About us
Meet your Teachers
Seven instructors, each with their own training — from classic certified training to scoliosis-informed movement to iRest meditation.
Denise Maffia
NCPT · Studio Owner
Denise Maffia is a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) with over 20 years of teaching experience. She has owned Pilates Physique in the Lake Norman area for the past 12 years, known for confidently teaching multi-level classes and creating a welcoming environment for every client.
She has mentored several Pilates apprentices through certification, many of whom now teach at Pilates Physique. Today she’s focused on expanding opportunities for Core Compassion Project recipients and building relationships within Charlotte’s dance community.
Denise has lived in Huntersville for 20 years with her husband and son.
Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT)
Andrea Haritan
M.Ed., NCPT
Andrea Haritan has taught Pilates in the Charlotte area since 2001, with over 30 years in fitness and dance as a group instructor, personal trainer, PE teacher, and dancer.
A Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher through the PMA program, she’s also certified by STOTT Pilates, Alternative Fitness, and the PhysicalMind Institute, with experience helping clients manage back pain, arthritis, pregnancy, osteoporosis, and joint replacement.
She holds a master’s degree in Human Movement from Boston University and owned her own Pilates studio in Cornelius, NC for 10 years.
Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT)
Janet Ceraldi
OTR
Janet Ceraldi has lived in the Charlotte area for 36 years, working for many years as an occupational therapist in acute rehab and skilled nursing.
She completed her 200-hour yoga certification in 2012 and began Pilates training with Balanced Body in 2018, testing out for certification with Master Trainer Jen Gianni in 2024.”
Beyond Pilates Physique, Janet teaches fitness and yoga classes for seniors at a local church and several area communities.
Stacy Joyce
Authorized Scolio-Pilates Practitioner
Stacy Joyce specializes in working with atypical spines — especially scoliosis and spinal fusions — informed by her own spinal fusion surgery at age 16.
She completed her 500-hour yoga teacher training in 2012, specialized in Yoga for Scoliosis & Spinal Fusion in 2020, and became an Authorized Scolio-Pilates Practitioner in 2023 while completing her Balanced Body certification.
Guided by her three S’s — Stand Tall, Stand Proud, Stand Together — Stacy helps clients move with greater ease and confidence. She lives in Cornelius with her husband, son, and their Frenchie.
Authorized Scolio-Pilates® Practitioner
Vi Shetty
Pilates Instructor
Vaishnavi (Vi) Shetty discovered Pilates over three years ago and quickly fell in love with how it improved her alignment and complemented her active lifestyle.
She began teaching to share that experience with others, bringing a relatable, balanced perspective alongside her corporate career.
She is currently working toward completing her Pilates certification.
Cristeen Okafor
MSc · Apprentice
Cristeen Okafor is completing her comprehensive Pilates certification through Balanced Body, with the goal of becoming a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher.
A lifelong athlete and public health scientist, she discovered Pilates in 2021 and deepened her passion for teaching after supporting a loved one through rotator cuff rehab. She holds a Master of Science from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Denise has lived in Huntersville for 20 years with her husband and son.
Nadine Gordon
M.A. · iRest Meditation
Nadine Gordon has practiced yoga since 2006 and earned her 200-hour certification in 2014, later specializing in Yoga 4 Cancer, Yoga for Seniors, and Mindful Resilience for Trauma Recovery with the Veterans Yoga Project.
Her work with veterans led her to Integrated Restoration (iRest) Meditation, earning Level 2 certification in 2016. She has led iRest sessions at the Levine Cancer Institute and the Methodist Home Recreation Center in Charlotte.
Nadine has taught English and writing for 47 years.
Ready to work with us?
New students start with a 3-session private intro. Call or book online.