Instructors

Meet our Talented Team!

We are very proud to say that our instructors hail from a variety of rigorous Teacher Training programs and disciplines.  

BUT! They have a couple of things in common:  PASSION for what they do and COMPASSION for the clients they teach.  

Pilates on Fifth's instructors are committed to helping you reach your health and fitness goals.
 

THE INSTRUCTORS OF PILATES ON FIFTH

 

ABBY

Abby is a Magna Cum Laude Bachelor of Fine Arts Dance Graduate from Sam Houston State University. She began her dance education in San Antonio, Texas studying classical and contemporary Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, and various other genres. 

Training as an artist for many years, Pilates has helped her move more efficiently and have better balance and coordination not just during dance but in also day-to-day life. Through these body discoveries she realized that she wanted to share her passion for Pilates with others and went on to receive her Mat and Reformer Pilates training certifications. Abby is an energetic, outgoing person who wants to help other people live pain free, happy, healthy lives.

 *Book Abby for a Virtual Group Class or Private

AKIKO

*Book Akiko for a Virtual Class or Private!

 

ANJALI

Anjali was raised in Santa Fe, NM but now lives in New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a professional dancer. She continues her pursuit of a dancing career amongst other projects, while also teaching Pilates and dance classes around the city. With her extensive knowledge of dance, the body and physical therapy, she combines all of these together to teach not just a full body work out but also a workout for the mind, increasing coordination and awareness.  Anjali is very excited to teach group classes and privates at Pilates on Fifth and encourages people of all ages to come try her class. 

*Book a Virtual Pilates Class or Private with Anjali!

 

 

CAITLIN

Caitlin started doing Pilates on an in home Pilates reformer with an interchangeable foot bar and jump board. Realizing her love for this little machine she started working with a real Pilates instructor, which led her into Pilates Academy International. Caitlin is now certified on all Pilates apparati, SilkSuspension™, Cardiolates®, Barres and Belles, and continuing her studies on the CoreAlign®. Caitlin is a certified willPower & grace® fitness instructor and a National Academy of Sports Medicine-Certified Personal Trainer. Caitlin holds a BFA in dance with a minor in Exercise Science from Radford University.  She is still performing around the city in different projects, teaching Pilates, and teaching dance classes. She loves being a part of the very talented team at Pilates on Fifth.

*BOOK a Virtual Pilates Class or Private with Caitlin!

CYNTHIA

Cynthia discovered her passion for health and fitness as a cross country runner. Through her research and personal experience as an injured athlete, she became fascinated with the art of healing. Cynthia is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, AFAA Group Fitness Instructor, and Fitness Nutrition Specialist. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the City College of New York, a certificate from TRX in suspension training, and a certificate in Sports Industry Essentials from Columbia University.  She is thrilled to teach Rock Solid classes at Pilates on Fifth and welcomes individuals of all fitness levels to join!

DANELLE

Danelle, a New Jersey native, has appeared in the 50th anniversary European tour of West Side Story), The King & I , and has performed as a Rockette for over 13 years in the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes. She has also performed for President Obama as well as Oprah Winfrey.

 In addition to her Pilates certifications, Danelle is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer. She believes Pilates creates and excellent path to the body’s longevity. Danelle is eager to pass on the great lessons she has learned as a dancer and artist in effort to help others find strength and confidence in reaching their personal goals.

DEBBIE

Debbie began as a Yoga instructor in 1999 and quickly became interested in Pilates.  Her certifications include Physical Mind, Balance Body, IM=x and Yogafit.  In 2011 she became a Master Pilates trainer through the Pilates Master Mentor Program and Lolita San Miguel.

*Book a Virtual Class or Virtual Private with Debbie!

ELLEN F

Ellen F describes her career as a Certified Pilates Instuctor as her "3rd life"! In her "1st life", Ellen was a professional dancer in Broadway shows such as "No Strings", "Li'l Abner" and the "Pal Joey" revival with Bob Fosse. Ellen also performed for the Dupont show at the '64-'65 World's Fair, varied summer stock theatres, TV and industrial shows. A true "Broadway Baby", she then went on to the Garment Center and opened her own showroom on the Great White Way in her "2nd Life". So in her 3rd, exhilerating new life, she teaches to Seniors at Pilates on Fifth.

*Book a Senior group class or Private with Ellen F!

 

ELLEN P

 Ellen encourages people of all ages and experience to come part take in her class, and feel challenged mentally and physically, and forget about the stresses of their day to day! 

*Book a virtual Private class with Ellen P!

EMILY

Emily was first introduced to Pilates at her dance studio growing up in Scottsdale, Arizona. Ever since then, she has loved Pilates and seen it as an incredible way to cross train for almost any sport or activity, as well as prevent and rehabilitate injuries. Emily holds B.A.s in Dance and Communication Studies from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. She moved to NYC to pursue Musical Theater, and since then, she has performed on national tours and regionally around the country. Emily received her Pilates certification from the Pilates Academy International. She loves helping clients achieve their personal goals and creates a fun, focused, and communicative environment in her sessions and classes. 

*Book a Virtual group class or Virtual Private with Emily!

 

ERICA

Erica is excited to be joining the Pilates on Fifth team straight from the PAI program. Originally from Massachusetts, she moved to New York to study music and hold a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance from NYU Steinhardt. As a singer and actor, Erica has found Pilates to be one of the best ways to care for her body and therefore her art. She initially became familiar with Pilates through dance lessons and physical therapy and believes it’s an incredibly helpful practice for both performers and non-performers alike. When she’s not on the stage you can catch her playing on the Pilates on Fifth studio equipment. She thinks physical fitness should be fun and encouraging and hopes to bring that spirit to both her clients and her classes.

* Reserve an appt with Erica for a virtual group class or Private!

JAMIE

Jamie has been a part of the Pilates on Fifth team for over ten years. Originally from Florida, Jamie moved to NYC and obtained her BA in business administration from Marymount Manhattan College. She also studied ballet at the New York School of Classical Dance. Her love of the arts and fitness brought her to Pilates on Fifth where she became certified in all aparatus though the Pilates Academy International. Jamie practiced Pilates before, during and after her pregnancy and enjoys helping all types of clients reach their fitness goals.

JESSICA

Jessica has been teaching Pilates for fifteen years. She is a professional dancer, teacher and coreographer. She majored in dance at the University of Colorado and in addition to Pilates she is trained in ballet, modern dance, classical Spanish dance, classical Indian dance, Afican and Middle Eastern dance as well as the anatomy and kineseology. In addition to Pilates, Jessica is trained in CoreAlign and teaches the NYCB Ballet Workout, "Bellymoves" and "Integrated Movement".

*Jessica is available for virtual group classes as well as privates!

 

JIA

As a Shanghai (China) native, I have found an early love for fitness through tennis and various outdoor sports.  I was introduced to reformer Pilates and it’s mind/body discipline whilst studying Acupuncture in NYC. This journey has truly aspired me to deepen the understanding of mindful fitness and share this transformative experience with the community. I like to combine contemporary and classical styles of Pilates to help improve client’s overall alignment, body awareness, strength, muscle functionality, and flexibility in a safely challenged manner. 

JULIET

Juliet is so excited to be working with the wonderful people of Pilates on 5th. She is excited to utilize her fitness and dance background, as well as her passion for teaching and empowering people through exercise.  Juliet specializes in strength-training and HIIT, and holds a personal training certification from the International Sports Sciences Association.

*Book Juliet for a Virtual Group Class or Private!

KATE

Kate is certified through the Pilates Academy International in all mat and apparatus levels, Cardiolates, ActivCore FEX, SilkSuspension™, pre/postnatal Pilates, and is a recognized member of the Pilates Method Alliance.  She happily joined the team of Certifying Instructors in 2011 and loves bestowing her anatomical knowledge and passion for movement to incoming students.  Kate holds a B.A. in dance and psychology from Muhlenberg College and an M.F.A. in dance from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.  She is currently on faculty at Barnard College. As an avid fitness lover, her teaching is inspired by all movement and her workouts are positive, focused, graceful, and athletic.

 

 

KATIE

Katie graduated from VCU with a Bachelors Degree in Communications, and moved to New York City working in fashion. After dealing with a minor injury she started taking Pilates reformer classes, and absolutely fell in love with the practice of movement! From there Katie decided to start teaching and got fully certified in Anatomy as well as Mat 1 & 2 and went on to pursue her teaching certifications in Chair, SilkSuspension and CoreAlign. Katie is now a full time instructor and super passionate about creating a positive environment where anyone and everyone can come in, get fit, and have a great time!

*Book a Group or private virtual class with Katie!

KELLY

Kelly hails from Los Angeles where she grew up rigorously studying all styles of dance.  She went on to receive her BFA in Musical Theatre from College of Santa Fe in Santa Fe, NM and studied abroad in London through Ithaca College London Center.  It was in Santa Fe where her mentor first introduced her to Pilates.  After her move to NYC, she danced in theaters around the country and the study of Pilates was always there to help her during her grueling performance schedules. Kelly received her Pilates teacher training and certifications with the Pilates Academy International.  She tries to make clients feel comfortable, yet challenged, and of course always enjoy themselves while exploring the system of Pilates!  Her classes are always a "judgement free" zone where everyone can work towards their own goals in a fun, hard working environment!

*Book a Virtual Group Class or Virtual Private with Kelly!

   

LENNY

Lenny has been teaching Pilates since 2009. In his classes you will receive the utmost of attention, be challenged and find encouragement and support to help you attain your goals whether it be to find balance, strength, or among others train for dance or improve your golf game. After sessions with Lenny you will feel stronger, energized, stand taller, and hopefully learning something about how you move. 

Lenny has specific training work with osteoporosis, rotational sports and scoliosis.

Lenny is fully comprehensively trained through Balanced Body University, Certified PMA, and a Balanced Body faculty for CoreAlign.

*Lenny is available for Virtual Group Classes and Virtual Privates!

 

 

LOIS
 
Lois brings an extensive wellness background to Pilates on Fifth.  Working with Lois a client will gain improvement in posture, alignment and core strength, including enhancing sports performance all leading to becoming more fit and strong!
Prior to recently moving to NYC, Lois owned a Pilates studio in Buffalo, NY.  She worked privately with professional athletes such as NFL, NHL, golfers as well as special populations; scoliosis, sciatica, back pain, MS, CP and common issues such as fatigue, general soreness, tightness and joint pain.
Her skills adjunct well with physical therapy as well as pre and post operative situations.
Most recently adding to her continued studies of bodywork through Pilates, Lois has taken workshops and trainings on the fascial system as it affects our anatomy.  Lois also is Pink Ribbon Certified, a post operative Pilates program for breast cancer survivors.
 
 
 

 

MAKIKO

 Makiko moved to the United States in 2000 and joined Michael Mao Dance in NYC in 2001 with which she performed "Firecracker"- the Chinese version of "The Nutcracker" - in China. Makiko first obtained her full certification from the Stott Pilates in 2004 and is now a Certifying Instructor for the Pilates Academy International and the head of Pilates on Fifth's Japanese program.

*Book Makiko for Virtual group classes or Virtual private sessions!

 

 

MANDY

Mandy is a Jersey girl who spent her entire childhood with one goal in mind, to dance professionally. After a few decades of training at NJ Ballet, The University of the Arts and many other studios in the tri state area, she began her career on the International Tour of Fosse, where she danced with Ben Vereen in Paris. After auditioning for 7 years she became a Radio City Rockette for six seasons. Since dancing professionally, she has transitioned to working as an actress on various TV, film and theater productions and recently spent time in Bulgaria for a feature film.

 Mandy first discovered her love of Pilates when she was training in between seasons as a Rockette. She is thrilled to be a part of the Pilates on Fifth community where she can pass along the therapeutic and strength building principles that she fully believes can help others lead healthier and happier lives. Her style of teaching reflects how she approaches everything she does; a disciplined work ethic with patience and compassion.

*BOOK Mandy for virtual Group classes or Private classes!

 

MARY

An instructor of movement for over thirty years in colleges & professional dance studios in NYC,  BASI full apparatus Pilates for Dancers Specialist, & PMA certified, she is also Core-Align certified, and a NASM Certified Personal Trainer. Certified in multiple dance techniques, including Zena Rommett Floor-barre technique, Simonson dance technique, and Evans/Bartenieff technique, Mary’s career is dual-fold; assisting all humans to decrease one’s rate of injury; and to further increase teacher knowledge in anatomy, kinesiology & movement analysis, for safer teaching from the start! Mary loves to utilize humor and innovative means of imagery to clarify anatomically correct movement initiation, so all may enjoy a chuckle or two every other exhale together! Mary finds it a joy to be part of the very talented team at Pilates on Fifth!

*Book Mary for a Virtual Private!

MAYO

Mayo is originally from Hyogo,Japan. She has been studying dance since the age of three. In 2007 Mayo was one of the top seven finalists on So you think you can dance by FOX JAPAN.

 In 2011 she appeared in a Fiat car commercial with JLo. Mayo has been teaching Street Jazz and Hip Hop dance to beginners through professional dancers for over 10 years.

Her strong dance body is made by Pilates. Besides dance training, Mayo studied intense Pilates workout for over five years and was certified by Pilates Academy International in 2013.Certified on all Pilates equipment, Mayo always strives to integrate new fitness challenges into her workouts while maintaining classic Pilates philosophy.

*Book Mayo for virtual group classes or for Privates!

 

MEYTAL

Meytal is a certified Pilates Instructor through the Pilates Academy International in Mat and All Aparatus, the Pink Ribbon Program, Pre and Post Natal Program, ActivCoreFEX (now Suspension Pilates) and CoreAlign. In her private and goup sessions, Meytal focuses on bringing awareness to the body and its movement, while achieving core strength, flexibility, proper alignment, and beautiful posture. Her understanding of the body is something she loves to share with her students. She works with athletes, performers, youths and adults, and those who are recovering from injuries and sees Pilates as a tool to help achieving wellness and fluidity. Further to her teaching, Meytal is also a professional actress and dancer. She worked at the Kol-Demama Dance company in Tel-Aviv, and studied at The Stella Adler Studio of Acting Conserveratory in NYC.

*BOOK Meytal for a virtual group class or Private!

 

QUINT

Quint Mediate is originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado and a proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame. He is a Stott Pilates certified instructor who previously taught Pilates in the dance department at Wayne State University where he earned his Masters of Fine Arts. An avid fan of music and traveling, he sang in elite collegiate acapella groups and studied in London and Moscow to
further his performance training. Quint fell in love with Pilates when he discovered the strength and alignment benefits it provided in both his performance career and everyday life. He is so excited to join the community at Pilates on Fifth and help you deepen the connection between your mind and body through the Pilates method.


“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live” –Jim Rohn

 

SAM

Sam is so thrilled to be working and exploring movement with the Pilates on Fifth team.  As a professional dancer and choreographer, Sam fell in love with Pilates as an excellent tool for maintaining one's physical instrument, balancing strength with range of motion, and maximizing efficient, healthy movement in day to day life.  Sam hopes to emphasize proper technique and alignment while challenging the muscles and the mind during his workouts.  Always aiming for clients to leave feeling longer and taller than when they arrived, Sam balances difficult workouts with a love and joy of movement. 

STELLA

Does your back hurt? With two broken vertebrae- Stella understands.  Stella was born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona. During her senior year at the University of Arizona, Stella broke two spinal vertebrae (L-4 & L-5) while studying dance. The physical therapy prescribed used Pilates methods. Realizing the benefits of Pilates in her rehabilitation, daily life, and dancing, Stella decided to become certified. After certifying and graduating with a B.A. in Spanish Linguistics and a B.F.A. in Dance, she moved to Spain.  During her time in Europe, Stella gave Dance and Pilates master classes in Ireland, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, England, and Spain. Returning to the States, and still using Pilates as part of her physical therapy and total wellness regimen. Stella is excited to now be dancing professionally with companies such as Ad Deum Dance Company, Footprints Dance Company and studying at the Alvin Ailey Studios in New York City. She considers being able to move and dance a blessing in her life. Stella desires to assist others in their fitness goals whether it be injury recovery or simply to be more active and healthy. Continuing in her Pilates education and practice, she is now also certified in all the classical Pilates apparatus, such as the Chair, Cadillac, Spine Corrector, Reformer, and Mat.  Stella enjoys teaching both group and private classes. 

She looks forward to meeting you!

*Book Stella for a Virtual Private or Group Class!

 

 

SVETLANA

Svetlana is a professional dancer originally from Moscow, Russia where she grew up and started her dance career as a competitive ballroom dancer at the age of 7. At the age 20 Svetlana received a full year scholarship from Institut de Formation Professionnelle Rick Odums (Centre International de Danse Jazz) in Paris, France and left her hometown to chase her dreams. Then Svetlana moved to New York City to further her dance training in the Steps on Broadway Conservatory Program. She has since performed in the US and Canada while touring and performing at the regional theatres' productions.

Svetlana is also a choreographer – her work was presented at several venues in NYC (Jazz Choreography Project, Steps Repertory Ensemble Showcase, Choreographer’s Canvas, Dumbo Dance Festival). In her hometown Svetlana is known as a jazz dance instructor - while visiting she is teaching jazz dance master classes, supporting the dance community of Moscow. While in New York City, Svetlana is teaching Pilates classes in groups and privately. Drawing from her experience as a professional dancer, she works toward creating long and lean muscles, balance, and mindfulness. Svetlana’s teaching style stresses length, grace, and alignment—all working together to achieve a perfectly toned body and balanced mind. 

*Book Svetlana for Virtual Privates or Group Classes!

TAYLOR

Taylor is a NYC-based Pilates instructor and dancer with over a decade of international performing experience. She has taught at Pilates on Fifth since 2012 after earning her apparatus certification through Pilates Academy International. She is now a PAI Certifying Instructor as well as a Group Fitness Instructor and Functional Training Specialist certified through the American Council on Exercise. She has also worked with all levels, ages, and abilities of Pilates students including clients with numerous injuries.  Taylor has performed at Lincoln Center with The Metropolitan Opera Ballet and 4 seasons of The Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

*Book Taylor for Private or Group Virtual Classes!

 

TERESA

Teresa holds a BFA in Dance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She has also studied swing dance extensively and was a member of the Broadway musical “Swing!”

Teresa earned her Pilates certification through Pilates Academy International at Pilates on Fifth.  As a Pilates instructor, she strives to serve each client as an individual to help them reach their own fitness goals, and she is very excited to be a part of the Pilates on Fifth faculty!

*Book Teresa for a virtual private or group class!