Sarah Artha Negara

Expertise, Kindness, and a True Passion for Movement

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Melody Hierling as a fellow Pilates instructor in Santa Cruz. I also got to know her through the Advanced Movement Principles training, led by Nora St. John, founder of Balanced Body® Education, with Ky Carnell-Russell and me assisting. Knowing her both personally and professionally, I was thrilled to hear she was opening Starlight Pilates in Monterey. Melody is a highly experienced, well-educated instructor dedicated to lifelong learning. What makes her especially wonderful is the person behind that knowledge: kind, humble, and full of heart. She has a true passion for helping others enjoy movement and live well, and that care shines through in her interactions. As a Pilates educator, I deeply value instructors who bring both expertise and compassion to their work. Melody embodies both, and I’m so happy to recommend her and her studio to anyone looking for thoughtful, caring Pilates instruction.

Skilled Teaching, a Peaceful Presence

Sue graduated from my Comprehensive Pilates program at College of San Mateo, and her extensive yoga experience shone through from the start. She beautifully weaves her peaceful nature and the mindfulness of her yoga background into her Pilates classes. She is a skilled instructor with a gift for helping you slow down, settle, and tune into the subtler sensations of movement and breath. After her classes, I leave feeling calmer and more connected to my body. Sue is a lovely human being, and I truly enjoy being her teacher & student!

A Studio That Feels Like Home

I’ve experienced Coastline Pilates as a student, an instructor, and a Balanced Body teacher trainer, and it feels like home in every role. Owner Abigail has cultivated a relaxed atmosphere filled with positive, supportive energy, and I know I’m not the only one who feels it. From my first class, I was welcomed with big smiles and fellow students excited to meet someone new. It has that “Cheers” feeling, where everybody knows your name and is happy you came. I also appreciate that all of the teachers are comprehensively certified, which gives me confidence in the quality of instruction. The smaller class sizes are another highlight: as a student, I value the individual attention, and as a teacher, I enjoy having the opportunity to connect with each person. Abigail is a kind, supportive employer who takes the time to listen to both clients and instructors. That care carries throughout the studio, making Coastline a wonderful place to move, learn, teach, and connect.

A Pilates Sister with a Purpose

Cecilia and I are fellow Lolita San Miguel Disciples and Second Generation Pilates instructors who studied together under Lolita. During that time, our friendship blossomed, and Cecilia began developing her Pilates-4-Parkinson’s program. Learning from her about Parkinson’s disease and how Pilates can support people living with its challenges was truly inspiring. She brings deep knowledge, compassion, and a relentless drive to serve this community—and to educate other instructors so that the work can reach more people. I’m proud to call Cecilia a dear friend and Pilates sister. You are in good hands with her.

Creative Cues & Contagious Joy!

I’ve had the pleasure of watching Ginny develop into one of the most creative instructors to graduate from my teacher training program at College of San Mateo. Her imaginative imagery cues help people connect with their bodies and make movement both meaningful and fun. She brings warmth, an almost-ever-present smile, and a bright outlook to her teaching, creating an atmosphere where people can feel at ease and enjoy exploring movement. It’s a joy to see her sharing these gifts with others!