Instructors at The Firm Body Pilates Training Center

Privates, Duets, Small and Large Groups, Daily Group Classes, and Instructor Training

All Pilates Exercises can be modified to meet the needs of the individual. From Teens to Seniors, from Beginners to Advanced Trainers, whether you train on the Pilates equipment or on the mat, you can always adjust the motion and intensity to your own personal level.

Sessions Available Now!

Jodi Melton

OWNER of The Firm Body Pilates Training Center
ACE, AFAA, PMA, PMI, and PMI certifying Instructor Trainer
Jodi has worked in the fitness industry since 1980. She has worked with high school athletes to professional athletes as well as becoming an instructor trainer and CEC provider presenting at National Conferences IRHSA amongst many others. She discovered Pilates in 2002 while program director at the Honolulu Club in Hawaii. When Pilates started to come in to the fitness industry she decided to look in to this trending new style. From the first session she was hooked. She decided to seek her training through the Physicalmind Institute and now is a Physicalmind Institute Instructor Trainer. Physicalmind is the most contemporary and progressive style of Pilates instruction out there and was the first ever certifying training program. Since then many have tried to follow suit but Physicalminds training program was as true to Josephs Pilates principles as possible. In addition, Jodi is also a Chiropractic Assistant Certified Instructor and has also worked with Physical Therapists who also refer their clients to her for the next phase of continued rehab through Pilates.
Jodi has a passion for challenging movement and loves using the amazing disciplines Pilates provides. She enjoys helping her clients move in a way that helps them feel the benefits in their everyday life.
“After years of high impact instruction and beating up my own body, I found that Pilates makes my body feel better, feel stronger and it keeps my bones and body health. I truly love what Pilates can do and want to share that experience with others.”

Tara Melton

Tara has been an athlete her entire life and has completed her 500+ hour comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Certification through the Physical Mind Institute (PMI). She played collegiate volleyball at Glendale Community College and The University of Alaska Anchorage and earned the title of First Team All-American her sophomore year. In school, Tara earned her Masters in English with an Emphasis in Secondary Education and is working toward her MBA and MS in Leadership. With Jodi as her mom, Pilates has always been a part of her life, but her solo journey with Pilates really started when she wanted to improve her vertical jump for volleyball and Jodi wanted to fix the pronation of her feet.

Tara found joy with Pilates as the workouts helped her improve her jump height and physicality without harming her joints, and fixed the pronation of her feet. During her time as an athlete, there were plenty of times where she had agitated joints or muscles and Pilates was the only avenue that effectively, consistently, and quickly helped. Tara is eager to bring Pilates into the lives of others and show them how beneficial it can be for all aspects of life.

Mercedes Bridges

Meet Mercedes! Originally from Atlanta, she has also lived in Northern California and now calls Arizona home—where she enjoys some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the world.
Mercedes’ diverse background has fueled her love for exploration and wellness. With a degree in Business Economics and over five years of experience in the tech industry, she soon discovered her true calling extended far beyond the office. This realization led her to pursue her passion for holistic health, earning certifications in both trauma-informed yoga and comprehensive Pilates.
Today, wellness is not just Mercedes’ profession—it is her way of life. She has guided corporate teams, women’s groups, and even teens through meditation, movement, and workshops across the country. Her experience includes collaborations with well-known organizations such as Club Pilates, Yoga Alliance, YogaSix, and BASI Pilates Academy.
Mercedes is committed to creating inclusive, empowering experiences that foster confidence, resilience, and community. Her classes leave participants feeling not only stronger and more balanced, but also uplifted and inspired.

Matt Morrison

As an athlete his entire life, Matt first wanted to get involved with Pilates as a way of how to help treat shoulder pains that have accumulated his entire life. After becoming immersed in it after multiple sessions Matt developed a passion for not only performing different exercises; but helping others learn them as well. This drove him to complete his 500+ hour comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Certification through the Physical Mind Institute. He became certified and is passionate about healing. As an Arizona native his entire life, Matt attended Washington High School where he was involved in multiple programs such as the baseball and swim team. He later went on to further his education at Northern Arizona University as well as Arizona State University where he achieved his bachelors of arts in communication. As a certified instructor Matt is eager to help clients heal any ailments they may be having and ready to help improve the health of all through Pilates.

Evgeniya Barbosa

Evgeniya was introduced to Pilates in 2017 and immediately enrolled to be an instructor. Evgeniya’s love of Pilates derives from her passion for fitness as well as assisting people to push theirboundaries and feel healthier. After completing her comprehensive training through Pilates Sports Center, Evgeniya obtained her PSC and NPCP Pilates Certification. Once Evgeniya completed her certification, she joined a privately owned Pilates studio in North Scottsdale area and began training clients to help them achieve their personal and athletic goals, like hitting a golf ball further or having more strength and flexibility. Dedication to her craft drives Evgeniya to continue her education in current training trends while emphasizing injury prevention, rehabilitation, and rotational sports. When Evgeniya is not teaching Pilates, you can find her either training for a marathon, hiking, reading or hanging out with her family and friends.

Shelby Smith

From teaching swim lessons to excelling in soccer, swimming, and track during high school, she’s also a certified personal trainer.

Shelby’s Pilates journey began with a love story, leading her to pursue her passion and earn certification with Firm Body Team. Last year, she further honed her skills, completing her PhysicalMind Certification at our studio!

With a heart dedicated to helping others, Shelby initially aimed for a healthcare career but discovered greater fulfillment in guiding individuals toward their fitness and nutrition goals.

Sienza Chandler

Originally from the small coastal town of Ketchikan, Alaska, @sienza_chandler brings a unique blend of artistry and athleticism to our team. With a background in professional dance and a degree in Business and Dance from the University of Alaska Anchorage, movement has always been central to her life.

After discovering the reformer while working in a physical therapy office, Sienza was inspired by Pilates’ power to heal and strengthen. In 2023, she earned their comprehensive certification through PSC—covering mat, reformer, chair, tower/Cadillac, and barrel—and also barre certified.

She’s passionate about cross-training, continued education, and creating classes that are supportive, challenging, and rooted in a deep love for movement. Outside the studio, you’ll find Sienza dancing, exploring the Arizona outdoors with her pup Stella, or creating through photography, videography, and pottery.

Gabriel Raths

As a former pole vault athlete and lifelong fitness enthusiast, I’ve developed a strong passion for health and helping others succeed. Over the past year, I have focused on Pilates, drawn to its ability to build strength, improve mobility, and transform lives. I take pride in seeing people improve and feel a sense of accomplishment as they reach their goals. Whether you are starting fresh or looking to push your limits, I’m here to support, guide, and celebrate your journey every step of the way.

Grace Noelle

We’re thrilled to welcome a new instructor to our team! @grace.pilates_ is a professional dancer with a passion for using Pilates to help dancers and athletes improve muscular strength, efficiency, and awareness.

She has completed her 500+ hour comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Certification through the Physical Mind Institute (PMI) and is also a certified instructor in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and the ABT® National Training Curriculum.

As a Sidewinder Dancer for the IFL Arizona Rattlers and a former company member with Convergence Ballet, Grace understands the importance of injury prevention and performance enhancement. Pilates has been an essential tool in her daily life, and she’s excited to share its benefits with you.

Christy Soto

Say hello to our newest instructor, @chrissychungg – Originally from L.A. and certified through Mighty Pilates LA, she’s classically trained with a modern twist.

With a background in sports and bikini bodybuilding, Chrissy knows a thing or two about the power of movement—and now she’s using Pilates to help others feel strong, connected, and confident.

Whether you’re working on endurance, mobility, or recovery, Chrissy will guide you every step of the way!