Our Instructors
Terri Josephson - Owner/2nd Generation Pilates Master 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. In addition, I hold a BSBA from Northeastern University. I received my certification in Mat Pilates through Stott Pilates, a contemporary approach to Pilates based on the classical repertoire. I trained clients in Mat Pilates for 11 years before 'discovering' the beauty of reformer and apparatus work.
I have been trained in classical Pilates work through Power Pilates, Peak Pilates and Lolita's Pilates Master Training Program as well as contemporary Pilates through Fitness Resource Association, Stott Pilates and Balanced Body Pilates. I have completed over 1000 hours with teacher trainers. I've completed over 700 apprenticeship hours. After working with people with various challenges, I went on to be certified by Polestar Pilates for Studio/Rehabilitation, under the tutelage of Brent Anderson, a Phd. in Physical Therapy and a world renowned leader in using Pilates for rehabilitation. Terri has also been certified as a Master Pilates Trainer by Lolita San Miguel, a trainer that worked directly with Joseph Pilates.
Having been trained in both classical and contemporary Pilates, as well as using Pilates for rehabilitation, I am able to design a program that will work for the individual in front of me.
I am dedicated to continuously updating my education in the Pilates Method of Physical Fitness and have completed the following training:
Spinal Abnormalities and Pilates
Pilates for the older adult
Scoliosis and Pilates - Unwinding the Spine
Pilates for Osteoporosis
Correcting the Gait through Pilates
Pilates for Rotational Sports
Fascial Fitness
The Foot, Foundation to the Core
Advanced Assessment Skills 1 and pathologies of the torso
Advanced Assessment Skills 2 and pathologies of the upper and lower extremities
Bodhi Suspension Training
Pilates for Hip and Knee Replacements and lower body pathologies
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. In addition, I hold a BSBA from Northeastern University. I received my certification in Mat Pilates through Stott Pilates, a contemporary approach to Pilates based on the classical repertoire. I trained clients in Mat Pilates for 11 years before 'discovering' the beauty of reformer and apparatus work.
I have been trained in classical Pilates work through Power Pilates, Peak Pilates and Lolita's Pilates Master Training Program as well as contemporary Pilates through Fitness Resource Association, Stott Pilates and Balanced Body Pilates. I have completed over 1000 hours with teacher trainers. I've completed over 700 apprenticeship hours. After working with people with various challenges, I went on to be certified by Polestar Pilates for Studio/Rehabilitation, under the tutelage of Brent Anderson, a Phd. in Physical Therapy and a world renowned leader in using Pilates for rehabilitation. Terri has also been certified as a Master Pilates Trainer by Lolita San Miguel, a trainer that worked directly with Joseph Pilates.
Having been trained in both classical and contemporary Pilates, as well as using Pilates for rehabilitation, I am able to design a program that will work for the individual in front of me.
I am dedicated to continuously updating my education in the Pilates Method of Physical Fitness and have completed the following training:
Spinal Abnormalities and Pilates
Pilates for the older adult
Scoliosis and Pilates - Unwinding the Spine
Pilates for Osteoporosis
Correcting the Gait through Pilates
Pilates for Rotational Sports
Fascial Fitness
The Foot, Foundation to the Core
Advanced Assessment Skills 1 and pathologies of the torso
Advanced Assessment Skills 2 and pathologies of the upper and lower extremities
Bodhi Suspension Training
Pilates for Hip and Knee Replacements and lower body pathologies
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.
Maggie Sarmiento - Pilates Instructor
Maggie began taking a closer look at movement with her B.F.A. in Dance and Kinesiology. She followed up by dancing for several companies including Sesame Street Live! In 2009, she went on to become a Classically Certified Pilates Trainer on Martha’s Vineyard where she taught her clients of all ages, to practice quality and functional movement within the Pilates Method. She then expanded her Pilates career with some of Chicago’s fast-paced, athletic mentality. Maggie ran the health and wellness program at LifeTime Athletics in St. Louis where she and her partner and 2 children moved to, to be near familiy, upon the birth of her second child. She and her family have returned to Florida to become full time residents.
Maggie has continued her education as a health and wellness professional to include:
Specialty training with a LifeTime Pilates Certification
Rib to Scapula Master Class
The Cervical Powerhouse Workshop (Understanding Neck Pain)
Nesta Core Conditioning Certification
Nesta Biomechanics Specialist Certification
Spencer Institute Master Health and Wellness Coaching
Spencer Institute Online Coaching
Spencer Institute Stress Coach Management
Maggie’s favorite motto as a coach, choreographer, performer and educator is “If you don’t move it, you’ll lose it!” Her goal is to promote and build mind/body awareness so clients can gain control of their body.
Maggie began taking a closer look at movement with her B.F.A. in Dance and Kinesiology. She followed up by dancing for several companies including Sesame Street Live! In 2009, she went on to become a Classically Certified Pilates Trainer on Martha’s Vineyard where she taught her clients of all ages, to practice quality and functional movement within the Pilates Method. She then expanded her Pilates career with some of Chicago’s fast-paced, athletic mentality. Maggie ran the health and wellness program at LifeTime Athletics in St. Louis where she and her partner and 2 children moved to, to be near familiy, upon the birth of her second child. She and her family have returned to Florida to become full time residents.
Maggie has continued her education as a health and wellness professional to include:
Specialty training with a LifeTime Pilates Certification
Rib to Scapula Master Class
The Cervical Powerhouse Workshop (Understanding Neck Pain)
Nesta Core Conditioning Certification
Nesta Biomechanics Specialist Certification
Spencer Institute Master Health and Wellness Coaching
Spencer Institute Online Coaching
Spencer Institute Stress Coach Management
Maggie’s favorite motto as a coach, choreographer, performer and educator is “If you don’t move it, you’ll lose it!” Her goal is to promote and build mind/body awareness so clients can gain control of their body.
Sharla Mahshie - Pilates Instructor
Sharla has been in the fitness industry for over 35 years and has taught Pilates Reformer and Mat classes for over 20 years. Sharla is certified through AFAA in Group Exercise instruction, AAAI/ISMA Personal Trainer, Body Pump certified, IDEA/FITX Mat 1 & 2, Pilates Basic Apparatus Training with The Pilates Coach. Sharla uses her many years of work in the fitness industry to focus on strengthening the core and increase flexibility, as well as total body toning and balance work.
Sharla moved to Port Charlotte, FL in 1988 with John, her husband of 33 years.They have 3 grown children.
Sharla has continuing education in:
IFTA Mat Flex class
Balanced Body Reformer 1
Balanced Body Cadillac
Balanced Body Barre
Sharla has been in the fitness industry for over 35 years and has taught Pilates Reformer and Mat classes for over 20 years. Sharla is certified through AFAA in Group Exercise instruction, AAAI/ISMA Personal Trainer, Body Pump certified, IDEA/FITX Mat 1 & 2, Pilates Basic Apparatus Training with The Pilates Coach. Sharla uses her many years of work in the fitness industry to focus on strengthening the core and increase flexibility, as well as total body toning and balance work.
Sharla moved to Port Charlotte, FL in 1988 with John, her husband of 33 years.They have 3 grown children.
Sharla has continuing education in:
IFTA Mat Flex class
Balanced Body Reformer 1
Balanced Body Cadillac
Balanced Body Barre
Francine Finucan - Pilates Instructor
Francine began her Pilates journey in upstate NY while owning and operating her Chiropratic practice. She discovered Pilates as a way to get in shape after a challenging day at the office. She took one Pilates mat class and was hooked! At the encouragement of her instructor, Francine pursued a Pilates mat certification through Power Pilates. Francine saw such great gains in her clients with Pilates mat work that she returned to training to become a comprehensively certified Peak Pilates Instructor. This enabled her to use all pieces of the Pilates apparatus to assist her clients in getting the results they need. Francine is a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine, with licenses in NY, PA and FL.
Francine's love of Florida kept her coming back seasonally for over 50 years and she is now a permanent resident of the sunshine state with her dog Sadie.
Francine has continuing education in working with the scoliotic client.
Francine began her Pilates journey in upstate NY while owning and operating her Chiropratic practice. She discovered Pilates as a way to get in shape after a challenging day at the office. She took one Pilates mat class and was hooked! At the encouragement of her instructor, Francine pursued a Pilates mat certification through Power Pilates. Francine saw such great gains in her clients with Pilates mat work that she returned to training to become a comprehensively certified Peak Pilates Instructor. This enabled her to use all pieces of the Pilates apparatus to assist her clients in getting the results they need. Francine is a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine, with licenses in NY, PA and FL.
Francine's love of Florida kept her coming back seasonally for over 50 years and she is now a permanent resident of the sunshine state with her dog Sadie.
Francine has continuing education in working with the scoliotic client.
Kathy Dorando - Pilates and Barre Instructor on sabbatical until September 2021
Kathy is a New England native. After 30 years as an owner of a Interior Design business in Newport RI, Kathy is now retired and prioritizing health and fitness. Since she started practicing Pilates in 2015, she has developed an infectious passion for Pilates. As a result of this, she has fully recovered from lower back pain and fatigue caused by an auto accident in 2015. Being a previous business owner, she understands how difficult finding a proper balance and a healthful outlook can be. With 4 years of Pilates practice as a student, Kathy knows what it's like to be on the 'other side' of the reformer and brings that understanding and compassion to her students. Kathy has completed Functional Movement Principles of Pilates, Comprehensive training on all apparatus and mat with Balanced Body Pilates.
Kathy's love for Pilates keeps her learning. She has continuing education in:
Bodhi Suspension training
Anatomy in 3D
Integrative Movement Specialist
Balanced Body Barre
Kathy is a New England native. After 30 years as an owner of a Interior Design business in Newport RI, Kathy is now retired and prioritizing health and fitness. Since she started practicing Pilates in 2015, she has developed an infectious passion for Pilates. As a result of this, she has fully recovered from lower back pain and fatigue caused by an auto accident in 2015. Being a previous business owner, she understands how difficult finding a proper balance and a healthful outlook can be. With 4 years of Pilates practice as a student, Kathy knows what it's like to be on the 'other side' of the reformer and brings that understanding and compassion to her students. Kathy has completed Functional Movement Principles of Pilates, Comprehensive training on all apparatus and mat with Balanced Body Pilates.
Kathy's love for Pilates keeps her learning. She has continuing education in:
Bodhi Suspension training
Anatomy in 3D
Integrative Movement Specialist
Balanced Body Barre
Sandy Strickler - Group Ex and Cycle Instructor
Sandy's two passions are people and fitness. She's been blessed to guide clients and teach group classes for over 30 years. Sandy holds certifications with ACE and Spinning. She is also a 500RYT Yoga Instructor through Yoga Alliance. Her love of fitness and yoga has taken her to several island resort destinations including Anguilla, Jamaica and Mexico where she's held retreats.
When Sandy's not leading students in a calorie burning, body strengthening workout, you can find her helping people find a new home in the sunshine state.
Sandy and her husband are New England transplants.
Sandy's two passions are people and fitness. She's been blessed to guide clients and teach group classes for over 30 years. Sandy holds certifications with ACE and Spinning. She is also a 500RYT Yoga Instructor through Yoga Alliance. Her love of fitness and yoga has taken her to several island resort destinations including Anguilla, Jamaica and Mexico where she's held retreats.
When Sandy's not leading students in a calorie burning, body strengthening workout, you can find her helping people find a new home in the sunshine state.
Sandy and her husband are New England transplants.
Our ability to maintain our reputation as Englewood's premiere Pilates studio is directly related to the enthusiasm, performance, dedication and loyalty of our incredible team. If you are interested in exploring employment opportunities at The Pilates Sanctuary, whether as a Pilates, Yoga or Group Fitness Instructor, forward your resume and tell us a bit about yourself by clicking Join Our Team above.