Our Team
Joanne Lacascia
Founder of Puresoul Pilates | Certified Instructor | Wellness Advocate
Joanne Lacascia is the founder of Puresoul Pilates, a certified Pilates instructor, and a passionate advocate for holistic wellness with over 20 years of experience. She completed 900 hours of comprehensive teacher training in the classical Pilates system through Harmonious Pilates, including an in-depth apprenticeship. Joanne is also Pink Ribbon Certified and a Menopause Coach, specializing in mindful movement and personalized wellness for women at every stage of life.
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With a background in business and health administration from Hofstra University, Joanne blends real-world experience with a deep commitment to body-mind balance. She continues to expand her knowledge through ongoing education and cross-training with master instructors from various Pilates lineages.
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Rooted in compassion, strength, and connection, Joanne works with clients across Long Island, offering private sessions, group classes, and corporate wellness programs. Whether you're new to Pilates or looking to deepen your practice, Joanne will meet you where you are—with care, clarity, and purpose.
Marilyn Gusmano | Master Pilates Instructor
Marilyn Gusmano’s path to teach movement began at an early age! From elementary through high school, she performed and competed with N.Y. State’s top gymnastics teams and elite dance companies, acquiring numerous awards. Her experiences and continued advancements qualified her for the vigorous collegiate dance programs at Old Dominion University of VA and California State University of Long Beach CA. After earning her Elementary Education degree at Dowling College, NY, she went on to teach and coach kickline and dance in both New York and Florida School Districts.
In 2000, Marilyn embarked on the study of Classical Pilates, experiencing first hand classes and trainings with some of the world’s most notable teachers. These experiences propelled her to achieve her first Mat Certification in 2002 from the Physical Mind Institute, the IM=X Pilates Mat Certification in 2003, and the IM=X Reformer Certification in 2004, and the Polestar Pilates Reformer/Allegro Certification in 2006. To further advance herself in this rehabilitative approach, she continued to mentor under Susan Ortiz-Montugno, while completing her apprentice hours at South Shore Neurological Associates. This and achieving 550 hours of extensive practice and study, ultimately entitled her to earn Polestar’s Pilates Studio/Rehab Comprehensive Certification in 2009. Most recently she spent 10 years as the principal instructor at Gold Coast Pilates and assistant educator to Tattiana Gandolfo, BBU Faculty for the Balance Body Instructor Training and Certification Program.
In addition to Marilyn’s extensive background in fitness, dance, Pilates and fitness modeling, she holds multiple certifications: A.F.A.A. Group Fitness Instructor, A.F.A.A. Advanced Personal Trainer, Balance Body Barre, Aquatics, Dance Coach and CPR. Her attributes in Pilates and ballet, while mentoring under Molly Weeks, has also led her to become Long Island’s first BalleCore Instructor.
Marilyn’s qualifications, passion and dedicated coaching has helped train and inspire many students to become certified Pilates instructors. Currently, she brings over 23 years of Pilates instruction, choreography skills and her enthusiasm to the PureSoul Pilates Team.
Laura Bonelli | Pilates Instructor
Laura’s near decade-long passion for Pilates first started on a transformer herself, as a client recovering from breast cancer. She now continues that passion as a Pilates instructor. Laura loves helping her clients overcome obstacles to meet their physical, mental, and individual needs. Her certifications include: Building Better Bones, The Pink Ribbon Program and Pilates for Neurological Conditions.She’s no stranger to obstacles herself, being diagnosed with Celiac disease, Osteoporosis and Breast Cancer. One of her passions is helping other cancer survivors, as they go through their process of recovery.
Jennifer | Pilates Instructor
Jennifer has been a Pilates practitioner for over 20 years. She has a fully comprehensive Pilates instructor certification through PhysicalMind Institute and regularly attends continuing education workshops with The Pilates Standard International. Jennifer enjoys teaching group classes and private sessions where she helps clients gain strength and flexibility based on the classical method.
Marguerite | Pilates Instructor
Marguerite has been a fitness enthusiast her entire life. Seeking to add variety to her fitness routine, she took a private Pilates session and was hooked. After practicing Pilates for several years she became a classically trained certified instructor in 2005 and had worked at multiple studios across Long Island. “It’s exciting to witness the evolution of the practice and how other forms of fitness and functional movement are fused into traditional Pilates.
"I believe that Pilates can benefit everyone from athletes to those looking to begin a fitness routine.”
In addition to Pilates, Marguerite is a menopause lifestyle and weight loss practitioner advocating for wellness and movement to ease menopausal symptoms and promote longevity.
Michelle | Pilates Instructor
Michelle is a dedicated Pilates instructor with a deep passion for helping others build strength, balance, and mindfulness through movement. After experiencing several personal health challenges, she discovered Pilates in January 2020. Unlike other forms of exercise that left her feeling depleted or in pain, Pilates offered her a sense of healing and empowerment. This transformative experience inspired her to pursue certification through the Club Pilates Teacher Training program, which she completed in May 2023.
Her teaching philosophy is rooted in a holistic approach to fitness. She emphasizes the mind-body connection and is committed to helping each client develop a strong, balanced, and functional body. Whether working with beginners or experienced practitioners, Michelle strives to create a supportive and uplifting environment where clients leave each session feeling stronger, more centered, and empowered.
Christina | Pilates Instructor
From her very first Pilates class at The American Ballet Theater summer intensive in New York City, Christina knew it was something she wanted to keep in her life. She loved how it made her feel strong and confident in her dancing. While earning her dance degree at Adelphi University, Pilates became a weekly part of her training—and quickly became one of her favorite classes. After graduation, she pursued certification and has now been teaching Pilates for six years and barre for five. For her, these classes are more than just a workout—they're a lifestyle, a mindset, and her North Star. She’s thrilled to be part of the studio and looks forward to supporting others on their wellness journeys.
She is certified in Matt. Pilates and Barre
Krista | Pilates Instructor
Krista has been teaching fitness classes for over thirty years. Her certifications include: Yoga-Fit, 200 Hour Yoga Alliance, Kane School Mat Pilates, IMX Studio Reformer, Booty Barre, Bender Ball Method, Spin, and is certified through the Club Pilates Bridge Program. Krista also recently retired as a high school health teacher after thirty years and now enjoys spending her retirement teaching Sculpt, Pilates, and Yoga classes. She loves what she does and always brings high energy and enthusiasm to her classes.
Heather | Pilates Instructor
Heather is a passionate Pilates instructor dedicated to helping individuals build strength, flexibility, and mindfulness through movement. Her approach emphasizes proper form, alignment, and breath, fostering a positive, supportive environment where clients can connect with their bodies and feel empowered in every movement.
After discovering Pilates, Heather became certified and began teaching classes for all levels. She believes Pilates is for everyone, whether recovering from an injury or seeking to improve overall fitness. Heather tailors each class to meet participants' needs, ensuring a safe and effective workout.
Alongside her Pilates career, Heather is a mother of three energetic boys, balancing family life with her work as a high school ENL teacher. Her passion for teaching and learning extends beyond Pilates as she strives to inspire others to live with vitality and purpose.
Jessica | Studio Manager
Jessica LaCascia brings a deep passion for wellness and a strong commitment to customer service to her role as Studio Manager at PureSoul Pilates.
With a Bachelor's degree in Corporate Wellness Management, Jessica is dedicated to creating a seamless and supportive experience for every client—from helping them choose the right class to encouraging them throughout their fitness journey.
As a proud mother of two young children, she embodies a lifestyle rooted in health, balance, and family. Whether you're attending a class or simply dropping by, Jessica’s mission is to make everyone feel welcome, valued, and truly part of the PureSoul Pilates community.
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Rebecca | Front Desk
Rebecca Schaarschmidt is a certified yoga instructor specializing in Vinyasa flow. She also offers private yoga sessions and leads her signature workshop, Restorative Serenade — a calming, music-infused experience designed to soothe the nervous system through supported postures and live healing music.
In addition to her yoga and wellness work, Rebecca works at the front desk of PureSoul Pilates and is a full-time music educator. She brings her passion for movement, music and wellness into everything she does, creating thoughtful, grounding experiences for both body and mind.
You’ll often find her around the studio — welcoming you at the front desk, leading special pop-up yoga classes, or guiding wellness, meditation, and music healing sessions with heart and intention.
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