Like the butterfly, we believe in the power of transformation.
Our Story
In Loving Memory
Pilafly is more than a Pilates studio — it’s a space inspired by love, loss, and transformation. Founded in memory of Donna’s daughter, Nicole, the studio embodies the belief that even through life’s most difficult seasons, we can find renewal, strength, and peace.
Our Philosophy
Wellness begins with movement — and extends into every part of life.
After 25 years in the mortgage industry, helping families and individuals achieve their dreams of homeownership, I realized my own passion was calling me in a new direction—one focused on wellness, balance, and mind-body connection. That journey led me to found Pilafly Pilates Studio here in Melbourne, Florida, where I now guide clients through Pilates sessions designed to strengthen the body, calm the mind, and support overall mental and physical well-being.
My career in mortgage taught me the value of trust, patience, and building lasting relationships—skills I now bring to my studio, ensuring each client feels supported and empowered in their wellness journey. I’ve personally experienced the transformative power of Pilates, not just physically but mentally, and I’m committed to helping others discover that same balance, confidence, and joy in their own lives.
Donna C. Paternoster
Head Coach
Hi, I’m Donna — I started Pilafly to marry my love of movement with my passion for healing and hope.
After losing my daughter to suicide I found myself in a space of deep emotional pain. Pilates became more than a practice — it became my lifeline. It helped me reconnect with my body, process my grief, and reclaim my strength.
Whether you’re stressed out, disconnected from your body, or even if life has handed you a devastating set of circumstances — I’m here to help you get stronger from the inside out.
At Pilafly, we move with compassion, positivity, and purpose. Together.
Hello! I'm Kristin, and my Pilates adventure kicked off in 2022 when I discovered how amazing it is for both the body and mind. For the first time, I found a place where I truly fit in—celebrating my unique body and journey. I was instantly hooked! Later that year, I took a "mental promotion" and shifted away from my 20+ year career in healthcare as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Pilates became my constant—my imperfect, ever-evolving practice that keeps me on my toes! With the guidance of some incredible mentors, I decided to become a certified instructor, so I could share my love for this practice with others. My teaching style is all about inclusivity and respect, creating a fun and welcoming space where you can explore your physical potential and embrace who you are-right here, right now! When I'm not teaching at the studio, you'll likely find me curled up with a good book, sipping a glass of wine, grading assignments for future Speech-Language Pathologists, or practicing Pilates on a reformer near you. I can't wait to help you grow in your own Pilates journey—let's find your mind-body balance and have some fun together! I hope to see you in a class soon.
Kristin
General Manager
Erica
Instructor-
Erica became a devoted Pilates student the minute she took her first class — it was the only thing that had ever treated her chronic back pain. She began her teaching journey in New York City in 2021 and has completed over 700 hours of training. She is certified in both classical and contemporary Pilates. She offers a calm and cool approach to both Pilates and life.
Lisa
Instructor-
Lisa Chicken is a native local and came upon her name honestly. Married to a Brit and living outside of Florida for 15 years, Lisa and her family of four ”chicks” have made their way back to the heart of Brevard where she teaches kindergarten at a local homeschool co-op.
Lisa has been a health enthusiast for 20 years and was first introduced to Pilates back in 2008. She entered the fitness industry in 2019 as a personal trainer and began her Pilates certification journey in 2024. Lisa enjoys sharing her love of Pilates with passion and care for those she teaches. Believing each person has great value, she encourages people to value themselves enough to take good care of their body. “You’ll pay now, or pay a whole lot more later—and not just with money!” is her health mantra. She loves encouraging people toward their health goals so they can live life fully.
Her idea of a perfect day is sunning on the beach with her family by her side-chatting and connecting…after a Pilates session, of course.
Cyndi
Instructor-
Cyndi Frank is a dedicated and highly qualified fitness professional, specializing in Pilates instruction and personal training. She holds a comprehensive 500-hour Pilates certification, earned in 2021, with expertise across multiple apparatuses, including reformer, chair, Cadillac, and mat. This thorough training has equipped her to deliver dynamic, effective sessions tailored to clients of all levels.
Cyndi's professional journey began on Long Island, New York, where she worked full-time as a Pilates instructor in several corporate and boutique studios. Her experience in these diverse settings allowed her to hone her skills in group classes, private sessions, and specialized programming, building a strong reputation for her attentive, results-oriented approach.
In 2023, Cyndi relocated to Florida, continuing her career in both corporate and private studios. This move expanded her reach, enabling her to bring her passion for mindful movement and strength building to new communities in a sunny, active environment.
In addition to her Pilates expertise, Cyndi is a NASM-certified personal trainer, blending functional strength training with Pilates principles to create holistic fitness programs that promote longevity, posture, and overall wellness.
Outside of her professional life, Cyndi embraces an active lifestyle.
Her hobbies include all things fitness-related, relaxing at the beach, and cherishing quality time with her husband and their beloved pups. This balance of passion for movement and personal joy fuels her inspiring presence both in and out of the studio.
Alexis
Instructor-
Alexis was born in Sacramento, California but early on in her life relocated with her family to the subtropical Space Coast of Florida, where she was raised in the sleepy beach town of Satellite Beach. Growing up in the sunshine, you could always find her active outside swimming, exploring nature, cycling & hiking throughout the barrier islands. In her youth, Alexis moved to the upper east side of New York City, where she lived for a couple years acquiring her Cosmetology license through the Aveda Institute. Working in a luxury salon on 5th Avenue in New York City, she soon discovered the repetitive motions were hard on her body, especially her posture. Alexis gained a new appreciation towards her island home and returned to the Space Coast, finding herself on a physical healing journey while attending college at Eastern Florida State College. In the year 2020, yearning to find a new passion, she discovered Pilates! She quickly realized Pilates was the key to healing her postural challenges. As part of her quest to re-discover her confidence and improve her posture, health, and strength, Pilates empowered Alexis. She immersed herself in the field first as a member, leading into sales management, followed by Club Pilates instructor training. Alexis gained an understanding on how to heal from the inside out through the Pilates principles of breath, concentration, centering, control, precision, and flow. What had been neglected in her youth became vital in her day to day life and she realized she could assist others in this healing process. Today, as a fully comprehensive certified Pilates instructor, she is ready to share the skills she has learned that lead her mental and physical transformation.
Alexis
Instructor-
Andrea was born and raised in Germany. There she worked as an administrator but decided on a career change when moving to the US and became a professional children’s book writer and illustrator.
Throughout her life, Andrea has been very active taking gym classes, running, and climbing the tree trek top regularly but had to slow down due to some injuries. She became interested in Pilates which works with low impact exercises. Becoming aware of the improvements in her core strength and all over flexibility through exercising Pilates, she decided once more to study a new skill, and to become a Pilates instructor.
Today, Andrea loves teaching the power of Pilates to others. She still works on her children’s books but spends a large amount of her time at the Pilates studio.
Lisa
“I already feel stronger and more confident. I'm so happy she encouraged me to join! I highly recommend giving Donna at Pilafly a try. No excuses!”
Sarah