Instructor Trainer bios

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.

Talina Barsalou, a STOTT PILATES^® Instructor Trainer, has built a lifelong connection to movement and wellness. While earning her Business Degree at the University of Victoria, she began her fitness journey with her first certification through the YMCA. This early step sparked a deep passion for mindful movement.

Since then, Talina has earned multiple functional fitness certifications, completed two yoga teacher trainings, and achieved full STOTT PILATES certification. In 2021, she took the next step in her journey by training to become an Instructor Trainer. Mentored by exceptional educators in Victoria, Vancouver, and Toronto, including the renowned Tessa Crofton, she has continued to deepen both her practice and teaching.

Whether working one-on-one with clients in rehabilitation, supporting sport-specific conditioning, leading group classes or guiding aspiring instructors, Talina finds joy in helping others discover the power of Pilates and movement to transform both body and mind.

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.