Terri Josephson - owner/lead instructor
After going through training to become a registered nurse, I discovered I prefer helping people to lead a healthier lifestyle so they didn't get sick! I have been a personal fitness trainer since 1979, holding certifications through ACE, AFFA and Health Management Corp. I have been training people in the Pilates method since 1998. I discovered Pilates because I'm committed to staying open minded and current with my fitness education. When an introductory workshop was being held in my area, I had to find out what the Pilates 'hype' was about. Much to my surprise, my 20 years of fitness training did not prepare me for the amazing workout offered by the Pilates Method. I started my certification training in 1996, and I became a 'believer' when, after 6 months of Pilates practice, years of constant low back pain disappeared. I went on to receive my certification in Mat Pilates through Stott Pilates and trained clients in Mat Pilates for 11 years before 'discovering' the beauty of reformer work.
I have trained with Power Pilates, Fitness Resource Association and Balanced Body Pilates, I have completed over 500 hours with teacher trainers, that includes training with Lolita San Miguel and Mary Bowen, Pilates Elders, who were trained by Joseph Pilates. I've also completed over 500 apprenticeship hours. I have been certified by Polestar Pilates for Studio/Rehabilitation, using Pilates for rehabilitation, under the tutelage of Brent Anderson, a Phd. in Physical Therapy and a world renowned leader in using Pilates for rehabilitation.
I am dedicated to continuously updating my education in the Pilates Method of Physical Fitness and have completed the following trainings:
Speciality training certificates: this is not a comprehensive list, this only includes those trainings that focus on using Pilates as a corrective modality.
Women's Health
Pre and Post Natal Fitness
Spinal Abnormalities and Pilates
Pilates for the older adult
Scoliosis and Pilates
I reside in Englewood, Florida with my husband and two sons. We are Florida transplants, having relocated to Englewood in 2008 to escape the cold winters of New England. We are now happily enjoying all that Florida has to offer.
After going through training to become a registered nurse, I discovered I prefer helping people to lead a healthier lifestyle so they didn't get sick! I have been a personal fitness trainer since 1979, holding certifications through ACE, AFFA and Health Management Corp. I have been training people in the Pilates method since 1998. I discovered Pilates because I'm committed to staying open minded and current with my fitness education. When an introductory workshop was being held in my area, I had to find out what the Pilates 'hype' was about. Much to my surprise, my 20 years of fitness training did not prepare me for the amazing workout offered by the Pilates Method. I started my certification training in 1996, and I became a 'believer' when, after 6 months of Pilates practice, years of constant low back pain disappeared. I went on to receive my certification in Mat Pilates through Stott Pilates and trained clients in Mat Pilates for 11 years before 'discovering' the beauty of reformer work.
I have trained with Power Pilates, Fitness Resource Association and Balanced Body Pilates, I have completed over 500 hours with teacher trainers, that includes training with Lolita San Miguel and Mary Bowen, Pilates Elders, who were trained by Joseph Pilates. I've also completed over 500 apprenticeship hours. I have been certified by Polestar Pilates for Studio/Rehabilitation, using Pilates for rehabilitation, under the tutelage of Brent Anderson, a Phd. in Physical Therapy and a world renowned leader in using Pilates for rehabilitation.
I am dedicated to continuously updating my education in the Pilates Method of Physical Fitness and have completed the following trainings:
Speciality training certificates: this is not a comprehensive list, this only includes those trainings that focus on using Pilates as a corrective modality.
Women's Health
Pre and Post Natal Fitness
Spinal Abnormalities and Pilates
Pilates for the older adult
Scoliosis and Pilates
I reside in Englewood, Florida with my husband and two sons. We are Florida transplants, having relocated to Englewood in 2008 to escape the cold winters of New England. We are now happily enjoying all that Florida has to offer.
Sonya Myers - I have been trained in level 1 classical Pilates mat and apparatus, with Peak Pilates at Balance Pilates & Yoga in Bradenton, Florida. I am currently training with Balanced Body Pilates, an approach that emphasizes designing a Pilates movement program to suit each individual client. I am also a registered Yoga Alliance teacher, I completed my teacher training in Hatha Yoga at The Yoga Sanctuary in Punta Gorda. Both are 200 hour programs, and I have also enjoyed additional training with Curvy Yoga founder Anna Guest-Jelley.
In your search for a qualified Pilates Instructor, not all instructors are created equal. Check to see if the instructor your considering is in training to or has passed, a certification exam by a nationally recognized Pilates program. Passing a certification exam requires demonstrating proficiency in the actual Pilates movements in front of a master trainer, demonstrating the ability to evaluate and guide a new client through an appropriate program in front of a master trainer AND pass a written exam on the history, principles and scope of The Pilates Method. This type of certification should not be confused with having a certificate to teach Pilates, which is issued after an individual has taken a one day, one weekend or on-line Pilates class. In Joseph Pilates words: "A few well-designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence, are worth hours of doing sloppy calisthenics or forced contortion." Make sure your chosen instructor knows the difference.
Geri Del Torto
Geri Del Torto - Yoga Instructor
A registered Yoga Alliance teacher, I completed my first 200 hour teacher training in Hatha yoga at the Himalayan Institute in 2003. That amazing experience launched me onto a path of further study and training that came to include such well-known modern day yogis as Sean Corne, Shiva Rea, Eric Schiffman, and Rodney Yee. Also John Friend, Sharon Salzburg, Krishna Das, Roger Cole, Ph.D., Sue Elkind, Naime Jezzeny, Amy Ippoliti, Anadea Judith and Matthew Sanford. I’ve studied many different yoga types and specialties, ranging from my first Hatha Yoga training to Vinyasa, YogaFit, prenatal and therapeutic yoga, to yoga for wellness. Near my hometown of Scranton, PA, I co-owned a yoga and Pilates studio with a good friend, and also taught in a variety of locations from studios, fitness centers, as well as, private homes and colleges and non-profits.
A few years ago, my family relocated to the Rotonda area and I began a course of study with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where I earned my Health & Wellness Counselor Certification. I’m a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, registered with the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP). I’m happy to bring my own special blend of yoga to the Pilates Sanctuary, and especially enjoy teaching beginner’s and gentle yoga.
A registered Yoga Alliance teacher, I completed my first 200 hour teacher training in Hatha yoga at the Himalayan Institute in 2003. That amazing experience launched me onto a path of further study and training that came to include such well-known modern day yogis as Sean Corne, Shiva Rea, Eric Schiffman, and Rodney Yee. Also John Friend, Sharon Salzburg, Krishna Das, Roger Cole, Ph.D., Sue Elkind, Naime Jezzeny, Amy Ippoliti, Anadea Judith and Matthew Sanford. I’ve studied many different yoga types and specialties, ranging from my first Hatha Yoga training to Vinyasa, YogaFit, prenatal and therapeutic yoga, to yoga for wellness. Near my hometown of Scranton, PA, I co-owned a yoga and Pilates studio with a good friend, and also taught in a variety of locations from studios, fitness centers, as well as, private homes and colleges and non-profits.
A few years ago, my family relocated to the Rotonda area and I began a course of study with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where I earned my Health & Wellness Counselor Certification. I’m a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, registered with the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP). I’m happy to bring my own special blend of yoga to the Pilates Sanctuary, and especially enjoy teaching beginner’s and gentle yoga.
Tina Melik - Zumba Step Instructor
Zumba has been instrumental in my health and well being. I can honestly say I have battled with my weight my entire life, until 4 years ago, when I finally made the decision that I was NOT going on another diet, I was going to make LIFE STYLE CHANGES, AND I DID !
I had been a member of Curves since 2004, and became a Curves Circuit Coach. I pride myself on being motivating, by compelling individuals to work at their peak exertion, and then celebrating their success. I am also a Certified Curves Weight Loss Coach, certified by the Cleveland Clinic, and the majority of my clients have had wonderful success. Then there was a new "Buzz" around the circuit-- Zumba! I took my first Curves Zumba Circuit class in January 2010 and I have NEVER looked back -- I almost instantly felt the rush and excitement of Zumba and with that excitement came the loss of 98 pounds to date! I believe my weight loss created a passion in my life! A passion for LIFE! I have had many careers through my life, but was still looking for "what I wanted to be when I grew up" (lol). I can honestly say, when I started thinking about getting into fitness/Zumba, it felt like I was finally alive, and I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up........
I now want to inspire others to join me in our journey for health, fitness and wellbeing through ZUMBA Fitness!-- Please, don't be afraid to give it a try! You don't need to know how to dance, you don't have to have rhythm--just move your body and follow my lead!
Now, Let's go and have some fun! Help me get the ZUMBA PARTY STARTED!"
Zumba has been instrumental in my health and well being. I can honestly say I have battled with my weight my entire life, until 4 years ago, when I finally made the decision that I was NOT going on another diet, I was going to make LIFE STYLE CHANGES, AND I DID !
I had been a member of Curves since 2004, and became a Curves Circuit Coach. I pride myself on being motivating, by compelling individuals to work at their peak exertion, and then celebrating their success. I am also a Certified Curves Weight Loss Coach, certified by the Cleveland Clinic, and the majority of my clients have had wonderful success. Then there was a new "Buzz" around the circuit-- Zumba! I took my first Curves Zumba Circuit class in January 2010 and I have NEVER looked back -- I almost instantly felt the rush and excitement of Zumba and with that excitement came the loss of 98 pounds to date! I believe my weight loss created a passion in my life! A passion for LIFE! I have had many careers through my life, but was still looking for "what I wanted to be when I grew up" (lol). I can honestly say, when I started thinking about getting into fitness/Zumba, it felt like I was finally alive, and I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up........
I now want to inspire others to join me in our journey for health, fitness and wellbeing through ZUMBA Fitness!-- Please, don't be afraid to give it a try! You don't need to know how to dance, you don't have to have rhythm--just move your body and follow my lead!
Now, Let's go and have some fun! Help me get the ZUMBA PARTY STARTED!"
Val Kandel - Zumba Instructor
After a career in law enforcement, first as a Columbus, Ohio police officer, then as a private investigator, I continued to help people as a case manager for Lutheran Services of Florida. Deciding I wanted a more 'hands on' approach to improving the quality of life for seniors, I became a certified nursing assistant, while keeping myself fit by taking Zumba classes in the area. As a CNA, I know moving is such an important part of aging and I wanted to help our seniors stay moving by showing them a fun way to stay strong, I went to training to become a Zumba Gold instructor. I hope to bring Zumba Gold to the population that appreciates personalized exercise, to music that has a fun, easy beat. You can move at your own pace to oldies as well as international dance music.
After a career in law enforcement, first as a Columbus, Ohio police officer, then as a private investigator, I continued to help people as a case manager for Lutheran Services of Florida. Deciding I wanted a more 'hands on' approach to improving the quality of life for seniors, I became a certified nursing assistant, while keeping myself fit by taking Zumba classes in the area. As a CNA, I know moving is such an important part of aging and I wanted to help our seniors stay moving by showing them a fun way to stay strong, I went to training to become a Zumba Gold instructor. I hope to bring Zumba Gold to the population that appreciates personalized exercise, to music that has a fun, easy beat. You can move at your own pace to oldies as well as international dance music.
Nicole Reuss - NIA Instructor
I stepped into my first Nia class over five years ago. I was wondering how I had never heard of it before. I was hooked. Being a lover of music and dancing I knew Nia was just what I was looking for. I am now a certified Nia white belt instructor. I am so excited to share this wonderful practice with every BODY. Nia is more than a fitness class, it's a way of life. It is not only healing and good for the physical body, but also empowering and healing to the spirit. I have also been a licensed and certified massage therapist since 2001.
I stepped into my first Nia class over five years ago. I was wondering how I had never heard of it before. I was hooked. Being a lover of music and dancing I knew Nia was just what I was looking for. I am now a certified Nia white belt instructor. I am so excited to share this wonderful practice with every BODY. Nia is more than a fitness class, it's a way of life. It is not only healing and good for the physical body, but also empowering and healing to the spirit. I have also been a licensed and certified massage therapist since 2001.
