Meet the team
Owner - Leigh Ann, PT, DPT, OCS
Hey there! I’m Leigh Ann and I am the owner of MPX Strength Studio. I'm a physical therapist, with a specialist certification in orthopedics (OCS), and I started working as a reformer instructor in 2018 because it seemed like a fun opportunity to blend my professional background with my passion for exercise.
It quickly became apparent to me that my background gave me the unique advantage to help people before injuries develop - allowing them to continuing training for marathons, or playing basketball with their children, or skiing with their families - and even improve their athletic performance. There is such an absence in the fitness industry of individuals who are practicing with truly evidence-based protocols, and I eventually decided to leave the traditional healthcare model in 2021 to open my own studio in an attempt to fill that void.
My goal with opening MPX Strength Studio is to bring high quality evidence to group strength training so that people can achieve whatever fitness goals they have and ultimately have a place where they can come and challenge themselves, in a welcoming and safe environment.
What clients have to say about Leigh Ann:
“Leigh Ann is amazing. I love her style of teaching - she pushes you to get your form right so you get the most from each move. The way she uses language to help you engage just the right muscle with the slightest movement of your body is quite special. I wish I could clone her! ❤️” - MW
“I love that Leigh Ann makes a point to correct every single person in the class - even if it’s a very minor tweak, it makes a huge difference in how hard I am working and how much I feel each move in the right muscles. Her passion for making each person feel strong and capable is unmatched and the way she make each of us feel like she’s truly seeing us and making us work harder and better is mind-blowing.” - SG
“Leigh Ann is always amazing. Attentive, responsive, knowledgeable, professional, and an expert in her field.” - KJ
Instructor - Hailey
👋🏼 I’m Hailey! Mama to Ellie and banker by day, and competitive Ironman distance triathlete by night. I’ve loved sport and fitness as long as I can remember…even while smoking a pack a day through college 😱 I grew up a competitive swimmer and did my first triathlon to be like my big sister, in 2004. In 2010, I took the plunge and did my first Ironman. I qualified for the World Championships that year, and will toe the line at my 10th Kona (world champs), this year!
I found the Xformer while trying to fix some high hamstring tendinopathy and was immediately hooked! I got so strong and my HHT disappeared! I knew I had to teach this class and haven’t looked back since. It’s so much fun, and I hope I get to have the opportunity to CHEER YOU ON in class with some EDM 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
What clients have to say about Hailey:
"Hailey is a fantastic teacher! She is your best. Funny, incredibly engaging, motivates you. She’s definitely my jam.” - CS
“I love classes with Hailey! She knows how to push and encourage just the right amount. She talks to keep us centered, occasionally to distract, and never in a way that feels rushed which I like a lot. She is wonderful with adjustments when needed. I've been taking classes with Hailey for years and she's my fav!” - MW
“Of all the teachers at MPX, Haley is the one who inspires me to work the hardest. She brings a level of intensity and specificity to the class that helps me take my workout to a new level of difficulty. Today, for example, she noticed that I was pulling with my hip flexor on the lunges and the adjustment made the work five times harder! Finally, her enthusiasm is contagious. I love her intensity— it’s not over-the-top bro culture but instead just “I care and you should care, too.” - SR
Instructor - Mariam
👋 I’m Mariam, a Bay Area native. I became a fitness instructor during my undergrad at Duke, where I also studied computer and political sciences.
As a techie, I spend my day building products. But I most love building up my community. From teaching on the mat to coaching on the machine, I’m always ready to bring on thrills of movement.
Outside of coding or teaching classes, you can find me lifting some weights, swimming, hiking…and a little of everything else sprinkled in. One rep at a time.
What clients have to say about Mariam:
"Love this instructor - perfect balance of positive energy, precise recommendations, helpful timekeeping etc” - EC
“Love her classes! From music choices, pace and attention to details & guidance. She is the best!” - ST
“Mariam is an outstanding teacher. She runs an excellent class. I feel that I have had a terrific work-out with her. She understands the human body, pilates, and the people in her class. She has great command of the class. I so enjoy her classes.” - DL
Instructor - Sona
I’m Sona 👋 I fell in love with teaching fitness! It has helped me focus and push myself in all aspects of life, and I’m thrilled to share that with the MPX community.
I’m a patent/corporate attorney by trade, but recently co-founded an AI company Pincites with my sister and fellow instructor, Mariam. I've got you covered for fitness goals, legal advice, and the latest AI gossip.
What clients have to say about Sona:
"Amazing!!! Always corrects my form which is huge and makes me have a better workout without any injuries!!!” - SW
“Sona is such a great instructor! She provides helpful hands on adjustments! My husband and I drive all the way from the east bay every Sunday morning to take her class! We so appreciate having her as an instructor!” - NL
“Sona is the best! I’ve recently had trouble with my foot, and Sona has been incredibly caring to make modifications and make sure I was okay. She is awesome!” - MB
Studio Manager - Kim
“Hii, my name is Kim! I was born and raised in the Bay Area. I’ve been taking pilates/reformer classes for about 6 years now and have more really fallen in love with MPX.
I have been an operating room nurse for the past few years and worked in step down ICU before that. When I’m not working I’m usually eating, traveling, watering my plants, online shopping or hanging out with my husband and our dog.
I hope to see you either working out in strength class with me!”
Instructor - Jenny, CPT
“Hi! I'm Jenny, born and raised in Northern California; I spent the last 10 years in San Francisco and recently moved down to the peninsula. I started distance running when I was a kid and began taking reformer classes roughly 7 years ago to switch up my workouts and focus more on strength training. I've been hooked ever since!
By day I work in tech and when I'm not working or in the studio, I'm usually outside on a walk with my dog or hanging out with my boyfriend and cat, trying to decide on our next travel destination. I also love a good audio book and never say no to a new restaurant recommendation.
Can't wait to see you in one of my classes!”
What clients have to say about Jenny:
"I’m always happy when Jenny teaches. She’s supportive, inspiring, and I like the way she counts out the routines.” - LG
“LOVE Jenny's classes.... She is so knowledgeable and has a calm demeanor during class. She is great at giving early guidance on spring change that makes it easier to get into position.” - LB
“Jenny is rad! I love that she's light hearted and compassionate while not letting us off the hook! :)” - MW
Instructor - Alena
“Hi everybody! Alena here 😁!!! I took my very first class at MPX back in July 2022 and — not to be dramatic — it totally changed my life. I am beyond excited to be sharing the things I love about fitness and MPX with you all.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and I graduated in May 2022 from USC. I moved up to the bay to get involved in neuroscience research at Stanford! I’m passionate about brain health and protecting our cognition against neurodegenerative disease. The most impactful thing you can do to preserve brain health as you age is exercise!! Can’t wait to work with you all to keep our minds and bodies as healthy as can be 💗💪🎉”
What clients have to say about Alena:
"Alena is one of my most favorite instructors. Her energy is amazing, she takes the time to make helpful adjustments, and you can tell she really cares about her students and their experiences. I love going to her classes!!!.” - RL
“I look forward to classes with Alena. She is kind, knowledgeable, positive and informative and helpful. It is great to be told, "You've GOT this!" And, to be reminded to breath.... Thanks MPX” - LS
“So great!! Best music, great chit chat, all around star!” - LF
Instructor - Carol
Hi there, my name is Carol! I discovered this amazing workout over six years ago and started teaching soon after because the workout definitely changed my life. I love the intensity and challenge while enjoying a no impact activity. I have a general passion for fitness which also includes my Peloton, weights, or long dog walks when away from the Xformer.
I have worked in Employer Sponsored Child Care for over 20 years helping working parents access quality care and supporting child care providers and operators. My husband and I raised two children of our own who are now independent adults which leaves us a lot of time to travel, eat out, and enjoy life. Can’t wait to see you all in class!
What clients have to say about Carol:
"Attending Carol's class is always a real treat (when I can make it off the waitlist!). Her personalized care and genuine kindness shine through in every session." - MW
“Carol is fantastic!! Clear, articulate and fun! The class flew by!!” - AC
“She’s super kind and uplifting! I love taking her classes!” - KC
Instructor - Sid
Hi!! My name is Sid. I developed a love for fitness during my time playing football at Stanford and have not looked back since.
During the day, you can catch me working to build technology for self-driving cars or coaching high school football.
I became a football coach in 2021 and I have found it to be extremely rewarding. Since then, I have also developed a love for the XFormer and the benefits it has brought me - as someone who loves to lift heavy weights and sprint, it has helped me maintain mobility in my joints and prevent muscle imbalances.
As an MPX coach, I hope to combine my passion for coaching with my love for the XFormer to positively challenge clients to feel better physically, and more importantly, mentally.
Outside of coaching, you can find me exploring nature, hanging out with my friends, or rooting for the 49ers. Come join me for a gritty class 💪
What clients have to say about Sid:
"Sid's pilates class is like having a personal coach by your side. His contagious energy and targeted cues make you feel like a true athlete." - SS
“Sid is great - love his energy and direction. Really motivating and great corrections and reminders... Will definitely take his class again! I love taking classes at MPX” - JS
“Love the clear instructions about form and emphasis on correct form over reps.” - JB
Instructor - Amy, PT, DPT, OCS
Hi there! My name is Amy and I am also a physical therapist. I spent many years dedicated to my clinical practice as a physical therapist and particularly enjoyed treating low back and hip pain in fitness athletes. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Belmont University in Nashville, TN. I then joined a small percentage of physical therapists nationwide to complete an orthopedic residency program and became nationally recognized as a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist (OCS). I continue to learn as I complete my Masters of Business Administration and remain committed to helping others by building impactful health and wellness organizations both inside and outside of the traditional healthcare system.
I fell in love with the MPX philosophy of bringing high quality strength and injury prevention evidence into the group fitness realm. The strength, stability, and control required by each muscle and joint can be incredibly powerful in helping clients reach their lifestyle and fitness goals and I’M 👏 HERE 👏 FOR 👏IT!
What clients have to say about Amy:
“I love Amy’s workouts bc she keeps it simple, hard and is always correcting our posture and our stances so we get the most out of our workouts. She is amazing” - PS
“Love Amy! Her balance of instruction, counting, and encouragement is rad!” - WM
“Amy is such a kind person! I was new to MPX so I was a little nervous but her infectious smile, and her great teaching made it an amazing experience, thank you Amy!” - MS
Instructor - Taya
Hi MPX!
I’m Taya, and I grew up as a dancer and student in the Bay Area. After high school, I graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Neuroscience and found a deep interest in all things longevity! I believe exercise, nutrition, and community are essential to one’s overall quality of life. I found the MPX studio and community to align with these values greatly, and it has been a wonderful source of community and health in my life!
I am currently the Studio Director at Studio650, a local dance school. With my dancers and pilates clients alike, I aim to create a culture of health, encourage a sense of community, and promote a positive mindset.
I can not wait to meet you all! See you in class! 🤍
What clients have to say about Taya:
“Wonderful class- very challenging and Taya was on top of it! She was friendly and helpful and offered a lot of guidance when needed. Really enjoyed and look forward to doing more in the future.” -KH
“Loved the positive attitude and welcoming demeanor. Made helpful adjustments. Verbal cues very clear. I really enjoyed Taya's class!” - SG
“Taya did a masterful job commanding the class this week. She kept the energy up, prepared the class for the next moves, offered useful movement coaching, and showed her sense of humor and personality. It was such fun!” - KE
Instructor - Michelle W
Hey Ya'll! I'm Michelle!
I started working out on the X Former about six years ago— inconsistently at first, but I really got into a groove at MPX nearly two years ago. The workout has been my sanctuary, a 45-minute break to release tension and gain strength, helping me create the space I needed from work and life. It's amazing what your subconscious can do when you give it time and space!
Outside of the studio, you'll find me around Menlo Park with my hubby, Sean and our Golden Retrievers. By day, I am an executive coach and consultant and anyone that's ever worked with me knows my way — "You're no good to anyone else if you're no good to yourself." That carries forward into my teaching style at MPX. My goal is to make every class an enjoyable and empowering experience.
I think fitness should be fun and engaging. I hope you'll join me for an X Former class, we'll push our limits, laugh a lot, and celebrate every victory, big or small. See you in class!
What clients have to say about Michelle W:
“She is awesome. I love her style, attitude and engagement.” - AD
“She is great!! Loved the way you conducted the class, very polished, professional and friendly!” - PS
Instructor - Michelle F
Hello! I’m Michelle,
Retired from the corporate world and stay at home mom of 6 — 3 human and 3 rescue pups, I have been a fitness enthusiast most of my life. I fell in love with weight training and group fitness in my teens, and then discovered pilates and reformer based workouts after my 3rd child was born, as I found it was the only workout that trained my core properly to give me my strength back and put everything back in its place. I am a BIG believer that nothing gets your booty, abs and hamstrings fired up more than the x-former!
When I’m not at the studio or doing some sort of exercise, you can find me on 101 shuttling my kids to gymnastics, swim or water polo practice, or volunteering at one of the many wonderful philanthropies we have in the Bay Area to help those less fortunate.
Remember if it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you! Hope to see you in a class soon!
What clients have to say about Michelle F:
“Michelle's class was terrific. She was clear in her instructions, helped clients to perfect the motions by demonstrating clearly. Her pace was slow and her delivery showed a command of the class.” - JS
“Skilled trainer, humble, caring - one of the best at MPX.” - CB
“Michelle is great! She 'fixes' your posture, her routine is great and she is just a very likable person overall.” - KE
“She knows all the ins and outs of every move, knows when to count things out, and I like her almost conversational nature during class, it helps me fix my positioning and gives me something to focus on! Great job!” - JL
Want to join the team?
We’re always looking to expand our team at MPX!
Think you’d be a good fit? Drop us an email with your resume!
Previous experience teaching group exercise preferred.