Sueann Fenchel
“It’s serious business when someone entrusts their body to us. Our clients deserve our very best,” Sueann says of her daily role as a teacher and movement innovator at Harmony Pilates Studio, which she co-founded with Dilla Mastrangelo in 2008.
Sueann’s love of movement began years before she dreamed of running a business. After receiving a scholarship to Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal, she moved to Montreal and pursued her desire to dance. The year she spent studying and performing in this Canadian cultural center was a very memorable one for her. When the school closed, she returned to Pittsburgh and continued to dance with local choreographers, and also began to teach for Civic Light Opera, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Ellis School.
During this time, Sueann discovered how much she enjoyed teaching, and she began to explore other methods of movement and healing arts. This led her to try Pilates in 1999 and she knew immediately she wanted to become a teacher of the Method. She received her certification in Pilates through Santa Fe-based Core Dynamics one year later, and eagerly began teaching with Dilla in Pittsburgh.
When Sueann sampled Gyrotonic, she again instantly recognized its tremendous benefits and received her certifications in Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis in rapid succession. Her certification in massage therapy further enhanced her knowledge of human anatomy and physical function.
Now, less than a decade later, as co-owner of Pittsburgh’s premiere movement studio, Sueann continues to be driven by finding new, efficient ways of moving and helping people accomplish what they want to do in their lives.
“I love being a teacher of movement, and serving people in that way. It’s about each person, and encouraging them to keep going, to keep moving. I want people to get the absolute most from their experience with us at Harmony.”
Sueann and her husband live in Shadyside and she delights in being able to walk to work. Her genuine love of others includes a passion for animals. Her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Buster is a lucky recipient of Sueann’s abundant attention. She’s devoted to her family and friends, and has also been known to pop up wherever Jimmy Buffett is performing in concert.
As a business owner, Sueann looks forward to contributing to the health of the community, including encouraging other female entrepreneurs who seek out the healing moves of Harmony.
