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.
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.” Learn More
Caroline Biondo
As a classically trained ballerina, my life has consisted of movement since I was 3 years old. Through Pilates, my job is to solve problems people have through form-focused movement that streamlines to everyday life. My experience includes but is not limited to professional athletes, dancers, and everyday professionals. I received my Pilates Certificate from Texas Christian University with over 650 hours of comprehensive training on all pieces of equipment. My training includes functional anatomy, history, philosophy, ethics and information on health and wellbeing. While at TCU, I also earned my BFA in Ballet and BA in Economics. With each client, I look to find the uniqueness of each body in front of me creating overall efficiency leading to a better quality of life. I believe through consistent commitment, Pilates will make you feel better.
Maria Biondo
Maria Biondo began studying Pilates intensely during her time as an undergraduate student at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. While working towards her BFA in Classical Ballet & BA in Communications, Maria was selected to be a part of 10 teacher trainers to participate in the inaugural class of TCU’s School for Classical and Contemporary Dance Pilates Teacher Training program. Maria recognized the importance of Pilates conditioning as she worked on strength, mobility, length, and flexibility as an addition to her dancing and her practice grew to a passion. Maria is comprehensively certified with over 650 hours of training on Mat, Reformer, Cadillac/Tower, Chair, Ladder Barrel + numerous props and her teaching offers an extensive repertory of exercises with classical and contemporary traditions. Maria’s training includes a range of teaching practices, functional anatomy, history, philosophy, ethics and information on health and wellbeing, as well as special training of physical conditions and contraindications. Maria shares her love of this movement through teaching the deep connections of the work and firmly believes Pilates will help and heal every body.
Jaime Parker, Ph.D.
Jaime is an Associate Director with the Wellness Council of Arizona and a Group Fitness Instructor for Firm Body Pilates, Life Time Athletic and The Village Health Clubs, with more than 25 years of experience. She is also an accomplished endurance athlete, finishing 50 full marathons (including multiple Boston marathons) and hundreds of shorter distances in addition to several triathlons. As an adolescent, Jaime was diagnosed with severe scoliosis, and wore a back brace for 23 hours a day for four years in order to slow the curve, yet did not correct the curvature. This restricted her mobility and ultimately led to a 60 pound weight gain which negatively affected her self-esteem and challenged her mentally and physically in many ways. In adulthood, she found joy in exercising, specifically Pilates, which helped strengthen (and straighten!) her back and improved her entire well-being!
Tara Melton
Samantha Demoro-Richard
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. 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 an 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
Ashley Gross-Hoffman
Ashley was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. Prior to discovering her passion for teaching and pilates, she danced ballet for 10 years. She graduated from Colombia College, with a degree in Arts Business Management and Minor in Dance. While in college and performing, Ashley was fortunate enough to have one of her ballet instructors introduce her to the reformer.
In 2021, Ashley’s psoriatic arthritis was becoming worse and after a 10 year long career in fitness, it was time to transition into another career less stressful on her joints and physical body, but still allowing her to help others reach their health goals. While working full time as a territority sales manager, Ashley had the opportunity to receive a scholarship with PEAK pilates.
Driven by newfound joint relief, Ashley completed her extensive 200 hour+ comprehensive classical Pilates Teacher Training under the direction, guidance and mentorship of Anne Lukaska. Ashley is very grateful for everyone along her journey who has believed in her since day one. After receiving her certification, in May of 2022, Ashley became the a Pilates instructor at Lifetime Fitness in North Scottsdale. Ashley is ecstatic, honored and grateful to be apart of the Firm Body Pilates community! Since joining Jodi and her amazing team of talented instructors in January of 2023, Ashley completed an additional certification through Physical Mind Institute. She was given the gift to continue her pilates educational journey, by attending a weekend course lead by Sean Bergara, hosted at Firm Body Pilates.







We can’t wait to see you show your Pilates Love!
Monday to Friday
7am – 7pm
Saturday
7:30am – 4pm
Sunday
9am – 2pm
Call Us
623-632-9119
Visit Us
8700 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Suite 114, Scottsdale, AZ. 85255
Email Us
