Instructor Trainers

Known for his clinical knowledge, endless humor, and abundant energy, Marshall earned his first fitness certification and began training clients in 1986. He holds a Masters degree with a special emphasis in Biomechanics and Athletic Training and is an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES^®. Marshall presents on behalf of Merrithew^® and divides his time between client assessment, staff development, instructor training, and writing.

Marta began her training with STOTT PILATES^® in 2005 and became a Certified Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® in 2007. She was granted Merrithew Lead Instructor Trainer status in 2018.

Martha has been teaching fitness since 1984 (over 30 yrs!). Martha began studying Pilates in 2001, earned her Full STOTT PILATES^® Certification in September 2004 and soon after became certified as an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^®, specializing in STOTT PILATES^®, (the only Pilates instructor in Maine to earn this status!) She has trained at the Merrithew Training Center in Toronto, and at Northeast Pilates Certification Center in Massachusetts. Martha holds national certifications for both group fitness and personal trainer through American Council on Exercise (ACE), is a TRX Qualified Instructor (Oct 2010) and is also a certified STAR LEVEL 2 SPINNING^® instructor. Her cycling adventures include Trek Across Maine (1997 & 1998), Dempsey Challenge 50 miles (2009 & 2010) and many of the Maine Bike Coalition sponsored rides. She has a love for learning and has taken several courses in anatomy and is continually staying updated of the latest research in the fitness industry. With a strong desire to help clients improve their fitness levels, she strives to make a healthy lifestyle enjoyable.

Mary Jo has had a long history in the fitness industry, beginning in 1993 as an Aerobics Instructor. She first received her certification as a STOTT PILATES^® Certified Instructor in 2002, and quickly moved on to become an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing ZEN•GA^® in 2013, Total Barre^® in 2013 and is a Lead IT in STOTT PILATES^®. Since becoming certified, Mary Jo has taught courses throughout the Unites States, and internationally as well. In addition to her STOTT PILATES^® Certification, Mary Jo is also a certified White Lotus Yoga Instructor and a Mad Dogg^® Spinning Instructor. She specializes in creating workouts for all fitness levels and helping each of her clients to reach their fitness goals.

Matilda has been working as a Pilates instructor for over 14 years. She became a fully Certified Instructor in 2004 at the Merrithew^® training center in Toronto, and went on to become an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew specializing in STOTT PILATES^® in 2011, joining three others in Sweden. Besides her education in Pilates she is a trained classical dancer from The Royal Swedish School of Ballet and freelanced as a dancer before critically injuring her neck on stage. "The best part about my work is that I get to work with both people and training" says Matilda.

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.