LIlei shipley

Meet Lilei Shipley, Co-Founder of LEI Pilates Studio

Lilei Shipley discovered her passion for movement while attending University of Mississippi, where she earned her degree in Entrepreneurship. She later attended the University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law, where her passion for Pilates continued to grow. Throughout law school, Lilei took classes at every studio she could find, learning from different instructors, exploring different teaching styles, and deepening her appreciation for the practice. While in Dallas, she fostered relationships with Pilates mentors and discovered a vision that would ultimately bring her back home: introducing the Pilates experience she had grown to love to Southeast Texas.

Driven by a desire to bring something new to her community, Lilei helped turn that vision into LEI Pilates Studio. Her goal was to create more than a fitness studio; she wanted to build a space where people could experience the same sense of empowerment, connection, and personal growth that Pilates had given her. She believes Pilates is about more than physical strength; it’s about building confidence, connecting with your body, and discovering what you’re capable of. Her approach emphasizes proper form, intentional movement, and thoughtful instruction, meeting clients where they are while encouraging them to continue growing in their practice. Through LEI, Lilei hopes to cultivate a community where women feel empowered, encouraged, and stronger both in and out of the studio.

Outside of LEI, Lilei is an attorney with a passion for serving others and making a meaningful impact in the community she grew up in. She believes that whether through movement or the practice of law, there is purpose in helping people feel supported, empowered, and confident. Both paths reflect her commitment to investing in people and making a difference in the community she is proud to call home.

Leslei romero

Meet Leslei Romero, Co-Founder of LEI Pilates Studio

A Nederland native, Leslei Romero has a deep appreciation for the community she is proud to call home. As a wife and mother, her passion for health and wellness stems from the importance of creating healthy habits, finding balance, and investing in yourself. Through Reformer Pilates, she has developed a love for intentional movement and its ability to build strength, improve mobility, and strengthen the mind-body connection.

As co-founder of LEI Pilates Studio, Leslei is passionate about bringing an elevated Pilates experience to Southeast Texas. She believes Pilates is about more than physical strength; it’s about building confidence, finding balance, and feeling empowered in every season of life. Her goal is to create a welcoming space where clients feel supported, challenged, and encouraged throughout their wellness journey.

Leslei has completed Balanced Body’s Principles of Movement certification, Reformer 1, and Reformer 2, totaling 48 hours of comprehensive Reformer Pilates training. She continues to expand her knowledge of Pilates and movement science, with a goal of giving back to the community she grew up in by creating a space centered on connection, encouragement, and a shared commitment to wellness.

Kathy Lukatich was born and raised in Oklahoma City and is a lifelong fitness enthusiast, proud wife of 30 years, and mom to two amazing sons, Daniel and Alex. After earning a soccer scholarship to Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, her passion for fitness and movement continued to grow. Since 2001, Kathy has taught a variety of fitness classes, including strength training, cycling, HIIT, mat Pilates, and yoga.

With over 20 years of experience, she loves helping others discover the benefits of fitness and Pilates. Outside the studio, she enjoys running, reading, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on her beloved Sooners. Kathy holds certifications through NDEITA, AFAA, and ACE personal training programs.

KATHY LUKETICH

With over 7 years of experience teaching group fitness, specializing in strength training, fitness has always been more than just a workout for me — it’s my favorite way to decompress, recharge, and feel my best!

As a busy mom of three, I know how important it is to make time for yourself, and movement has always been my favorite way to do that. I’ve always loved Pilates and the unique way it challenges me to feel strong in a completely different way than lifting weights. That love led me to LEI, where I fell in love with the combination of strength, control, and the mind-body connection that makes every class feel like something special.

I’m excited to share that passion with others through both Reformer and Sculpt! My goal is to help others feel stronger, more confident, and proud of what their body can do — all while having a little fun along the way. Come ready to work, sweat, and maybe forget about your to-do list for an hour!

amy moser

Alissa Martin is from Port Neches and a retired professional dancer of 16 years. She’s also a wife and a mom to two sweet kids, and a lover of all things fitness! During her career in dance, Alissa began taking Pilates, Barre, and Lagree classes to maintain and support the health and strength of her body. She then got certified in Pilates Barre in Houston, and began teaching at various studios around town. After moving back to the mid county area, she was thrilled to learn of LEI Pilates and the classes they offered. After taking reformer, she knew she wanted to be a part of the fun and welcoming atmosphere at LEI.

Alissa loves how challenging the workouts can be, no matter the day, and how there is always some way to grow and learn in each class. She loves the community that the studio offers, and how quickly clients become friends! Seeing clients get stronger physically and mentally each week is the most rewarding part of her job. Come see us at LEI Pilates!

Alissa martin

Chelsea has a passion for movement and helping others thrive. As a pilates instructor, registered nurse and dance teacher, movement is a big part of my daily life that I enjoy sharing with our clients. My background as a nurse gives me a deep appreciation for the human body, mindful movement and the connection between physical health and overall well-being.

As a former dancer and current dance teacher of over nine years, I have always appreciated movement with purpose and genuine intention. Pilates allows me to fuse all of my interests and hobbies into one craft, which lead me to LEI! I enjoy the community that is created within the four walls at LEI and seeing my clients grow and challenge themselves with every class.

Chelsea Clack

Emalee is a Nederland native who has danced her entire life, including being a member of the Nederland Westernaires. She has always loved staying active and being surrounded by a great community of women, so when she discovered Pilates two years ago, it felt like a natural way to bring that part of her life into adulthood. She fell in love with how Pilates made her feel both mentally and physically, and especially fell in love with the atmosphere at LEI. Now, as an instructor at the studio, Emalee loves sharing that same feeling with others and being part of such a welcoming community.

emalee english

Alicia was born and raised in Southeast Texas and graduated from PNG High School. She went on to attend Kilgore College, where she served as a Rangerette Lieutenant, and later graduated from The University of Texas at Austin, where she served as Co-Captain of the Texas Pom Squad. After college, she returned home to teach and serve as an Assistant Drill Team Director.

Alicia fell in love with Pilates during her time in Austin, and hearing that LEI was opening in her hometown felt like an answered prayer. She is forever grateful to Lilei and Leslei for introducing her to LEI, as it has truly changed her life for the better. Her favorite part of teaching is being part of such a positive, empowering community and helping create a space where everyone feels welcomed, encouraged, and confident. Alicia truly believes the Lord had a hand in bringing her to LEI and is so thankful to share her love for Pilates with others!

alicia abshere

Grace Garrett is currently pursuing a degree in Dental Hygiene and has a passion for health, wellness, and movement. With over five years of experience teaching weightlifting and fitness classes, Grace brings an energetic and enthusiastic approach to every class she teaches. Her background in dance and track has given her a strong foundation in body awareness, coordination, and intentional movement. Known for her fun, spunky personality, Grace loves creating an upbeat studio atmosphere where clients feel challenged, encouraged, and excited to move. She especially enjoys bringing her creativity to LEI’s Friday-themed classes, adding a little extra fun and personality to the Pilates experience. Grace is passionate about helping clients build strength, gain confidence, and leave each class feeling stronger and more empowered.

Grace Garret

Fitness and movement have always been a huge passion of mine and a big part of my life. Growing up, I played sports and danced, which really kick-started my love for being active. As I got older, I explored other forms of movement, including weight training, running, and now Pilates!

Becoming a part of the LEI family has felt like the biggest blessing! We have the absolute best community and clients that make me grateful to lead their classes every day! Becoming an instructor at LEI has given me the opportunity to share my love for fitness, while also being there to help our clients challenge themselves, grow stronger, and feel confident while finding their own love for movement!

Brittyn Braquet

Jadyn has always had a passion for fitness and staying active. She danced for 13 years, which helped her develop a love for movement and eventually led her to Pilates. She loves how Pilates challenges both the body and mind while building strength, flexibility, and confidence. Her favorite part about teaching at LEI is her clients—she loves getting to know everyone, building relationships, and seeing them grow stronger and more confident with every class. Being able to create a fun and positive environment while helping others reach their fitness goals is what makes teaching so rewarding for Jadyn.

Meet the Team