“The beauty of life is to experience your Self.”

Yogi Tea

Loribeth Cohen, PT, CAP, IMT-C, NET Practitioner
Founder of re:fit
(She/Her)

Loribeth Cohen, PT, CAP, IMT-C, NET Practitioner, founded re:fit in 2000 with the goal of creating a unique fitness and wellness center. When she started treating orthopedic conditions and chronic pain at a sports medicine office in 1989, she noticed that traditional PT did not address some of the important physical conditions or psychosocial/emotional components. Thus, Loribeth opened re:fit, uniting physical therapy with Pilates and Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT), believing in its combined power to achieve comprehensive rehabilitation. In 2013 Loribeth also received her Practitioner-level Certification in Ayurvedic Medicine from Kerala Ayurveda Academy and is incorporating eastern practices into her patient care. Her goal is to empower patients to listen to their body rhythms to detect acute imbalances so they can be resolved. Loribeth is an Oov Educator and uses IMT as an effective way to remove blockages, promote energy flow, and heal the body from within. Loribeth, a former marathon runner and dancer, is a graduate of the University of Illinois and holds a BS in Physical Therapy with a specialization in gerontology. When not planting and tending to seeds at re:fit, Loribeth enjoys tending to her home garden, where she grows fresh herbs and vegetables for seed-to-table cooking.  Loribeth’s favorite annual activity is wilderness camping with her husband (and re:fit architect), Paul, at the remote Minnesota Boundary Waters.

• Provides Ayurveda to enhance digestive, cognitive and emotional well-being
• Incorporates Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT) with or without physical therapy (PT)
• Uses Pilates and Oov for rehabilitation and chronic conditions
• Treatment expertise in stress, autoimmune disorders, and learning disabilities

 “Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit.”

B.K.S. Iyengar

Mimi Abrams, PT, IMT-C, NET Practitioner
(She/Her)

Mimi Abrams, PT, IMT-C, NET Practitioner, has been with re:fit since 2000. She graduated from University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy and is certified in Integrative Manual Therapy. Mimi’s 25+ years of experience have taught her that traditional healing techniques often need to be modified, layered, or reinvented to more fully address the same diagnosis of yesterday. A simple ankle sprain is no longer an ankle sprain. It may be layered with an old fracture trauma or a current stress from an unfulfilling job. The applied holistic modalities also help pelvic and back pain; anxiety and bedwetting; migraines and TMJ. Mimi’s practice brings her personal satisfaction and gratitude for applying what she believes in with a wonderful set of clients. In her free time, Mimi enjoys needlepointing, crocheting and playing mahjongg. Ask her about the launch of her mahjongg t-shirts!

• Expertise in women’s health
• Specialty in back pain and biomechanics of the pelvis
• Treatment of emotional imbalance and anxiety

“You can do it.”

Noel Brandis
Director of Fitness, Pilates and Oov Instructor
(She/Her)

Noel Brandis is re:fit’s Director of Fitness.  She joined re:fit in 2003 as a Pilates instructor. After graduating from Bard College in 2001 with a BA in dance, she earned her Pilates certification in 2003. Noel enjoys the challenge of working with clients of all ages and abilities, and loves seeing clients progress to the point where they can practice Pilates on their own. Noel is experienced in pre-natal and post-partum Pilates workouts. She also enjoys preparing students who want to be Pilates instructors. When not involved in exercise-related activities, you can find Noel outside in her garden, listening to an audiobook, or in the kitchen cooking or baking.

“Your body is your physical “home,” deserving our care and respect.”

Gretchen Schmalz, PT, MHS
Pilates and Oov Instructor, Certified in Gyrotonic^®, Gyrokinesis^®, and Feldenkrais^®

Gretchen Schmalz, PT, MHS, joined re:fit in 2005. She has a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from University of Indianapolis, a Master’s degree in Dance from Mills College, and Bachelor’s degrees in both Physical Therapy and Art Education. Former professional dancer and instructor, Gretchen specializes in PT for patients with spinal injuries, joint replacements and other conditions. Gretchen has many certifications: Power Pilates, Feldenkrais® Method, Gyrokinesis®, and Gyrotonic® (Levels 1, 2 & all equipment).  Gretchen uses an individualized approach to treat clients of all ages with orthopedic and neurological issues and believes that everyone can benefit from functional training to become their best physical self. Gretchen is a participating provider of the BCBS network. In her spare time, Gretchen practices martial arts and is a 1st degree Black Belt!

• Specialty with dancers, golfers, and clients with scoliosis
• Assists with functional movement for neurological impairments
• Expertise in joint replacement rehabilitation and spinal pathology

“A body free from nervous tension and fatigue is the ideal shelter provided by nature.”

Barb Wertico
Pilates, Oov, and MELT® Instructor

Barb Wertico joined re:fit in 2000. She earned her Pilates certification in 1999 and began teaching at the original Pilates training center in the midwest. After working with clients who suffered from chronic pain, Barb discovered the effectiveness of the MELT® Method, a tissue rehydration movement therapy. Barb is now a Level 2 MELT® instructor, helping with chronic pain and range of motion for more functional movement. Barb also applies craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage, and myofascial release, as needed for pain. When Barb is not at re:fit she enjoyes gardening, reading, exercising and writing music. (She has even earned gold record status!)

“Ease and Effort”

Amanda Kander Sargent
Pilates and Oov Instructor

Amanda Kanter Sargent joined re:fit in 2012 as a certified Pilates instructor. Her love for Pilates began in 1998 and continued throughout her three pregnancies, when she experienced first-hand the benefits of Pilates. Amanda specializes in teaching “Group Pilates Sessions,” encouraging clusters of friends to take Pilates together, thus creating friendly and committed classes which stretch both the body and soul. Amanda has learned to consciously work with ease and effort while practicing Pilates to build a stronger, healthier mind-body connection. She especially loves that Pilates has given her the ability to enjoy some of her favorite physical activities, like paddle, tennis and golf.

“The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.”

Mitch Albom

Maci Kim
Pilates Instructor

Maci Kim, a certified Pilates instructor, joined re:fit in 2024. Passionate about nutrition and health, she experimented with many forms of exercise when she discovered the benefits of Pilates. Maci focuses on the journey, not the destination. She believes that moving “slowly but surely” can achieve gradual improvements in both body and mind. Maci enjoys connecting with her clients with her calm, perceptive and joyful demeanor while helping them attain their Pilates goals. Originally from South Korea, Maci is fluent in both Korean and English and offers lessons in both languages. In her spare time, Maci assists her chef husband in his restaurant, and she enjoys spending time outside walking her two Italian greyhounds around her neighborhood.

“Pilates is for everybody at any stage in life and enables you to do everything you want to do better and longer.” 

Olga Georgiev
Pilates and Oov Instructor
(She/Her)

Olga joined re:fit in 2020 as a certified Pilates instructor after practicing Pilates for 20+ years both at re:fit and elsewhere. Olga is certified in the comprehensive repertoire and takes continuing education courses to stay fresh. She strives to meet her clients where they are, both today and where they aspire to go with their goals at re:fit. As a passionate downhill skier, Olga understands the emphasis on functional movement (which is at the core of Pilates), as well as the importance of concentration to safely maximize the Pilates benefits. Olga enjoys working with clients to develop their goals and their “Pilates Roadmap” to achieve those goals. In her free time, she also enjoys digital photography which has the ability to capture images of the many countries she has lived in. (Fun fact: Olga is multi-lingual, so you can ask her questions in several languages!)

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom”

Anaïs Nin

Kara Schabacker
LMT and Myofascial Therapist

Kara Schabacker, LMT, and Myofascial therapist, has been at re:fit since 2018. Specializing in the John F. Barnes approach to Myofascial Release, she has been practicing since 2008 using education and communication as driving forces behind her treatments. Kara’s goals are to provide not only physical relief from pain or tightness, but also to find understanding into the root of each issue. Treatments are tailored to each person and focus on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual facets. Kara enjoys building working relationships rooted in trust, depth and a sense of humor, and she enjoys the freedom that comes from this approach. In her free time, you can find Kara crocheting, painting or updating her house.

“When you realize heart and earth are spelled using the same letters, it all starts to make sense.”

Margie Gordon
RYT, CMT, Meditation Teacher
Guest Practitioner

Margie Gordon is Co-Director and a seminal Founding Member of Touching Earth. She focuses on connection: connection within, with breath, with others, and with the greater whole. She exemplifies team building and the cultivation of leadership, especially among women and girls. Margie is committed to demonstrating that in order to promote peace, it is essential to cultivate peace. She has been teaching meditation classes for six years. Margie loves nature (aka Vitamin N) and enjoys cooking, hiking and spending time outdoors… especially near water.

• Join Margie for a free virtual guided meditation each Monday and Thursday morning from 7:00-7:30am CST.

“When you’re thankful for life… it manifests in a certain kind of feeling in the body….” 

Juliu Horvath, Creator of the Gyrotonic Expansion System

Amy Pena
Gyrotonic Instructor
Guest Practitioner

Amy Pena joined re:fit in 2021 and is certified in the Gyrotonic Expansion System, in both the Gyrotonic method (using weights and resistance) and Gyrokinesis method (using a stool and mat). She discovered this modality after a dance career-ending injury and started teaching it in 2005. Amy found that the Gyrotonic method was the only movement that didn’t cause pain in her body, offering a life-changing freedom that enhanced her ability to function. Amy has taught the Gyrotonic method both in the USA and Brazil. She is also certified in NeuroKinetic Therapy which helps resolve injuries, stress and pain by reprogramming dysfunctional movement patterns. With specialized training working with golfers, dancers, elite athletes, and those with osteoporosis, Amy enjoys sharing her expertise with all clients at re:fit. In her spare time, Amy loves hiking, kayaking and world-traveling. She is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, and is also learning Korean!

“Everything in heaven and earth breathes. Breath is the thread that ties creation together.” 

Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido Martial Artson System

David Kedney
Pilates and Oov Instructor
Guest Practitioner

David Kedney joined re:fit in 2021 and specializes in Pilates, Oov and Redcord.  With a background in martial arts and team sports, David brings a unique perspective to his clients when using the Pilates and Oov modalities. He also uses Redcord, a suspension based training system that strengthens the core and helps with muscular imbalances. David enjoys teaching all levels and works well with seniors recovering from back issues or joint replacements. He also likes cooking and trying new recipes.

“Any peaceful step – even calming your own feelings and emotions – contributes to peace in the world.”

Thich Nhat Hanh

Susan Short, MA
Meditation Counselor
Guest Practitioner
(She/her)

Susan Short joined re:fit as a Meditation Counselor to treat the complete body, mind and spirit. Specializing in breath awareness and mindfulness, Susan strives to sharpen her clients’ attention and infuse a calming presence in their lives. Susan has a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University and completed a year-long deep study in Meditation Teacher Training. Susan works with individuals, couples and groups to elevate their practice of meditation, helping her clients live with more joy and a deeper awareness of each moment. In her spare time, Susan learns all she can about natural medicine, and she enjoys yoga, sailing, canoeing, walking, biking and reading.

“Because you are alive, everything is possible.”

Thich Nhat Hanh

Jennifer Dunn, RN, BSN
NAET Therapist, Soul Awareness Healer
Guest Practitioner

Jennifer Dunn is a Registered Nurse with decades of experience in traditional and alternative healthcare settings. Her background in traditional Chinese medicine, herbology, craniosacral therapy and physical medicine creates a balanced approach to wellness. Jennifer is certified in NAET, a non-invasive modality which alleviates allergies by clearing energy blockages at the cellular level. NAET can improve digestion, inflammation, immune system and nervous system function, chronic pain, hormone balance and processing of emotions. Jennifer is also trained in Soul Awareness Healing which works with the body’s chakras to resolve emotional blocks, trauma and unproductive patterns. She is dedicated to helping clients achieve physical and emotional healing. When Jennifer is not at re:fit, she enjoys hiking, kayaking and exploring different dance forms.

“Life is short, and it is here to be lived.”

Kate Winslet

Nancy Singer
Office Manager

Nancy Singer is re:fit’s welcoming Office Manager. Nancy enhances the team because she believes in re:fit’s mission and helps clients as they navigate through their wellness journey. Nancy organizes the daily office operations while scheduling client appointments, processing payments and drafting correspondence. Nancy, with her sales background, enjoys the personal contact and friendliness at re:fit and helps clients understand how re:fit can be an integral part of their wellness and holistic healing. When Nancy is not at re:fit’s front desk, you might find her walking at the lakefront or in the city.