at Empower Pilates. I have always had a love for health and wellness. Growing up playing various sports, I developed a deep appreciation for staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I discovered Pilates after suffering from a back injury in 2014, and I was immediately drawn to its ability to build strength, flexibility, and enhance my mind-body connection. Pilates became my key to recovery as it offered a path to healing when nothing else seemed to work. Years of practice has allowed me to experience the profound benefits of Pilates, motivating me to start teaching and sharing its transformative impact with others.

My educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Temple University, a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Drexel University, and a Master’s degree in Nursing specializing in Anesthesia from Bloomsburg University. I currently work full time as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. 

In my spare time I enjoy reading, spending time with family, traveling, and walking our newest rescue Rottweiler, Lucky. I am so happy to be able to bring the Back Mountain community a safe and inviting space to boost well-being and find joy in movement!