At Playa Pilates, our mission is to create a supportive space where mindful movement meets personalized care.

We help individuals build lasting strength, find balance in their bodies, and feel connected — to themselves and to a like-minded community.

Meet the Team

  • Anna Merkel PT | DPT | NCPT

    FOUNDER

    Anna earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from UNF in 2014. It was during an internship at Synergy Studio during PT school that she fell in love with Pilates, both as a practice for herself and for her patients and clients. She became a certified Pilates instructor through Polestar Pilates in 2016, studying under Shelly Power in Miami. She has worked with Lynn Peterson, Senior Polestar Faculty, for the past 8 years, both at Synergy Studio and as a mentor in the Comprehensive Polestar Pilates training courses. She is now thrilled to be an Educator with Polestar Pilates.

    Anna is also a certified Schroth therapist, specializing in scoliosis and hyperkyphosis. She completed the first 9-day training in New York City with Hagit Berdishevsky and the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School in 2019. In 2022 she completed her Schroth certification, becoming an SSOL Schroth Advanced PT. Anna’s knowledge and experience of these spinal conditions makes her an expert in working with people of all ages, from juveniles and adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis to older adults with degenerative scoliosis. She believes that Pilates is an ideal form of exercise for people with spinal conditions and is excited to offer a continuum of care from Schroth physical therapy to group Pilates classes.

    Anna grew up in Atlantic Beach and is so happy to be a part of this wonderful community with Playa Pilates. When she isn’t at the studio she is with her 2 young daughters and husband, ideally at the beach or on a boat!

  • Edwin C | Certified Comprehensive

    INSTRUCTOR

    Edwin was born and raised in Brazil, where he trained in both classical and contemporary dance. His introduction to Pilates came in 2013 while dancing professionally with a company—and it quickly became a passion. He noticed improvements not only in his performance but also in his overall strength and daily movement.

    Inspired by the profound benefits of Pilates, Edwin began a comprehensive Pilates Certification Program and enrolled in a Physical Education degree in 2014. By 2017, after years of studying under Alice Becker—Brazil’s pioneer of Pilates—he was invited to assist her classes at PhysioPilates, the Polestar Brasil Master Center. He continued teaching and assisting there until relocating to the United States in 2019.

    In 2021, Edwin completed another comprehensive Pilates training through Polestar Pilates at Synergy Studio, driven by a desire to teach in English with the same clarity and quality he had developed in Portuguese.

    Today, Edwin’s classes are a thoughtful blend of over a decade of movement experience. Known for his enthusiasm, precision, and supportive energy, he strives to make each session fun, effective, and empowering—helping clients feel stronger, more aligned, and more confident in their bodies.

  • Kylie S | Certified Classical + Mat

    INSTRUCTOR

    Kylie’s journey with movement began in childhood through dance, instilling a deep appreciation for strength, fluidity, and expression. This foundation eventually led her to Yoga and Pilates, where she discovered a practice that builds resilience, balance, and control—both physically and mentally.

    With over a decade of experience as a movement educator - Kylie specializes in Mat & Reformer Pilates, blending her background with a keen focus on alignment, core stability, and functional strength. She earned her Pilates certifications through Balanced Body(mat) and In Balance (Classical Reformer) and also holds certifications in Hatha Yoga, SUP yoga, Aerial sling and Thai Yoga Bodywork

    Her approach is rooted in alignment, breathwork, and classical foundations—guiding students to move with intention, build strength from the inside out, and reconnect to the joy of embodied, mindful movement.

    In every session, Kylie creates a supportive space for students to refine their technique, challenge their limits, and develop a deeper awareness of movement.

    Whether you're new to Pilates or looking to advance your practice, she is dedicated to guiding you toward strength and ease—one mindful movement at a time.

  • Malan D | Certified Balanced Body

    INSTRUCTOR

    Movement has always been Malan’s passion, but it wasn’t until completing her Yoga Teacher Training in Los Angeles that she found her true purpose. The YogaWorks community helped her reconnect with her body and transformed her life—an experience that sparked a deep commitment to helping others discover that same shift.

    Malan is a Certified Pilates Instructor and E-RYT 500 Yoga Teacher with specialties in pre/postnatal movement, injury recovery, scoliosis and back care, yin, and restorative practices. Her strong foundation in body mechanics allows her to guide students with precision, encouraging movement that is intentional, empowering, and joyful.

    She’s known for building a loyal following by blending technical expertise with an intuitive, personalized approach. Whether she’s working with athletes, beginners, or those recovering from injury, Malan’s goal remains the same: to help people feel strong, balanced, and at home in their bodies. She received her formal training with Maria Leone and Balanced Body.

    Outside the studio, you’ll likely find her playing pickleball with her partner Robert, hunting for shark teeth, or hanging out with their dogs, Munch and Fin.