Our Teachers
linay smith
Linay is the owner of Steel City Pilates and is a Romana’s Pilates International certified teacher. Raised in Grand Rapids, MI, relocated to Bradenton, FL as a teen, Linay landed in Birmingham, AL attending Samford University the fall of 1999. Graduating with honors in Nutrition/Dietetics she fell in love with movement and the teaching of movement in any capacity. This combined with a background in nutrition seemed to be the perfect pairing. She has been teaching in the fitness industry in Birmingham, AL for almost 20 years. Pilates gives her the challenge to adapt this method of movement to any BODY and then enjoyment of watching clients feel better, get stronger and more flexible!
Kathleen Costello
Kathleen Costello has recently received her certification as Romana’s Pilates trained instructor under the tutelage and mentorship of Linay Smith and Holly Pruell. Her passion and interest in Pilates was sparked several years ago when seeking a solution to chronic stress and injury due to overuse and strain in the professional music industry. Intrigued and encouraged by the holistic approach to body mechanics, overall improvement in quality of life, and true relief from persistent pain and subsequent injury, Kathleen decided to pursue the path of certification as a way of helping others with a similar journey.
After earning a Bachelor of Music degree from Northwestern University, and a Master of Music degree from Duquesne University, Kathleen was appointed Principal Clarinet of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra in 2006, a position she holds to this day. Since joining the orchestra, she has appeared as a soloist in a variety of formats including a performance of Steve Reich’s NY Counterpoint, which was regarded as “flawlessly executed” by ARTS bham. In addition to her work with the ASO, Kathleen continues to spend time in Pittsburgh performing as a founding member of the chamber ensemble IonSound Project. Dedicated to commissioning works of new music and collaborating with artists in a variety of disciplines, IonSound Project has received critical acclaim for their original programming, fresh approach to contemporary music, and commitment to the city of Pittsburgh. In addition to commissioning dozens of compositions, IonSound has premiered more than 80 works by 20th and 21st century composers.
Over the past few years Kathleen has rekindled her love for drawing and portraiture. With preferred mediums of charcoal and colored pencil, she has explored a variety of subject matter including music related material. Information regarding commissions and print sales can be found on her website: www.kathleenbcostello.com. She currently resides in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband and two children.