Instructor Trainers

Pilates was a natural progression of Caroline’s professional dance career. After training at The Stella Mann College of Performing Arts, she performed all around the world. Caroline went on to complete her full STOTT PILATES^® Certification, and is a Merrithew^® Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES and Total Barre^®. The remarkable benefits of Pilates for rehabilitation from injury became clear to Caroline in 2015 after her pelvis, back, collar bone and ankle were each fractured in an accident. Caroline credits Pilates with giving her the ability and strength to recover faster than any of her doctors has predicted.

Caroline’s international career as a professional ballet dancer made Pilates an essential part of her training and daily life. However, an unexpected health condition abruptly ended her dance career. Turning to the STOTT PILATES^® method, for rehabilitation, she not only regained strength but also deepened her appreciation for its transformative effects on both body and mind.

Determined to share these these benefits with others, Caroline moved to Toronto in 2017 to train at the Toronto Corporate Training Center (CTC). After earning her full certification, she joined the instructor team at Merrithew^® headquarters, where she refined her teaching skills and broadened her expertise.

In 2020, she founded MindBodyPlace, a boutique studio dedicated to high-quality Pilates training for both professional and recreational athletes. Her passion for movement education continued to grow, and in 2024, she became a Merrithew Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES.

Caroline holds a Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts from the Ernst Busch University of Theatre Arts in Berlin and is a graduate of the State Ballet School Berlin. She is also a certified Level 1 GYROTONIC^® trainer, adding another dimension to her movement expertise.

Dividing her time between Italy, Mexico and Canada, Caroline works with clients, teaches STOTT PILATES instructor courses and hosts Pilates and wellness retreats, sharing her love for movement with a global community.

Carolyn Geerling-Goryl first experienced Pilates, while living in California, and fell in love. A graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in Exercise Science, she has worked in the fitness industry in many capacities including as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. Carolyn is a fully certified instructor and is an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^®; specializing in STOTT PILATES^®. She is also the Michigan Professional Affiliate Coordinator for AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) and believes that Pilates is so appropriate and valuable to every body from the athlete to the injured, from the fitness enthusiast to the overweight client, from 18 to 80! She has enjoyed bring her personal training background and group fitness experience to individual clients as well as into her Cardiolates, Group Reformer and Matwork classes!

Carolyn first trained with STOTT PILATES^® in 1999 and followed the path to become a fully certified Instructor in 2007. A few months after, she became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^®. She currently teaches at C² Pilates Training Center, a Merrithew Licensed Training Center.

Cate Vallone is a Lead Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in Total Barre^®, ZEN•GA^®, Halo^® Training and STOTT PILATES^®. She has been teaching Pilates and somatic education in clinical and studio settings for 20 years, with a focus in post-rehabilitation and athletic conditioning. She currently owns two Pilates studios in the Greater Hartford, Connecticut area. Cate received a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Movement Education from Boston University in 1999 and Master of Arts degree in Consciousness and Transpersonal Psychology from The Graduate Institute in 2022. In addition to her Pilates education, Cate has been trained in Craniosacral Therapy, Kinesiotaping, Body-Mind Centering and Continuum Movement.

Caterina began her STOTT PILATES^® education in 2005, received her full certification in 2011 and became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2013. She was introduced to the STOTT PILATES method during her years as a personal trainer and fitness instructor. Caterina is devoted to helping people find a pain-free way to stay healthy and active.

Catherine received her STOTT PILATES^® certification in 2006 and became a certified Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® in 2011. She specialized in training in STOTT PILATES Matwork & Reformer, and Cadillac, Chair, & Barrels.

Cathy decided to become a STOTT PILATES^® Certified Instructor in 2009 when she discovered the remarkable benefits of Pilates in alleviating years of serious back pain. Her passion for teaching Pilates is recognized in the measurable results achieved by her clients, including in their postural realignment and restoration of body mobility.

To further expand her career in Pilates, Cathy became a Merrithew^® Instructor Trainer in 2017. She has also studied the Franklin Method and NeuroKinetic Therapy to further enhance her knowledge of optimal body movement.

CC’s experience and practice in the fitness industry has spanned over 20 years. She began as an aerobics instructor and personal trainer in 1992, teaching at various gyms and at UMass Amherst while attending school there. After graduating with a BFA, CC continued to gravitate towards fitness as a career. After becoming a STOTT PILATES^® Certified Instructor, CC became a Lead Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2001 and Total Barre^® in 2013. She is a valuable member of the esteemed Merrithew programming and presenting team. CC opened her first fitness and Pilates studio in Boston in 1999 and in 2005 opened a STOTT PILATES Licensed Training Center in Connecticut. She is now the proud owner/operator of 4 studios in the greater Boston, MA and Hartford CT areas. CC is NSCA certified and always strives to create results-driven workouts that are safe, effective, and fun.

Brought up in London, Charlotte has developed a diverse teaching career. After completing a B.Ed Hons degree in Physical Education, she taught in various International schools in Spain, Portugal, Switzerland and Italy. Later, she completed an MA in Theatre Arts at London University progressing to teach Drama. With a career entrenched in a physical background, Charlotte developed an interest in Pilates and in 2009 embarked on her STOTT PILATES^® training. Inspired by the rehabilitative aspect of the technique, she proceeded to complete her qualifications and in October 2013, became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^®; specializing in STOTT PILATES. She now teaches courses at London’s Central YMCA whilst teaching an array of Pilates classes and clients. She also continues to consult on Drama in Secondary Education.