Pilates Lessons

In addition to being our fitness engagement & Pilates manager, Deb is a NASM and TRX certified trainer who empowers her clients to adopt a functional approach to exercise and wellness. She focuses on helping clients set goals that best suit their lifestyles. Deb is passionate about helping individuals of all ages become stronger, improve their sense of well-being, and increase their quality of life.

Yael is a highly skilled and well-rounded fitness professional with certifications in STOTT Pilates, Zumba®, and belly dancing. She also holds a master’s in dance anthropology from Tel Aviv University. As a Pilates trainer, Yael specializes in working with clients with spinal injuries as well as training for prenatal or postpartum care. Yael’s classes are non-competitive — she promotes safe and gentle exercises to achieve tone, balance, posture awareness, and strength. In addition to her passion for fitness, she enjoys cooking, knitting, reading, and theater.

Denise is an experienced Pilates practitioner and certified holistic health coach who specializes in helping clients build strength, gain mobility, and improve stability. Having discovered Pilates while reclaiming her body after twins, she holds certifications in mat and Reformer Pilates and is trained in tower and Cadillac, as well. Denise helps her clients connect mind, body, and spirit, and is passionate about helping to create customized roadmaps for a lifetime of healthy habits.

Meet Melanie, an enthusiastic dancer and Pilates instructor. Melanie is certified in STOTT Pilates, and is currently pursuing advanced education in injuries & special populations at Northeast Pilates. She is passionate about the mind-body connection, helping her clients to achieve balance and equilibrium through Pilates, thus improving their physical and mental well-being.

Meet Nia, a seasoned and experienced movement instructor with over 20 years of experience in teaching mindful movement before her arrival at the JCC in 2022. She is certified in hatha yoga, STOTT Pilates, Gyrotonic®, somatics, as well as prenatal and postnatal yoga. Nia brings an interdisciplinary, intuitive, and compassionate approach to Pilates, with a wealth of experience working with a wide range of injuries and ages.

Her teaching style is characterized by thoughtful, unhurried guidance and a focus on the healing benefits of mindful and deliberate movement. With a diverse background in dance, social work, theology, and Eastern philosophies, Nia brings a unique perspective to her instruction. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors with her two boys.

Maria is a highly experienced and skilled nurse practitioner with 15 years of experience in managing diabetes prior to her arrival at the JCC in 2022. A certified Pilates instructor with a deep understanding of physical health, Maria specializes in core strengthening and body alignment, and has completed specialized training in working with injuries and special populations. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for Pilates and overall wellness with her clients.

Elise believes in “feeling strong from the inside out!” Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Dance from Dean College, Elise has worked in the Professional dance and fitness world for over 24 years. Holding certifications in Stott Pilates, ACE, AFFA and BOSU training to name a few, Pilates has always been her first love for her own personal workouts as well as training her clients. She also has expertise in a wide range of formats, including dance, muscle conditioning, barre, and more. You will see her strong dance background within her Pilates and Group Fitness training. Additionally, Elise brings a unique perspective to her classes as a former backup dancer for Pitbull!