CO-FOUNDER & CLINICAL DIRECTOR

PILATES & BARRE INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Laurence Agénor is a distinguished specialist in orthopedics, dance medicine, pelvic health, clinical Pilates, pre/postnatal care, perimenopause/menopause, and manual therapy. She works with clients of all backgrounds and fitness levels, helping each person move safely, build strength, and reach their goals. She is especially passionate about supporting people living with chronic pain, helping them rediscover the joy of movement. As a dancer and former dance teacher, she also empowers performing artists to reduce injury risk while continuing to do what they love.

The Wellness Den was born from Dr. Agénor’s unique combination of specialties and her desire to bring community, high-quality care, and education to the world of physical therapy. At the studio, she has intelligently designed all signature classes to safely guide clients from post-rehabilitation into group fitness and support people at different life stages. Her approach integrates Pilates and strength training, ensuring each session builds strength, stability, and confidence while meeting individual needs.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Agénor teaches Pilates, Barre and Strength, bringing her physical therapy expertise into every class to create dynamic, purposeful, and supportive movement experiences.

Originally from Martinique, she is fluent in English and French, and enjoys dance, photography, Pilates, travel, meditation, trying new restaurants, and spending time with loved ones.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST & PILATES INSTRUCTOR

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Natalie is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a mission to revolutionize the populations that receive physical therapy and the way individuals experience rehabilitation.

She takes into account both the patient’s anatomy and physiology as a whole in order to provide a comprehensive and individualized approach that nurtures mind and body.

As a CSCS certified professional, Pilates Instructor, and life-long participator in exercise, she upholds the idea of utilizing movement as an effective tool and powerful source of healing.

In addition to her experience in orthopedics, she has also garnered experience in addressing individuals with pelvic health disorders and providing care for pre/postnatal patients.

Committed to lifelong learning, her pursuit of knowledge ensures that her patients will receive up to date, innovative and evidence based treatments that aim to restore wellness and recovery.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST & CERTIFIED STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH

Dr. Shafir earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from NYU and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Penn State University. 

Fluent in English, Russian and Hebrew, Sarah approaches rehabilitation through the lens of the mind–body connection, believing that meaningful recovery comes from understanding both physical movement and the individual behind it.  Her treatment style emphasizes strength, mobility, and coordination to help individuals feel resilient and empowered.

Growing up, she participated in a variety of sports, including gymnastics and volleyball. Exploring movement in different forms as a young athlete shaped her appreciation for well-rounded and effective training. That early foundation as well as a background in Mat Pilates, continue to influence her work today. She is passionate about giving back to her community by supporting young female athletes and is dedicated to helping all of her patients feel strong and confident in their practice while promoting a safe, injury-free training environment.

OFFICE MANAGER

As an experienced Office Manager, Aliza thrives at creating organized and efficient workspaces, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, fostering a collaborative environment and always greeting everyone with a smile. With strong skills in multitasking, problem-solving, and communication, Aliza bring a proactive approach to managing schedules, coordinating teams, and overseeing administrative tasks.

Outside of work, Aliza loves spending time on creative hobbies like crochet, pottery, and dancing—they’re a great way to unwind and stay inspired! Aliza also hopes to take her passion for movement a step further by becoming a Barre instructor, blending fitness and fun to help others feel their best!

PILATES INSTRUCTOR

Laura (she/her) is a French-American certified vinyasa yoga and Pilates teacher. Her teaching journey began as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay in 2017. After returning from the Peace Corps, Laura completed a 200-hour vinyasa yoga teacher training in France. She has taught yoga in Belgium and France. In 2021, she moved to New York City to train as a Pilates instructor at Core Pilates and Good Day Pilates. She has also trained as a prenatal/postnatal Pilates teacher and as a birth doula. Her classes are infused with positive affirmations and functional movement so we can enjoy longer, healthier and more balanced lives.

PILATES INSTRUCTOR

Christine (she/her) started her professional career as a contemporary ballet dancer in NYC while receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Choreography from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Throughout her life as a dancer, Christine focused on body and mind wellness to help sustain the physical demands of her career. This search for balance brought her to practice yoga and ultimately find her next passion. Since becoming a licensed yoga and Pilates teacher, she has taught in a variety of settings for over 10 years. From group classes to private instruction, supporting clients of all ages and abilities. She specializes in body awareness, injury prevention, and recovery.

Upon retiring from dancing, Christine created Align at Work – a company founded with the goal of bringing restorative movements to the workplace. Her curriculum both in the workplace and in the studio fosters personal education, healthy alignment, posture strengthening, and mindful techniques that promote alignment between the brain and the body. After all, your body is made to move.