The team that keeps you moving
Kelly
Owner | Mentor | Pilates Educator | Business Woman of the Year 2022
Kelly Leonardi is a comprehensively certified Pilates instructor, educator, and studio owner with nearly four decades of experience in movement education. She founded Blue Moon Pilates in Mission Viejo, California, in 2002, building it into one of the world’s leading Balanced Body Authorized Education Centers, known for excellence in training and for its heart-centered, inclusive community.
Since 2013, Kelly has served as an Educator for Balanced Body Education, teaching comprehensive certification courses, designing numerous workshops, and mentoring instructors worldwide through her Mentoring with Kelly sessions. She also holds a national certification through the NCPT, along with advanced credentials in CoreAlign, MOTR, BODHI, BB-Barre, the Konnector, the Pink Ribbon Program, and the American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum. Kelly’s purpose is to preserve the integrity of Joseph Pilates’ work while mentoring future generations of instructors, and she continues to create and lead continuing education workshops across special modalities.
Before founding Blue Moon, Kelly enjoyed a 15-year career as a professional ballet dancer, performing nationally and internationally in both classical and contemporary repertoire. From 2015 to 2024, she also served on the faculty of the American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, mentoring and training eight graduating classes.
“What I love most about my studio is witnessing the ripple effect of movement, clients discovering new possibilities in their bodies, my team growing in their craft and careers, and our community shining brighter together. It’s an honor to lead such a talented, curious, and caring group.”
Heidi
Trainer, Balanced Body Educator
Heidi has performed as a dancer, acrobat, and aerialist for companies including Disney and Holland America Line. She began studying Pilates in 2004 under the guidance of Karen Clippinger, later earning her comprehensive BASI Pilates certification with a specialization in dance. Heidi went on to receive her Pre/Postnatal Pilates Doula Certification through Leah Stewart of LiveLife Pilates.
Today, Heidi serves as a Balanced Body Educator at Blue Moon Pilates and holds a national certification through NCPT, offering her own continuing education workshops for Pilates teachers. Her work has been featured in The Core by Balanced Body, on Balanced Body’s online video platform, and in the Pocket Pilates app.
Deeply rooted in her faith, Heidi believes every person who walks through the door whether a student teacher, or Pilates enthusiast, deserves the freedom to grow and to make mistakes. As Albert Einstein said, “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” Heidi finds her greatest joy in watching clients gain confidence and seeing student teachers blossom into skilled, knowledgeable instructors. For her, there is nothing more gratifying than being part of someone’s learning journey.
“I love the team at Blue Moon Pilates and the way they are constantly learning from each other and keeping the client’s needs at the forefront. The best part of being a trainer is being able to take someone out of their comfort zone to achieve the movement they deemed impossible. My favorite hobby is working out, but I also love trail walks with my husband. AND I am absolutely crushing my goal to read one book a month!”
Angela
Trainer
Angela grew up dancing ballet from the age of 3 and became a professional ballerina at 17. During her training, she was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) in her knee joints, and Pilates was introduced as part of her rehabilitation. It quickly became essential in helping her manage hyper-mobility and build supportive strength throughout her dance career.
After retiring from dance, Angela continued her Pilates education with Diane Diefenderfer at Studio Du Corps, where she also served as a body for teacher-training programs. Life took Angela in a whole new direction when she accepted an opportunity to become a flight attendant and travel the world, but no matter where she went, Pilates remained a constant.
When she eventually returned to Orange County and discovered Kelly and Blue Moon Pilates—one could say it was love at first session. The connection she felt to the studio inspired her to pursue her Comprehensive Balanced Body Certification and begin her teaching career there.
Angela is a two-time scholarship recipient for career transition and continuing education from the Skylar Campbell Dance Collective. She has also been selected to become a Balanced Body Educator through Blue Moon Pilates’ Authorized Training Center.
Her comprehensive training includes Anatomy, Movement Principles, Mat, Reformer, Cadillac/Trapeze Table, Chair, and Barrels, along with additional apparatus training in CoreAlign, MOTR, and the Bodhi System. Angela continues her education annually through workshops focused on topics such as pre/postnatal Pilates, low-back pain, and functional movement. She continues to pour her heart and experience into her sessions and classes, bringing both care and lived expertise to every client she works with.
“Blue Moon Pilates is such an amazing team to be a part of. The encouraging all inclusive energy is magnetic and I love watching my clients grow in their practice.”
Kari
Trainer
Kari brings over 15 years of Pilates teaching experience, grounded in her early training as a ballet dancer, where she first discovered the power of Pilates for strength and conditioning. After years in a high-pressure corporate environment, she followed her passion for mindful movement and transitioned into a full-time career as a Pilates instructor.
Kari is comprehensively certified in Pilates and holds additional credentials in Balanced Body Barre, Bodhi, MOTR, and CoreAlign. She has completed the Balanced Body Inc. Anatomy in 3D program and continues to expand her expertise through advanced training with renowned educators such as Nora St. John, Brian Ritchie, Joy Puleo, and Erica Quest.
“Teaching at Blue Moon Pilates is a special experience. The atmosphere is positive, supportive and welcoming. Working with the wonderful Blue Moon clients is the best part! I love watching individuals grow stronger, and improve their practice with each new session. When I am not teaching my favorite hobby is being a student of Pilates! (Almost as much as I like teaching!) I also love ballet, hiking with my son and husband and knitting.”
Shelley
Trainer
Living with lupus is what first led Shelley to Pilates over 25 years ago. Rather than relying solely on medication for pain management, she made a significant lifestyle shift and learned new ways to manage stress through movement. During this time, she was introduced to Mat Pilates, which quickly became both her primary form of physical conditioning and a powerful tool for mental focus and healing.
After suffering a deep oblique injury and dedicating a whole year to recovery, Shelley made the decision to step away from the corporate world and pursue Pilates full-time. She completed her comprehensive education and certification through Balanced Body Inc. at Blue Moon Pilates under the instruction of Kelly Leonardi, Heidi Coles, and Portia Page. Shelley’s comprehensive Pilates training includes Anatomy in 3D, Mat, Reformer, Cadillac/Trapeze Table, Barrel, and Chair. She has trained with Nora St. John and Brian Ritchie, with an emphasis on shoulders, hips, osteoporosis, and advanced spine modalities. She is also trained with the CoreAlign and continues to expand her expertise through ongoing continuing education.
"Pilates increases circulation immediately, which then aids in decreasing inflammation from flare-ups. It's the perfect balance for me, and I'm excited to share that with others. I get to spend my work day with clients who want to get better, be better, and stay better. I now have the wonderful opportunity to work at Blue Moon Pilates, where the whole staff operates as a family unit, and I'm very grateful for that."
Laura
Trainer
After returning to full-time classroom teaching in 2002, Laura began taking classes at Blue Moon Pilates to support her stamina and deepen her connection to breath. She credits Pilates with enabling her to stand, squat, and teach all day without pain or strain.
When Laura eventually stepped away from teaching, she decided to channel her love of Pilates into a new career. She pursued comprehensive education and certification through Balanced Body Inc. at Blue Moon Pilates, studying under Kelly Leonardi, Heidi Coles, and Portia Page.
Her comprehensive training includes Anatomy in 3D, Mat, Reformer, Cadillac/Trapeze Table, Barrel, and Chair. She has completed continuing education with Erika Quest in Active Aging and Ky Russell in Pilates for Enhanced Stress Relief. Laura is committed to lifelong learning and continues to advance her skills through additional training with John Garey, Cathy Redifer, Matt McCulloch, Nora St. John, and Brian Ritchey. She is also trained in CoreAlign, Advanced Spinal Modalities, Pre & Post Natal Pilates, and Osteoporosis.
“I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such a diverse group of clients at Blue Moon Pilates. It’s exciting to see clients learning and growing in their Pilates journey.”
Stacia
Trainer
Stacia believes deeply in the connection between mind and body, emphasizing faith, movement, and mental fortitude in the pursuit of healing and wellness. A lifelong athlete, she developed these values through years of competitive training. As an NCAA Division I volleyball player, she competed on both the beach and indoor teams at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo before transferring to Northern Arizona University (NAU), where she earned the NSCA All-American award and helped set multiple NAU and Big Sky Conference records. Her team was inducted into the NAU Hall of Fame in 2022.
After graduating from NAU with her B.S. in Exercise Science, Stacia spent ten years working as a physical therapy aide, where she discovered the profound benefits of Pilates. She was drawn to the Balanced Body education due to its strong foundation in movement principles and has embraced ongoing education as a core part of her work. Along with her Comprehensive Pilates training through Balanced Body Inc. with educators Kelly Leonardi and Heidi Coles, she has also studied with esteemed educators including Nora St. John, Brian Ritchie, Ky Russell, and Nico Gonzalez. Her training includes CoreAlign, prenatal Pilates, osteoporosis, stress relief, and common spine and upper extremity conditions.
“I love the warm and encouraging environment that Blue Moon facilitates. Fitness should honor the individual, and that’s exactly what we do here. As trainers, we have the opportunity to encourage, educate, and help people feel better—both physically and mentally.”
Graycen
Trainer
Graycen was introduced to Pilates through her classical dance training, where she discovered how powerfully it supported her foundation, balance, and overall strength as a dancer. She began her Comprehensive Pilates training through Balanced Body Inc. at Blue Moon Pilates under educators Kelly Leonardi and Heidi Coles, and is now a certified Comprehensive Pilates instructor. Her training includes Mat, Reformer, Cadillac/Trapeze Table, Chair, Barrel, Anatomy in 3D, and she is also trained in CoreAlign, further broadening her ability to guide clients in integrated, functional movement.
Graycen is dedicated to ongoing professional development and has completed continuing education with Kelly Leonardi, Ky Russell, and Erika Quest, including specialized training in Active Aging, Pilates for Stress Relief, Osteoporosis, and advanced Spine Modalities. She is a scholarship recipient of the Skylar Campbell Dance Collective.
“What I love about teaching at Blue Moon Pilates is that I’m in the unique position to support clients in a way that helps them become physically and mentally stronger. I am truly grateful to be part of each client’s journey at our studio.”
Sarah M
Trainer
Sarah Mullen has been active in athletics her entire life. She discovered Pilates while recovering from a back injury, and it quickly became a daily practice that transformed her approach to movement and wellness.
Sarah completed her comprehensive Balanced Body Inc. Pilates training through Blue Moon Pilates under the instruction of educators Kelly Leonardi and Heidi Coles. Her training includes Anatomy in 3D, Mat, Reformer, Trapeze Table/Cadillac, Barrel, Chair. Sarah is also trained in CoreAlign, further broadening her ability to guide clients in integrated functional movement. She continues to deepen her expertise through ongoing education, including an in-depth workshops focused on spinal misalignments, corrective strategies, and advanced movement integration.
“What I like most about Blue Moon Pilates is its inclusivity. From the moment you walk in the door, stigmas fall away, and all that matters is the individual and that person’s needs and goals. The community creates something special that you simply cannot find anywhere else.”
Sonali
Trainer
Sonali grew up playing soccer, so movement always came naturally to her, but it led to injuries that made staying active tough later on. After college, she discovered Pilates and instantly fell in love. It helped her feel strong and free in her body again, something she hadn’t felt in years. Pretty quickly, she realized she wanted to share that feeling with others.
She completed her comprehensive Pilates education and certification through Balanced Body Inc. at Blue Moon Pilates with educators Kelly Leonardi and Heidi Coles. Her comprehensive training includes Anatomy in 3D, Mat, Reformer, Cadillac/Trapeze Table, Barrel, and Chair. Sonali has also completed continuing education specializing in Pre-Natal Pilates, Osteoporosis, and Athletic training with Heidi Coles, Shari Berkowitz, Nicky Lal, Nora St. John, Brian Ritchey, and Andrea Speir.
“I love that from the moment you walk into Blue Moon you are surrounding by friendly smiles and warmth. Everyone is a team, a family, there is no completion or egos and it’s such a refreshing feeling from the outside world to see everyone supporting each other and growing together.”
Rachel
Trainer
Rachel has been an avid Pilates student since 2008, gaining not only a transformed body but also a deep appreciation for the mind-body connection that Pilates fosters. In 2016, she began her Pilates Comprehensive Training Program through Balanced Body Inc. under the instruction of Kelly at Blue Moon Pilates, initially to enhance her own practice and eventually to share her passion with clients.
Her comprehensive training includes Anatomy in 3D, Mat, Reformer, Cadillac/Trapeze Table, Barrel, and Chair. Rachel has also completed continuing education with Brent Anderson, Maria Leone, Nora St. John, Beth Kaplanek, and Brian Ritchey. She is also trained in CoreAlign, Advanced Spinal Modalities, Pre-Natal Pilates, Osteoporosis, and Upper-Body-focused Pilates.
“What I love about Blue Moon is that it is truly a complete studio filled with all of the Pilates apparatuses as well as experienced trainers full of knowledge who look forward to supporting each client in their own Pilates journey.”
Taryn
Trainer, Nutritional Therapist
Taryn began her movement career as a competitive figure skater, training and competing for 15 years and completing her Senior Gold Medal tests. Pilates entered her life early as a form of physical therapy following a sustained back injury, quickly becoming an essential tool in her longevity and performance. After retiring from skating, Taryn danced professionally and spent several years traveling with LA Dance Magic before deciding to further invest in her Pilates education.
She is comprehensively certified through Balanced Body Inc., having completed her training at Blue Moon Pilates. Taryn has advanced training in MOTR, Bodhi Suspension System, CoreAlign, TRX, Konnector, myofascial release, pre- and postnatal Pilates, and Pilates for athletes. In addition to her movement education, she is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) through the Nutritional Therapy Association, allowing her to support clients with a more holistic approach to health and performance.
Taryn has trained with leading educators including Kelly Leonardi, Nico Gonzales, Erika Quest, Ky Russell, Portia Page, and Joy Puleo. She brings experience working with clients of all levels, backgrounds, and capabilities, and is passionate about helping individuals build strength, resilience, and confidence through thoughtful, informed movement.
“I love the Blue Moon team’s encouraging and collaborative way of working! While we all support the same philosophy, everyone can embody their own style, which makes for a truly inspiring workplace. The greatest gift is being able to help someone feel more at home in their body, and it is an honor to be a part of that process. When I am not teaching, I love anything that gets me outside! Bike rides, taking my pug for long walks, beach picnics, and trying to keep my veggie garden alive.”
Acacia
Customer Service Specialist, Balanced Body Education Coordinator
“I am grateful to be a part of the Blue Moon Pilates team! After my first day, I knew right away that this wasn’t any ordinary Pilates studio. The staff and clients were so welcoming that if felt more like joining a family than starting a new job. What I love most about the studio is the positive and supportive atmosphere, where everyone is welcome and everyone fits in.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my son and husband in our hometown of San Clemente. I am obsessed with Musical Theatre and see as many shows as I can every year!”
Janet
Customer Service Specialist
“I am thrilled and thankful to be a Blue Moon Pilates team member! The warmth and support of my fellow staff & clients, and the peaceful atmosphere of this studio make it a joy to be here! I feel happy and right at home. As a former professional dancer, Pilates was hugely important to me to build my strength and work through injuries. It’s invaluable!
In my free time, I love to spend time with my husband and my kitties, do Pilates and aerial, watch movies, tend to my plants… and meet with friends.”
Demi
Customer Service Specialist
“I’m so happy to be part of the Blue Moon Pilates team! From day one, I’ve loved the welcoming energy and sense of community here. It’s a place where clients and staff alike feel truly supported. I’m passionate about creating a smooth, thoughtful experience at the front desk, and I love being part of a studio that helps people feel stronger in body and mind.
Outside the studio, I enjoy reading, playing violin, cooking, camping, and ballet. I’m always working on a creative project, usually something cozy, seasonal, or a little bit magical.”
Kennedy
Social Media and Events Manager
“I love working at Blue Moon Pilates because it is a space that provides an opportunity to grow in physical wellness through community. The wonderful trainers, clients and ownership have created an environment of acceptance and offer support from all directions. Blue Moon Pilates is a place for every body and everybody. I love working at the front desk because it allows me to interact with our magnificent clients. Outside of the studio, I am a theatre and business student who loves to sing, dance, act, and direct. I am also a long time Pilates fan and am currently working on getting my Balanced Body teacher certification right here at Blue Moon Pilates with Kelly!”