Instructors

Our highly-trained teachers have received their education from the best programs and master teachers in the country and take ongoing continuing education classes and workshops to always provide the best sessions to our clients. With backgrounds in pilates, yoga, dance, and fitness they have had thousands of hours of teaching experience with hundreds of clients of all ages and abilities.

Every teacher at Pilates by the Bay is deeply committed to their education, to our clients, and are passionate about this amazing method of movement. It is a rewarding experience to be a pilates teacher and no one loves teaching more than our talented team!

Michele Toscano, Owner of Pilates By The Bay

Michele Toscano, Owner/Instructor

Michele Toscano is the owner and operator of Pilates by the Bay in Toms River, New Jersey. As an educator for over 25 years, Michele has taught all grade levels from preschool to adult. Currently Michele divides her time between running har Pilates studio and working full time conducting professional development for the Dept of Children & Families.

From a young age Michele always loved, and been a student of, movement and dance. She participated in cheerleading while in school and coached cheer as an adult. Though she loved it, movement had become complex and difficult for Michele due to medical issues involving her spine. 

Scoliosis led to her first back surgery and, a few years later, a second surgery was performed due to disc degeneration in her lower spine. The latter procedure completely fused her lower spine and to regain mobility, Michele’s surgeon suggested finding a Pilates studio with Pilates equipment rather than attempting traditional physical therapy.

Pilates made a significant difference in improving the back pain Michele had struggled with for so long. She loved the practice and became a loyal client at her new studio. At first, she hesitated to become a Pilates instructor because she didn’t want to lose her beloved hobby, but she came to realize that teaching was important to her and that she could help others to fall in love with Pilates, too. 

Michele received her Pilates mat certification and Reformer training through Pilates Instructor Academy and in 2019, the previous owner of Pilates by the Bay approached her with an offer to sell her the business. 

Covid forced Michele to pivot regarding the studio location and she moved from the larger studio to the more intimate space in the same plaza. Dreamed and designed by Michele, this studio is her vision made real.  

“I’m looking forward to bringing Pilates by the Bay into the future and continuing to provide you with a place to move and feel your best, I know I don’t feel my best without Pilates! “

Michele Toscano, owner
Pilates By The Bay

Patty Baiano, Instructor

Patty Baiano, Instructor

Patricia Baiano is a comprehensive Certified Master Pilates Teacher Trainer also certified with the nationally recognized Pilates Method Alliance (PMA-CPT), Balanced Body® Bodhi Suspension System™ Faculty Member.

Ms. Baiano earned her comprehensive certification through Balanced Body University (BBU), studying under the guidance of Leslie Powell in NYC. Convinced that a deeper understanding of the principles of movement and its effects on the human body could empower her to help others transform themselves, Baiano then earned the Functional Anatomy for Movement & Injuries certification through the Kane School at Mt. Sinai Medical Center.

A strong proponent of the value of continuing education, Ms. Baiano continues her weekly professional self-practice mentored by 2nd Generation Pilates Teacher, Blossom Leilani Crawford, protégé of Kathy Grant.  Patty has also trained in recent years with other master teachers including Anthony Rabara, Doris Pasteleur Hall, Eric Franklin, Irene Dowd, and attending many of the master workshops offered by the PMA and Pilates Center of Boulder.

With her personal mission to help people live better lives through Pilates, Patty completed the advanced teacher training program “Pilates for MS™ and Other Neurological Conditions” earning the certificate of “Specialist in Pilates-Based Exercise for Multiple Sclerosis.” Working to help clients with MS, Traumatic Brain Injury, Ataxia, and stroke overcome its most common symptoms, including balance difficulties, weakness, muscle spasticity, gait abnormalities, as well as the principles and applications of neuromuscular rehabilitation and neuroplasticity exercise.

Ms. Baiano is wholly dedicated the individual needs of each of her clients regardless of gender, age or physical fitness. Whether the focus is cross training to improve sports performance, injury rehabilitation to help reduce pain, or to enhance mobility, Patricia teaches targeted movements optimized to deliver the desired personal results. Her sessions promote balanced healing and deliver total body conditioning to increase strength, range of motion, endurance, and improve total health and well-being.

Patty assumes the role of Head Teacher with an emphasis on seniors, sports & surgical rehabilitation and Neuro-Pilates.


Bernice Cornicello, Instructor

Bernice Cornicello, Instructor

Bernice Cornicello is a National Pilates Certified Teacher who began her Pilates career in 2013. A former competitive gymnast and gymnastic coach for more  than 20 years, she also is an ACE certified personal trainer, TRX trainer along with yoga and HIIT classes.  She knows how important it is to keep moving at any age, and Pilates reformer is her go to for a strong  mind and body. 

Bernice studied under Alycea Ungaro at Real Pilates in NYC and dove deeper into her Pilates education  when she completed her 600 hour classical comprehensive Pilates teacher training in 2018, and became  a third generation teacher of Joseph Pilates Methodology. 

She is passionate about her career and loves challenging and inspiring her students. As an active Mom,  she enjoys bike riding, hiking, traveling and is a self-proclaimed pizza addict.


Ellen Slattery, Instructor

Ellen Slattery, Instructor

Ellen’s love for Pilates began 16 years ago with her first mat class. After just a few sessions, she noticed her body never felt stronger and her mind was sharper than ever.  Wanting to share her love for Pilates and fitness, she became an instructor 14 years ago through NETA, National Exercise Trainer Association.  Ellen is also certified through Beth Shaw Yoga Fit program and now holds a comprehensive certificate from Personal Best Pilates Teacher Academy.

Ellen has a strong following of clients, having taught Pilates mat classes at Ocean County College, the YMCA in Toms River, and also at the Monmouth County Parks System.   In Ellen’s words, “It’s such a joy to share my love for Pilates with all my students, most have been with me over ten years.  I love teaching them about their body and showing them there is nothing they can’t achieve through focus, determination, and hard work.”


Clare Stelling, Instructor

Clare Stelling, Instructor

Trained as a classical and contemporary dancer, been teaching Pilates since 1999. Moved from Bergen county and now residing in Barnegat to continue teaching Pilates and be closer to the sea.


Gina Depaul, Instructor

Gina Depaul, Instructor

Gianna DePaul completed her Mat and Reformer certification at Pilates on Fifth in NYC and is looking to share her knowledge and love of wellness.  She has always had a passion for health, fitness, and wellness. Becoming a Pilates instructor felt like a natural progression to help share those passions and to motivate and inspire others.