Michelle Burke

Smiling woman in blue jacket standing indoors.

Owner/ Pilates Teacher

Michelle Burke, founder of Southport Pilates (est. 2016), has a lifelong passion for movement. With a background in dance and gymnastics, she discovered Pilates after a snowboard injury, when a physical therapist recommended it as part of her recovery—an introduction that quickly became a perfect fit.

With over 17 years of dedicated practice, Michelle has earned certifications in Classical Mat, Comprehensive, and Advanced Apparatus Pilates, Teacher Training along with specialized training in Osteo, Scoliosis, and Neuro Pilates. After relocating to North Carolina’s coast, she brought her vision to life by opening Southport Pilates.

Michelle is also a registered yoga teacher (E-RYT 200),

and certified in the Barre Fit method.

Sabrina Winpigler

Certified Pilates Teacher

Sabrina joins Southport Pilates from Maryland, bringing with her a personal passion for the Pilates method. She began Pilates to address imbalances in her body and was inspired to deepen her practice, completing her Classical Mat and Apparatus training through the Southport Pilates Teacher Training Program in 2018.

Sabrina loves teaching classes and is known for her warm, personable style that makes everyone feel welcome. She creates unique, thoughtful classes and private sessions designed to support each client’s individual needs. Be sure to catch her four classes on Tuesdays for an energizing and supportive workout.

Karen Barnhill

Studio Manager & Certified Pilates Teacher

Karen is our Studio Manager and a dedicated instructor, leading both group classes and private sessions. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and brings years of experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor to Southport.

Karen discovered Pilates in 2006 and quickly fell in love with the Reformer, finding it to be exactly what her body needed. It became an essential complement to her fitness routine, helping to relieve tight muscles and alleviate low back pain. Inspired by its benefits, she completed her comprehensive certification through PHI Pilates in 2007 and is trained to teach on all Pilates apparatus.

In addition to her Pilates expertise, Karen is certified through AFAA and NASM as a personal trainer and holds advanced certifications in corrective exercise, myofascial release, TRX, and Barre. She also spent five years as an educator and presenter for AFAA, teaching the comprehensive Personal Fitness Trainer certification program.

Karen is passionate about helping others care for their bodies, minds, and spirits. Her goal is to empower every client with the knowledge and confidence to move better, feel stronger, and live well.

Cathe Thompson

Cathe has been with Southport Pilates since 2020. She is beloved teacher for her fun and challenging approach to Pilates. You will find her available Mondays and Fridays. To learn a little about her...Cathe is a certified Pilates instructor trained in both Mat and Apparatus through Equinox in New York City, where she studied with renowned instructors including Alycea Ungaro, Mari Winsor, and Jennifer Kries. Rooted in Classical Pilates, her approach blends both classical and contemporary styles. She holds additional certifications in Group Fitness, Yoga, Personal Training, Barre, and Cycling, and has taught master classes across the U.S. and in Italy. Her client experience includes working with high-profile individuals such as Martina Navratilova, Isabella Rossellini, and Ahmet Ertegun. A former triathlete and avid cyclist, Cathe brings energy, expertise, and a fun, supportive approach to every session.

Kelly Kranz

Kelly is a Classical certified Pilates teacher, graduating from the SPP Teacher Training Program. With over two years of teaching experience, Kelly offers private sessions and classes focused on classical Pilates techniques. With many years of experience using Pilates equipment in my her own practice, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her teaching. Kelly's classes are designed to be both thoughtful and challenging, ensuring that every participant can achieve their personal best. She is dedicated to helping clients deepen their understanding and practice of Pilates. Kelly teaches on Saturdays, be sure to sign up for a class with her.

Lesly Miller

Leslly is a Classical certified Pilates teacher, graduating from the SPP Teacher Training Program. With over five years of teaching experience. Lesly comes to us with a over a decade of personal Pilates experience. Originally from London and settled in Michigan. Lesley is now a resident of Southport and was a long time Southport Pilates client that decided to complete her teacher training in 2021. Now a Certified Pilates Teacher with our studio. Lesly enjoys dance, ballet, Tap and clogging on her off time. You can enjoy one of Lesley's athletic classes- Jumpboard Sculpt and reformer flow classes on Wednesdays.