Welcome to The Studio Upstate, where movement meets inspiration! Founded by Zoe, a passionate advocate for fitness and wellness, our space is designed to empower you on your journey to becoming your best self. With a rich background in yoga, Pilates, and dynamic dance forms like aerial and fire arts, Zoe brings a unique blend of energy and expertise to every class. Join us as we celebrate joy of movement and motivate each other to reach for the stars!

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Registered Yoga Teacher 200 E, Group Fitness certified, 500 hr Pilates certification, Pre/Postnatal Pilates Specialist with emphasis on Diastasis Recovery and Pelvic Floor Health

A recent transplant from Malibu to the North Country, Stephanie Koff brings the classical Pilates tradition to The Studio Upstate. A veteran instructor and founder of Level 6 Studios, Stephanie worked exclusively for private clients in the entertainment industry and established one of the first Pilates teacher-training studios in Los Angeles in the late 1990s. Stephanie was so delighted to discover such a wonderful studio in her new home, that she is stepping out of retirement after a long hiatus to teach again.

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Gratz Pilates Level 5 certified, Pilates Technique and Aerial Arts certified​

Laura's movement journey started with hiking, martial arts, and instructing cardio kickboxing. After becoming a member of The Studio she discovered a passion for pole dancing and Pilates. She is excited to be able to contribute to The Studio by providing members with conditioning classes that can be an integral part of any fitness routine.

Sarah was first introduced to Reformer Pilates several years ago while living in Southern California and instantly connected with the practice. After learning there was a local studio in Lake Placid, Sarah rediscovered her love for the discipline and it quickly became a central part of her health and fitness routine. Consistently practicing Pilates has allowed her to focus on mindful movement, maintaining mobility and strength as a foundation for healthy aging. 

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250 hour certification with The Studio Upstate

Marissa aka Tiger Lily grew up in Northern California and started her life in a dance studio at the age of 3. She has studied ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, Brazilian, African, belly dance and modern dance. She spent 15 years as a company dancer, associate choreographer, junior company director and studio manager for The Movement Alliance Dance Theatre Company. She eventually found her way to creating the Bow-tie Beauties Burlesque Troupe and joined the Beyond Fire Tribe, a fire performance collective. Previous Pilates trainer and studio manager of Center of Movement, Functional Fitness Studio. Marissa has been a dance instructor for the past 20 years and also teaches at The Dance Sanctuary in Saranac Lake.

500-hour Pilates certified through ITT Pilates

Jessika is a teacher, choreographer, and international belly dancer. She trained in Venezuela at the National Pro Art Institute and has danced with companies such as Saida Bellydance and Amir Thaleb in Argentina. as well as Diva Darina in Ukraine. Jessika holds a degree in choreographic composition which inspired her to become the director of the Arabian Dance Studio Academy in 2009. She performs all over the world and enjoys traveling for seminars, workshops, and special live events! 

Growing up in St. Paul, Minnesota, Emma began Pilates as a teenager as a way to help manage chronic pain. The practice allowed her to continue doing the things she loved- dancing, skiing, and hiking!  After realizing her passion for teaching while working as a ski instructor at Snowbird, she pursed a Masters degree in Teaching and went on to work as an elementary educator in Utah for over a decade.  In 2025, Emma earned her 100-hour Hot Pilates teaching certification through True North Yoga Studio, and taught both mobility and sculpt-style classes in Salt Lake City before moving to Lake Placid with her husband.  She is excited to bring her passion for building strength, mobility, and connection to The Studio and become a part of such an amazing community. 

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100 hour Pilates Certified