Ellen Nalaboff

“Feel Your Best, Be Your Best ... Live Beautifully”

Bio & Information Sheet

Ellen Nalaboff is the owner and founder of Ellen’s Fitness Studio in Plainview, New York. Learn more about Ellen here.

Bonnie Goldstein is the Assistant Director of Fitness and Pilates at Busto’s Studio. She is certified in Mat and Apparatus from Power Pilates and is completing her Power Pilates Teacher Training. Bonnie is certified as a personal trainer and spin instructor. She is also an avid dancer and has studied under world-renowned instructors in Modern Dance, Ballet and Jazz. Her goal is to teach her students to use physical fitness as a path to mental fitness, awareness and aliveness. Bonnie inspires all those around her to challenge them selves and reach their dreams.

Debbie D’Amico-Babino has been an avid cyclist and runner for many years. She trains for and competes in many events and has a true affinity for her sports. After taking countless classes, Debbie decided to become a certified Spin Instructor in 2006. Debbie is now classified as a STAR 3 spinning instructor. Debbie brings her road experience to her classes and truly believes in the philosophies of the program. She loves sharing her passion with the members of Ellen’s Fitness.

Allison Mayer has been studying Pilates for over 5 years. She received her Mat certification through Power Pilates. As an instructor at Ellen’s Fitness Studio, she specializes in introducing beginners to the world of Pilates, teaching classes that are accessible and unintimidating. Allison is also a full-time art teacher and holds a Masters of Science in Educational Administration. She loves being in the classroom educating her students, both in art and Pilates.

Catherine Simunek has enjoyed teaching on the North Shore of Long Island for over 15 years. She is certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America in Group, Step and Personal Training. Catherine is also certified in Power Pilates Mat, ISCA Cardio Kickboxing and Mad Dog Spin. She has an interactive approach to guiding clients to achieve their physical goals and feel great in their bodies.

Lauren Lintz has been working in the fitness industry for 30 years. She remembers the days of old-fashioned aerobics with leg warmers, and now follows the latest trends such as ballast balls and bosus. Lauren has a broad range of interests, including step, aerobics, body sculpting, weight training, Pilates mat, bosu, Yogafit and cycling. She is a long-time runner, and has trained hundreds of other runners. Lauren’s signature training classes incorporates cycling, running and functional training. Lauren is a personal trainer and has worked as a group fitness manager for several health clubs.

Maria Pappas McKenzie has been teaching fitness for over 25 years. She holds a Masters in Exercise Physiology from Adelphi University and is certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Maria has a broad range of interests, with certification in Spinning, Kickboxing, Silver Sneakers, Yogafit Level I, II, III and IV, Kettelbells and Mat Pilates. Maria is a gifted teacher, leading people to transform their bodies through a variety of fun and challenging activities.

Yael Turkiewiecz has over 10 years of experience as an exercise instructor in Long Island. She is certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Yael’s passion for dance and bodywork led to her interest in Pilates. She received a Mat certification through IN=X Pilates, and has earned a teaching certification in Mat and Apparatus from Power Pilates in Manhattan. Yael’s enthusiasm for Pilates is contagious and is a tremendous inspiration to her clients.

Sylvia Nasser has been teaching fitness classes since June 2006. She is an AFAA certified instructor and teaches a variety of high-energy, total body classes (body bar, free weights, and fitball), step aerobics, cardio kickboxing, and mega mix workouts. Sylvia loves helping Ellen’s Fitness members get results. Emily LoPorto originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, trained in classical ballet for over 20 years with the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre, where she was first exposed to Pilates for strengthening, stretching and for injuries. After dancing with modern ballet and acrobatic dance company of Moving Colors Production for several years, she relocated to New York in 2004 where she is certified through Power Pilates. She now loves teaching at Ellen’s Fitness and especially loves supporting women through their pregnancies. Her favorite part of teaching Pilates is helping people to feel good about their bodies.

Stephanie Searson discovered Pilates in 2000 and fell in love right from the first second. Stephanie knew right away that this would become a way of life for her. Certified through Power Pilates NYC in 2003, Stephanie immediately acquired a position as a professional Pilates instructor. Working with a variety of clients, she identifies their individual goals and needs, modifying the programs to work with injuries, such as herniated discs, knee injuries, and scoliosis, Not only has Pilates made her stronger physically, but also found strengths in many areas of her life. Part of her fulfillment in teaching, is seeing clients own strengths develop from session to session. She encourages people to take a class, as you’re sure to be challenged. In addition to teaching Pilates, she also has two beautiful energetic children and a loving husband.