MELISSA BIERSTOCK, Owner, Pilates and Ballet Instructor
Melissa is a fully certified Stott Pilates instructor with over 30 years of experience in the field of movement and pilates based exercise. After 20 years of training in the field of classical ballet, Melissa’s interest in organic, efficient, and anatomically sound movement led her to the teachings of Joseph Pilates and the field of rehabilitative muscular re-patterning. Melissa has worked extensively with students of all ages and ranges of physical facility. She has been the personal pilates instructor to numerous members of the National Ballet of Canada, as well as actors, singers and professional athletes. At the same time, she is frequently referred to by physical therapists for post-rehabilitative exercise therapy and injury prevention. Melissa was the owner/founder of From the Center Pilates Studio in Toronto from 2001, until her return to her native Hudson Valley in 2007. She opened Mainly Pilates in 2008. Melissa is also the owner/director of the Ballet School of Kingston and is the Artistic Director of Catskill Ballet Theatre.
DAVID LOEWEN, Pilates Instructor
David is a pilates professional with over 20 years experience in fitness and movement training. After completing his career as an elite level hockey player in his early twenties, David began studying dance, pilates, and teaching fitness. These pursuits led to professional dance work in a number of venues including: musical theatre, Cruise ships, commercial work, and other theatrical performances. David now prides himself on teaching a broad range of clientele. David has worked with hundreds of clients: from children to seniors in their 80’s, from de-conditioned individuals to elite level professional athletes; from pre and post natal women, to those rehabilitating from injury, or attempting to prevent further injury, as well as healthy people from all walks of life.
CHRISTINE BORNATH, Pilates Instructor
Christine has been dancing professionally for 30 years and teaching Pilates for 24 years. She began her Pilates training and teaching at Balanced Body in Chicago and went on to work at re:AB and Ultimate Body Control Studio in Manhattan before opening her own Pilates studios in Brooklyn and then Woodstock. She brings a well-rounded understanding of the body and movement from her years of ballet and modern dance, yoga, and Pilates instruction and training. She is thrilled to be joining the team at Mainly Pilates