Meet the Team

Jimi is a classically trained Pilates instructor from the Comprehensive program with Power Pilates, and is also certified in TRX. She has taken extensive courses and has experience ranging from Pilates prenatal and postnatal to scoliosis spine realignment. She also utilizes the Super Advanced Reformer to challenge strong clients. With her background knowledge and experience in weight training, she incorporates both Pilates and weights to help her clients succeed in their own personal goals. Jimi offers detailed yet firm instruction curated for each particular client. If you're looking for a challenge, don't be fooled by her gentle demeanor - she will give you a strong and fun workout!

Shakayle has been a Pilates student for almost 10 years. She began her studies in Houston, Texas under the guidance of her Master Instructor Melody Morton from Peak Pilates. It wasn’t until Covid 2020 that Shakayle decided to take her passion for Pilates to the next level. “I was working full-time as a Marketing Coordinator in the a/e industry. During my free time, after stressing over fighting for my job of course. I was going through my Peak Pilates certification course. I had already had years of Pilates experience prior to 2020 but was never fully certified because of the financial and timely commitment it required. Covid happen to be a blessing and curse for me personally, because I was eventually laid off my job. However, it became to be a blessing in disguise for me because I was able to focus full-time on my true passion of wellness and Pilates. I feel lucky in that regard, because from the moment I started teaching, I had friends and referrals rallying behind me to support this new venture I was over taking. Business blew up pretty quickly and it just made the decision to follow my dreams worth all the pain and glory. My approach to Pilates is simple. I focus on the body/bodies in front of me. Whether you are trying to see immediate results or working with an injury. It’s never about what I can do or what you or I see on Instagram, it’s about what the body in front of you can do. I tend to focus on that and gradually watch my clients progress. Working with clients who have injuries is just as rewarding as working with an athletic body. I love hearing from my clients how they aren’t in pain anymore or how incorporating Pilates into their everyday lives have impacted the way they view daily movement. Also, I get the same satisfaction from hearing from a client how much stronger and better they are performing in their golf swing, they're pulls, or how weight training has become more enjoyable. I encourage all my clients to move their bodies because movement matters, movement is so healing, and healing is the most rewarding feeling on the planet."

Kim Director has been a Pilates Instructor since 2004. Kim's education includes a 600 hour Classical Pilates Certification, 2 Mat Pilates Certifications, Yoga Tune Up Certification, continuing education courses in Pre and Post Natal, Diastasis Recti repair, Scoliosis, Back rehab, Joint rehab, bio-mechanics, and has first hand experience in recovering from Chronic Illness. Kim holds a BFA in Acting/ Music Theater from Carnegie Mellon University (yes, you might have seen her on tv). Kim was introduced to Pilates while dancing professionally in musicals and has been hooked ever since. Kim has rehabbed and healed every injury possible, thanks to a 20 year undiagnosed Chronic Lyme Disease Infection. Having made a full recovery, she loves to help others reach their health and fitness goals. Kim has taught celebrities, professional athletes, dancers, chronic illness warriors, women pre and post natal, and people with every injury you can imagine. Kim brings fun and encouragement to every session. ​ Kim teaches Equipment Saturdays at 1pm. She is available for Privates, Duets, and Semi-Privates Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-6pm, Fridays 11am-2pm, and Saturdays 11am-4pm.

Jacob “the Tyga” Guerrero is a professional MMA fighter. With 8 years as a fighter, he has 29 amateur and 4 professional fights. He’s trained at gyms of the highest caliber with fight legends such as Shane Burgos, Mansher Kera, Michael Chandler , Kamaru Usman , and Luke Rockhold With 5 years teaching fighters kickboxing, boxing, muay thai, and self defense, he is passionate about helping people build confidence and over come their physical and mental limitations.

Meg has been teaching private sessions since 2019. She also has a private reformer Pilates business via her home studio. As an Instructor, her goals are to provide her clients with movement to strengthen the body evenly to prevent injury and create a healing yet challenging movement practice. Her clientele ranges anywhere from professional dancers, to powerlifters, and even typical corporate workers, and she takes pride being able to provide help to every demographic. Meg recently was listed top 40 instructors in the whole Equinox Company, and has been recognized as one of the best performing instructors world-wide. ​ Meg is Certified through Studio Du Corp under the training of Diane Diefenderfer. She is able to teach on all apparatus/equipment (Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Barrel, Tower) and virtual Sessions include usage of equipment at home as well as props to provide full body toning and strengthening.

Jennifer found a more specific body awareness through Pilates training. As an actor and dancer in NYC, the Classical Pilates method has proven to be consistent and beneficial for keeping the body feeling good and active. Jennifer attended Conservatory training for Musical Theatre when she first arrived in NYC, and began Pilates shortly after to help rehab a minor dance injury. From then she was hooked, and went on to complete the Comprehensive teacher training program with Power Pilates. Jennifer is also a certified Yoga instructor, and happy to provide yoga training sessions as well. She believes there is always something new to learn, explore and achieve through Pilates and movement training. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, Pilates can be applied as you are lifting grocery bags, picking up a small child, and even climbing stairs! Jennifer loves when her clients feel lengthened, toned and invigorated after their Pilates private session. She offers further knowledge for prenatal and postpartum clients, those rehabbing injuries, or anyone with back issues.

Maia Kallen is a native New Yorker and lifelong fitness enthusiast. She is a former competitive gymnast who also studied classical ballet professionally at the Joffrey Ballet School. Through her dance journey, she discovered her love for Pilates and passion for teaching. Maia loves helping students connect with their bodies and discover a sense of joy and well-being through movement. Maia teaches Mat class Saturdays at 11am and an Equipment class Wednesdays at 7pm.

Steven Kane is a Certified Personal Trainer and Rehab Specialist, (NASM CPT, FRCms, SFG1, E-RYT). His clients have a wide variety of goals, from mitigating chronic pain, rehabbing acute injuries, to simply getting stronger and more mobile. He draws from a diverse background in yoga, ballet, Pilates, functional mobility, and kettlebell strength training. Known for creating engaging, high-energy group fitness classes that emphasize alignment, neuromuscular awareness, and a holistic approach to fitness, he challenges students to engage muscles they don’t typically activate through biomechanical cuing. Learn more about Steven here: https://www.stevenkanetraining.com View his reviews on Google here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FycsDTLX4e3S2Jvg6?g_st=ic

Jerry Liang has grown up with a fitness background. Being a former D1, D2 athlete who attained his CPT credentials via NASM back in 2020, he has trained with and been coached by some of the best. He began training with kettlebells back in college and continued learning as the years went on. To better his knowledge he then became a SFG certified kettlebell instructor in 2022. Jerry continues to train and improve himself in order to get better as a trainer.

Deepa Liegel is a Pilates instructor and professional dancer in New York City. A fan of Pilates since 2015, she spent the most of the pandemic earning her comprehensive certification through Power Pilates. As a teacher, she’s encouraging, will get you moving with confidence and strength and strives to help you achieve your daily goals. If you want a full body, balanced workout, she’s your trainer!

Skye Lindberg is a yoga/fitness instructor, actor, and creative, currently based in New York City! She is thrilled to be joining the Nexa Studios family. In 2016 she decided to take the leap and get her 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training certificate, and she's never looked back! Skye has taught at multiple studios, gyms, and even through zoom and outside during COVID. She is a graduate of George Mason University, holds a bachelor's degree in theater with a dance minor, and completed an acting and production apprenticeship with American Stage in Saint Petersburg, FL. Skye is excited to move, grow, and learn with you! You can keep up with Skye and access class updates and opportunities by following @uhmitsskyee on Instagram!

Kelley is excited to offer Pilates Equipment Sessions and Group Classes at Nexa Studios! With over five years of teaching experience in NYC, Kelley loves to create a fun, safe, and welcoming environment for all levels. Kelley teaches sessions that challenge your mind and body, while also helping you tune into your own personal needs. Kelley received her Comprehensive Pilates Reformer and Mat Certification through Equinox, is Barre Certified through Exhale, and is a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified Personal Trainer. She also holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Elon University, and finds Pilates to be an amazing form of cross-training for dancers. Let’s get stronger together, and also have some fun in the process! Kelley is teaching a new class at NeXa called OFF THE BARRE PILATES running every Friday at 1pm. This off-the-barre class combines classical Pilates mat exercises with contemporary Barre sequences. Elevate your practice with dumbbells, resistance bands, gliders, and the ball to create a one of a kind low-impact sculpting workout.

Emma Pajewski, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been a classical Pilates practitioner since 2009 when she first began sessions as a form of cross-training for her dance career. Her education includes a BFA from New York University, a comprehensive Pilates certification through Power Pilates in NYC, and various continuing education courses. These additional focuses range from gentle and restorative practices such as Diastasis Recti Repair and Pilates for Pregnancy, to challenging workouts such as Super Advanced Reformer and TRX Suspension Training for Pilates. Using her extensive knowledge of the body and sense of rhythm from her dance training, she will get you moving with grace and fluidity. In a session with Emma, you will be vigorously challenged, while receiving encouragement along the way.

With sensitivity, passion, and an eye for detail, Karen supports her clients in their work to develop strength, flexibility, tone and stamina. Karen has been a dedicated and passionate student of Pilates since 2005.​ She knows from her own experience that the practice of Pilates enables people at varying levels of fitness and health to not only improve their physical status, but to also enhance their sense of mental and emotional well being. It is a privilege for Karen to share her knowledge and love of Pilates with her clients, challenging and supporting them as they reach their full potential and achieve their goals.

Natalia Roberts has been active since she was a child, always looking for a new challenge. Natalia completed mat certification at Power Pilates and The Pilates Standard teacher training at NeXa under Anna Clark. She loves Pilates because it’s not just some mindless bouncing around, "it’s a method that works."

Tehzeen Vohmann found Pilates 20 years ago after an ACL injury and has been passionately devoted to the method ever since. She loves that Pilates makes her feel more energized and pain-free. As a classically trained teacher, she enjoys teaching a challenging class and advancing clients through the method with an emphasis on precision and control. Tehzeen is strong believer that Pilates accomplishes the 4’s: strength, stretch, stamina and stability. Her goal is for clients to leave her session with a deeper appreciation of their body’s core connection and love Pilates as much as she does!

Samone has been practicing Pilates since 2001 after undergoing physical therapy for chronic back pain. It was the natural progression of her physical maintenance and now provides a pain-free existence. Pilates has helped Samone through many struggles in life, both physical and emotional. After working backstage in Off-Broadway theatre for 16 years, she changed gears and enrolled in the comprehensive program at Core Pilates, NYC completing her certification in 2012. Then in 2018, Samone completed the Bridge program with Alycea Ungaro at Real Pilates in New York City. She continues to take sessions, classes & workshops with inspirational instructors whenever she can. Samone has trained people from all walks of life including: professional athletes, dancers, actors, people struggling with spinal degeneration, scoliosis, osteoporosis, joint injuries and pre/postnatal clients. She believes Pilates can benefit every body that walks through the door.

Erin is a NASM certified CPT and Nutrition Coach, and Breathe Education Certified Pilates Instructor. Born and raised in New York City as an active kid from a sedentary family, Erin quickly noted the connection between lifestyle and health as she spent more holidays in the hospital visiting family members than not. She takes a holistic approach to her training, helping her clients with nutrition, stress management, sleep, and time management in between sets. She likes to push her clients in the weight room and on the reformer to help them reach the goals they set, but always tailors the session to how a client shows up to the studio. Mind-body connection is a big element of her training. She specializes in weight loss, hypertrophy (muscle growth), and training for peri- and postmenopausal women. Her sessions tend to incorporate Pilates, strength training, and yoga for a well-rounded fitness experience.