Instructor Bios

SUSAN MODUGNO, P.T.A., Pilates Rehabilitation Practitioner, founder and owner of the Sangha Pilates Studio, has been teaching exercise for over 25 years. She has been a licensed physical therapist assistant for over 15 years, having received her training at the Rusk Institute, New York University. She is a Polestar certified Professional in Rehabilitation and Allegro Reformer and has studied with such mentors as Brent Anderson, Mary Bowen and Irene Dowd. Her specialty is in the use of Pilates based methods of rehabilitation and conditioning, currently working with MS patients on the Pilates apparatus. At present, Susan is teaching and lecturing to local community groups on the benefits of her highly specialized approach to body conditioning and corrective exercise. She blends her passions for rehab and fitness into one integrated strand of art and science, allowing her not only to be a successful teacher of teachers, but also to offer her wealth of talent and skill to her students.

MEGHAN PIFKO, a former professional ballet dancer, found her way to Pilates, both Allegro and mat training, after a knew injury and she has been a strong advocate of the discipline ever since, progressing to become Polestar certified. She took a training course with Polestar founder, Brent Anderson, studying in his advanced spine workshop. Meghan’s classes are a successful combination of expertise drawn from her rehabilitation background, her knowledge of general fitness practices and Pilates studio techniques. She has been a principal advocate of the Pilates method at the Sangha studio since 2002.

MARILYN GUSMANO has a 25-year background in dance, physical fitness and gymnastics. Her studies in dance include ballet, modern and jazz, with an ward-winning kick line dance team at the National Dance Association Competition. She holds several certifications: as an AFAA Group Fitness Instructor, as an AFAA Advanced Personal Trainer and Ballecore Instructor. Always advancing, she earned two nationally-recognized Pilates certifications in Floor Work and Reformer from both the Physical Mind Institute and from IM=X. Marilyn continues to move ahead in her field, connecting herself further to Joseph Pilates’ studies, most recently receiving the Polestar Allegro Certification.

BARBARA SMYTH, a Sayville High School alumna, comes to the field of alternative wellness after a 30-year career in the corporate world. She has a strong background in body fitness and is a graduate of the New York City Swedish Institute in Massage Therapy. She is Polestar trained in the Allegro Reformer, recently completing her certification and is currently pursuing successive Polestar qualifications. Barbara joined the staff at the Sangha studio in 2005 and uses her variety of experiences to enrich her classes.

MELISSA BOYD comes to the Sangha studio from a varied background including yoga and dance. Melissa holds certification in Polestar Allegro Pilates and, after having studied with Judith Lasater and Dr. Roger Cole, became a Relax and Renew Trainer, earning her certification in Restorative Yoga. In addition to giving workshops throughout Long Island, she teaches classes at Stony Brook University, in the Village of Port Jefferson; at the World Gym; at the East Coast Fertility Clinic/East Coast Body and Mind; and at the Long Island IVF. Drawing from her strong qualifications, Melissa brings her richness of experience along with a unique perspective into her group classes here at the studio.