We can’t wait to work with you

We’re Here to Help You Feel Great

  • OWNER/FOUNDER

    Meet Wendy – a City Islander, film and TV costume designer, mom, and Pilates and yoga enthusiast for over two decades. Inspired by the tenacious demands of work and the joyful chaos of motherhood, Wendy's mission to create The Pearl stems from a deep desire to offer a haven where people can get their bodies moving, building strength to navigate the ebb and flow of daily life.

    The Pearl is Wendy's love letter to City Island and her physical practice. Her vision for the studio is rooted in the transformative power of movement. Wendy recognized the need for a beautiful and zen space prioritizing personal well-being while fostering a supportive and inclusive community. Built on the principles of Yin and Yang, The Pearl acknowledges the Yang energy of work, city life, and parenthood, while emphasizing the importance of adding some Yin to our lives – taking moments to catch our breath and do something just for ourselves. Wendy believes that incorporating low-impact and chill practices like yoga and Pilates can enhance our lives by promoting happiness and functional movement - if you can do a teaser, being on your feet at work all day is a breeze.

    🌊🐚✨

    Get in touch

  • MAT + REFORMER PILATES

    Gloria is a longtime enthusiast, practitioner, and teacher of The Pilates Method.

    She received her full certificate from  Power Pilates NYC, where she studied and practiced under the guidance of Second Generation master teachers Peter Roël, Phoebie Higgins, and Susan Moran.

    She first discovered Pilates upon her arrival in New York City in the nineties while studying dance at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance. One day, she borrowed a rare book from the school library titled The Pilates Method of Physical and Mental Conditioning. The more she studied and practiced it, the more passionate she became, ultimately earning her certification first in the Mat and later in the Full program.

    Her classes focus on the mind-body connection to learn how to initiate each movement from the core outward, creating stability to achieve strength and flexibility while breathing with ease.

    She is eager to share her knowledge and her belief that Pilates is for everyone. Whether you are a dancer or a complete novice to exercise, young or old, you will feel and appreciate the benefits of this training as its principles become ingrained in your everyday movements.

  • CLIENT CARE

  • LEAD CLIENT CARE

  • MAT + REFORMER PILATES

    Michelle Mercedes is a movement educator and Pilates instructor with over a decade of experience in dance, fitness, and body-aware training. She specializes in precise, injury-informed Pilates instruction that supports strength, alignment, and long-term movement health. Michelle brings a thoughtful and empowering approach to working with clients of all backgrounds and experience levels.

  • LITTLE BALLET, BALLET BARRE

    Kathleen started dancing when she was 2 1/2 years old. She attended Talent Unlimited High School in Manhattan where she trained with professionals from the Martha Graham Dance Company, Paul Taylor Dance Company, and New York City Ballet. Kathleen went on to attend Iona College where she was a member of the Dance Team for 4 years. During her time on the dance team she  performed at Barclays Center, Nassau Coliseum, Madison Square Garden and traveled to two NCAA Basketball Tournaments. Kathleen has been teaching dance for over 10 years and has earned several awards for her choreography. 

  • PILATES REFORMER, PILATES MAT, & SEALEGS SENIOR YOGA

    Meet Ana Maria - originally from Venezuela and now proudly calls New York City her home. Ana Maria received her Reformer certification in Venezuela and has studied Pilates, Yoga, and Sports Nutrition. She has over eight years of teaching experience.

    Ana Maria comes to The Pearl excited to share her expertise and knowledge with you. ¡Get inspired and move/ Inspírate y muévete!

  • STUDIO MANAGER, MAT & REFORMER PILATES

    Born in New York and raised in Brazil, Luna has always lived through movement - starting with ballet and gymnastics, flowing through years of capoeira, and exploring the artistry of pole-fitness before ultimately discovering Pilates. A newly certified Pilates instructor and current studio manager, she brings both precision and passion to her teachings, helping clients explore balanced strength, graceful movement and mindful alignment.

    Luna’s varied background - from working as a veterinary assistant and teaching languages in Montessori environments, to contributing to marine science non‑profit projects - has taught her adaptability, empathy and a playful spirit. Whether leading a class, organizing studio life, or supporting community well‑being, she combines professionalism with creativity, encouraging students to move with curiosity, confidence and heart.

  • REFORMER PILATES

    Sireena was introduced to Pilates fifteen years ago while rehabilitating a serious back injury made worse by a sedentary lifestyle courtesy of corporate finance. She fell in love with the mind-body connection in Pilates and its ability to help her to effectively reduce pain, manage and relieve stress. 

    Sireena received her Pilates Mat & Comprehensive Reformer certification through Equinox. She's also a certified Vinyasa Yoga instructor.

    Sireena’s classes implement breathing techniques and focus on alignment with a deep emphasis on core and balance.  She also loves to learn about the human body and is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for students of all levels.

  • YOGA + KIDS’ YOGA

    Meet Stephanie! Stephanie received her 200 hour Registered Yoga Training from Absolute Yoga on Long Island, and has been teaching a refined-flow style of yoga since 2015. Her classes reflect a unique combination of Anusara - an alignment based practice and Prana Flow - an energetic, creative flow that moves with the breath. Additionally, Stephanie is a Yogi Beans certified children's yoga teacher so she's sure to bring the element of playfulness to all of her classes! 

    During her time teaching yoga, she became interested in diving deeper into the study of body mechanics, anatomical principles, and safe movements for all. In 2018, Stephanie earned her degree and became a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and soon began her career at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. In 2022, she earned her title as a Senior PTA based on the depth of her clinical skills, her ability to provide the highest quality of care to her patients, and her ability to cover all services in the hospital including pediatrics, orthopedics, neurology, and transplant. Stephanie has a passion for working with both the adult and pediatric populations, always striving to find creative ways to integrate her yoga training into her PT sessions. 

  • MAT + REFORMER PILATES

    With 500 hours of mat and apparatus training through Good Life Experience Pilates, Milagros brings a deep understanding of anatomy and movement to her teaching, enhanced by her background in bodywork. As a proud Bronx native, she loves teaching Pilates in the community that shaped her. Her approach emphasizes building physical strength, flexibility, and a greater awareness of the body’s wisdom. Specializing in spine issues like thoracic outlet syndrome and stenosis, Milagros is dedicated to helping clients reconnect with their bodies through mindful movement, fostering a more empowered and connected way of life.

  • BELLYDANCE + FULL BODY BOOGIE DOWN, MAT + REFORMER PILATES EN ESPANOL

    Jennifer is a City Islander of Argentinean/American descent who is passionate about Arabic dance and culture. She began her training in Arabic dance over 15 years ago, dedicating endless hours to perfecting her technique and understanding the cultural richness of each movement. She graduated as a teacher from CIM dance school in Argentina. Over the years, Jenn has had the privilege of studying with some of the most respected masters in Bellydance. Each learning experience has enriched her understanding of Arabic dance, allowing her to explore various styles and approaches, from traditional to contemporary, of this beautiful ancient art form.

    Jennifer now also offers some of NYC’s only mat and Reformer Pilates in taught in Spanish.

  • CLIENT CARE, PILATES TEACHER TRAINEE

  • CLIENT CARE + OPERATIONS MANAGER

    Originally from Alabama, Teyonna is a performer, model, and lifelong lover of the arts. With a background in dance, theater, and movement, she is passionate about creating spaces where people feel welcomed, supported, and inspired.

    A vegan for over a decade, Teyonna has a deep appreciation for wellness and believes that caring for ourselves extends beyond the studio walls. Whether she’s taking a dance class, practicing yoga, reading a good book, or exploring new ways to live well, she’s always drawn to experiences that foster growth, creativity, and connection.

    At The Pearl, Teyonna loves helping cultivate a warm and uplifting environment where everyone can move, breathe, and feel at home.

  • CLIENT CARE

  • CLIENT CARE

  • PILATES MAT

    DaJuan, originally from Paterson, NJ and now based in NYC, has an extensive background in dance and movement. A graduate of The Joffrey Ballet School’s Jazz and Contemporary program, they bring a deep understanding of body awareness, precision, and performance to everything they do.

    Certified by Power Pilates NYC and having trained under celebrity fitness trainer Tracy Anderson, DaJuan blends their dance expertise with functional strength, balance, and mindful conditioning. Their holistic approach to movement emphasizes alignment, mobility, and longevity for the body.

    Their performance career includes an Off-Broadway debut in Fate Still Rests and appearances at the legendary Apollo Theatre. DaJuan has performed alongside artists such as Madonna, Todrick Hall, Jonte Moaning, Victor Jackson, MK XYZ, and Spike Lee, and appeared on Rhythm and Flow with Cardi B and Full Frontal with Samantha Bee on TBS.

    Their film work includes the award-winning West of Frank, which premiered in London, Barcelona, Berlin, and NYC at Regal Cinemas, and the Grammy Award-winning Honey Dijon’s HouseNation Campaign.

    DaJuan is an inaugural cohort member of GLAAD’s Black Queer Creative Summit, a signed model with OnyxUnity, a devoted educator, competition judge, and master teacher. They also star as “Kai” in Natives: The Series.

  • YOGA, MAT PILATES + REFORMER PILATES

    Amy is a group fitness instructor, registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and a comprehensive Pilates instructor with 300 hours of accredited training through EYT.   Amy has been teaching at The Pearl since opening day.  

    She and her husband Paolo raised their two boys on City Island and now reside in New Rochelle.  Amy found yoga and Pilates during early motherhood, was inspired by the profound physical and mental benefits and has been teaching mindful movement for over ten years.  Her classes blend functional strength with thoughtful sequencing and include modifications for all fitness levels.  She loves to challenge her students, to help them gain strength & mobility and connect more closely with their bodies.   Her specialties include Yoga Sculpt, Reformer Pilates, Classic Pilates Mat & Restorative Yoga.   

    In her spare time, Amy enjoys hiking, skiing, rock climbing & swimming as well as any chance to immerse herself in nature.  Amy hosts the seaside Sunset Yoga workshop on City Island and enjoys hosting mini retreats in local state parks and the opportunity to share the gift of movement with the community in a beautiful location.

    Amy believes it’s never too late to seek health & wellness and hopes to make yoga and Pilates accessible to all.  

  • MAMA/MINI STRENGTH + STRETCH

    Justine is a certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor and founder of Move With Justine. She is also prenatal and postnatal certified, specializing in programs that support women through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. A passionate advocate for women’s health, Justine designs classes that help mothers feel confident, strong, and supported during every stage of motherhood. After becoming a mom herself, Justine was inspired to create Strength in Bloom, a series of classes that blend strength training, mobility, and intentional movement with the realities of parenting. She believes fitness should feel accessible, joyful and restorative — especially for mothers balancing new routines. In addition to her fitness work, Justine is the founder of Eternal With Love, a small business dedicated to holistic self-care. Her handmade soaps, seamoss gels and wellness products are crafted to nourish both body and spirit, encouraging moms to embrace daily rituals of self-love and care.

  • STUDIO MANAGER, MAT + REFORMER PILATES

    Jennifer was born into the hustle and bustle of the diverse melting pot, Jackson Heights, Queens. From youth she was thrust into the quick paced “keep up or fall behind” approach of New York City. Amidst balancing acting, cosmetic art, and nursing classes, Jennifer started to experience the burnout that many busy New Yorkers experience. Being introduced to Pilates gave her the mental break she needed, restoring her peace, and introducing her to a lifelong passion for movement, health, and personal growth. Jennifer has learned everything that she knows from The Pearl’s wonderful Pilates instructors and is receiving her certification through The Pearl’s collaboration with EYT. She hopes to help you find your peace of mind through mindful movement!

  • PILATES REFORMER, PERINATAL PILATES

    Chandel is a comprehensively certified Pilates instructor and a certified Personal Trainer. Also specializing in pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise and working as a birth and postpartum doula — supporting women through every stage of life with movement, care, and community.

    Her teaching style blends precision with encouragement — she’ll challenge you to work hard while always making sure you feel supported and connected to your body.

    When she not teaching, you’ll usually find Chandel cooking, traveling (New Orleans is my favorite city), or spending time with her family. Chandel is happily married and the proud mom of a college sophomore.

  • COMMUNITY YOGA CLASS, POWER YOGA

    Cedric is a 200hr certified yoga instructor, who completed his training at Free To Be Power Yoga in New Orleans. He recently moved to New York in 2024, and has been committed to bringing yoga to his community. When he's not teaching or practicing yoga, he enjoys spending time with his dogs Reese and Junior, and taking photographs on his film camera.

  • CLIENT CARE, YOGA

    Reggie, born and raised in New York (Washington Heights!), has enjoyed movement in various forms for most of her life. Her wellness journey grew when she started working the front desk at a boutique yoga studio. As a studio manager, she witnessed the power of community in wellness and was in awe. During the pandemic in 2020, she pursued her yoga teacher certification through Yoga Blue Fitness and continued her personal practice. Whenever she stepped on the mat, she realized how much she needed to move and check in with her body. Noticing the lasting calming effects off the mat, she wished to provide that to others. Currently earning her Mat Pilates certification, she strives to cultivate a warm, grounding, and accessible atmosphere in her classes. Outside of the studio, she enjoys writing fiction, cooking, and spoiling her two cats, Cosmo and Wanda.

  • MAT PILATES

    As a proud Bronx native and certified Pilates instructor, Kasey is dedicated to building and fostering community through wellness and movement. Growing up as a life-long student athlete, she found Pilates through a sports related injury and quickly shifted the way approached movement. Practicing pilates allowed her to begin moving intentionally, while focusing on building sustainable, functional strength. Aside from practicing and teaching Pilates, Kasey is studying to become a future public interest attorney, where my goals are relatively the same. She places significant value in pouring into those around her, to help each others feel more balanced, empowered, and supported in various aspects of life. Kasey is honored to lead others in our community towards becoming stronger versions of themselves.

  • CLIENT CARE

  • COMMUNITY CLASS, PILATES TEACHER TRAINEE

    Yomairi is a holistic spiritual guide, herbal apprentice, 200 RYT Yoga instructor, Pilates apprentice, and founder of Blooming Soul. Raised between the United States and the Dominican Republic, her journey has been one of bridging two worlds to discover her truest self. She is here to guide you in cultivating a deeper relationship with yourself, embracing the healing power of the earth, and creating moments of stillness to reconnect with your mind, body, and soul. Yomairi offers a sacred space for awakening and nurturing your spirit. Grounded in yoga philosophy, the chakra system, and the elements, all offerings are an invitation to go within and discover the sacredness in everyday life.

  • MAT + REFORMER PILATES

    Adriene is a Second Generation Classical Pilates Instructor, Yoga Therapist, Yoga Instructor, Thai Bodywork Practitioner, Somatic Movement/Manual Therapist (SOMA), Stretching/Flexibility Instructor and Personal Trainer with over 20 years experience teaching Yoga, Pilates, Thai Massage, Yoga Therapy, Assisted Stretching, Movement Therapy and Personal Training.  Adriene was privileged to study directly and extensively for several years with two protégées of Joseph Pilates: the late Romana Kryzanowska, and the late Kathleen Stanford Grant. Adriene holds six full Pilates certifications (3 classical and 3 contemporary) as well as specialty certifications in Pilates for Pregnancy, Scoliosis, Osteoporosis and Rehabilitation.  As a Master Instructor, Personal Trainer and Movement Specialist, Adriene has presented Instructor Certifications, Masterclasses and Workshops in Classical Pilates, Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Functional/Resistance Training, Muscle Release Techniques, Stretching, Flexibility/ Mobility Training and Post-Rehabilitation throughout the United States and abroad for the past fifteen plus years.  Adriene is currently studying Osteopathy and works closely with several Physicians, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, and Physical Therapists in New York City and Westchester, New York. In addition, Adriene works with a variety of Professional Athletes, including football (NFL) & baseball (MLB) players as well as several Hollywood Stars and Professional Musicians. 

    Adriene is also a Multi-certified Yoga Instructor and Yoga Therapist. She is certified in the Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga and Kripalu Styles of Yoga, and holds specialty certifications in Prenatal-postpartum Yoga, Yoga for Scoliosis, Yoga for Osteoporosis, Yoga for Heart Disease & Cancer, Seniors, Thai Yoga Bodywork and Yoga Therapy. Adriene has been extremely successful with hundreds of clients using several types of somatic, energetic, and other bodywork techniques which have been effective in alleviating chronic pain and injury as well as promoting health & wellness. Adriene's interest in, and extensive study of anatomy, biomechanics, yoga therapy, a variety of bodywork techniques and rehabilitation has led to her specializing in working with people with chronic pain and injuries, Seniors, Athletes, Prenatal/Postpartum, Osteoporosis, Heart Disease, Cancer and other special populations. Adriene worked as a Master Spinning Instructor for over four years certifying hundreds of Spinning Instructors throughout the United States. She was also a Master Instructor for Resistaball and Peak Pilates. Adriene is a NYC Marathoner, Competitive Cyclist, Avid Weight Lifter and Classical Pianist who lives in NYC.

    MA, CPT, E-RYT 500, RPYT, SYT, RS, FMT2, CFSS, IMTC, RTP, ST, C-IAYT

  • REFORMER PILATES

    Lily is a classical Pilates instructor with a deep appreciation for the body–mind connection and the restorative power of movement. Before transitioning into Pilates, she spent many years in leadership roles training and guiding teams, an experience that strengthened her ability to support, motivate, and connect with people from all walks of life.

    Her teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that movement can be transformative, not only physically but emotionally. Lily’s sessions are thoughtful, encouraging, and inclusive, with a focus on helping each client develop strength, confidence, and a deeper awareness of their body.

    A longtime resident of City Island, Lily finds inspiration in the area’s natural beauty and close-knit community. Outside the studio, she enjoys music, travel, and exploring culture through film, art, and new places, as well as spending time in nature. These interests inform the calm, curious, and grounded presence she brings to every class.

  • YOGA

    Meet Joann! Joann is a kindergarten teacher and yoga instructor. Joann completed her 200-hour training in 2015 through Awakened Warrior Teacher Training. She is also trained in Kids yoga through Karma Kids. Her passion for yoga, teaching children,  and playing the guitar brings so much joy and purpose to her life! She is so eager to join this beautiful community and continue to make wonderful memories.

  • MAT + REFORMER PILATES

    Denise's journey with Pilates began during a tender chapter of her life - shortly after the birth of her second child, as she stood on the cusp of postpartum anxiety and depression. What she found in her practice was more than movement - it was a daily reset. Inspired by the profound impact it had on her own well-being, Denise pursued formal training and completed a 600-hour classical comprehensive Pilates certification through Beacon Pilates. She now shares this practice with a nurturing, inclusive energy, rooted in her desire to create a space where all bodies and backgrounds feel welcome. As a Latina instructor, she’s passionate about representation and is committed to fostering a Pilates environment that is both kind and empowering. When she’s not teaching, you’ll find Denise exploring the world through travel, cherishing time with her family, devouring audiobooks, and discovering her next favorite meal.

START MOVING, today