Mary Staszak
Owner

Mary was an active LMT from 1999-2016 and had worked in a variety of settings over the years, including her private practice and other PT clinics, as well as having had the pleasure of working in a spa environment. All of this experience helped to complete her vision for the types of massage therapy now offered at Staszak Physical Therapy & Wellness Center, which is therapeutic touch in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2013, having a bilateral mastectomy and several other surgeries, Mary cut back and ultimately stopped seeing massage clients, shifting her attention to growing and managing the clinic with Mike and also starting her own skincare business.  

Between being an avid athlete and often having to work 7 days a week as a massage therapist over the years, Mary had her fair share of injuries and degenerative issues.  It took a long time to correct her old compensation patterns, but with the ongoing help of PT, massage therapy, Pilates, CoreAlign and finally Broga Yoga, she was able to move without pain for the first time in 8 years.  This inspired her to think bigger.  

She figured that if she could make this kind of life changing progress, so could others.  She and Mike have seen so many people come into the clinic over the years with chronic and sometimes acute pain from going to the gym, pre and post surgery as well as other common, everyday activities.  They would get to a much better place with all that’s offered at SPTWC, be discharged, only to come back in pain again.  This led the Staszaks to put their heads together again and in the spring of 2017 Evolve Fitness Studios was born.  Now, she not only attends classes regularly, she also teaches CoreAlign and Broga Yoga classes.  

The thrill of hearing testimonials from students and clients and witnessing how they benefit from what we’re doing at both SPTWC and Evolve Fitness Studios is incredibly rewarding and the reason we do what we do.

If Mary’s not working, you’re most likely to see her spending time with the love of her life, the joy in her every day, her beautiful grand boy, Grayson (sorry Mike, she loves you, too, but you understand). She also enjoys spending time with the rest of her family, which include her incredibly loving and supportive husband, 2 awesome adult children and their lovable spouses, traveling, hiking, mountain biking, singing, good food, good wine and friends.

Mike Staszak
Owner

Originally from Chicago, Michael Staszak moved to Eugene in 1994 and has been living here and practicing as a Physical Therapist ever since. He has been a private practice owner since 2001, initially as co-owner of Bodywise Physical Therapy, then he opened Staszak Physical Therapy & Wellness Center in 2010. He feels privileged to be in this healing profession and be able to help people on a daily basis.

Michael has attended dozens of continuing education courses over the years and has taken bits and pieces from each to create his own approach to manual therapy, education, and exercise. His focus goes beyond just the specific area of injury, he addresses the various causal factors that help bring on an injury, and that often include compensations throughout the entire body. This approach has proven to be extremely effective in helping people recover from an injury but also helps prevent them from having problems in the future.

Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, traveling, gardening, and the outdoors.

Jon Leisenring
Certified Personal Trainer (NASM), CoreAlign Instructor

I am a true-born athletics enthusiast, that is not to say I was born with a high degree of athleticism. I lagged behind most of my compatriots in elementary and middle school in everything from the presidential fitness test to organized sports.  It was when I found the high school weight room in seventh grade that I was able to turn immense frustration into motivation and fuel to set me on the path I wanted to be on.  But I didn't just hit the weight room, I voraciously read every piece of fitness advice I could get my hands on.  And I tried it, what worked I kept, what didn't I got rid of.  Transforming my body over the next several years I went from athletics afterthought to a two-way starter on my high school football team in Pennsylvania as a sophomore and captained the same team to our first ever state championship as a senior.  I went on to play college football as a defensive end at Ithaca College.  After college I enlisted in the Navy, while working as a crypto-analyst I was able to score a top mark of Outstanding on 3 straight semi-annual Physical Readiness Tests.  With my command lagging in this area I was asked to take on the job of Command Fitness Leader.  With the hard work of my fellow sailors I was able to take the command from a 75% pass rate to a 100% pass rate in the span of 6 months.

Learn More About Jon

Jessie Newell
CSCS, Certified Stott Pilates Instructor

Jessie grew up exploring the Colorado Rocky Mountains; on foot, cross-country skis and mountain bike.  At the age of three, she discovered her love of creative movement and dance and has not stopped moving since.  Early on though, she experienced some recurring, over-use injuries and physical therapy was the “go-to” solution for rehabilitation, and balanced strength training to prevent future injuries. 
This experience peaked Jessie’s curiosity of “how the body works” and was the impetus for pursuing a PT education.

She moved to Eugene and graduated from the University of Oregon in 2005 with degrees in Human Physiology and Dance Kinesiology. Jessie then pursued her passions; continuing as a principal dancer in the U of O Dance Africa company, serving as the Assistant to the Executive Director of the International Association of Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) and Conference Coordinator for eight conferences both abroad and within the states, and working in an out-patient physical therapy clinic.

Learn More About Jessie

Tina O'Sullivan
Certified Pilates Instructor

Tina recently moved to Eugene from New York, where she taught Mat and Apparatus Pilates in a classical studio. Training with 2nd generation Pilates instructor Simona Cipriani has transformed Tina into a skillful, and intuitive instructor. Her focus is to help each student realize their potential through Pilates and reach the goals they set for themselves. Tina has found using Pilates not only strengthens the body and mind, but it also enriches all aspects of life.

Learn More About Tina

Laura May
Certified Pilates Instructor

Laura May recently moved to Eugene from Oakland, California where she received a certification through the Pilates Method Alliance and taught Mat and Apparatus classes in small group settings. She fell in love with Pilates after finding out that it might help her avoid surgery for her thoracic outlet syndrome; after her first Reformer class she felt better and by her tenth was pain-free. A year later she decided to switch careers and become an instructor to help others overcome their limitations, and learn how to use their bodies properly in daily activities. She has a passion for teaching both movement and anatomy to help others integrate Pilates concepts and mind-body connection to achieve their personal fitness goals. 

Learn more about Laura May

Bri Martinez
​Certified Personal Trainer (Restorative Exercise Specialist & MovNat Level 2), Yoga Instructor

​Bri is a Certified Personal Trainer-Restorative Exercise Specialist and Level 2 MovNat Certified Trainer as well as a yoga teacher. She first fell in love with movement playing basketball on the playground as a kid, then again playing volleyball and running in high school. Growing up with a dad who was a chiropractor made her realize the importance of not only moving, but moving well. This lifelong interest led her to pursue certifications that get clients moving in a way that is challenging, while also building foundational alignment and strength. Movement has always been a grounding and empowering force in her life and she seeks to help others find the same inspiration.

Learn more about Bri

Beth Ballantyne
Stott Certified Pilates Instructor

Beth has been teaching group fitness, including Pilates, for over 17 years.  She currently holds Stott certifications in complete mat and reformer repertoires and has completed the Injuries and Special Populations course, and also is certified as a Group Fitness Instructor through AFAA (American Aerobics Fitness Association).  Beth is particularly interested in helping people apply the principles of Pilates to their functional everyday lives in order to support and enhance how they live, work, and play.  She teaches using tactile cues, verbal imagery, and self-awareness to create a working dialogue between clients and herself.  She enjoys working with clients of all ages, fitness levels, body types, and backgrounds, especially those who are new to Pilates or recovering from injuries or surgeries.

Beth believes Pilates serves the whole person as they progress toward their own wellness goals. The integration of mind, body, and spirit creates a balanced experience for the client and a great break away from the pressures of the day.   She has been practicing Pilates for more than 11 years and credits it for keeping her strong and pain free and more effective in movement and teaching and enjoys the mental challenge it provides.

Beth enjoys keeping up with her two boys and loves to share her hobbies with them; being active outdoors, garden time, good music, reading and cooking (and eating) good food!

Nikkiem Schultz
Certified STOTT Pilates Instructor

Nikkiem grew up in Eugene and graduated from the University of Oregon with a BA in Art History.  After moving up and down the west coast working in several art galleries and later as a real estate appraiser, she decided she wanted to study and teach in the arts of body development.  She was introduced to Pilates in 2008 and fell in love with the mind body connection the exercises provide. In 2010 she received her certification in Stott at Pacific Northwest Pilates in Portland.

Nikkiem has been an athlete her whole life and after having two kids, Pilates gave her the stamina to continue with her athletic activities by keeping her strong, limber and mindful.  Practicing Pilates on a regular basis strengthens your core and helps develop individual muscle strength that improves your posture and enhances your overall body awareness. This will help you avoid injury and empower you to live a better life.  The more she practices Pilates the stronger her belief is that everyone needs Pilates in their lives! 

Tiffany Thompson
Certified Spin Instructor

Tiffany was born and raised in the Eugene-Springfield area.  She is a former salon owner and professional in the cosmetology world which is where she found her love for health and wellness 4 years ago.  Tiffany sold her salon and started teaching group spin classes in 2017.  Her energy when leading classes is contagious and she is sure to have you leaving with a sweaty glow! Tiffany ensures everyone has a safe and solid ride from clipping in correctly and going over form throughout each spin session.

Dez Williamson
Certified Spin Instructor

Bio coming soon!

Jessie Goodell
Certified Spin Instructor

Jessie grew up in Colorado and quickly took to a life of movement and athletics. After competing in everything from downhill skiing, to cross-country, to basketball, it was soccer that became her true passion. Soccer brought Jessie to Eugene to compete for the University of Oregon. After playing through college, she moved into coaching at both the University of Oregon and Idaho State University. Returning to Eugene to complete her MBA, Jessie turned her focus to running. She now pursues running with the same passion and devotion that she once applied to soccer.

​After a stress fracture while training for the Boston Marathon, she was forced to find an alternative source of movement. This led to many spin classes at local gyms. Missing her previous fulfillment from coaching, the opportunity to teach spin class seemed like the perfect answer. Jessie received her Schwinn certification to teach spin class in early 2018 and has greatly enjoyed sharing her love for energy and fitness.

Brenda Watson Herbst
Certified Spin Instructor

Bio coming soon!

Molliana Poliak
Group Fitness Instructor

Bio coming soon!

Samantha Riddell, LMT

Samantha graduated from the University of Oregon in 2015 with a bachelors degree in Human Physiology. A few years later, she decided to attend Lane Community College for their massage therapy program, and completed it in 2019. Her style incorporates Swedish techniques with deep tissue, myofascial release, and trigger point holding. Samantha's approach to massage is primarily focused on pain reduction and injury recovery, as well as relieving tension from compensation patterns that have formed in clients’ bodies. 

Outside of work, Samantha enjoys playing soccer (both indoor and outdoor), going on hikes, taking vacations to tropical locations, and practicing yoga. 

Gwen Buckley, LMT

Bio coming soon!

Kayla Bennett
Front Desk Manager & Esthetician

Born and raised in Eugene, Kayla grew up passionate about playing soccer and running track. Her love of being active outside was enough to overlook her less than positive feelings on the grey and rainy weather in which Eugene is known to spend many months.

She spent her early 20’s trying different majors at U of O in the Education department until she stumbled upon esthetics working as a receptionist at a salon. She would watch people leave the spa after their treatments feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world which inspired her to begin her journey down the path of esthetics. Due to her love of sunshine, and rarity of seeing it in Eugene, Kayla moved to Arizona where she received her Esthetics licenses after attending the Aveda Institute Phoenix. She then worked at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort as their lead esthetician.

Her older sister’s wedding and her soon to come niece inspired her to move back to her roots and get her Oregon Esthetics License. Being from Eugene, Kayla thought she had expert knowledge of all salon/spa/wellness centers where she could potentially utilize her training. Turns out, she found the best kept secret in town in search for part time work while she researched new spas.

Evolve Fitness Studios had an ad for front desk staff, and with Kayla’s experience in customer service and passion for wellness she thought that working in a fitness studio was in perfect alignment with her personal and professional goals. Kayla knew the moment she met Mary and toured the studios that this was just the beginning of her journey here.

Kayla began working as a front desk specialist and has evolved into multiple roles in the studios. Kayla is now the Front Desk Manager and Esthetician at Evolve Fitness Studios and continues to learn and grow with her surrounding staff of trainers and mentors.

Mary Jane Westover
Front Desk Specialist

Bio coming soon!