In the early 1980’s Lori was sent by a dance instructor to Joseph Pilates protégeé Romana Kryzanowska in order to deal with a knee injury. The knee healed completely, and Lori became captivated by The Pilates Method. By 1986 Lori was teaching Pilates, and in 1999 was honored when Romana asked her to be a Pilates Teacher Trainer.

In the 1980’s, Janice injured her knee while a dancer in the Margaret Jenkins Dance Company. She opted for Pilates rehab instead of surgery, and was able to dance for 10 more years on that knee. She then sought out Joseph Pilates protégeé Romana Kryzanowska to learn more and become a certified Pilates instructor. She opened a studio in Columbia, MO, and later another in Champaign IL, where Romana was a frequent guest. In 1999 Romana asked her to be a Pilates Teacher Trainer.

Looking to avoid back surgery Pure Joe co-founder, Michael Rooks, found Pilates and by great fortune, Romana. The result was not only a return to health but also a 23 year personal and professional relationship with Romana.