Team

Nofar

Kara

Chris

Brooke

Antonio

Javier

Elizabeth

Kine

Andrea

Ryan

Christine

Alexa

Lauren

Christina

Olivia

Alexandra

Kimberly

Diva

Nicola

Antonia

Andi

Annika

Vika

Hallie

Michael

Maddie

Bridget

Nicole

About Our Team

Each expert instructor is trained individually by Nofar to master her methodology. All our instructors have knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and can help to modify exercises for pre and post-natal adjustments, injuries, or other limitations. Each instructor aims to make sure every class is inspiring, stimulating, and fun while being effective at giving you the shape and performance you want. Our goal is to give every client the personal attention needed to help you achieve your goals. Each instructor will encourage and challenge you to push yourself while remaining loving and supportive. We treat everyone just as we wish to be treated by providing excellent customer service in a welcoming, friendly, and professional environment.

Nofar Hagag

Born in Petah Tikva, Israel, Nofar’s journey into movement began at just seven years old as a competitive swimmer and water polo player. Her talent and fierce determination earned her a place on the Israeli National Water Polo Team and later led to a prestigious role as a fitness instructor in the Israeli Army, where she earned her Pilates certification in 2005 from the Olympic training facility in Israel, Wingate Institute. After completing her military service in 2008, Nofar moved to New York City, and played water polo for the NCAA Division 1 college league, while earning her bachelor and masters degrees in pre-med and psychology and teaching Pilates. Her academic path deepened her understanding of the human body and behavior. For Nofar, the study of human movement is inseparable from the study of human connection. Her greatest take away from her studies is at our core, we all want the same thing to feel seen, acknowledged, and held accountable. On track to become a doctor while teaching Pilates, Nofar saw firsthand the powerful, transformative effects Pilates had on her clients, building their strength, flexibility, mobility, and mental clarity. Over a decade of teaching, she developed a loyal following and refined her unique method. Her purpose became clear: this was her way of healing, helping, and connecting. In 2019, that vision became reality with the launch of Nofar Method. Nofar personally trains every instructor to ensure each class delivers the same intentional, transformative experience. Today, Nofar Method has grown into a respected brand and thriving movement. Nofar brings her fearless energy to every aspect of her work, transforming how people think about health, movement, and themselves. Inspired by her athletic roots and grounded in the belief that real strength begins within, her method focuses on full-body workout in every class so that every part of your body looks and feels organized.

Kara McAndrew

Growing up as a competitive figure skater in Lake Placid NY, Kara’s rigorous training and conditioning led her to take her first pilates class at the very young age of ten, and she has been going strong ever since. What Kara loves best about Nofar Method is its dynamic, full-body workout that emphasises athletic and innovative movements that never get boring and deliver AMAZING results! As a mom of two, she’s especially skilled in pre and post natal pregnancy modifications and as veteran trainer at Nofar Method, she’s 100 percent Pilates passionate and delivers an unabashed class in strength, stretch, stamina, and stability – a total workout with core control every time. You’ll leave each class feeling accomplished, fit and, quite possibly, even taller.

Chris Taruc

Having studied pilates for nearly two decades, under direct tutelage of Nofar, Chris has all the personality, passion, and power to take your pilates practice through the stratosphere and deliver cosmic results! Be ready, his favorite moves are pike and plank. There are no shortcuts and he will have you work for every second of it – BUT your transformation will be well worth it! For those in need of an extra power boost, enroll in his Nofar Method Ninja class. You’ll enjoy the same fun, welcoming, high-energy dynamism of his regular class but with stealthy sets mixed in for a leveled-up burn. Things overheard after a Chris class, “Srsly, what did I just do?.. I don’t know but I LOVED every second!” to “I thought I knew Pilates until RN!” to “He IS the best”…or, of course, just the sweet sound of exasperated breaths. Ready to unlock your body’s own brilliance and radiate like a star? Be sure to advance-book a coveted spot.

Brooke Rosenholtz

Brooke grew up on the go, adrenalized by high-intensity sports and workouts. The routine, although exhilarating, eventually caught up to her and led to never-ending back pain. Her quest for relief took her on a mega tour of nearly every gym and methodology NYC had to offer until she found Nofar Method which, lucky for us, has now become her home away from home. By day, Brooke is a school social worker but by evening, she’s an in-demand instructor helping clients sneak in that much needed full-body burn and satisfying stretch after a long day at work. Delivering a comprehensive workout is her motto, but delivering it in equal measure is her mission, so you’re not only sure to follow along, but you’ll actually feel it as you do. It’s about proper form and a solid, sequenced workout every single time that targets core, abs, arms, glutes, back, and butt. Oh and did I mention fun? Class with Brooke is a blast. Her favorite is balancing on the Bosu ball to target those abs! Craftily toning and building the best Pilates body you’ve ever known, while feeling like you’re back on the playground again… what’s better than that?

Antonio Fini

Atonio Fini is from the beautiful, coastal beach village of Villapini Lido (Calabria). As one of Nofar’s original trainers, he has gained quite the following for his charming wit and wildly challenging workouts that focus on proper breathwork and alignment. You’re sure to be centered and smiling if you’re in Antonio’s class, as he knows how to keep a class fully engaged, literally! He speaks Italian and English. With over 20 years experience as a professional dancer, guest judge on Dancing With the Stars Italy, Ted Talk host, and the new director of the Martha Graham dance company resources department, he’s forever in motion, so be sure to check the schedule for his next Nofar Method appearance. Keeping such a demanding schedule takes a toll on the body and as a result, he experienced a knee injury that led to a lot of pain and limited mobility. It was his reconnection with the Nofar Method that helped him rehabilitate and restore balance. His star personality and decades of personal, professional experience make him a phenomenal instructor who offers fun and informative instruction, not just for group classes, but for one-on-one private training, where he specializes in helping clients with scoliosis, lower back, and shoulder pain, to gain strength, range of motion, and flexibility.

Javier Dzul

Javier Dzul, from Campeche Mexico, is an award-winning director, dancer, acrobat, and perhaps you’ve heard, Nofar Method’s highly sought-after, Glute Guru. He speaks Spanish and English. With over 30 years of expertise, he’s the maven of movement and you’ll figure that out by his calm charisma and commitment to class structure and sequence, but you’ll FEEL it the next day when you wake up and can barely move your legs – in the best possible way! As both athlete and artist, he enjoys the creativity and physicality Nofar Method offers, as he brings elements of acrobatics, aerialist movement, and contortion to the Reformer and Cadillac machines to challenge your body in new ways and in multiple planes of motion for improved concentration, balance, strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. Want more Javier? Build your best beach booty in his Nofar Method Ninja class, or be sure to check out his next performance by Dzul Dance.

Elizabeth Billeter

Squeeze, Slide, Squat, Shake, Sweat, Sleep – Repeat! For Elizabeth, the Pilates obsession is real and with nearly a decade of teaching, she has what it takes to help you get more from your core! Originally from Darien, Connecticut, NYC is where she took her first Nofar Method class and felt instant connection, instant community. What she loves most about Nofar Method is the link between mind and body and that with enough practice, you will feel reenergized and centered after each workout. It’s essential for self-care and for leading a healthy lifestyle. If you are serious and want to build a solid foundation, improve strength, and target muscles you didn’t even know you had, Elizabeth is the one to watch – and more than just once a week! Nofar Method results are astounding but commitment is key. Three times a week is recommended for best results. So what are you waiting for? Get obsessed with Elizabeth and let the transformation begin.

Kine Darnell

Kine (pronounced Kee-na) is a professional ballet dancer from Bergen, Norway. Her picturesque hometown is known as the land of the seven mountains and since leaving it, she has gone on to tour and perform on seven continents with numerous dance productions including, The Dutch National Ballet and Dzul Dance. Kine speaks fluent Norwegian and English. As a dancer, it can take years to perfect a single move. Passion, focus, determination, strength, and a willingness to commit to a pattern of repetition to achieve exacting precision are required, not to mention extreme patience and grace. With a ballet teaching certification from American Ballet Theatre (ABT) and a masters degree in dance education and human development from NYU, Kine has all the qualities you would want at the head of class. Her knowledge of anatomy, mellifluous count cadence, dedication to proper form, and keen eye for correction will have you leaving ready to répétez, répétez, répétez! Kine believes routine workouts should focus on quality. She loves Nofar Method for its mindful movements that don’t always have to be grand to prove challenging and effective.

Andrea Dusel

Have a Pilates or pre or post natal pregnancy question? Don’t Google it, ask Andrea. Affectionately known as Professor Pilates, with her as your instructor, you will learn while you feel the burn! Her vast understanding of the body is rooted in decades of contemporary dance, classical ballet, and physical training. She’s a professional dancer and aerialist who holds a masters degree in exercise science and certifications in Lagree levels 1 and 2. Having taught Pilates for nearly twenty years, she never tires of seeing her clients gain strength, stability, and confidence. Andrea is passionate about Nofar Method and believes that we are all stronger than we give ourselves credit for, and she will work intently to help you push to meet and surpass your goals in a supportive and non-judgmental manner. As a long-standing instructor at Nofar, she is perfect for both beginners and the most advanced. She doesn’t shy from intensity so if you’re looking to add extra abs to your pack, she’s the one to help you do it! Not only will she give you a complete workout, but she’ll take you on an engaging and informative adventure in body articulation, muscle awareness, and breathwork along the way.

Ryan Pitcavage

You could travel to Florence and spend hours gazing at the statue of David, or lose yourself in any of the many great museums of art to be swept by the majesty and finesse of the human form, or you could just spend 50 minutes with Ryan and get one moment closer to revealing your own masterpiece – YOU! Ryan has always had an affinity for fitness and was first in line to sign-up for the latest method, workout, and gym craze, yet nothing delivered lasting results. It wasn’t until his husband introduced him to the Nofar Method when he saw himself come into his own with the body he always wanted. As an instructor, he wants to bring that same opportunity to you. The Nofar Method is not a fad. It’s a way of life and phenomenal for building brain-body correlations with creative exercises for total body transformation. As one of the original trainers at Nofar Method, he’s the embodiment of results and the one to help you chisel and sculpt your body into a true piece of art.

Christine Vecchiolla

As a full-time, fast-paced creator and marketer at Meta, Christine loves to move from data sets to pike, plank sets and deliver motivating, innovative, and challenging workouts that flow with crystal clear instruction and no awkward transitions. She is all about intent and intensity where every movement and every minute count. Controlled motion, proper form, and deep breathing are paramount in class and she will push you with precision into each position, no matter how big or small, to meet your goal and go beyond. She’s an on the beat motivator, and to her, Nofar Method is more than a workout – it’s self-care and self-discovery. Being able to slide into a class before starting her 9 to 5 allows for the perfect escape and adds balance to her day, which she aims to provide the same to each and every one of her clients.

Alexa Hirschberg

Alexa is all about keeping bodies energized and not just the physical. With a teaching background in Yoga, Reiki, and Hot Sculpt, for her, health takes place in all the bodies: physical, subtle, emotional, mental, and spiritual, and she brings this intention to each Nofar Method class to create a welcoming, encouraging environment where anyone, beginner or advanced, can find presence, build strength, and grow. When she’s not in the studio, she’s working as a public school consultant where she is able to make deep connections with her students. In fact, her favorite part of Nofar Method is not just the brain-body workout, but the sense of community. She loves a lively class, fielding questions, making hands-on corrections, and taking requests. That’s right, if you are in a class of crickets, be the first to chirp, or if you want to hit a targeted area, or pining over a long-lost exercise from the Nofar Method vault, let her know and she’ll be happy to incorporate. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, Alexa is the guide to get your transformation started and to foster your growth along the way.

Lauren Kotler

Lauren is a registered dietician, helping patients look and feel their best through food and an active lifestyle. As part, she’s been a long-term advocate of fitness with routine trips to the gym but after being introduced to Nofar Method, she instantly understood the hype and knew she wanted it to be more than just part of her routine, she wanted to teach it! As an expert in nutrition who fully understands the benefits of healthy eating, she appreciates the physical and mental connection Nofar Method Pilates provides, as it helps to bridge the gap between the two brains, the gut and the mind, providing a solid core from which the rest of the body can operate with increased range of motion and flexibility. Don’t let her easy, breezy demeanor fool you. Her classes satiate even the biggest appetites for fitness with a challenging, complete full-body burn that uses unique, low-impact movements to deliver increased focus, stability, mobility, balance, and flexibility. Lauren believes the Nofar Method is the perfect complement to nutrition and a way to not just live, but to lead a genuine, holistic lifestyle.

Christina Handler

A former collegiate track and field athlete, Christina is still running full speed with ease and enough energy and passion to keep even the sleepiest of 6:30 am classes motivated and wildly engaged. She began her professional career in finance but reclaimed her roots in holistic health, where she earned a degree in nutrition and dietictics. Christina really loves the variety Nofar Method brings. With its unique, creative movements, there is no plateau. The slow, controlled movements make the exercises doable, but the benefit is far beyond what lifting weights or running offer. It’s the mind-muscle connection that clicks and when you feel good, you make better choices, and from there, everything just flows. As a new mom, she is skilled in pre and post natal Pilates. Her dream is to push even harder to empower others to get involved in Nofar Method Pilates and to commit to and maintain an active lifestyle.

Olivia Schlei

As a New York City nurse by night, Olivia is no stranger to the throes of high-pressured chaos the ER delivers on the regular. In fact, it’s the very thing that led her to Nofar Method Pilates, as a way to seek balance and maintain physical strength, stamina, and inner peace. As a nurse, she often sees injuries due to poor posture, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, and balance. And as a teacher, she loves helping clients build their bodies for stability, strength, and flexibility to prevent future injuries and to become the strongest, most confident version of themselves. Nervous to dive in or level up? Relax. Olivia is Nofar Method’s chill indie queen. With her good music, good vibes only mantra, you will find her class a welcoming PilatesPalooza of positivity and powerhouse workouts centered on arms, core, back, hamstrings, glutes, and her favorite move – Super Butt. That’s right, if you’re looking to build beach booty, it’s done here!

Alexandra Gallo

Alexandra began her Pilates journey at the young age of 12, while working through dance-related injuries, and was amazed by the transformative effects on her body, overall health, and wellbeing. For well over a decade, Alexandra has dedicated herself to guiding clients through movement and using the Nofar Method to achieve better focus, balance, improved muscle endurance, increased flexibility, and notably, injury prevention for shoulder, hip, ankles, scoliosis, and more. Alexandra brings the opportunity to lengthen, strengthen, and tone and to use both Cadillac and Reformers to feel and the function the best you’ve ever known, as she delivers a complete workout centered on arms, core, glutes, hamstrings, and even more glutes to build that long, lean beach body of your dreams! Don’t worry, your hard work will be rewarded. She loves to end class using the fuzzies on the Cadillac for a long, gratifying stretch and well-deserved sigh of release.

Kimberly Huie

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Kimberly moved to Canada where she graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in history and political science. Soon after, she began a career in professional acting and is known for roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Beautiful People. She speaks French and English. Kimberly gets people -period- and that makes her a client favorite and the life of the Pilates party at Nofar Method. Her natural ability to draw people in and create instant connection and ease are her magic charms. For beginners or for those who may be starting their Pilates journey later in life, Kimberly is the ideal guide. Her empathetic nature and spirited positivity will not only encourage you to take the first step, but also keep you stepping well beyond where you even thought possible. She delivers a fun, full-body workout with emphasis on mind-body awareness, arms, and glutes – a truly transformative experience.

Diva Dhawan

Diva is a born and bred New Yorker and quite fittingly, Nofar Method’s go-to diva for all things glimmer glamour. She studied merchandising at the Fashion Institute of Technology, while beginning her career in the Indian fashion market. Soon after, she launched her own luxury brand, Desi Diva Fashion. She speaks Hindi and English. Nofar Method has been key to helping her stay grounded, energized, and focused while running a fast-growing company, staying alert during hectic, international travel schedules, healing from an ACL tear: all while becoming a new mom! Yes, Diva is a professional powerhouse who literally does it all. If you are short on time or feeling like you are being pulled in a million directions at once, Diva understands firsthand the power and positive impact a 50 minute Nofar Method Pilates class can have on overall health and well-being. No matter where you might be in your career, or perhaps on your pregnancy path, she’s always happy to incorporate and share how Nofar Method Pilates can help at every step of the way.

Nicola Iervasi

Nicola grew up in Rocella, Italy and imbues the studio with the same revitalizing, whimsical charms of his native seaside village. The first thing you will notice is his big smile and inviting nature. His beam of positivity and passion for Pilates brings a jolt of energy to set the pace. He speaks Italian and English. Nicola studied classical and modern dance with Lidia Strangio and Maestro Walter Zappolini at The Balletto di Roma. After winning a scholarship from the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance, he moved to NYC and performed with the Martha Graham Dance Ensemble, Pearl Lang Dance, Dzul Dance, and Sokolow Now! He splits his time running his own non-profit, Mare Nostrum Elements, and teaching. At Nofar Method, Nicola’s classes take center stage. His laser sharp focus on body awareness, breathwork, and his talent for hands-on adjustments, make him a highly sought-after instructor for beginners and for those further advanced, but who may have gained some bad habits along the way. Under the watchful eye of Nicola, you’re sure to have perfect form from beginning to end.

Antonia Pacheco

Originally from Colombia, Antonia lives in NYC where she has spent the last seven years as a successful marketer and manager of global brands. She speaks fluent Spanish and English. Her athleticism and love for staying in motion sparked her early appreciation for the mind-body connection. It’s a link she finds essential for building strength and living more consciously. After a back injury, she discovered Nofar Method Pilates and was instantly taken with the challenging, yet fun routines. She could feel her body getting stronger with each class and true healing taking place! She is passionate about creating a comfortable space where everyone is encouraged to consider their own physicality and to safely push beyond those limitations. Antonia focuses on giving a thorough, full body workout to increase strength and stamina, while fostering that ever so important mind-body connection. But be on the ready, she’s known to throw in extra glutes, arms, and core as a bonus.

Andi Simon

Andi has tried every workout from HIIT bootcamps to yoga to dance cardio. But it wasn’t until her first Nofar Method Pilates class that everything finally clicked. The mindful movement, focus on core strength, and the community made her realize this was more than just exercise – it was a lifestyle. From the moment she stepped into Nofar Method, Andi knew she had found her Pilates home. Everything about the studio, class, and instructors aligned perfectly with her passion for movement and community. Teaching Pilates allows Andi to share this love with others. She believes there’s nothing better than being surrounded by people who value movement, gratitude, and taking care of their bodies. Her classes emphasize strength, mobility, and deepening the connection between mind and body.

Annika Fuller

After moving to NYC from Boston, by way of Maine, Annika, a natural athlete and long distance runner, turned to Pilates during a time of personal injury. Pilates soon became an integral part of her fitness routine and one that she found not only challenging, but also incredibly healing and restoring for both body and mind. Annika is a dynamic gust of power and positivity. She keeps her classes fresh and fun, often adding the jump board and fuzzies for a surge of cardio that is short and sweet, but oh so effective at building those long, lean lines! Her favorite ritual is to close class with a well-deserved, satisfying stretch so everyone leaves feeling accomplished, centered, and reenergized!

Vika Zuban

Growing up, Vika experienced frequent bouts of joint issues and experimented with endless methods to keep her mobile, flexible, and toned. Since discovering Nofar Method Pilates, she’s been hooked and hasn’t looked back! Vika speaks Russian and English. With ten years of experience as a Pilates instructor, she can attest to the transformative power it lends to both body and mind. Her teaching is centered on correct alignment, breath control, and proper body awareness. Always warm and welcoming, she creates a space where first-timers and experienced clients alike, feel comfortable, challenged, and always leave feeling more grounded and empowered. Beyond Pilates, Vika also enjoys meditation, watching basketball, architecture, cooking for her family, traveling, and learning about new cultures.

Hallie Settleman

Hallie, a Long Island native, has always had a passion for fitness. Growing up as a gymnast and cheerleader, movement was a constant. After moving to NYC, she discovered the Nofar Method and felt instantly connected. What stood out to her the most was how the instructors took a personal interest in her form, always providing hands-on corrections and guidance through her progress. It was this attention to detail, combined with the vibrant, energizing atmosphere of the classes and studio, that inspired her to pursue certification under Nofar. Hallie brings her unique New York energy to our Miami studio and in each class, combines her passion for fitness and keen eye for technique. Her teaching style is dynamic and supportive. Her motivating presence, always a cheerleader, will give you all the confidence you need as you pass each Nofar Method milestone.

Michael Becker

Michael hails from the beautiful state of Montana. A true Gemini, he loves to get people in touch with their bodies to move better and prevent injuries. Michael, a dancer, began his fitness career twelve years ago as a Yoga and weight training instructor. His fascination with movement and mindfulness led him to Pilates and it’s Pilates that continues to fuel his passion—its methodical approach, emphasis on breath, and its ability to deepen the mind-body connection. A big fan of the Nofar Method, Michael enjoys the inspired choreography and challenging and athletic movements blending strength, flexibility, and fluidity. Michael’s teaching philosophy is rooted in balance—physical, mental, and emotional. He believes in creating a space where individuals can reconnect with their bodies, find peace in the process, and develop strength that extends beyond the gym. Whether you’re looking to build flexibility, strength, or simply deepen your mind-body connection, his classes offer a welcoming environment for everybody to thrive.

Maddie Flaherty

Maddie grew up playing lacrosse and field hockey, continually training for agility and speed. After dealing with knee injuries and looking for something more low-impact, while still providing a proper sweat, she discovered Pilates and Nofar Method in 2018. She loves starting and ending her days with a full-body, toning Pilates workout that focuses on every muscle – even her mind. Her favorite is to work obliques and glutes on the Cadillac and the centeredness she feels after. Maddie specializes in modifying exercises to help heal injuries and strengthen the body. She wants every client to leave her class feeling a sense of accomplishment and excited to return the next day.

Bridget Kang

Bridget is an aerialist from Korea. She took her first pilates class over a decade ago and it’s been part of her routine training ever since. Pilates not only helps her restore in between performances, but also maximizes her full potential in both strength and flexibility. She believes pilates is all about the push and pull, the natural flow, just like in life. Bridget speaks Korean and English. After taking her first Nofar Method Pilates class, she fell in love with the innovative and efficient routines and how quickly her body felt reinforced and strengthened with long, lean muscle tone and better posture – perfect for her work as an aerialist. Bridget aims to energize and challenge her clients to grow into their full potential, to try new things, and to leave the studio with a smile.

Nicole Mills

After moving to NYC from Ireland, her first priority was to find a fitness class she enjoyed. While working 9 to 5 in financial consulting, she looked forward to her routine, fitness class as a way to recharge after the chaos of the day. Initially Nicole was drawn to boxing and high-intensity workouts, but after dealing with some hormonal and autoimmune issues, she turned to Nofar Method Pilates for a low-impact option that delivered the results she was accustomed to but in doable doses. Nicole LOVES to focus on the core while delivering a full-body workout. Running with the fuzzies is her favorite move and she is convinced you will learn to love the fuzzies, too. Nicole strives to encourage each client to embrace the creativity Nofar Method offers and to leave her clients feeling happy, healthy, and recharged.