Flora is more than the name of our studio—it’s the heart behind it.
Named after my mother, Flora reflects the strength, grace, and resilience she has always embodied. She has inspired me to create a place where people feel welcomed, supported, and cared for from the moment they walk through our doors.
At Flora, we believe movement is about more than exercise. It’s about building strength, improving health, gaining confidence, and creating meaningful connections. Through Pilates, strength training, barre, functional fitness, mobility, and restorative movement, our goal is to help every member move well and feel their best.
Whether you’re just beginning your fitness journey or have been moving for years, you’ll find expert instruction, genuine encouragement, and a community that supports you every step of the way.
Every class, every instructor, and every detail has been thoughtfully chosen to create an exceptional experience where people of all ages and fitness levels can grow stronger, move better, and flourish.
Paula Lester
Owner, Flora Fitness & Pilates Studio
Our Story
Meet the Team
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Paula Lester
OWNER & MASTER INSTRUCTOR
With over 15 years of experience in fitness and classical Pilates, our founder is passionate about helping people build strength, confidence, and lifelong wellness through intentional movement.
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Kristine Ciardiello
MASTER PILATES & FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
Kristine brings over 25 years of fitness experience and 15 years of teaching Classical Pilates to Flora. Her personalized approach helps clients build strength, improve alignment, and develop greater body awareness. -
Susan Kaempf
FITNESS & PILATES INSTRUCTOR
Dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment, she helps women of all ages feel stronger, more confident, and inspired by what their bodies can achieve.
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Melissa Bonner
FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
With a passion for performance and purposeful movement, Melissa empowers clients through challenging, motivating workouts that support lifelong wellness. -
Sara Angelini
PILATES & FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
Sara is a Classical Pilates and fitness instructor who brings a supportive approach to every session, helping clients build strength, improve movement and feel more confident.
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Joanne Platanos
FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
Joanne brings energy, joy, and a lifelong passion for movement to every class. She creates a fun and motivating space for everyone to move and feel their best.
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Kim Brand
FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
Kim brings years of movement and wellness experience to Flora, helping people build strength, confidence, and awareness through mindful movement and fitness.
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Cameron Vines
PILATES INSTRUCTOR
Cameron combines her psychology background with Classical Pilates training to help clients move with intention, build self-trust, and discover their strength.
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Kerri Foster
FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
A certified Barre instructor and Health & Wellness Coach, Kerri brings decades of experience and encouragement to every class, helping clients feel stronger and more confident.
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Carley Schmidt
STUDIO OPERATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER
Carley brings her love of movement, creativity, and community to Flora. From building the brand to creating a welcoming studio, she’s passionate about making Flora a place where everyone feels inspired to flourish.
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Melanie McGuire
FRONT DESK ASSOCIATE
Melanie helps keep Flora running smoothly while creating a warm, welcoming experience for every member. With a background in esthetics and a passion for wellness, she loves making everyone feel at home