Lead Instructor Trainers

Formerly a professional dancer, Leslie was introduced to the STOTT PILATES^® method after an extensive knee injury and a multitude of surgeries ending her career as a dancer. Her familiarity with body movement and muscular strength made the transition to Pilates feel completely natural. She quickly advanced herself in the industry and is now a Merrithew^™ Lead Instructor Trainer specializing in Total Barre^® and STOTT PILATES. She is a valued member of the Merrithew education team and presents on their behalf. Leslie continues to train both future instructors and private clients including Cirque du Soleil performers, NHL Players, Olympic athletes and is an adviser/instructor to “SpiderTech Kinesiology” Executives.

A former Indonesian athlete in badminton and swimming, Lily became a STOTT PILATES^® Certified Instructor in 2004, and an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^™ specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2007. In 2012, she was named a Lead Instructor Trainer. She is also is Certified Redcord Active Instructor Trainer. Based at the Merrithew Licensed Training Center in Jakarta, Indonesia, this high-energy Indonesian native has traveled to present workshops and teach the STOTT PILATES method around the world. Lily’s vibrant and down-to-earth attitude has made her one of Indonesia’s most respected Pilates personalities. In addition, Lily is a regular contributor for leading health, fitness and women's magazines and a member of the advisory board for Pilates in SHAPE Magazine Indonesia. Teaching is a part of her never ending pursuit of knowledge as to what she believes “We learn so much more when we are teaching.”

Lisa decided to pursue her passion of movement and the human body by becoming fully STOTT PILATES^® certified in 2005 and then an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^™ specialising in STOTT PILATES the following year. In 2016, Lisa received special recognition as a Merrithew Lead Instructor Trainer for STOTT PILATES, she is also a Lead Instructor Trainer for ZEN•GA^® and Total Barre^®.

Lisa is the founder and owner of The Movement Lab, Cape Town. Her studio is the only Merrithew Licensed Training centre in Africa, where she also offers music-driven, challenging and creative Pilates classes.

A professional dancer, Marcela was first introduced to Pilates as a means of conditioning. She became a STOTT PILATES^® Certified Instructor in 2001 and in 2007 she progressed to the level of Merrithew^™ Lead Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES. Marcela’s long history with body movement began with training in classical dance in her native Argentina and moved on to contemporary dance in New York City. She has danced with Ballet Proarte in Argentina, the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, and Ballet de l’Opera de Paris, and holds a French National Diploma in Ballet Teaching and a National Certification from the American Ballet Theatre. Able to teach in English, French and Spanish, Marcela’s passion is an integrated education with a focus on strong technique, a healthy body and a free spirit.

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.

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.

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 Harrington is an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^™, specializing as a Lead IT in STOTT PILATES^®, who has been working in the fitness industry since 1995. In addition to teaching Pilates, she is a certified Yoga instructor and faculty member of YOGAspirit, a certified Holistic Health Counselor, NSCA certified Personal Trainer and an ACE Group Exercise Instructor. Melissa lives on the north shore of Boston with her husband and two stepchildren. She is known to bring a healthy dose of humor and warmth to her teaching.

Melissa is the owner of mind.art.core PILATES PERFORMANCE, rated the Chicago Reader’s “Best Of” Pilates Studio 2014, 2016 and 2017. Having received her training at the Merrithew^™ Corporate Training Center in Toronto, she began teaching as an Instructor Trainer in Toronto, and is now a Lead Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^™ at her host site in Chicago. Melissa has taught throughout the US, in New Zealand and in South Korea. Melissa is proud to be an IT not only for STOTT PILATES^® Matwork & Reformer, Cadillac, Chairs & Barrels and ISP, but in Merrithew's other branded programs, Total Barre^® and ZEN•GA^® Mat. She has trained extensively in injuries and special populations, Pre and Post-natal, is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and the creator of m.a.c. Pilates for Kids! She has been highlighted in Wellness Magazine for her Pilates for kids program, on CTV’s Breakfast Television and is currently publishing a book. Melissa earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre at York University in Toronto, and in 2010, received her Masters Degree in Contemporary Performance from the Buddhist-inspired Naropa University, specializing in Body Mind Centering Techniques and experiential anatomy. Her creativity is witnessed through her classes, which are innovative and challenge the boundaries of Pilates and functional fitness. From the novice to advanced, post-rehab to the elite athlete, Melissa is able to weave her knowledge of biomechanics with her creativity and energy, creating fun, efficient and transforming sessions. Melissa is active as a Movement Director for various theatre companies in Chicago and has written and produced a comedic web series about a Pilates studio, called, "The Studio." You can find Seasons 1 and 2 here: www.thestudiowebseries.com