Staff
Alisha Bliss
OWNER & PRIMARY INSTRUCTOR
About Me
With over 21 years in the fitness industry, I bring passion, a wealth of experience, and a highly analytical approach to movement and instruction. Specializing in Pilates for over a decade, I am deeply trained in both classical and contemporary methods, ensuring a well-rounded, resultsdriven practice for my clients and apprentices. What sets me apart, beyond my extensive fitness certifications, is my background in engineering and athletics. This allows me to approach movement with precision and scientific insight. My teaching philosophy is centered on customized instruction, making me an ideal guide for those seeking rehabilitation, athletic conditioning, pain management, or deeper mastery of Pilates.
Fun Facts
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN FITNESS/PILATES?
I began my journey in fitness before the age of 16 as a swim instructor and volunteer coach. Early on, I found joy in helping others improve their strength and conditioning, training friends throughout high school. This passion led me to pursue various fitness certifications, continuously expanding my knowledge. When I discovered Pilates, it completely transformed my understanding of movement and fitness. It challenged everything I thought I knew and deepened my fascination with the body’s capabilities, setting the foundation for my career in training and instruction.
ASIDE FROM PILATES/FITNESS, WHAT ARE SOME FAVORITE HOBBIES?
Fueling my tea and plant obsessions, organizing and re-organizing, and spending time with my amazing family and fur babies.
FAVORITE QUOTE
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky
WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED/DRIVES YOU TO CONTINUE PRACTICING?
I stay motivated by continuously expanding my knowledge through education seminars, workshops, and training sessions. Learning from industry experts keeps my passion alive and challenges me to refine my practice. One of my greatest influences is Sonje Mayo, a second-generation Pilates master who trained directly under Joseph Pilates. Her expertise and insight continue to inspire and deepen my understanding of Pilates.
Maddie Stein
PILATES INSTRUCTOR
About Me
Originally from San Diego, I left home at 16 to pursue a career in ballet and danced professionally for eight years. Since then, I’ve taught ballet and Pilates across the Midwest and in New York City. My family and I relocated to Stonington in August 2023 after spending the last 11 years in the Midwest.
Fun Facts
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN FITNESS/PILATES?
As a professional ballet dancer, I found Pilates to be a valuable cross-training tool. Inspired by its benefits, I completed comprehensive mat and apparatus classes to become a certified instructor
WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED/DRIVES YOU TO CONTINUE PRACTICING?
I have a longtime passion for movement and exercise, and I love helping my clients experience the benefits of Pilates in both workouts and everyday life. My goal is to keep you challenged, engaged, and having fun!
ASIDE FROM PILATES/FITNESS, WHAT ARE SOME FAVORITE HOBBIES?
I’m a bit of a Francophile and a Swiftie, so you can imagine my excitement when I got to see Taylor Swift in Paris TWICE this past spring. When I’m not in the studio I am spending time with my daughters, Margaux (6) and Charlotte (9). We love to explore New England and spend time with our pets at home!
FAVORITE QUOTE
“Change happens through movement, and movement heals.” – Joseph Pilates
Raoul Miller
PILATES INSTRUCTOR
About Me
My partner Kim and I moved to Stonington nine years ago from New York City. Before retiring, I was a tech manager and consultant. Before that, I was a professor of geography and geology and a research scientist. I’ve lived and worked in six countries and eight US states. I’ve visited every state in the US and every province and territory in Canada. I’ve been practicing Pilates for over eight years—before and after a hip replacement.
Fun Facts
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN FITNESS/PILATES?
I’ve been active all my life and have accumulated plenty of injuries along the way--including a hip replacement and spinal surgery.I love that Pilates is adaptable to all levels and can be made more (or less) challenging no matter how strong and flexible you are.
WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED/DRIVES YOU TO CONTINUE PRACTICING?
As you get older, you need to stay as strong and flexible as possible and improve your balance. Pilates helps with all of these, with the added benefit that learning and mastering new skills and movements is an important mental exercise too. I enjoy the challenge of trying to get the movements just right, and the physical benefits that result.
ASIDE FROM PILATES/FITNESS, WHAT ARE SOME FAVORITE HOBBIES?
I enjoy walking with my dog, traveling to cold and remote places, sea kayaking, skiing, and spending time with family and friends all over the world.
FAVORITE QUOTE
“If your spine is inflexibly stiff at thirty, you are old; if it is completely flexible at sixty you are young.” – Joseph Pilates
Anna Gibbons
FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
About Me
I teach a variety of classes, including personal training, and am passionate about staying fit and achieving fitness goals. My certifications include Pilates, aqua aerobics, TRX training, spin classes, personal training, group step, and more. Though originally from Connecticut, as an Army wife, I’ve moved seventeen times and have lived in many places across the US, including North Carolina, DC, and Hawaii.
Fun Facts
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN FITNESS/PILATES?
I’ve worked in the fitness industry for over 34 years and have competed in the Fitness Atlantic WBFF every year for almost 10 years. I started competing in my 50s and now help as a judge.
WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED/DRIVES YOU TO CONTINUE PRACTICING?
I’m always interested in learning new things about health and fitness, and I enjoy experimenting with healthy recipes at home.
ASIDE FROM PILATES/FITNESS, WHAT ARE SOME FAVORITE HOBBIES?
I enjoy traveling with my husband (of 42 years!) and spending time with my family, including a son, daughter, and four grandkids.
FAVORITE QUOTE
“Change happens through movement, and movement heals.” – Joseph Pilates
Elyse Ejzak
STUDIO MANAGER & INSTRUCTOR
About Me
I’m a retired classical ballet dancer, and I’ve incorporated Pilates into my dance and fitness training for over twenty years. Having previously owned a bridal boutique in Mystic, CT where I grew up, I also have a strong knowledge of business management and operations. Previously, I studied Social Science and Environmental Studies at Fordham University Lincoln Center.
Fun Facts
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN FITNESS/PILATES?
I’m a retired classical ballet dancer and have incorporated Pilates into my dance and fitness training for over twenty years. I also enjoy dance cardio, Barre fitness, and HIIT workouts.
WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED/DRIVES YOU TO CONTINUE PRACTICING?
I’m passionate for fitness and wellness! I feel energized and aligned after each class and focused workout. I also enjoy teaching and helping others achieve their goals while really understanding correct movement.
ASIDE FROM PILATES/FITNESS, WHAT ARE SOME FAVORITE HOBBIES?
I am a mom to two little girls, as well as a collie. I love traveling with my family, and I never miss a beach day in the summer!
FAVORITE QUOTE
“Every moment of your life can be the beginning of great things.” – Joseph Pilates
Alex McFarland
STUDIO MANAGER
About Me
I’m a long-time health and fitness enthusiast, as well as a hiker, runner, lifter, and lover of outdoor adventures. When I’m not at the studio, you might find me in the weight room, out on a trail, or paddleboarding. I am also a dog-walker/sitter and freelance writer! I love dogs and have a pitbull named Nanny.
Fun Facts
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN FITNESS/PILATES?
I played hockey in high school and college. To stay in shape off the ice, I started running. I trained for an off-road marathon in Flagstaff, AZ, but after sustaining an injury, I started weight training instead.
WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED/DRIVES YOU TO CONTINUE PRACTICING?
I just love being active. Don’t get me wrong; I’m a total couch potato, too! But nothing feels as good as a nice run, hike, or hard workout (especially if there’s a PR!)
ASIDE FROM PILATES/FITNESS, WHAT ARE SOME FAVORITE HOBBIES?
I’m a bit of a bookworm and love to curl up in a coffee shop with a good book or notebook to read or write. I also love music, especially hard rock and metal. Summertimes, you might find me out on the water on my paddle board.
FAVORITE QUOTE
“In three words, I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on.” – Robert Frost
Zoë Banks
STUDIO MANAGER
About Me
I am an emerging dance artist and alumna of Salve Regina University with a B.A in dance and psychology. I just recently moved back home to Connecticut from Calgary, AB where I completed Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ professional training program. I hold comprehensive customer service experience and am passionate about providing people with access to movement that strengthens and heals.
Fun Facts
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN FITNESS/PILATES?
I have been dancing for most of my life and have found pilates to be a great way to supplement my training and provide vital knowledge on body mechanics/organization.
WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED/DRIVES YOU TO CONTINUE PRACTICING?
I believe that we are never done learning and hope to always keep amplifying my skills and technique.
ASIDE FROM PILATES/FITNESS, WHAT ARE SOME FAVORITE HOBBIES?
I enjoy floral design/gardening, being by the ocean, and listening to music (my favorite genres include jazz and all things 70's). I also play the guitar and drums!
FAVORITE QUOTE
“Go within every day and find the inner strength so that the world will not blow your candle out” – Katherine Dunham
Shannon Gray
PILATES INSTRUCTOR
About Me
I combine my extensive knowledge of anatomy and movement as a Physical Therapist with Pilates to create a supportive environment for clients to reconnect with their bodies. I studied Exercise Physiology at the University of New Hampshire before earning my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the Sage Colleges in Upstate New York. With my 15+ year background in movement, rehabilitation, and injury prevention, I am able to weave this knowledge into my teaching methodology to create a supportive Pilates experience. I completed my Comprehensive Pilates training and certification with Polestar Pilates in 2018, and I’m excited to continue guiding others on their journey toward strength, balance, and resilience.
Fun Facts
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN FITNESS/PILATES?
I always enjoyed being active throughout my life and first found a deeper mind-body relationship through practicing yoga, however, I always felt something was missing. It wasn’t until I stepped into Alisha’s studio and took my first Reformer class did everything seem to click in my body. Being on the Reformer opened up a deeper internal connection with the resistance of the springs and the supportive way I was able to find more length and strength in my body.
WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED/DRIVES YOU TO CONTINUE PRACTICING?
I've always had a passion for the mind-body connection in exercise, but it wasn’t until I walked into a Pilates class with Alisha that I discovered the perfect balance of strength and flexibility my body needed. That experience shifted my approach to movement, and now I focus on using Pilates to elevate rehabilitation and expand into wellness—helping my clients experience the same sense of inner power and strength that Pilates has given me.
ASIDE FROM PILATES/FITNESS, WHAT ARE SOME FAVORITE HOBBIES?
I love spending time outside- hiking with my Germain Shorthaired Pointer, putting my feet in the grass, or sitting by the water. You will always find me drinking tea any time of day. I enjoy spending time with my partner cooking or doing projects around the house.
FAVORITE QUOTE
“Happiness is found in the darkest of times if only one remembers to turn on the light” – Albus Dumbledore
Jamie Towle
PILATES INSTRUCTOR
About Me
I have been teaching mat Pilates and barre classes with Body by Bliss since 2018. I received my Pilates mat certification through the Physicalmind Institute and completed my RYT-200 hours with Yogafit. Since 2005, I have taught various Pilates, spin, yoga, and Zumba classes in Worcester, MA and New Haven, CT. I love to combine my dance, yoga, and Pilates background into a dynamic class that focuses on all aspects of body conditioning. Over the years, Pilates has made other forms of exercise more accessible, but given the choice I always come back to my first love: Pilates mat classes.
Fun Facts
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN FITNESS/PILATES?
I began taking Pilates as part of my ballet training as a company member at Southern NH Youth Ballet in Bedford, New Hampshire. Pilates became my passion as I loved the strength, flexibility, and endurance gained from my practice.
WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED/DRIVES YOU TO CONTINUE PRACTICING?
After studying Pilates for over 20 years, I continue to practice because of how it makes my body and mind feel. It is a way to decompress from my hectic academic “real” job, but it also supports my body as I age. As a former dancer, Pilates keeps my body functioning to prevent injury, and I always find ways to keep the practice challenging.
ASIDE FROM PILATES/FITNESS, WHAT ARE SOME FAVORITE HOBBIES?
I am a professor at Rhode Island College, where I teach chemistry courses and run a federally funded research laboratory exploring the chemical biology of melanoma and cancer. I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter and our menagerie of cats, dog, bunny, and chickens. I also volunteer at a cat shelter and am a “pie lady” at my local church.
FAVORITE QUOTE
“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.” – Joseph Pilates