Meet our team of expertly trained instructors.
Haley Williams
Co-Owner & Instructor
Originally from Connecticut, Haley moved to Denver in 2019 and has been teaching barre since 2016. She is passionate about the workout, training instructors, and connecting with clients.
Before opening Pivot Barre, Haley spent seven years teaching for The Bar Method, where she earned the title of Master Instructor—a recognition of her expertise and dedication to the practice.
“I discovered barre in 2014 and I was instantly hooked. I started coming for the workout, but barre has stayed in my life because of the positive effect it has on my mental health. It ignited a passion in me that will never fade.”
When she’s not at the studio, Haley enjoys skiing, sailing and hiking with her husband, Ben, and golden retriever, Hudson. She also loves live music, a passion she shares with Gracie. Haley’s first Red Rocks show was with Gracie in 2019!
Haley is also an experienced baker and shares recipes on her website If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen. If you’re lucky, you may find a plate of freshly baked goods waiting for you after class!
Gracie Mukayess
Co-Owner & Instructor
Gracie, a native to Colorado, has been teaching barre since 2019. Before co-owning Pivot Barre, she spent four years as an instructor at The Bar Method, where she refined her teaching style and developed a strong appreciation for precise technique. She is a dedicated leader within the studio and takes pleasure in actively participating in the local community.
“Barre is my sanctuary where I discover tranquility and form cherished friendships.”
When she is not instructing barre classes, Gracie loves spending quality time with her family. Her husband, 24-year-old daughter, twin boys, and three dogs contribute to a bustling yet immensely joyful life. Whether engaging in board games, watching movies, or volunteering within the community, they strive to maximize their family bonding time.
To maintain a sense of fulfillment, Gracie indulges in attending numerous live music events. Additionally, she dedicates her time to crafting intricate beadwork, creating earrings, bracelets, and watchbands. Some of her exquisite pieces are showcased at the studio.
Sarah
Instructor
Sarah has been teaching barre for over 10 years and brings deep experience, energy, and encouragement to every class. She’s passionate about the power of small, precise movements and loves how barre continues to challenge both new and experienced clients. Her favorite props to teach with are resistance bands and ankle weights—especially for adding intensity to seat work and Power classes.
In class, Sarah focuses on helping clients feel strong, supported, and successful, no matter their fitness level. Her coaching style is clear and motivating, and she’s always ready with small form tweaks (like the power of a good tuck!) to help you get more out of each move.
When she’s not at the barre, Sarah is either playing pickleball or spending time with her three kids.
Lindy
Instructor
Meet Lindy, originally from Omaha, Nebraska, and now one of Pivot Barre Studio’s dedicated instructors.
As a technical editor and writer by day, she brings her precision and passion to the barre studio, encouraging students to meet and exceed their personal goals. She loves that barre is accessible to all fitness levels, with Pivot’s emphasis on form ensuring both safety and effectiveness.
When she’s not teaching, she’s hiking, biking, or enjoying the beach with her husband and three kids. Fun fact: She’s a vegan and a bioethicist, with a deep passion for end-of-life care and advance directives!
Allie
Instructor
Meet Allie, originally from Dallas, Texas, who brings her passion for community and empowerment to every barre class she teaches.
A wedding and event planner by trade, she’s fallen in love with the friendships and connections barre fosters. Teaching allows her to share joy, encourage others, and be a small but bright part of her clients’ day. She loves that barre empowers her to feel strong and discover new challenges in every class.
Outside the studio, you’ll find her cooking, making sourdough, traveling, entertaining, or spending time with her husband and pup. She also unwinds with puzzles and paint-by-numbers!
Rachael
Instructor
Meet Rachael! She started teaching barre to deepen her own practice while helping others get the most out of their workouts—without sacrificing the fun. She loves that barre is low-impact and easy on the joints, yet still delivers a challenging workout every time. When clients ask if it ever gets easier, her answer is always the same: nope! But that’s what makes it so rewarding.
Originally from Farmington, a suburb of the Twin Cities, Rachael now calls Colorado home, where she works as a news reporter and photographer, covering everything from crime to education and history.
When she’s not at the barre or chasing a story, you’ll find her hiking in the mountains, checking out new brunch spots and breweries, or curled up with a good book and her cat, Spaghetti. Fun fact—she’s lived in seven states in the past ten years!
Michayla
Instructor
Michayla fell in love with barre for its ability to strengthen both the body and mind. After being inspired by incredible instructors and experiencing the benefits firsthand, she knew she wanted to teach.
“I love how barre is a holistic workout. It is not just focused on making you strong or toned, but encourages good posture, flexibility, joint safety, and clarity of your mind. Barre is a tough workout that won’t break you, but will provide healing to your body.”
Originally from Pennsylvania, Michayla works as a nurse and spends her free time hiking, traveling, learning piano, and making sourdough bread. And here’s a fun fact—she once lived in Uganda for six months!
Erin
Instructor
Erin is originally from Pueblo, Colorado, and has been with Lockheed Martin for six years, where she works as a recruiter and talent coordinator. She was drawn to teaching barre because of the positive, encouraging environment it fosters and the sense of community it creates. What Erin loves most about barre is that its benefits extend beyond a typical workout—she notices increased flexibility, improved mobility, and better posture in her daily life.
When she’s not at the studio or supporting others in building their careers, Erin enjoys spending time with her cat, Rito, catching up with friends and family, and exploring coffee shops and restaurants around the world.
Merrill
Instructor
Originally from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Merrill is a barre instructor in training whose passion for fitness was reignited at Pivot Barre Studio. After experiencing the strength, energy, and mind-body connection that comes with each class, she felt inspired to deepen her practice and share that passion by becoming an instructor. Merrill loves the way barre makes her feel—supported, empowered, and energized—and is excited to help others find that same connection through movements.
Outside the studio, Merrill works part-time as a house manager and personal assistant while pursuing a career shift into creative digital marketing or social media management. A true outdoor enthusiast, she loves skiing, hiking, camping, and fishing, and enjoys concerts, farmers markets, park days with friends, and creative hobbies like painting, jewelry making, and cooking.
Nicole
Instructor
Nicole moved to Denver from Chicago six years ago. She has a love for for movement, connection, and community. As a barre instructor, Nicole is passionate about deepening her understanding of barre technique and helping others experience the workout. Barre is more than just exercise—it’s a mind-body practice that builds strength, supports health at any age, and channels the elegance of ballet.
Her enthusiasm for growth and learning also extends to the classroom, where Nicole serves as a 5th-grade teacher and Instructional Coach, empowering students and supporting fellow educators with the same energy she brings to the studio.
Outside of work, you can often find Nicole wandering through the Denver botanical gardens, laughing over meals with family and friends, testing out new recipes in the kitchen, or dancing the night away!
Alissah
Instructor
Meet our talented studio teacher, Alissah! When she’s not guiding us through invigorating barre workouts, you can find her crunching numbers in the world of Accounting/Finance.
But her heart truly belongs to the outdoors of Colorado, where she explores with her faithful canine companion. Little do her clients know, behind those challenging workouts, she’s loves baking and decorating cakes for her loved ones!
Maggie
Instructor
Maggie’s background in Irish dance brings strong musicality and choreography to every class. Since 2021 she has been teaching barre and her experience shines when cueing exercises, making each movement easy to learn, yet challenging.
Also a certified yoga instructor, Maggie understands the importance of stretching while strengthening the stability muscles.
Maggie has California roots, but since moving to Denver she has embraced the Denver food scene. She loves to visit local restaurants and check out new cocktail bars.
Fun fact: Maggie has a twin brother!