About Body Balance Studio

Missy Kerner, RYT 200 - Owner & Director

Missy has been studying and working in the fitness field for over 10 years. She began her career as a division I athlete for the George Mason University Women's Lacrosse team. She furthered her studies at Appalachian State University where she earned her degree in Health Promotion and Wellness with a minor in Nutrition. Upon graduation she completed an internship with World Instructor Training Schools where she taught Anatomy and Physiology to those getting Aerobic and Personal Training certifications. It was then she became certified in both of those fields.

Missy moved on to work in the field of physical therapy where she gained knowledge in the rehabilitation process. The culmination of all her experiences and education would spark her interest in Pilates. She became certified from the Pilates Certification Center in 2003. She continued to further her education by obtaining a higher level certification in 2004. In 2005 she obtained her Reformer certification from the same center.

Missy is an avid runner and exercise enthusiast, having completed her first marathon in 2005 and followed it up with two additional marathons that same year.

Missy believes that Pilates has had a tremendous impact on her core strength and flexibility both of which are extremely important in distance running. She looks forward to working with clients at all levels and spreading her love for Pilates to the Williamsburg area.

Stacy Nelson, RYT 200 - Yoga Instructor

Stacy believes strongly in the rejuvenating powers of Yoga. She has studied with Annie Carpenter, Steve Dwelley and John Schumacher and is certified in Vinyasa and Hot Yoga.

Regina Owens, RYT 200 - Yoga Instructor

Regina became involved with her yoga studies 6 years ago while raising her two beautiful boys, ages 8 and 11.

In September of 2006, Regina was introduced to Body Balance by her sister-in-law, who attended some of the hot classes. Upon making a commitment to the practice herself, Regina decided to take it a step further in fulfilling her passion to become a certified yoga instructor. In April 2007 she received her 200-hour RYT certifictaion in Chesapekae, Virginia and is registered with the Yoga Alliance.

Regina enjoys Ashtanga and Vinyasa. Some of her favorite asanas are inversions and hip openers. Regina plans to continue her education in pursuit of her 500 RYT.

Regina and her husband, Gil, have just completed the construction of their new home on the York River in Gloucester, Virginia. In her free time she enjoys trips to New York with her mother, shoe shopping, fishing and lounging on the dock with her family. Stress free is the best key. Namaste.

Michelle Schmitt, RYT 200 - Yoga Instructor

Michelle began yoga practice at the age of 13 and continued practice throughout her life as an adjunct to high impact fitness activities. She has attended classes throughout the US and Europe over the years in the traditions of Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Integral...As yoga began to displace the monotony of the gym, Michelle discovered Hot Yoga in Becky's first Williamsburg class....initially balking at the heat, Michelle never missed a class and became hooked on the healing and detoxifying feelings obtained from class, not to mention the aerobic stamina and personal strength! It was hot yoga that finally motivated Michelle to take the step to teacher certification and she received her certification last summer in Hot Yoga..By August of this year, she will obtain 200 hour RYT certification under the guidance and wisdom of famed American yoga teacher, Doug Swenson.

When not practicing yoga, Michelle can be found on a bosu or rebounder, sewing or gardening, homeschooling her two children, Alexandra and Connor, being golf-wife to hubby Bob, tending to critters (3 dogs and a cat), and working as an ICU nurse at Williamsburg Community Hospital. The internal mantra Michelle holds dear, "Live with intention, remember to breathe,practice kindness, and let go, life is what it is."