Wellness Instructors

BodyFit is pleased to offer the services of these highly trained professionals to meet your wellness needs.

Karina Banta

Karina is a Polestar Pilates certified instructor. She has studied with Pilates disciples Kathy Grant and Lolita San Miguel. Karina also trained as a classical dancer with Delta Festival Ballet and The Boston Ballet School and received her BFA from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. She went on to assist Ann Reinking in numerous projects and performed in musicals, plays, and operas throughout the U.S. and Europe. As an experienced Pilates practitioner and dancer, Karina has a great understanding of anatomy and injuries and is passionate about guiding clients on their journey to wellness. Her energetic approach and attention to detail motivates clients to reach their greatest potential in this healing process. She is also a contributing writer for The Levo League.

Shannon Green

As a certified Pilates instructor, Shannon has a passion for working with the unique needs and experiences of her clients. As a former competitive synchronized swimmer, Shannon uses the Pilates method to challenge and inspire clients while enhancing their overall fitness and physical awareness. She particularly enjoys working with clients who require special attention to alignment and movement, re-educating their bodies to move in more efficient and pain-free ways. After earning her full certification through Stott Pilates and a second certification at Pilates Academy International, Shannon received additional training in Functional Anatomy for movement and conditioning with Martha Eddy, Gross Anatomy at Mount Sinai Hospital, Injuries and Special Population at Stott Pilates, Classical Reformer workshop with Master Trainer Lolita San Miguel, and training with Master Trainer Carey Regan (Re:ab).

Sarah Holmes

Sarah has been teaching Pilates for the past six years. After earning her Pilates apparatus and mat certification from Half Moon Pilates (currently The Fitness Guru) in Brooklyn, NY, she completed additional training with Teri Steele at Dance New Amsterdam and Lizbeth Garcia in San Diego. Sarah recently received her MFA in Dance from New York University where she had the opportunity to study instruction in various somatic therapies such as Body-Mind Centering, Feldenkrais, and Yoga. Sarah works with each client’s individual needs to balance an invigorating workout with proper alignment and release of pain and tension.

Carly Ow-Wing

Carly is originally from California where she earned her STOTT Pilates certification three years ago. After graduating from Wake Forest University, where she studied biology and health & exercise science, she moved to New York City with aspirations to attend physical therapy graduate school starting in 2011. By incorporating her knowledge of health sciences and her experience working in physical therapy clinics into her Pilates methods, Carly creates safe, effective, and challenging exercise routines for her clients.

Edya Kalev

Edya is an Advanced MELT Instructor who trained with MELT creator Sue Hitzmann in 2006. MELT is a revolutionary new technique that uses specialized foam rollers and rubber balls to hydrate connective tissue and quiet the nervous system. Edya works with clients to relieve chronic pain, improve balance, reconnect to their core and build body awareness. Edya’s MELT workshops have been very popular at BodyFit. Edya is also a certified Yoga Instructor and has completed courses in Yoga and Anatomy, Restorative Yoga, Yoga For Seniors, Mommy & Baby Yoga, and Brain Gym movement method. Edya also studied yoga at Sivananda Yoga Vendanta Ashram in Kerala, India and Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai, India.

Tracey Katof

Tracey received her Bachelor’s Degree in Dance from Hofstra University, where she completed an independent study with Pilates industry leader Dyane Harvey–Salaam. After graduating, Tracey trained at the 2nd oldest Pilates studio in Manhattan, Ground Floor LLC, and received her current certification with the Pilates Method Alliance. Tracey has extensive experience training advanced clientele, including professional dancers and athletes, as well as those recovering from injuries. Tracey is dedicated to the success of her clients. She teaches Pilates for core strength, body sculpting, sport specific training, and rehabilitation.

Angela Laurino, LAc, LMT

Angela combines her acupuncture and massage expertise to best serve her patients. She has been practicing acupuncture and herbal medicine in New York since 2006 when she earned her Masters in Chinese Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Angela completed her massage therapy certification from the School of Healing Arts in San Diego, California in 1997 and an additional Associates degree in Massage Therapy from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in 2009. Her emphasis on patient education and straightforward approach empowers patients to take charge of their own care long after her treatments end.

Michele McInnes, LMT

Michele is a NY State licensed massage therapist and faculty member at the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences where she currently teaches Introduction to Eastern Bodywork and Tools of Assessment and Treatment in their Massage Therapy Program. Since earning her degree from the Swedish Institute in 2000, she has worked in a variety of settings including wellness centers, spas, and private practice and has taught in the massage therapy departments at both Lehigh Valley College and Career Development and Employment in NE Pennsylvania. Michele has completed continuing education courses including: Medical Massage for the Knee, Medical Massage for the Iliopsoas, Healing Tendons by Healing Muscles, Neuromuscular Therapy for the Shoulder, The LPC Method of Lymphatic Drainage, and Sloan Kettering’s Medical Massage for the Cancer Patient. Michele also completed her hatha yoga instructor certification through The Himalayan Institute Teachers Association after training in Allahabad, India.

Caren Messing, LMT

Caren has been practicing massage therapy since 1991. She is a full-time, core faculty member at the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences and teaches western massage technique classes. She has been a sports massage therapist with the NY Giants football team as well as an associate massage therapist for Broadway performers (Movin’ Out, Grease, West Side Story, Come Fly Away), musicians, and various dance companies. Within each treatment, Caren integrates modalities including basic relaxation, Swedish techniques, myofascial and trigger point therapy, and stretching. Caren is a native New Yorker and, along with a passion for massage therapy, is a singer/actor/writer.