Instructor Trainer bios

In 1996, Maria began her dance training and has worked with different dance and theater companies since then. She started her fitness journey in 2005 by incorporating yoga and Pilates which helped her build strength and flexibility, which are both crucial for dancers.

In 2011, Maria was introduced to STOTT PILATES^®. This inspired her to dive further into this journey and she became a STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainer specializing in Mat and Reformer in 2022. She believes that Pilates plays a huge role in ensuring overall well-being and that everyone should incorporate mindful movement into their exercise routine.

Maria Monks received her STOTT PILATES^® full certification as an instructor in 2010. In 2013 she traveled to Milan, Italy to become an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES. Maria has been involved with movement of the human body from an early age, participating in gymnastics as well as Ballroom and Latin American dancing. While completing her bachelor's degree in Psychology, she discovered STOTT PILATES and became quite passionate about the method of exercise. Her past injuries created an awareness of how beneficial this method of exercise can be. Maria guides clients of all ages and different levels of fitness, focusing with sensitivity to their varying needs, to achieve their personal goals through strength and mobility.

Marie holds a B.Ed. from the University of Alberta and started her career in the fitness industry in 1997 as a Fitness Program Director at the YMCA. She became a STOTT PILATES^® Certified Instructor in 2001 after discovering Pilates and enjoying how well it integrated with her fitness background in dance and purposeful movement. Marie became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES^® in 2007 and believes her teaching is greatly enhanced by her extensive movement training background. She enjoys the challenge that comes with carefully tailoring programs to each individual based on their unique background, goals, and lifestyle.

Marilena Nicolaou born and raised in Greece loved movement from a very young age and became a professional ballet dancer. In 1991, she moved to London and got a scholarship at the Urdang Academy of Ballet & Performing Arts. She has worked in TV, movies, and theater productions. After over 20 years of performing, Marilena switched to the fitness industry, Pilates specifically. In 2016, she opened her own small Pilates studio in London, where she teaches groups and individuals. Her dedication to the STOTT PILATES^® Movement System inspires her students.

Born in Russia, Marina studied German at the University for Foreign Languages in Almaty, Kazakhstan. After moving to Europe in 1997, her passion for fitness and wellness led her to become a certified Aerobic Instructor and a STOTT PILATES^® Certified Instructor. She holds a certification as an Aerobic Instructor from BSA Akademie in Germany (1999-2000) and FISAF (Federation of International Sports of Aerobics and Fitness) in Paris 2001. Shortly after, she completed her first STOTT PILATES training in Toronto, Canada at our Merrithew^® Corporate Training Center. She received her first certification in STOTT PILATES Matwork level 1 in 2004. She then became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2010 and a proud owner of BRUSSELS PILATES a Merrithew Licensed Training Center Satellite. Marina speaks Russian, English, French, and German.