Instructor Trainers

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.

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.

Tomoko began her training with STOTT PILATES^® in 2003 and received her Full Certification in 2005. She became a certified Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® in 2007.