Nicole began taking Pilates as a client of Larry Gibas in January of 2000.  Pilates, for Nicole, was the perfect way to relieve stress in her everyday, busy schedule of running a fast-pace business.  “Pilates, at the time, was my meditation tool.  That hour was for me.  I was able to forget about my personal distractions and focus on my mind and body connection.”  Nicole remained Larry’s client for five years and then decided to pursue Pilates as a career.  “I saw the difference physically, but more so mentally in myself. I had grown so much in my outlook on life.  Pilates had helped me so much positively, I knew I wanted to share this experience with others.”

   Nicole moved to New York City to pursue her Pilates certification under Romana’s Pilates.  She studied at Drago’s gym under Romana Kryzanowska, her daughter, Sari Mejia Santo, and Romana’s granddaughter, Daria Pace.  She received her certificate in September 2005.

   Nicole stayed in New York for several months afterwards working at Drago’s and Fiore Pilates in Mamaroneck, New York.  She then decided to travel with her certification.  She worked with a Level III instructor in Miami at Pro-Pilates.  Lastly, she moved to Canada to work with National Hockey Players and Olympic Figure Ice Skaters.  “Every traveling experience has been extremely educational.”

   Nicole decided to move back to New Orleans to teach alongside her mentor, Larry.  “Larry has been such an inspiration to me. Coming back to New Orleans to teach alongside him and all the other excellent instructors here at Uncle Joe’s has been a great joy. You never stop learning at Uncle Joe’s.”

   In addition to teaching, Nicole has decided to go back to school to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.  “Teaching Pilates has made me want to learn more about the body.  I want to know everything I can about the body to better help my clients.”

Level V Instructor

E-mail: Nicole@unclejoespilates.com

Senior Instructor, Certified since 2005

Phone: 504.895.5008

Pilates Reformer