Shanna graduated from the Art Institute of Seattle with a degree in Fashion Marketing. She brings to this position an extensive background in customer service and management. Shanna was hired on at Center for Movment in 2007 as the Lexington Studio Manager and in 2009 she was promoted to General Manager for both the Lexington and Scarsdale studios. Shanna splits her time between both studios during the week and can be found in our Scarsdale location Mon- Thurs. and Lexington on Fridays.
Alexia Simmons earned a BA in Theatre from Texas Tech University. She worked professionally in Los Angeles before becoming a manager in marketing at MTV Networks. In 2001 she discovered Pilates and fell in love with its focus on strength, flexibility and alignment. Her passion as a student led to a career change and she committed herself to training in the authentic method at the legendary Pilates Studio in New York. In 2003 she completed the rigorous professional program, comprised of hundreds of hours of study, practice and observation in the classical Pilates methodology. Alexia has studied with well-regarded master teachers Mejo Wiggin, Brett Howard, Ton Vooght and Michael Fritzke. She frequently attends Pilates seminars and workshops and applies Pilates to her own weekly workout routine. Alexia has been a Pilates instructor at Center for Movement since completion of her certification in 2003. She teaches private, semi privates and Tower Mat classes at Center for Movement Scarsdale and NYC's studios. *CFM Instuctor since 2002
Lynne Balliette has been a certified Pilates instructor since 1998, receiving her initial training from Romana Kryzanowska in New York, NY. She holds certifications from Romana’s Pilates, The Pilates Studio, and The Pilates Guild, and is a gold-certified instructor and member of the Pilates Method Alliance, an international professional association for the Pilates method. Lynne was the first full-time Pilates instructor in the Dance Department at Goucher College, Maryland, where she taught from 1998 to 2001. In addition to teaching Pilates in the US and abroad, she has appeared in television news programs, newspaper articles, and an instructional DVD on Pilates. Prior to her Pilates training, Lynne received an M.F.A degree in dance performance and choreography from the University of Michigan and danced and choreographed professionally in New York. She has studied anatomy and kinesiology with Irene Dowd, among others, and she completed a Master of Arts degree in movement science from Teachers College, Columbia University, in May 2009
Anna first experienced Pilates in 1998 while on vacation at Canyon Ranch in Tucson. Upon returning to New York, she began taking private sessions at Tribeca Bodyworks (now known as Real Pilates) owned by Alycea Ungaro. She connected with the methodology so much that she applied for and was accepted into the Teacher Certification Program at the Pilates Center of New York located at Drago's Gymnasium (now known as True Pilates or Romana's Pilates). Leaving the corporate world of advertising behind, Anna completed the certification program in the fall of 2001 and has taught for Center for Movement since 2002.In 2007, Anna began exploring with movement in the Gyrotonic Expansion System and in 2009, completed her certification in that methodology as well adding to her versatility as a movement instructor.Outside the studio, Anna can be found taking a ballet class, a Gyrotonic Tower class, tap dancing or reading a murder mystery. *CFM Instructor since 2002
BA in Special Education, Lesley College. Certification: Pilates Comprehensive Certification Center for Movement, 2008. *CFM Instructor since 2008.
Jeannie holds a BFA in dance and a BA in anthropology from Purchase College. She completed her Pilates certification in 2001, studying primarily under Bob Liekens and Brett Howard. In 2003-2004 she taught Pilates in Tokyo, Japan. Since 2004, she has been teaching Pilates in NYC. Jeannie's class is rooted in classical Pilates, but also influenced by her extensive study of dance and yoga. She is attentive to the fitness goals of her students, and works tirelessly to help them achieve their goals in her challenging but fun classes. *CFM Instructor since 2001.
Holds B.A. and M.A. in education from Manhattanville College. Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Certification through Center for Movement, 2009.
Jess Sandberg began her pilates studies in California at the University of California Irvine. She studied at Irvine as a classical dancer and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from one of the top programs in the country. She also participated in a sports medicine internship in the schools athletics department. Pilates was the perfect compliment to her dance training, and something she learned to appreciate more and more. Upon arriving in New York City, she entered into Center for Movements instructor training program. Along with working as a physical therapist aide at a spinal and sports medicine office, she has been enjoying teaching ever since. Jess loves to be able to introduce the benefits of pilates and help her clients attain their personal goals. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of pilates training and taking each student to the next level. *CFM Instructor since 2008
Kristen is a classically trained ballerina through the Royal Academy of Dance and has studied under some of the most noted instructors in the nation. She holds a BS in ballet from Indiana University, where she also obtained her Pilates certification in 2005. She has since become certified in personal training through Hunter College and the American Council on Exercise. Kristen continues to attend seminars and classes to further her knowledge of Pilates, exercise science, and kinesiology. *CFM Instructor since 2007.
BA in Music & Theater, Long Island University. Licensed Cosmetologist. Certification: Core Pilates, 2007. *CFM Instructor since 2007.
Dance Degree from France. Certification: The Pilates Studio/Romana Kryzanowska, 2003. Morwen joined our staff in 2003 and has proven herself as an accomplished and talented instructor. Morwen's commitment and passion for upholding the integrity of Joseph Pilates' method has not only lead her to become one of our most popular instructors, but has allowed her to become the head instructor for CFM's Pilates Certification Program. *CFM Instructor since 2004.
Melissa began studying the Pilates Method as a student in 2004. She loved the results that Pilates had on her own body and decided to increase her understanding of the method by enrolling in a comprehensive certification program. In 2007 she completed Core Pilates Comprehensive Certification. In addition she has been certified in Pre-Natal and Post-Natal care. *CFM Instructor since 2007.
Holds a Bachelor's Degree in English from Antioch University, Ohio. Serves as a FDNY Paramedic. Completed certification through Core Pilates, 2008. *CFM Instructor since 2008
Sayaka is originally from Japan. Growing up she studied Japanese traditional dance, Jazz and Modern dance, and performed around the country. When she came to the US she started taking Pilates as a method of daily exercise, in addition to her dance training and has been hooked ever since. She believes Pilates is one of the most effective mind body exercise available today. Sayaka received her Pilates certification from Power Pilates in 2005. *CFM Instructor since 2007.
BFA in Dance, The New School/Joffrey Ballet School. Certification: New York Pilates Studio, 2004. Licensed Massage Therapist, Swedish Institute, 2008. *CFM Instructor since 2004.
Simone Cardoso graduated with a BS/ MS in Physical Therapy at The College of Staten Island CUNY in 2008.She has been certified Pilates instructor since 1999 by Romana Kryzanowska and has been working for Center for Movement since 2001. Simone has worked as Pilates instructor at the New York Sports Club and David Barton Gym. In addition, she taught Pilates at Ballet schools throughout New York, Brazil and Portugal. Simone is a former Soloist/ Principal dancer from the Dance Theatre of Harlem and American Repertory Ballet Company. She was invited as a Principal dancer guest artist to the Ginasiano Ballet School in Portugal, Sesame Street TV show and Metropolitan Ballet Opera in New York. Simone taught ballet for children at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Harlem Ballet School of Arts, Bronx and Brooklyn Public Schools in New York and the Ginasiano Ballet School in Portugal. Furthermore, Simone conducted dance movement for patients at the Bellevue Hospital and for children with special needs in Brazil. Using her dance background, Simone worked as a model for Banana Republic, Hair Matrix Products Company and the New York Environmental Protection Agency. *CFM Instructor since 1999
Tara graduated from Wagner College with a B.A in Musical Theater Performance with a minor in Dance and English. After obtaining several injuries including a labral tear in her hip Tara turned to pilates as part of her physical therapy and brings this experience to her teaching. Tara received her Authentic Pilates certification from Center for Movement completed 2008. She also completed her GYROTONIC® EXPANSION SYSTEM training in 2011. The introduction of Gyrotonic to Tara's teaching has informed her so much more about the body and the true benefits of fluid, precise, gentle and efficient movement. Tara still dances and choreographs around the country. *CFM Instructor since 2008
Yael has studied ballet since the age of 5, and graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor degree in Dance Arts with High Honors, and a Bachelor degree in English with Distinction. While studying in the Merce Cunningham Professional Training Program on scholarship in New York City, she decided to obtain her Pilates teaching certificate from the Romana’s Pilates program, run by Romana Kryzanowska and Sari Mejia Santo. It completely changed and strengthened her body, making her fully aware of the benefits of authentic Pilates training, not only for dancers, but for everyone. Yael is absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to teach this wonderful and effective method at The Center for Movement. *CFM Instructor since 2009.
Certified Gyrotonic Instructor. *CFM Instructor since 2009.
Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Mikiko moved to New York and graduated from Partt Institute with a degree in Interior Design. Having a love for teaching and fitness, Mikiko left the corporate world to pursue her passion. She received her Comprehensive Pilates Certification training from Center for Movement in 2011. Currently, Mikiko teaches Privates, Semi-Privates, Cross Trainer, and Tower Mat Classes at the Lexington and 2nd Ave. studios.
Gilda has a been a dancer most of her life. She started ballet at an early age, dancing with The Westchester Ballet Company and studying with some of the most prestigious teachers in NYC. Over the years she studied and taught jazz, hip hop and ballet. She is also an amateur international style dancesport (ballroom) dancer. In addition Gilda is an equestrian, specializing in dressage, with over 20 years of riding experience.Her experience with Pilates started in early 2000 after knee surgery caused by a dance accident. Gilda realized she needed to focus on strengthening certain parts of her body to avoid further injuries. After practicing Pilates for several years, recognizing the benefits she’d gained, she decided to pursue teaching. Her background is in the Authentic Pilates Method. Several years ago, Gilda was introduced to the GYROTONIC® EXPANSION SYSTEM. After just one session she could see how beneficial it was to her own body, which led her to pursue her certification. She is Level One certified.Gilda enjoys accompanying people on their journey to increased strength, flexibility and self awareness both physically and spiritually. She’ll help you take your fitness to the next level. CFM Instructor since 2011.