Melinda Teutschel

Pilates Teacher (she/her)

In 1992, while attending the Conservatory of Music at the University of Oregon, Melinda discovered modern dance, Bodymind Centering, Laban/Bartenief Movement Analysis, and Contact Improvisation.

While embracing a change from music to dance, she was also recovering from a back injury. This was when the power of hands-on bodywork and the Pilates method was added into an already potent combination of healing modalities, which enabled her to fully move on from pain. These experiences became the blueprint for her future; thus began her passion for the world of Somatics.

In 2004 Melinda created The Smart Body™, as she felt the need for holistic movement classes that emphasize body/mind (or somatic) education. Melinda’s distinctive and diverse training is centered on learning how to apply holistic body-mind principles to support the transformational process of embodying optimal health and well-being.

Through integrating many somatic and body-mind modalities, she empowers her students with the skills to make their own smart choices in well-being, movement, and life.

Melinda's qualifications include being a Registered Somatic Movement Educator and Therapist, Dynamic Embodiment Practitioner, Moving For Life and BodyMind Dancing Instructor, certified Pilates and yoga teacher, Certified Massage Therapist, and a Holistic Life Coach.