Instructor Trainer bios

Melanie graduated with a degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and is a Merrithew^® Pilates Master Instructor Trainer for the STOTT PILATES^® Rehab Program. Specializing in orthopedics and manual therapy, she spent the next 10 years working as a physiotherapist at a private practice. In 1999, she became an IT teaching the full repertoire for STOTT PILATES Matwork & Reformer, Cadillac, Chair & Barrels, as well as Injuries & Special Populations. Melanie is one of few instructors in the United States instructing the STOTT PILATES Rehabilitation Series. Utilizing Pilates for the prevention and rehabilitation of injuries, brings her the most joy in her career.

Melina graduated from the Dance University in Campinas, Brazil in 2005, where she studied classical ballet and contemporary dance. Her background made it easier to teach people how to understand their own body and create a good quality of movement. Currently studying Physiotherapy in Brazil, Melina started her STOTT PILATES^® training in 2010, and went on to become an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES Matwork and Reformer in 2013. She added Cadillac, Chair and Barrels IT credentials to her resume in 2015, when she co-opened her own studio, Espaço Manawa. In 2013, she became the first Total Barre^® Instructor Trainer in Brazil. She continues to be an advocate of the STOTT PILATES method and the Five Basic Principles in particular.

Melissa started teaching group exercise in 1985, and was certified through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). She eventually became a CEU provider for ACE, and certified in Personal Training and Spinning. Melissa continued her interest in health and fitness by becoming a Physical Therapy Assistant. In 1998, Melissa found STOTT PILATES^® and became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2003. Melissa owns a studio in East Greenwich, Rhode Island and is also certified in Zumba^®, Yamuna^® Body Rolling, TRX^® and holds belts in Krav Maga, Budokon and MMA. Melissa graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a bachelor degree in Human Sciences, and from Bryant University with an MBA in Marketing. She holds professional certifications from the American Society for Training & Development, Seton Hall School of Law & Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Healthcare Compliance program, the Healthcare Compliance Association, Dale Carnegie Training, and an EMT license from the State of Rhode Island's Department of Health.

Melissa has always had a passion for movement and physical health, obtaining her Physical Therapy degree from Marquette University in 1989. She became certified as a STOTT PILATES^® Instructor in 2001 after working in a variety of clinical settings with a specialized focus on Geriatric Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Melissa became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® in in 2002 and is a Lead IT for STOTT PILATES. She continues to add variety to her repertoire by taking new workshops and integrating that material into her programming.

Melissa’s interest in Pilates began while she was at university in Singapore. Someone recommended Pilates as the best way to improve her posture and tone her muscles, and from there, her journey began. In 2006, Melissa moved to Canada, where she completed the instructor training program at the STOTT PILATES^® headquarters in Toronto and earned her full certification.

Since then, Melissa has completed numerous other certifications including prenatal Pilates, Yoga Teacher training, Stretch Therapy, TRX, Surfset Fitness and Neurokinetic Therapy. Melissa has trained clients and managed studios in Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia.

Melissa has gained a wealth of knowledge from many years of teaching, but her greatest joy remains sharing a passion for Pilates and functional movement with her clients and students.