Instructor Trainers

Silvia began her training with STOTT PILATES^® in 2008 and received her Full Certification in 2009. She became a certified Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® in 2014.

Stacee’s comprehensive knowledge of the human body and healing has strongly influenced her role as a Merrithew^® Instructor Trainer. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology, has been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2011, is a 200-hr Registered Yoga Teacher and is trained in iRest Yoga Nidra. She began her Pilates Training in 2007 and became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew specializing in STOTT PILATES^® in 2009, and ZEN•GA^® Mat and Equipment in 2013. Stacee enjoys working with a range of clients but feels especially drawn toward exploring root causes for those struggling with injuries. Her teachings integrate her trust in the innate healing qualities of the body and empowering the connection between the mind and body. She enjoys blending many healing practices and prioritizes a calm, creative, and playful environment.

Stefania joined Merrithew^® in 1998, and has played an integral role in developing Merrithew education, providing strategic direction for both the Education Programming department and Corporate Training Center as well as the Merrithew flagship studio in Toronto.

Stefania and her team identify, develop and execute strategies that have sustained an innovative leadership and mentoring program for Merrithew Instructor Trainers, Certified Instructors and students that has grown tenfold to include tens of thousands worldwide. Stefania oversees the ongoing evolution and global implementation of Certification and Qualification programs, as well as the expansion of the Continuing Education Program and developing and maintaining relationships with third party accreditation bodies for Merrithew branded fitness programs.

As a Merrithew Master Instructor Trainer, Stefania is recognized throughout the industry as an exceptional leader, educator, consultant and contributor. She has presented on behalf of Merrithew at fitness facilities, industry trade events and Merrithew Mindful Movement Symposia in 14 countries on five continents worldwide.

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.

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.