Using Pilates and Yoga to explore movement, understand the body, and FEEL BETTER.

Melissa is a certified Pilates (Movement for Health - 2001) and Yoga (White Lotus Foundation - 2004) and Ballet Barre (Principal Barre Method - 2016) teacher. She has spent 20 years looking at the HOW of movement through these different lenses. She wants to empower you to understand your body better so you can love the skin you are in - old, young, injured, mobile, stiff, round, and move your body in the best way you can.  

Moving better means taking common movements or movement sequences and making them more precise, more functionally appropriate, more suited to everyday movement, more respectful of every different body because that is … better.

We move better so we can do the things we love with ease for longer. So we can rehab the injuries we have faster. So we can connect to how our bodies were built to move. How we relate to our bodies is THE STARTING POINT.

So we can get interested in - as opposed to judgemental of - what our bodies can actually do.

No fancy postures, no regimented routine, no brand. Just moving better to feel better. Simple.

Because when we MOVE better, we FEEL better.

  • “I have participated in Mellisa’s Pilates classes for twelve years. During those classes she was both extremely knowledgeable and professional! Mellissa has lead me through two injuries, one hip stress has been totally elevated through functional movement patterns and being aware of core and walking patterns. The other injury, knee, she has taught me to be aware of how I compensate causing other problems and recognizing there are some movements that my injury will not allow!

    As you can see, Melissa not only teaches good Pilates classes but also knows how to deal with various injuries.

    I highly recommend to any client that is in need of instruction for more functional movements, not to mention her personal manner, take one of her classes!”

    — Kit Boy

  • “I started taking Melissa’s Yoga and Pilates classes to expand my fitness and strength journey. I am a group fitness instructor who specializes in strength training and hiit classes. Over time I have realized that I needed to change my fitness approach to be more inclusive of all styles. When I started with Melissa, I had minimal experience in Yoga and Pilates and would define myself as flexibly challenged.Melissa works with everyone in the class, no matter what their prior experience is and provides very detailed coaching cues to allow you to improve at your own pace while never feeling inadequate. At the end of the class, I always feel challenged yet relaxed and in a positive state of mind. I would encourage anyone no matter what their fitness level to try Melissa’s classes or training.”

    — Anita Strano

  • “I was so fortunate to find Melissa’s mama and baby yoga class. Melissa is the kind of yogi whose intuitive, kind, and thoughtful approach to postpartum healing and maternal health makes you feel relaxed, empowered, and genuinely cared for. Her classes always left my baby son smiling and laughing and me feeling strong and serene. Her classes are wonderfully accessible with a perfect balance of challenging poses. Melissa is an attentive and down-to-earth instructor who adapts every pose to work for everyone in the room, even if you need to nurse in the middle of a flow! She creates a welcoming and inspiring space where mothers can connect with their bodies, their babies, and other mamas. I’ve made long-lasting friendships through her classes and found support throughout my own postpartum journey and beyond.”

    — Mary Pat O’Meara