Tess' experience with the Pilates Method spans over 25 years. In 1986, after graduating with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, she discovered Pilates while performing in a Miami based student dance company. Pilates was love at first sight for Tess, and a move from Miami to Manhattan in 1989, eventually led her to practice in the historical Pilates studio called "Drago's Gym" where Romana Kryzanowska, the world renowned protege of Joseph Pilates, taught for many years. After returning to Florida in the 90's, she continued to practice Pilates regularly. In 1998, following a desire to share her enthusiasm for Pilates with others, she headed back to the Big Apple to become a teacher. She was trained by Romana Kryzanowska at Drago's earning her first certificate as a Second Generation Pilates teacher.

In 2005, she decided to become a teacher of teachers and subsequently completed a second training program with Bob Liekens of Power Pilates. She received her Power Pilates Teacher Trainer Diploma in 2009. Tess owned Pilates Premier Studios, Inc. in St. Petersburg, FL, an Affiliate Power Pilates Teacher Training and Continuing Education Center, until September of 2012. During this time, she was also an adjunct faculty member of St. Petersburg College providing continuing education courses for the Physical Therapy Department. Tess has worked with clients of differing age and physical condition ranging from children to the elderly, and from the de-conditioned or injured, to the professional dancer and athlete. Tess's knowledge as a nurse and performing artist assists her clients in experiencing the art and science of Pilates. She strives to maintain the classical spirit of the work and has been convinced time and time again that a classical approach guarantees results, empowers others and respects the life time work of Joseph H. Pilates. She recently relocated to Paris, and as Power Pilates’ Regional Director of France, she will lead Power Pilates Educational Programs commencing in 2014. Tess is a PMA certified teacher.