Instructor Trainer bios
The Merrithew™ Faculty, or members of our esteemed team of Instructor Trainers, is made up of highly qualified and internationally sought-after educators who are known for their dedication, professionalism and attention to detail. All of our faculty members hold full certification in the STOTT PILATES® method and have achieved additional designations to complement their training. A diverse group, they come from various backgrounds including physical therapy, exercise science, athletic therapy, dance and group and personal fitness training to name a few. Every member of the team strives to uphold the highest standards of training that have been developed worldwide.
Alyssa Jones
Floating
Pacific Grove, California, USA
IT qualifications
STOTT PILATES® Matwork & Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, & Barrels
Bio
Alyssa Jones received her BFA in Dance from CSU, Long Beach. She was able to incorporate her dance background into the Pilates world through STOTT PILATES®. She received her Full Level 1 certification in 2004 through the Marshall Eklund Fitness & Pilates Studio. In 2006, she received the honor of becoming an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew™, specializing in STOTT PILATES.
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Alyssa Paraggio
Pilates Movement Studio
Tampa, Florida, USA
IT qualifications
STOTT PILATES® Matwork & Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, & Barrels
Additional credentials and designations
B.A. Dance Studies, B.S. Biology, Total Barre® Accreditation
Bio
Alyssa was first introduced to STOTT PILATES® while undergoing rehabilitation following surgery for a dance-related hip injury. When she didn’t improve with post-op therapy, Alyssa sought out a physical therapist who specialized in treating dancers who was also a Certified STOTT PILATES Instructor. Pilates was an integral part of her successful rehabilitation, and she was able to dance again. Pilates helped Alyssa gain the strength to maintain proper pelvic and spinal alignment and taught her how to work properly and avoid further straining of her hip flexors.
Alyssa attended the University of South Florida where she received a B.A. in Dance Studies with a concentration in Exercise Science and a B.S. in Biology. Upon completion of her degrees, Alyssa became a Certified STOTT PILATES Instructor in 2013 and became a Certified STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainer in 2016. Alyssa enjoys incorporating her experience with injury prevention and her passion for STOTT PILATES to create fun and challenging workouts for her clients as well as passing her knowledge and experience on to aspiring Instructors.
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Amanda Caven
Northeast Pilates Education Centers
Manchester, Massachusetts, United States
IT qualifications
STOTT PILATES® Matwork & Reformer
Bio
With ten years of experience as a competitive dancer and professional model, Amanda knows the importance of a healthy lifestyle. It was through dance she was introduced to Pilates and Merrithew™, and in 2008 she completed the STOTT PILATES® certification to begin her career teaching in Texas.
It was not long after that Amanda’s love, dedication and passion for educating others about Pilates and body awareness prompted her to become a Merrithew Instructor Trainer in 2017.
Currently residing in Boston, Massachusetts, Amanda is living her dream of helping others meet their personal health and fitness goals. As a firm believer in the mind, body and soul connection, she feels privileged to be bringing her clients the latest information on health and wellness.
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Amanda Fletcher Rice
Colorado Athletic Club
Englewood, Colorado, USA
IT qualifications
STOTT PILATES® Matwork & Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, & Barrels, ISP; ZEN•GA® Mat & Equipment
Additional credentials and designations
PMA Pilates Teacher Certification
Bio
Amanda received her introduction to the STOTT PILATES® method as part of her own physical therapy regimen after a number of knee surgeries. She found enjoyment in the exercise and developed a desire to share the benefits with others.
Amanda has appreciated and enjoyed the international opportunities to teach for Merrithew™ in Istanbul, Turkey and Seoul, South Korea. In 2007 she achieved her STOTT PILATES Full Certification and then moved on to become a Lead Instructor Trainer for Merrithew™, specializing in STOTT PILATES. Amanda’s focus with her clients is to help them achieve strength and flexibility, and with sensitivity to their varying needs, she is able to guide clients of all ages and fitness levels toward their personal fitness goals.
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Amanda Kitchen
London, England
IT qualifications
STOTT PILATES® Matwork & Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, & Barrels, ISP, SPX® Matwork & Reformer
Bio
Amanda first became STOTT PILATES® Certified in 2004 and in 2005, moved on to become a Lead Instructor Trainer for Merrithew™, specializing in STOTT PILATES. She has an extensive background as a fitness instructor, and likes to combine her STOTT PILATES teaching with her successful personal training and sports massage business.