Instructor Trainer bios

A professional ballet dancer for more than 12 years, Stephanie was introduced to the STOTT PILATES^® method during her rehabilitation from a back injury. After retiring from the stage in 2001, Stephanie worked as a ballet instructor and an administrator in the Classical Ballet Training Program at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Her desire to give the students in the program the valuable benefit of Pilates prompted her to become a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor. In 2003 she founded Pilates Movement Studio and later became a Merrithew^® Lead Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES and Total Barre^®.

Stephanie Laoun (she/they) is a certified STOTT PILATES^® Instructor Trainer whose passion for helping others shines through in their teaching. Stephanie's classes are accessible and fun, leaving students feeling inspired and empowered, with the knowledge to move their bodies mindfully and with ease.

With a background as a high-level tennis player and a Tennis Canada certification, Stephanie turned to Pilates for rehabilitation from a chronic injury that impeded their ability to play and compete. The STOTT PILATES methodology was key to their successful return to the sport they love. Eager to share this training and expertise, Stephanie aims to help students achieve their movement and career aspirations, just as Pilates did for them.

Stephanie completed her certification under the tutelage of Darcy McMurray, Tessa Crofton, and other well renowned STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainers (IT) in 2018. She has since been teaching full time in Vancouver, Canada. She earned her IT certification in 2023 and is eager to spread her knowledge with other future instructors.

Sungmin began training in dance at the age of eight and enjoyed a successful dance career as a teenager. As part of her professional dance training, she was always interested in and attentive to rehabilitation.

Sungmin graduated from Yonsei University with a B.A. in Physical Education. During her studies, she undertook an internship as Athletic Trainer with the university’s soccer team, which inspired her to learn more about the different methods of exercise for rehabilitation and injury prevention. This passion launched her on a career path in Pilates, where she has specialized in STOTT PILATES^® since 2005.

After becoming a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor, she pursued a master’s in sports medicine at Yonsei University. In 2008, she worked as a clinical exercise specialist at the Severance Hospital Health Care Center in Seoul.

In 2010, she opened her own Pilates studio in partnership with her husband, an orthopedist. Together they offer extensive rehabilitation and injury prevention exercises to clients with a variety of medical conditions and physical restrictions.

Takayuki boasts more than eight years of solid professional experience in the fitness industry. He has shown exceptional client relationship-building skills, proven by his becoming the No.1 Instructor in Japan. A personal trainer since 2000, Takayuki became a STOTT PILATES^® Certified Instructor in 2004 and became a Merrithew^® Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2009. He went on to become an IT for CORE^™ in 2013. He prides himself on having had professional dancers and athletes as his clients throughout his career.

Talese started her training in the STOTT PILATES^® method in 2009 at Intermountain Pilates Training Center, seeking longevity and injury prevention in her professional dance career. In March of 2012, she became a Merrithew^® Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES, and later ZEN•GA^® in 2013. Talese now loves sharing the knowledge she has gained through her STOTT PILATES training with her clients, whether they are elite athletes or just individuals seeking more ease in everyday movements.