Instructor Trainer bios

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.

As a student, Marina competed in track and field events and earned Coaching (Track and Field) and Rehabilitation degrees. In 1995, Marina opened her first professional studio in Russia. In 2008, Marina earned her first STOTT PILATES^® certification in Toronto. She moved to Singapore in 2011, where she opened Smart Fit Studio. Marina completed her training, becoming an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® in September 2016, specializing in STOTT PILATES Mat and Reformer. Like many devoted athletes, Marina's past injuries led to her focus on injury prevention and rehabilitation, and her personal experience fuels her expertise and empathy. Marina works closely with doctors, physical therapists and other medical professionals and top professional athletes to sustain high levels of performance.

Like many, Marissa was fortunate to discover Pilates during her recovery from a back injury. A rock climber and all-around active person, she noted significant benefits to her climbing skills and other activities, including skiing, tennis, cycling, running, hiking and dance. A medical speech-language pathologist and clinical researcher, Marissa was pursuing a Ph.D. in Neuroscience when she realized that her love of Pilates, teaching and neuromotor sciences could all be synthesized in her work as a Pilates instructor. She devoted herself to the STOTT PILATES^® method in 2013 and excelled at it, becoming an Instructor Trainer in 2017. She dedicates her time to advancing her knowledge of biomechanics and uses her knowledge of neuromuscular control and motor learning to create a solid understanding of anatomy, strength and movement for students. Her therapeutic background provides her with a unique ability to identify individual learning styles and translate the work accordingly in a fun way that builds confidence and independence.

Marketa was introduced to Pilates in 2006 at the John Garey Pilates studio in Long Beach, California. She quickly discovered the benefits of Pilates on building strength, flexibility and resolving persistent joint pain. After retiring from a professional career in the Information Technology industry, she set her next goal on becoming a fully certified STOTT PILATES^® Instructor. Marketa is passionate about using Pilates to help people feel good in their bodies and have the best quality of life. Her belief in the STOTT PILATES method and commitment to education led her to become an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew specializing in Matwork & Reformer in 2022. Marketa holds a NPCP certification as a National Pilates Certified Teacher, and is a Fascia Movement specialist. Marketa has taught at several facilities across the US and runs a private Pilates training practice. Marketa is also fluent both Czech and English.

Marsha received her certification as a STOTT PILATES^® Instructor in 2001, and became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES^® in 2008. Marsha has always had a passion for body movement and dance, having spent over twenty years as a professional ballet dancer, instructor and choreographer. She holds a Masters of Science Education in Exercise Physiology from the University of Kansas, and is a certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Health Fitness Specialist through the American College of Sports Medicine. Marsha brings her extensive knowledge of anatomy, as well as a genuine enthusiasm for bodywork to each workout.