Instructors

Tünde van Voorst, founder and owner of the Pilates Center of Maine, has come a long way since her first encounter with Pilates in 1996 at Drago’s Gym. Guided by the teachings of Romana Kryzanowska, Tünde discovered Pilates while in her 20s, igniting a passion that would shape her life.
Her relationship with Pilates deepened during a challenging time at age 26 when she faced a slow growing and incredibly rare malignant tumor—synovial cell sarcoma—in her left knee. After enduring multiple misdiagnoses, a tumor removal that also required removal of muscle, ligaments, skin and nerves, and unconventional radiation treatments, Pilates became her source of strength and rehabilitation. It was through this method that Tünde not only healed her body but also found a calling to teach others. This experience molded her understanding of movement and alignment, allowing her to help others navigate their own journeys of recovery and empowerment.
An avid runner, Tünde actively participates in the Portland and NYC running community and consistently ranks at the top of her division in local races, emphasizing her dedication to fitness and vitality.
As a certified Authentic Pilates Method™ teacher through Power Pilates™ and The Pilates Standard, Tünde has trained under master instructor Bob Liekens. Her credentials also include a personal training certification from the American College of Sports Medicine, as well as advanced Teacher Trainer and Host Studio certifications through Power Pilates with Susan Moran.  A member of the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), she is committed to continuous growth, attending workshops and conferences with esteemed mentors as well as preserving the Art of Control; Pilates, as its authentic Method.
Before founding the Pilates Center of Maine 16 years ago, Tünde spent 8 years in the heart of the New York City fitness industry, where she created innovative programs for elite health clubs and studios, earning features in fitness magazines and consulting for various media.Tünde’s diverse background includes a successful career in the fashion industry during the 1990s, where she worked as a model and collaborated with top designers. This unique perspective enriches her teaching, allowing her to connect with students from various backgrounds.

In essence, Tünde van Voorst embodies the transformative power of Pilates. Her journey from overcoming physical challenges becoming a passionate instructor and community leader highlights her commitment to empowering others. Through her work, she continues to inspire and uplift, sharing the strength and joy that Pilates brings to countless lives.

 

Pam Clark was introduced to the Pilates Method in 2003. She quickly recognized how the practice developed her physical confidence and mental focus. Noticing positive changes in her body after those first sessions, she understood that Pilates for her would be a lifelong practice and an integral part of her wellness and well-being.

Committed to the method as developed by Joseph Pilates, she enrolled in the Power Pilates™ teacher training program and completed her 600 hour comprehensive training in 2007. Always striving to learn more and share the classical work with clients, her education continued through workshops with recognized teachers like Lolita San Miguel, Bob Liekens, Kathy Van Patten and Nora Gomez Dears.

Pam has taught at Pilates Baxter Place, Studio 59 Pilates, Pilates Center of Maine and as a private Pilates trainer. Additionally, she has completed the following certifications: The Pilates Standard LEAP program October, 2018; Comprehensive Certification Power Pilates, 2007; Intermediate Mat Certification Power Pilates, 2005, and; Beginner Mat Certification Power Pilates, NY, 2005.

Jen Micoleau considers herself a perpetual student of the human body. She has studied yoga, figurative clay sculpture, Polarity Therapy and Pilates to learn more of the body’s natural and amazing potential to achieve balance through growth, change, and adaptation.

“Movement powered by intentional breathing and focused mind-body awareness opens up channels in the body for energetic vibrations to flow freely.” Perhaps a bit esoteric, but this is pretty much how Jen’s mind works, and what excites her about Pilates.

Creating bodies from the inside out, she developed a unique understanding of the human body both anatomically and energetically, as well as how bodies move through space. She uses this to help you “embody your body,” awakening and enlivening your connection to yourself and your environment.

As a teacher, Jen is caring, gentle, encouraging, while consistently challenging you to fulfill your potential. Her hope is that you will find through Pilates not only strength and stability, but also the ease to move your body unconsciously with grace.

Jen grew up in Portland, Maine. She holds a BA in Studio Art from American University with a minor in English Literature, and a BFA in Graphic Design from Maine College of Art. She has been a certified yoga teacher since 2004, became a Power Pilates instructor in 2008, and has been a student of classical Pilates since 1997. She graduated from The Pilates Center of Boulder, CO in 2013. Jen also holds two Yin Yoga and Guided Meditation Teaching Certifications and a Pranayama Teaching Certification. Most recently, Jen has been accepted into The Pilates Center’sMaster’s Program! She is very excited to immerse herself into the work at a deeper level.

Morgan Surkin has been been athletically-minded since she was young, turning her passion towards Pilates in 2007 when she was looking for a low impact way to get into shape.  The focus on form, precision and control was a main draw to Pilates as well as the mind-body connection that comes from a thoughtful, physical practice. Morgan’s goal is to help Pilates students gain core strength through functional exercises. Morgan completed her 600-hour comprehensive apparatus training through Power Pilates in February 2019, and continues to enjoy learning and teaching at the Pilates Center of Maine, under Tünde’s mentorship.

Becca Asen came to Pilates after a rewarding career as a corporate lawyer, choosing to pursue the work that brings her the greatest sense of purpose and joy. Her journey has been shaped by years of dedicated practice under Tunde at the Pilates Center of Maine. Becca’s comprehensive certification and training has been with Power Pilates under the master teachers at Providence Pilates.

As the mother of competitive athletes, Becca has a special appreciation for the role Pilates can play in athletic development. She enjoys working with young athletes to build strength, balance, coordination, and body awareness through the classical Pilates method. At the same time, she is passionate about helping clients of all ages and abilities discover the benefits of Pilates, whether they are seeking greater strength, improved movement, enhanced athletic performance, or simply a deeper connection to their bodies.

Becca’s teaching is based on the principles of classical Pilates and guided by a belief that the method can be transformative for every body. She strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to move with confidence, build lasting strength, and achieve their individual goals.

 

GUEST INSTRUCTORS

Michelle Sebilia studied classical Pilates for 6 years under Romana Kryzanowska certified instructors prior to training and apprenticing with Bob Liekens and Susan Moran Perich at Power Pilates in New York City. She received her 600 hour certification in January 2006. She maintains her certification through Power Pilates™ continuing education, as well as with other internationally renowned master instructors. In 2011 Michelle received her certification as a Power Pilates teacher trainer. Michelle founded and owns the Pilates is a Workout studio in Sarasota, Florida. Michelle teaches seasonally at the Pilates Center of Maine.

 

 

Master Teacher Nora Gomez-Dears was the director/founder of Atelier Pilates LLC in Somerville, MA from 2001-2016. Nora began her Pilates journey as a 13 year-old dancer in Puerto Rico and was introduced to Pilates Mat by Lolita San Miguel. In 1999, she graduated from the PhysicalMind® program under the tutelage of Mary Bowen in Your Own Gym® in Northampton, MA. In 2001, Nora was invited to audition for Power Pilates® and she was accepted to study for their Teacher Training program under the tutelage of Susan Moran and Bob Likens. From 2002 – 2010, Nora was an International Teacher Trainer and presenter for Power Pilates®. In search of additional Classical Pilates points of view, Nora went on to study at The Pilates Center of Boulder® with Amy Taylor Alperns and Rachel Taylor Segel and received her Masters in Pilates in 2012. In addition, Nora has been affiliated with Buff Bones® and is a member of their International faculty. Recently, Nora was chosen by Bob Likens to participate in his LEAP program in NYC as part of his advanced teacher training program for The Pilates Standard®.

Nora has a B.S. in Physical Education and Dance from University of Wisconsin – Madison in addition, to graduate studies in Dance Movement Therapy and Counseling Psychology from Antioch University, Keene, NH.