Mary-Ellen (Mel) Merchant has been in the fitness industry for over 25 years. After 15 years teaching dance, exercise classes, and personal training in New York City, Mel was introduced to the life-changing benefits of Pilates. In 2005, Mel completed her certification through Romana’s Pilates at True Pilates New York (Drago’s Gym) under Joseph Pilates' world-renowned protege, Romana Kryzanowska, and master instructor Sari Mejia-Santo. During her apprenticeship at Romana’s Pilates, Mel completed over 800 hours of seminars, observation, and both practical and written tests. Since completing the certification program, Mel has attended numerous continuing education workshops and seminars with inspiring teachers including Sari Mejia-Santo, Kathryn Ross-Nash, Anthony Rabara, Cynthia Shipley, Mari Winsor, and Brooke Siler.