Barbara was born and raised in Russelsheim, Germany. In 1991 she received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Frankfurt Academy of Horticulture and Landscaping. Barbara also studied Social Science at Fachhochschule in Wiesbaden. After 35 years in Germany, Barbara expanded lifes experience by residing for 6 years in South Africa. She currently resides with her husband in Seattle. Barbara is fluent in German, English and conversational French.

While living in Germany, South Africa and the U.S., Barbaras main profession as a gardener and horticulturist eventually caused her to experience low-back and shoulder pain. A friend and longtime Pilates client recommended Barbara check out the work of Joseph Pilates. Barbara did just that in the fall of 2002 and began doing the work on a consistent basis. After becoming certified, Barbara immediately began teaching Pilates at P.S.I. She focused her teaching style by carefully observing her clients needs. As her client reveals the way they need to be taught, she chooses to be more tactile, verbal, visual or a mixture of all.

Movement of all sorts has been a big part of Barbaras life. She has trained in gymnastics and rhythm gymnastics, studied Jazz, Modern Dance, Ballet Techniques and Improvisational Dance. Barbaras most prominent sports were volleyball and swimming. Other movement disciplines include Tai Chi, Tae Kwon Do and Yoga (Iyengar). Barbara was a specialized fitness instructor at a sports club in Germany, teaching rehabilitation exercises to elderly people. In her spare time, Barbara enjoys knitting, reading and being out in nature.