About Saans
Dr. Azra Ali
I have formally completed comprehensive training in Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac and Chair in the STOTT Pilates Method. Currently, I am completing the Barrels Program and pursuing my certification. I am eager to continue to learn more about the practices so that we can bring the best methods to our clients. Through this contemporary, science-based approach, I have curated Saans Pilates classes that are intentional, empowering, and accessible to all levels of experience.
At Saans—meaning “breathe”—our motto is “Mindful Moments,” because I believe every session is an opportunity to reconnect with your body, your breath, and your purpose. Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve mobility, or simply carve out time for yourself, my goal is to guide and support you through movement that honors where you are and where you’re going.
Join me in a welcoming, uplifting environment where you can breathe better, move better, and feel better—together! I am grateful to have the following great team members as part of the Saans team. They are ready to help you achieve your fitness goals!
Bahar has over 15 years of experience in the corporate world as an analyst, but her passion for movement and physical well-being has always been a central part of her life. Her Pilates journey began more than a decade ago as a personal practice, which quickly became a meaningful part of her daily routine. In January 2024, she began formal instructor training and completed comprehensive coursework in Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels by June 2025. She is especially passionate about posture correction, having personally experienced the benefits of Pilates in relieving back pain caused by years of desk work. She currently teaches both group classes and private sessions, bringing a mindful, supportive, and empowering approach to every client interaction. When she’s not teaching or working in the corporate world, she enjoys staying active and continuing to explore the mind-body connection through movement.
Karen is an ISSA-Certified Personal Trainer. She has been working as a trainer and teaching group fitness classes since 2021. She is a Specialist in Exercise Therapy and Corrective Exercise. As a former educator, her passion for helping others reach their goals has been a lifelong journey. Karen has significant experience teaching Yoga, Yoga Fusion, Pilates, Barre, Deep and Shallow Water Aerobics, HIIT, and Kickboxing. She is excited to join the Saans community and help inspire you to become your best self.
Tracy is a graduate from Wayne State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. She trained religiously for 25 years at Lifetime Fitness until she discovered Pilates and developed a new passion. She believes the Mind-Body connection can empower a deeper, more intelligent approach to fitness, and the principles of Pilates can be incorporated into all aspects of movement. She began her Stott training at Equilibrium in Bloomfield Hills and completed her Level I training on the mat and reformer. This fall she will start her Level II training on the Cadillac Chair and Barrels. She has been actively teaching since 2020 and eager to be part of the Sanns Pilates team.
Stephanie is a devoted mom to three children and has a passion for wellness and fitness. She practiced Barre and yoga for 15 years, and in more recent years discovered Pilates and fell in love. She felt very drawn to the principles, more specifically the breathwork with a mind body connection and the importance of body alignment and mobility of the spine. She is currently in the process of completing her Level 1 STOTT Pilates certification with Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels, and finishing up her apprenticeship. She loves researching, listening to and reading podcasts and YouTube videos on the topics of health, nutrition and wellness, especially for women because we are not a one size fits all. She also loves connecting with new people, hearing about their journey in life and wellness and loves to share any knowledge she has gained during her STOTT Pilates training to help people continue to improve their strength and health.