Founder & Instructors

steve

Steve was born in the midwest and raised in Massachusetts. He graduated with Honors from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA, earning a BFA in Modern Dance, focusing on choreography.  As a senior at the University of the Arts, Steven began working with Parsons Dance as an apprentice, performing at the Joyce Theater with the company while finishing his BFA. At graduation, he was honored with the Stella Moore Prize for Four-Year Achievement and the Award for Excellence in Modern Dance. 

After graduating he joined Parsons Dance full time, under director David Parsons; touring and teaching with the company. He danced with Parsons both domestically and internationally, including Italy, China, Brazil, Russia, and more. This opportunity afforded him the opportunity to work with Monica Bill-Barnes, Kate Skarpetowska, and Robert Battle.  Steven has taught throughout the United States including various dance college programs, Broadway Dance Center in NYC , University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University , as well as masterclasses in Italy and Israel. 

His choreography has been set on the Philadelphia based SHARP Dance Co. under director Diane Sharp- Nachsin. SHARP Dance Company commissioned several of Steve’s early choreographies and continues to tour his work nationally. Steven’s work was selected for the 2014 Emerging Choreographer Commission for Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, and Harvard University, among others. 

Steve is featured twice in Jordan Matter’s New York Times Bestseller, Dancers Among Us and TV and film experiences include Teddy Forance and Jon Arpino’s dance documentary Movement One, starring Stephen “tWitch” Boss, Operatic Heat: Parsons Dance presents ‘Remember Me’, All the Right Moves, the feature film Now You See Me and Law and Order: SVU. Steven earned a MFA in Dance from Hollins University in Roanoke, VA (2017). He served on Faculty at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ, 2014-2019. In addition to  academic pursuits and studies, Steven has been serving as a Judge and Mentor at various dance competitions across the United States at Regional and National events. 

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Steve worked as a physical therapy trainer and Pilates instructor in New York City.  Now, having retuned to his childhood home on the South Coast of Massachusetts, Steve is the owner of SoCo Movement Arts in New Bedford, MA.

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Steve Vaughn

OWNER & FOUNDER

Lulu

INSTRUCTOR/MANAGER

Lulu Card

Lulu works with clients of all ages in all stages of life, and has a specialty in working with pre-and postnatal clients to help build pelvic floor and core strength for new mothers.

Lulu started attending mat Pilates classes with Steve Vaughn in 2022 and became interested in becoming an instructor after feeling and seeing the positive outcomes of the Pilates practice. Lulu became passionate about helping people achieve their fitness and wellness goals. 

Lulu received her Pilates instructor certification through the Studio on Popes Island and is now teaching mat, circuit, JUMP! classes and reformer sessions. 

Lulu’s practice focuses on strength, balance, and core with an emphasis on toning the body, increasing mobility, and improving overall wellbeing. 

Lulu was born in the Republic of Moldova and raised in Massachusetts. She has lived in many cities and moved to the South Shore in 2020, her eleventh move so far! 

 

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INSTRUCTOR

Deborah Monteiro

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Deborah’s boundless love for animals led her to a 30-year career as a certified veterinary technician. She now shares her knowledge and experience with the next generation in the Animal Health program at Bristol Community College.

Movement has been a central part of Deborah’s life from the start. She finds joy in biking, rollerblading, spin classes, and aerobics—activities that helped shape her lifelong commitment to physical wellness. From walking to weightlifting, she consistently makes time for movement in her daily routine. Seven years ago, she discovered Barre, and it quickly became a practice that resonated deeply—not just for its physical benefits, but for the mind-body connection and sense of community it fostered. That experience inspired her to pursue Pilates certification at SoCo Movement Arts, where she deepened her understanding of core stability and functional movement.

Deborah believes strongly in the power of movement to support mental health, manage stress, and build resilience in the face of life’s challenges. To her, making time for exercise is one of the most important forms of self-care—it’s how we build the internal strength needed to show up for ourselves and others.

She brings that compassionate, real-world perspective into every class she teaches—grounded in experience, energized by passion, and driven by the belief that movement truly matters. Her personal philosophy: get a daily dose of fresh air, a good belly laugh, and a workout.

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Amanda

INSTRUCTOR

Amanda McKim

Amanda grew up in Westwood MA and spent summers in Marion MA. After moving down here full time in 2023, she graduated from Bridgewater State University with a B.S. in psychology with a minor in marketing. She is attending UMASS Dartmouth Law School this fall!

As a former volleyball player, Amanda has always been passionate about movement and the community that fitness has brought to her life. From teams to fitness studio communities, she believes that the supportive relationships in these environments is essential to overall wellness. 

Amanda was drawn to pilates because of its versatility. It was a form of movement that she could do anywhere with almost no equipment, or take community classes with rings, bands, balls, and reformers. She loves that anyone can do pilates and see the benefits from it.  She received her certification through Pilates Instructor Academy last summer and has been teaching ever since!

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INSTRUCTOR

Michelle Fontaine

 I have lived in Massachusetts my entire life. I graduated from B.M.C. Durfee High School and went on to earn my bachelor’s degree in Sociology, with a minor in Social Work and Psychology, from Southeastern Massachusetts University in 1991. I have a lifelong love for music and animals, both of which bring great joy and meaning to my life.

I've always had a deep passion for fitness and movement. Over the years, I've explored a wide range of disciplines—from lifting weights to practicing Kick Boxing, Barre, Yoga and Zumba. Each modality has taught me something unique about strength, alignment, and mindfulness.

Most recently, I’ve become certified in Pilates at SoCo Movement Arts, which has further deepened my understanding of core stability and functional movement. I'm excited to share this knowledge and help others find strength, balance, and confidence through movement.

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INSTRUCTOR

Lori Bentley

Lori Bentley has been a medical aesthetician at Dartmouth Dermatology for over two decades. She's always been passionate about her clients’ health and wellness, and truly believes that incorporating fitness into my own lifestyle is crucial for a fulfilling life.

Lori firmly believes that movement is one of the most effective ways to nourish both the body and the soul, and makes health and wellness her ultimate goals.  

Lori also finds immense joy in reading good books, spending quality time with her family, and indulging in plenty of puppy snuggles with her two adorable pups.

Lori is thrilled to embark on a new fitness journey with Pilates!

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INSTRUCTOR

Mary-Beth Weiss

Mary-Beth Weiss is a native of New Bedford who currently resides in Fairhaven.  Her initial love of the body and its inner workings led her to study Biology, and she received a Bachelor of Science from Northeastern University.  After working in marketing for over a decade, she has decided to pursue a path that brings her fulfillment and spreads more positivity.

Throughout both her academic and working years, Mary-Beth never stopped moving. Years of pushing limits as an athlete and runner then aerialist, led to the discovery of Pilates' power for optimal performance and injury prevention. Her journey from athlete to coach, then barre instructor and aerialist and finally to a Pilates instructor was driven by a desire to understand these beloved practices at a deeper level and make them accessible to a wider audience. 

Her experience spans the grace and strength of the world of aerial arts and the disciplined precision of barre, with the grounding strength of an athlete and the motivating drive of a coach. Now, as a Pilates instructor she combines this diverse experience to help clients discover their strongest, most centered self. The approach blends athleticism, mindfulness, and grace. Classes draw upon this unique and eclectic background, incorporating strength-building, flexibility, and core stability to help clients move with greater ease and confidence no matter the activity. The goal of each class is to create a supportive and empowering environment where you can experience the transformative benefits of Pilates and feel your best from the inside out.

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Testimonials

Ratings

"My first experience at The Studio was for the “Get Golf Ready” class. The instructors were knowledgeable, fun and helpful. The class reminded me that although I can exercise on my own, having guidance and new ideas is important. I do love to workout in a place that is warm and inviting and The Studio is perfect!! Thank you for a great class. See you soon!"

Theresa - Client

"I have been coming to the studio for just over a year now and I cannot say enough good things about Nicole and Steve! I couldn’t be happier with the level of support, encouragement, and expertise I receive with my Pilates reformer sessions. They are both so skilled at what they do and will make sure you are working at a pace that is comfortable and safe for you. I’m thrilled with the progress I have made." 😊

Katie - Client

"I just had an absolutely phenomenal pilates reformer session here. You can feel comfortable coming here no matter your experience with pilates. Steve was patient, and made it so fun to workout! Imagine that, a fun workout!! We will be back!! Can't wait to try the mat!"

Karen - Client

"What a great experience! We are really enjoying, benefitting, and already (after just two times) feeling a positive difference from Pilates lessons. She is an excellent trainer; very friendly and extremely professional. We highly recommend and we look to forward to our sessions each week!"

Donna - Client

"I've been coming to this studio for about 1.5 years and I absolutely love it! I've never found a studio like this located in the surrounding area before they opened. This studio offers an array of classes - yoga, Pilates mat/reformer and dance - in group or private settings. I really appreciate that they offer early morning and evening classes because I wouldn't be able to join otherwise. Owners Nicole and Steve are approachable and extremely accommodating to each persons specific needs and abilities. I highly recommend!"

Laura - Client

"Always a great experience with people who are attuned to your needs and deal professionally with any limitations you may have."

Donna - Client

"So happy to have true Pilates instruction so close by. I especially love working on the Reformers. Working with Steve is wonderful!"

Angie - Client

"I attended my first Mat Pilates class with Lulu and she made me work! The staff are welcoming and friendly and it's a relaxed environment. I'm looking forward to going back for more classes."

Linda - Client

"I recently had my hip replaced, and the Pilates prep-work I did with Steve made a HUGE difference in terms of preparation and being able to move correctly, isolate muscles, and develop my triceps.  It made all the difference in my recovery."

Betsy - Client

What Makes Us Different?

Properly Trained Instructors

Instructor Experience

Commitment to Quality