Instructor Trainer bios

Tamara started studying Pilates more than 25 years ago to prolong her career as a professional dancer. During the 18 years of her performing and touring career she practiced numerous forms of body work, including Pilates, Gyrotonic and yoga. In 1998 Tamara received her instructor certification for STOTT PILATES^® and in 2003 she became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES and less than a year later, the Pilates Centre was designated a Licensed Training Center, certifying instructors from all over the Mid-South. Tamara accepted a position as for Ballet Ballet Mistress Memphis in 1999 and started the Pilates Centre of Ballet Memphis, the first certified Pilates program in Memphis. Tamara continues to add to her skills through training and workshops.

Tania Serrano began taking Pilates in 2002 after experiencing chronic lower back pain stemming from her pregnancy, and after one class, she was hooked. Tania went on to earn her Full Certification from STOTT PILATES^® in 2008, and currently works with a variety of clientele ranging from physiotherapists to runners, as well as special populations groups such as pre and post-natal women. She is now a Merrithew^® Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES and Halo^® Training. Tania enjoys the on-going learning experience as well as the physical transformative experience Pilates has brought to her life. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge with those around her and continues to integrate the Pilates principles into her teachings and lifestyle for optimal functional health and movement.

Tessa Crofton is the founder and director of West Coast Pilates and Health Inc., which has been located in Victoria, BC for more than 17 years. Tessa has always had a passion for movement and physical health, and is a well-known member of British Columbia’s Pilates community, as well as a valuable resource, leader, and mentor to Instructors. She is a certified personal trainer, group fitness leader and strength trainer. In 2000, Tessa became a Merrithew^® Lead Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES^® and ZEN•GA^®. She also holds multiple certifications with BCRPA and canfitpro and has been a Presenter on behalf of Merrithew at the Canfitpro Conference in Vancouver the past 2 years. Tessa works with physiotherapy patients on the road to recovery, triathletes and fitness enthusiasts to enhance their athletic performance, and breast cancer survivors to rebuild their strength and spirit. Tessa practices Pilates and other mindful movement modalities to improve flexibility, strength and endurance in her own athletic endeavors. Her passion for learning and sharing continuing education has helped Tessa become a sought-after teacher and a Merrithew Lead Instructor Trainer.

Tim became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES^® and CORE^™ in 2007 and moved to Brazil as a Lead IT shortly thereafter to train instructors in the STOTT PILATES method at Pilates Studio Fit; a Licensed Training Center in São Paulo. He moved back to the United States in 2011 and now is pursuing a Ph. D. in Exercise Science emphasis on Low Back Pain Research. Tim is a Licensed Massage Therapist, a Full Body Active Release Techniques Provider, and an Active Isolated Stretching Therapist. In addition to his schoolwork and training Pilates instructors, Tim acts as an NCAA sports massage therapist for collegiate swimming and diving teams such as Harvard, Iowa State and the University of Texas. He is also the assistant coach for the University of Texas Triathlon team.

Originally from Tokyo, Tomo obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Exercise Science from Colorado State University, where she and gained extensive practical experience working with the body as an aide in orthopedic physical therapy clinics. It was in the field of rehabilitation that Tomo discovered Pilates and she decided to pursue her STOTT PILATES^® certification with the belief that the method could help people maintain a strong mind and body. She became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2009 and continually draws from her diverse background and knowledge of the human body in teaching students and helping clients achieve their fitness goals.