A direct connection to the classical tradition
Tess began practicing Pilates in 1986 in Miami, long before today’s trends, before turning her passion into a lifelong teaching vocation. In 2000, she was officially certified by Romana Kryzanowska, Joseph Pilates’ direct protégée.
Her foundational training took place with Romana, her daughter Sari Mejia Santo and Edwina Fontaine at the historic Drago’s Gym in New York, as well as with Bob Liekens at the Pilates Studio on Broadway.
International teacher trainer
To combine her elite classical roots with a highly structured teacher-training methodology, Tess completed a second comprehensive certification with Power Pilates in 2005. That same year, she founded Pilates Premier Studios Inc. in Florida, a teacher-training center she directed successfully until moving to Paris in 2012.
She also served as an adjunct faculty member at St. Petersburg College, providing continuing education courses for the Physical Therapy Department.
In 2008, she continued her development under Bob Liekens and Susan Moran to become a Power Pilates Teacher Trainer.
A rare triple expertise
Tess brings a unique combination of direct lineage, clinical authority and artistic sensitivity, shaped by a lifelong background in the performing arts.
Her 16-year career as a registered nurse (BSN-RN) in the United States was forged in leading clinical environments, including NYU Medical Center and the Payne Whitney Clinic.
Committed to remaining current with health standards, she rigorously completes continuing education requirements every two years to maintain her active license with the Florida Board of Nursing.
Contrology with anatomical and artistic precision
This exceptional profile allows Tess to approach Contrology with deep anatomical and artistic rigor, making her especially skilled at working safely with clients and future instructors facing complex physical situations.
Known for her precision, kindness and tailored approach, her teaching preserves the architectural and systemic integrity intended by Joseph Pilates.
Now based in Paris, Tess works with an international clientele and leads teacher-training programs around the world. Certified NCPT (Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher) and a member of the Fédération des Professionnels de la Méthode Pilates (FPMP) in France, she is dedicated to guiding the next generation of instructors with clarity, depth and profound respect for the original method.
Continuing Education & Consulting
Advanced mentorship, technical workshops and studio consulting for Pilates professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the systematic and integrative approach of Classical Contrology.
Teaching, transmitting, practicing
