Your Wellness Instructors
Debbie Sheme
Owner / Lead Teacher Trainer for Yoga, Aerial Yoga and Pilates Certifications. Reiki Master and Sound Therapy Practitioner
Instructor / Pilates, Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Sup Yoga, Pilates Reformer, Dance
Wellness Coach with a focus in Client-Directed Counseling
Debbie Sheme is the proud owner of the Pilates Yoga Loft in Saint Augustine, FL. Also, she is the owner of Sanibel Pilates & Yoga on Sanibel Island, FL. She is married to her husband Mark for over 20 years. Debbie absolutely loves being a mom and enjoys all the kids she mentors in her life. She is very passionate about empowering clients with health and wellness at her studios as well as guest teaching at many locations in the US.
Debbie's Ballet, modern dance and Pilates background grew at the University of Arts in Philadelphia, PA in concentration in dance and choreography. She danced professionally for many years but now finds her greatest joy in teaching others. As an educator, Ms. Sheme draws on many years of experience! She traveled and studied internationally and received her first 200 Hour E-RYT certification with Yoga Energy School -Yoga Alliance in Greece. Debbie received her 300 E-RYT with Yoga Teacher Academy - Yoga Alliance in the state of California. Debbie is a 500 Hour E-RYT YACEP, and a RYS school with Yoga Alliance. She is the lead teacher trainer for the Pilates Yoga Loft 200HR teacher training certifications, continuing educations courses, and Aerial Yoga teacher trainer nationally with Yoga Alliance. Debbie also is the owner of Freedom 2 Be You Health and Wellness Retreats. She offers multiple yoga wellness retreats yearly through out the United States. Also, her studios in Saint Augustine are officially RYS registered Yoga & Pilates schools with Yoga Alliance. Debbie is a certified Pilates instructor, Pilates Reformer teacher and holds certifications in Ayurveda Medicine, Yoga Therapy, Reiki Master, SUP Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Modern dance, Ballet and is a Wellness Advocate for the company doTerra. Debbie has graduated from Cornell University with her Certificate in Wellness Coaching with a focus on Client-Directed Counseling. Debbie also is a student at University of Arizona online global campus, working on her Psychology degree and master in Yoga studies. Debbie teachers at the Loft and also she guest teaches and offers YTT and master classes through out the United States. Debbie is super excited to now call Saint Augustine, Florida her home.
Stephanie Crown
Wellness Manager
Lead Instructor / Yoga, Pilates Mat, Pilates Reformer, & Pilates Elevated Mat Tower
Lead Pilates Mat & Loft & Stretch Assisted Stretching Teacher Trainer
Lead Loft & Stretch Division- Assisted Stretch Practitioner
Plant Based Chef for the Loft’s Wellness Retreats
Reiki Master
Wellness Coach with a focus in Client-Directed Counseling
Stephanie is a 200 hour ERYT in Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga with Yoga Alliance and Sanibel Pilates & Yoga. She received her yoga certification in 2016. As a yoga instructor, Steph strives to help beginners in yoga feel comfortable in class, learn essential postures, and ensure a safe practice for everyone. Steph enjoys teaching Beach Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Vinyasa, Gentle Yoga, and Pilates Mat classes. Besides Stephanie completing her 200hr yoga teacher certification she holds Aerial Yoga Level I and II certifications and Pilates Mat & Reformer Certification with the Pilates Yoga Loft and Transcend Yoga.
Stephanie graduated with Cum Laude at Everglades University in Sarasota with a Bachelors of Science degree in Alternative Medicine. She is excited to share all of her knowledge about holistic health and wellness with her students. Stephanie is the studio’s plant-based chef for the Loft’s Health and Wellness Retreats. Her plant-based cuisine and talent in the culinary arts started at a young age. She has been a manager and head chef at several vegan cafes on Sanibel Island, FL, St. Armand’s Circle, FL and Sarasota, FL for many years. Stephanie brings lots of love to her clients with her amazing cooking and brings fun and positive energy to her classes.
Stephanie has graduated from Cornell University with her Certificate in Wellness Coaching with a focus on Client-Directed Counseling. She is excited to create personalized, wellness plans to help her clients reach their goals.
She is excited to now be living in Saint Augustine Florida. Stephanie was awarded the first paid internship program at the Pilates Yoga Loft as the studio manager and full-time assistant working along side our wellness director Debbie Sheme. When you call the studio Stephanie is one of the voices you will hear. She is happy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have. She looks forward to seeing you at beach yoga and at our next upcoming retreat and at the Loft. Namaste!
Media Marketing Manager and Content Creator - Whether she is filming at the studio or on the Freedom 2 Be You retreats by providing her social media/marketing/content skills. Stephanie is always has her camera gear set up and/or an iPhone in her hand. She is a great multitasker, so even if she’s posting away, know she’s beyond grateful to be sharing a space with you. She will continue to heal & grow with our company.
Ellie Roddy
Program Developer
Ellie Roddy is excited to be joining the Pilates Yoga Loft team as our Program Developer. Ellie graduated with her 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training certification with the Pilates Yoga Loft in 2020. Ellie has taught virtual yoga at Pilates Yoga Loft since 2021. Ellie is also a performing artist, and is pursuing her career of musical theatre as she travels nationally sharing her talents on stage. She adores acting, singing and dancing for many great shows all around the country. Fun fact about Ellie is that she is an animal lover and is a dedicated yogini with her personal yoga practice. Ellie is excited to be a part of the team and helping with expanding the Pilates Yoga Loft's vision of holistic wellness with developing programs.
Becky McNamara
Wellness & Events Director
Social Media Manager
Pilates Instructor
One of Becky’s favorite bosses once told her, “People do business with people they like,” and it’s a philosophy she’s carried with her throughout her career. In her role as Wellness & Events Director, she brings energy, creativity, and heart to everything she does—representing our yoga and Pilates studio at wellness and bridal expos, helping lead nationwide wellness retreats, and curating events that inspire connection and transformation.
She is deeply passionate about building genuine relationships and ensuring that every client feels not only supported, but truly enjoys the experience of working alongside us. With over seven years of involvement in National ASLA and an extensive background in sales, marketing, and event management, Becky has built a network of lasting friendships and professional connections that reflect her people-first approach.
Outside of work, Becky is an adventurous traveler with just one continent left on her list (the most remote one!). She and her husband love to scuba dive whenever possible, discover new foods, and explore cultures around the world. Her global outlook is also shaped by her studies—Corporate Communications at the University of London, Event Management at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia, and a B.A. in Communications from Towson University.
Whether she’s planning a retreat, hosting an event, or sparking new connections, Becky is dedicated to creating experiences that bring wellness off the mat and into everyday life.
Kassidy Smith
Yoga Instructor
Kassidy recently completed her 200 hour yoga teacher training with the Yoga Alliance through the Pilates Yoga Loft’s teacher training program. She found yoga in 2015 and has been in love ever since. Her goal is to share her love for yoga, teaching students about how yoga is for the mind, body & spirit. Kassidy enjoys learning new things to share with others and believes that yoga is a tool available for everyone to soak up all the amazing benefits of their practice. Kassidy is excited to be a part of the team and share her passion with the community at the Pilates Yoga Loft.
Kylie Shaye
Pilates Instructor
Kylie Shaye is a certified instructor who is excited to share the benefits of Pilates for the mind, body, and spirit with others. She holds degrees in the field of Education, which she is melding with holistic wellness at the Pilates Yoga Loft. Kylie has always been a teacher at heart, and her classes are a reflection of her love and gratitude for the practice. During her classes, she aspires to create a space where everyone feels welcome and experiences growth. After all, Pilates is for everybody!
Theresa Castillo
Pilates Instructor
From Sonographer to pilates instructor...Theresa has been in the healthcare field for 25 years. She longs to bring a unique perspective to movement and wellness in her pilates instruction. Her background in healthcare has taught her the importance of proper body mechanics, injury prevention, and personalized care. It will help her tailor programs to individual needs and help clients develop a deeper understanding of their bodies. She is passionate about empowering clients to discover the power of pilates and to improve their physical well-being while regaining confidence in their movement. Her medical background has instilled in her a passion for helping people achieve their health goals through mindful and effective movement. Theresa is dedicated to providing safe, challenging, and engaging workouts for clients of all levels. She is eager to guide you toward increased strength, flexibility and awareness while fostering a motivating, supportive and community based environment. She hopes to discover your strength and mobility through pilates.
Therapeutic Wellness Team
OUR DOCTORS
Dr. Susana Brooks
Doctor in Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine
Susana is a doctor of acupuncture and herbal medicine, a licensed Acupuncture Physician, and an NCCAOM Diplomate of Oriental Medicine in Florida. She graduated with honors from Grand Valley State University in 2006 and obtained her Master in Oriental Medicine from the Acupuncture and Massage College in 2022, graduating as valedictorian. Recently, she completed her doctorate in Oriental Medicine at Five Branches University.
Susana's passion for helping others began over fifteen years ago when she started practicing martial arts and yoga, eventually becoming a certified yoga teacher. She specializes in teaching mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and restorative yoga flows. Additionally, she is a certified Ayurveda Health Counselor, having studied in the United States and India. With a positive attitude toward life, Susana's enthusiasm, compassion, and calm demeanor are noticeable from the moment you meet her. She is fluent in English and Spanish, as she was born and raised in Peru.
As a practitioner, Susana takes pride in her gentle and effective acupuncture treatments, which may include modalities such as moxibustion, guasha, cupping, e-stim, herbal formulas, tuina, and homeopathic injection therapy. She also includes aromatherapy, sound healing, and Reiki into her therapies. Treating and educating patients is her true calling and something she enjoys. Susana also worked as an acupuncture teacher assistant at the local acupuncture school and continues tutoring TCM students as a true testament to her love for the profession and to give back to the community.
Dr. Melissa Levy Ellis
DACM, AP, Dipl.OM,CFMP
Meet Dr. Levy, a dedicated practitioner with a passion for health and wellness. Originally hailing from the vibrant city of Philadelphia, she ventured to Florida to pursue her education at the University of Tampa. Driven by her early love for health and fitness, she immersed herself in competitive basketball during her childhood, laying the foundation for her journey into the world of fitness and personal training.
However, it was a personal health journey that altered the course of Dr. Levy's life. Encountering acupuncture and holistic medicine, she experienced a transformative impact that inspired her to become a Doctor of Acupuncture and Functional Medicine Practitioner.
With numerous certifications including, Functional Medicine, Pain Reprocessing Therapy, 200-hour yoga, health coaching, Fertility Coaching, personal training, group fitness, and acupuncture point injection therapy, Dr. Levy is well-equipped to provide comprehensive care to her patients.
Dr. Levy is a board-certified diplomate of Oriental Medicine by NCCAOM and a licensed Acupuncture Physician in Florida. Her evidence-based practice model combines patient values, the best research evidence, and her clinical expertise to offer exceptional care.
Through advanced training in Functional Medicine, Orthopedic Acupuncture, Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), Sports Acupuncture, Chronic Pain, Reproductive Health, and Cosmetic Acupuncture & Microneedling, Dr. Levy continues to expand her skills to better serve her patients.
Having collaborated with professionals in Western medicine-based clinics, including Medical Doctors, Physical Therapists, and Massage Therapists, she embraces an integrated approach to patient care.
Dr. Levy's mission extends beyond treatment; she strives to educate all her patients about the advantages of living a holistic life. Each encounter is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of her patients, and she approaches this with unwavering dedication and care.