Meet Our Team

Certifications

• Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT)
  (Mat, Reformer, EXO Chair, Cadillac, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector)

• Barre Where You Are

• Humani Moves – Mat and Movement Foundations

Kate Kopeikin is the founder and lead instructor of The Local Barre, a boutique movement studio rooted in intentional strength, mindful movement, and purposeful living. With over five years of experience teaching Pilates and Barre, Kate brings a thoughtful, client-centered approach to every class—creating space for strength, confidence, and connection to grow.

Originally from Southern California, Kate was raised in an active, coastal lifestyle that shaped her lifelong appreciation for movement and well-being. Before entering the wellness space, she spent 15 years in public service as a 9-1-1 dispatcher for seven cities in Los Angeles, following in the footsteps of her father, a Los Angeles Fire Chief. After relocating with her family to Fort Mill, South Carolina, she continued serving her community in Fire Prevention until 2022.

Kate’s passion for Pilates was born from her own healing journey. As a breast cancer survivor who underwent 14 surgeries over seven years, she sought a safe, intelligent way to move again—one that honored both strength and recovery. Pilates became that turning point. From her very first session on the reformer, Kate experienced a reconnection to her body that ultimately inspired her to teach and guide others.

She completed her Barre certification in Charleston, South Carolina, taught Barre and Mat Pilates at the YMCA, and went on to serve as Lead Instructor at a local Pilates studio for three years. Today, Kate is especially passionate about supporting breast cancer survivors and those navigating physical recovery, offering movement that is empowering, restorative, and deeply respectful of each body’s unique journey.

At The Local Barre, Kate’s mission is simple yet meaningful: to help clients build strength with intention and move with purpose—both inside and outside the studio. She is continually expanding her education and refining her craft to ensure every class reflects the studio’s commitment to excellence, care, and community.

Outside the studio, Kate homeschools her daughter, Sammi, balances a vibrant family life, and finds joy in time spent with loved ones—especially on the lake or floating down the river during the summer months.

Jeannine grew up in Germany. After graduating law school, she moved to the U.S. where she has lived for 14 years. In 2023 she relocated from Northern Illinois to South Carolina, mostly to escape the Midwestern winters.

Jeannine started her Pilates journey in 2024. After trying numerous different types of group workout classes, she impulsively signed up for a Pilates intro class one day and has been hooked ever since. In 2025 she decided to take her passion for Pilates a step further and work towards becoming a comprehensively certified instructor. Her goal is to share her passion for Pilates with others by creating a welcoming, accessible, and positive movement experience.

Jeannine lives in Rock Hill with her husband and 3 dogs. In her free time she enjoys hiking, exploring the Carolinas, and walking her dogs while listening to audiobooks.

Michelle Casile is a dedicated barre and Pilates instructor with a lifelong passion for movement and wellness. She has been practicing barre for over 20 years and became certified in 2023 through American Barre Technique. In 2024, she expanded her expertise by earning her Mat Pilates certification through the International Fitness Trainers Association (IFTA).

Michelle currently teaches barre and mat pilates at the YMCA and is proud to be part of The Local Barre community. Her classes focus on building strength, improving alignment, and incorporating cardio elements to create a supportive, energizing experience for clients of all levels.

Michelle moved from Illinois to Fort Mill, SC five years ago with her family. After many years as a stay-at-home mom, Michelle followed her passion for barre and transitioned into teaching, bringing both life experience and enthusiasm to every class she leads. Outside of the studio, she enjoys trips to the beach with her husband Greg, as well as family ski trips.

Books. Barre. Pilates. Yogi. Agitator. Good trouble.

I come to fitness by way of public health, and that background shapes everything I do. I'm less interested in workouts for their own sake than in helping people build a real, lasting connection to their overall health—the kind that holds up across a whole life, not just a single class.

I'm a Certified Barre Instructor, trained through Barre Above. I'm also an Apprentice Pilates Instructor, trained through Balanced Body, with over 100 instructor hours logged across both group and private sessions. I'll be testing out for my full Pilates certification soon.

Whatever your starting point, I'd love to help you on your health and strength journey.

Sarah is a certified Pilates instructor with a degree in exercise and sports science and over ten years of experience as a personal trainer and boutique studio manager before transitioning into her corporate career. She fell in love with Pilates for the way it supports the mind‑body connection, stress management, and overall wellness, eventually completing more than 500 hours of training and earning her certification in October 2025. She truly believes Pilates was part of the saving grace that helped heal and provide support in navigating her autoimmune disease and coming off medication!  Now teaching part‑time in Charlotte, Sarah brings an encouraging, strength‑focused approach to every class, helping clients move with confidence through intentional movement. Outside the studio, she enjoys life with her two rescue pups—a Staffordshire and a pittie mix—and recently married her husband in April 2025. She’s passionate about creating a welcoming space where clients feel supported, connected, and strong.