About Pilates Absession
Before franchise Pilates studios were widespread and “woman-owned business” became a buzzword, there was Pilates Absession. Founded in 2007 by two entrepreneurial moms seeking flexibility for their families, the studio has since grown into a thriving community of dedicated clients and skilled instructors. Under the leadership of Karen and Michele, who received extensive training through Pilates Academy International, Pilates Absession has flourished. The comprehensive anatomy and equipment training they received has set a standard few other programs can match, ensuring a truly exceptional Pilates experience.
Fast forward to today, and Pilates Absession is a thriving woman-owned business in the heart of Rockville Centre’s bustling town, offering classes as well as Instructor Training through PAI. The owners and instructors foster a tight-knit community, creating a positive and supportive environment for all clients. As clients progress on their Pilates journey, they will find camaraderie and encouragement from fellow enthusiasts, making their experience even more enjoyable.
2007
2024
Our Fabulous Staff
Karen Co-Owner
Karen holds a double major in elementary education and child psychology and a master’s degree in early childhood education. Her passion for athletics began early, inspired by her father’s dedication to cardio—even watching him run laps around their house on icy winter days. In 2003, Karen’s mother introduced her to the Pilates method after discovering it in The New York Times. Together, they practiced using the Tower at the only studio in their area.
After having three children, balancing Pilates classes became challenging, which inspired her journey to become an instructor and eventually co-own her own studio in 2007. Karen is certified in Anatomy, Mat, Reformer, Cadillac and Spin and holds additional certifications in Pilates Pink Ribbon Training, BOSU, and Cardiolates. She also taught Barre and her renowned Bootylicious class for years. Karen’s clientele includes elite athletes like Olympic soccer competitor Crystal Dunn, former NHL player Matt Gilroy, a former NYC Ballet performer, and various world renowned track and NCAA stars, including her son.
After enduring a chronic, unresolved injury in 1999, Karen discovered how to manage and work around it through Pilates, utilizing its unique focus on alignment and mindful movement. This experience not only deepened her understanding of the method but also elevated her expertise as an instructor. Her personal journey with injury has allowed her to connect more profoundly with clients, empathizing with their challenges and tailoring her approach to meet their individual needs and limitations.
Karen’s athletic pursuits extend beyond Pilates. She holds a brown two degree in karate, the second highest level, having impressively completed her test while six months pregnant. In 2014, she claimed victory in her age group at the annual Rockville Centre 5K race.
Karen is thrilled to see her daughter, Jillian, follow in her footsteps as a barre instructor and aspiring Reformer teacher through the PAI training program. Aside from their passion for exercise, they are deeply committed to volunteer work and mental health advocacy.
Currently, Karen is sharpening her social media and website-building skills and staying up-to-date with the latest digital trends and tools (which is proving to be the greatest challenge!), always striving to evolve and grow in pursuit of her passions.
Michele Co-Owner
As the co-owner of Pilates Absession, Michele has been part of an incredible team that has created a welcoming environment where clients can achieve their fitness goals in a supportive, friendly and professional setting.
With over 18 years of experience in the fitness industry, Michele Martino is a Master Pilates Instructor known for her expertise across all aspects of the Pilates method. Certified in Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Barrels, and Chair through the Pilates Academy International.
With Michele’s broad knowledge of Pilates, she delivers personalized workouts that cater to a diverse range of clients of all ages, from beginners to athletes, and those recovering from injury.
In addition, Michele has mentored and certified numerous aspiring Pilates instructors, including her two daughters, who have followed in her footsteps to become successful Pilates instructors.
Whether you're looking to get started on your fitness journey, enhance your fitness goals, rehabilitate an injury, or pursue a career as a Pilates instructor, Michele is dedicated to providing expert guidance and mentoring to help you reach your fullest potential in Pilates.
Dionne
Dionne’s journey to fitness began unexpectedly after a successful career as a runway and print model. Over a decade ago, Dionne discovered Pilates through a mat class and was captivated from the very first session. As she transitioned to reformer classes, her passion for the practice only deepened, drawn to its unique blend of mind-body connection, strength, and toning. Inspired by Pilates’ transformative power, Dionne earned her certification in Mat and Reformer through Pilates Absession to share this life-changing discipline with others.
Since joining the Pilates Absession training team in 2022, she has been dedicated to helping clients find their own sanctuary in Pilates, building strength, balance, and confidence along the way. With an inherent passion for fashion, Dionne also maintains a thriving wardrobe styling business. Whether guiding clients as a wardrobe stylist or as a Pilates instructor, Dionne remains committed to helping people look and feel their absolute best.
Jane
Jane's journey in the world of fitness began in 2017 when she discovered her passion for Pilates and teaching others. Since then, she has dedicated herself to continuously expanding her expertise in physical and emotional body connection.
Jane's diverse training and certifications through The Pilates Academy International, Equinox, Alchemy NY 200 hour yoga teacher training, Barre Above, and Reiki have equipped her with the knowledge and skills to teach a variety of disciplines including mat Pilates, Pilates apparatus, hot Pilates, yoga, and barre.
Her commitment to enhancing her understanding of specialized areas such as post-mastectomy, pre- and post-natal modalities, and functional fitness sets her apart as a knowledgeable and compassionate instructor. Jane's classes are carefully curated to provide a transformative experience that challenges the body, mind, and soul through precise cues and dynamic movements.
When you attend one of Jane's classes, you can expect to be inspired, feel empowered, and leave with a sense of strength and safety. Jane's teaching philosophy is rooted in creating a supportive and encouraging environment where students can explore their physical capabilities and unlock their full potential.
Brittany
Brittany is a daughter, sister, friend, and first-generation American who is true to her Jamaican roots when it comes to loving warm weather, good food, and moving to great music. An engineer by study and a product manager and entrepreneur by trade, she’s been building solutions and spaces that positively impact communities and solve problems for moments that matter.
Growing up she was a swimmer on Long Island’s Nu-Finmen swim team, a dancer at Pat’s Dance Studio, and a varsity athlete at Lawrence Woodmere Academy. After studying dance in college, she sought new ways of exploring movement and fitness, finding a love of running (thanks to Nike’s Coach Bennett) and group fitness classes, which brought her to into the world of Pilates. She credit’s Jane for both supporting her injury recovery and inspiring her to explore Pilates instructor training— culminating in her becoming a PAI Anatomy, Mat, and Reformer Master Instructor.
Whether it’s using equipment or on the mat, her classes are all about deepening your understanding of your body, engaging all parts of your core, and establishing a strong mind-body connection — slow and steady is a winning recipe! Plus, you’ll have a great time with some great music.
Corinne
Corinne's lifelong love for fitness and wellness stems from her early experiences as a competitive dancer, where she learned the importance of physical and mental strength. This passion led her to pursue a career in Pilates, a form of exercise that she found to be dynamic, fun, and incredibly effective at toning and strengthening the entire body.
In 2024, Corinne made the decision to become a certified Pilates instructor, a path that has allowed her to share her enthusiasm for movement and healthy living with others. Additionally, she is currently working towards becoming a certified Nutritionist, furthering her knowledge in holistic health.
As an instructor, Corinne takes pride in creating a supportive and uplifting environment for her students, where they can push themselves to new levels of fitness and wellness. Her dedication to helping others achieve their goals and her infectious energy make her classes both empowering and enjoyable.
Whether she is leading a challenging Pilates session or sharing her expertise on nutrition, Corinne is committed to helping others live their healthiest and happiest lives. Her journey in the fitness industry has only just begun, and she looks forward to continuing to inspire and motivate others on their own wellness journeys.
Christina
Christina's journey into Pilates has been a lifelong passion, beginning when her mother opened her first Pilates studio in Rockville Centre (RVC) and sparking a dream that would come to fruition years later. Since 2022, Christina has been passionately teaching Pilates while also pursuing a degree in Education and Psychology at Hofstra University. This unique blend of academic knowledge and real-world experience allows her to offer dynamic, thoughtful classes that cater to the individual needs of her clients.
She is particularly excited to teach at the new Pilates studio, where she had the opportunity to contribute to the creation of a beautiful space, equipped with the latest, state-of-the-art equipment. The studio's welcoming neighborhood vibe adds to the experience, making it a perfect environment for clients to strengthen their bodies and achieve balance.
Christina's natural compassion for others, combined with her solid educational background, ensures each Pilates session with her is more than just a workout. Her classes leave clients feeling strong, balanced, and energized, and she invites everyone to come in and experience the difference for themselves.
Jessica
Jessica's journey with Pilates began in her early years, influenced by her mother's passion for the practice as the owner of Pilates Absession. Coming from a background in competitive dancing, Jessica found a natural connection to Pilates due to its similarities to classical ballet training. Encouraged by her mother, she pursued certification as a reformer instructor and has been sharing her expertise with clients ever since.
Currently residing in bustling New York City, Jessica leads a dynamic lifestyle as a full-time publicist, while also dedicating herself to her love for Pilates as a secondary career. Whenever she returns to her hometown of RVC, she eagerly jumps at the opportunity to sub or teach classes at Pilates Absession, relishing the chance to work alongside her family members - her mother, Michele, and sister, Christina.
In her classes, Jessica prioritizes the importance of strength and form, guiding her clients towards achieving their fitness goals while instilling a sense of pride in their hard work. She aims to help her students leave each session feeling empowered, rejuvenated, and confident in their physical abilities. Jessica's dedication to both her professional endeavors and her passion for Pilates is a testament to her unwavering commitment to helping others lead healthier and happier lives.
Jilly
Jillian has followed in her mother's footsteps as an avid athlete, participating in half marathons, strength training, and school aged teaching. She grew up in the original studio and is trained in all forms of dance, both since she was two years old. Jillian has also taught dance classes to preschool and elementary aged children, and served as a leave replacement kindergarten teacher.
As a seasoned dance and barre instructor with CPR/AED certification, Jillian uses her creative energy to inspire and uplift others. She is ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certified which equips her with the knowledge and skills to lead safe, effective, and engaging group exercise classes for diverse populations.Through education, compassion, and a steadfast devotion to fostering inclusive and supportive communities, Jillian continues to create meaningful change wherever she goes.
A proud member of the Virginia Tech Honors College, Jillian is an inspiring leader and advocate driven by an unwavering passion for mental health advocacy, community service, and leadership. As the Director of the Out of the Darkness Walk and Founder of Virginia Tech’s Suicide Awareness and Friendly Environment Club, she has spearheaded initiatives that have raised over $25,000 to support mental health and suicide prevention efforts.
Jillian's dedication extends beyond mental health advocacy as she has mentored children at Margaret Beeks Elementary, empowering them to navigate challenges with confidence and care. Her leadership shines through her active roles in Kappa Delta Sorority and Morgan’s Message, where she champions inclusion, philanthropy, and awareness. Follow her @positively.jill
Krystiana
Krystiana is a fitness enthusiast with a passion for helping others reach their health and wellness goals. She started her journey in competitive cheerleading, which instilled in her a strong work ethic and a love for physical activity. Through years of training and competing, she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the importance of strength, flexibility, and endurance.
Now, as a certified instructor in Barre and Mat Pilates, Krystiana shares her knowledge and expertise with others looking to improve their fitness levels and overall well-being. Her classes are designed to challenge both the body and mind, incorporating exercises that target specific muscle groups while promoting proper alignment and form.
Krystiana's infectious energy and positive attitude create a supportive and motivating environment for her students. She provides individualized attention and offers modifications for all fitness levels, ensuring that everyone gets the most out of their workout. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced athlete, Krystiana's classes are sure to leave you feeling empowered and inspired.
Join Krystiana for a fun and effective workout that will leave you feeling stronger, more flexible, and filled with pure joy. Say goodbye to boring workouts and hello to a fitness routine that will have you looking forward to every session. Get ready to tone your muscles, improve your posture, and boost your confidence with Krystiana as your guide. Let's sweat, smile, and transform together!
Jackie is a dedicated wellness and fitness enthusiast, holding a degree in fashion merchandising from The University of Rhode Island. Her introduction to the world of Pilates was a fortuitous reunion with Karen, her childhood second-grade teacher and co-owner of the studio where she now practices. Prior to discovering Pilates, Jackie primarily engaged in intense cardio workouts, but she quickly realized the transformative power of Pilates on both the body and mind.
Pilates, for Jackie, offers a comprehensive approach to fitness that focuses on enhancing core strength, flexibility, and fostering a strong mind-body connection. Her passion for the practice grew exponentially as she transitioned from taking three classes a week to pursuing certification as an instructor herself. Now, Jackie is eager to share her love for Pilates with clients and assist them in achieving their personal fitness objectives. By drawing on her own experiences and expertise, she is committed to guiding and motivating individuals to reach their full potential in their wellness journey.
Kendall
Kendall is a dedicated and certified Pilates instructor who is deeply passionate about empowering her clients to achieve optimal strength, flexibility, and balance in both body and mind. With a keen focus on personalized, client-centered sessions, Kendall is renowned for creating supportive and transformative experiences for individuals of all abilities.
With a genuine heart for wellness, Kendall seamlessly blends her wealth of expertise with a compassionate approach in every session she leads. Beyond the studio, Kendall finds fulfillment in giving back to her community through volunteering, exploring new destinations through travel, and furthering her education by pursuing her Master’s in Accounting at UNC Chapel Hill.
