OUR INSTRUCTORS

Teacher Trainer, Franklin Method Educator, Thai Massage Therapist, Reception Manager Hometown: Bathurst, NB

Born in New Brunswick, I am an Acadian through and through. I was first introduced to Pilates during dance training and was inspired to see the positive effect it had on so many people. I love teaching and practicing Pilates. My fascination with the body drew me to my additional training in Thai Massage and Franklin Method certification. These three modalities all inform each other and give me a broader perspective on the body. When I’m not teaching Pilates, my other interests include … OY! where does one begin?! A- Acting, Architecture B- Ballet, Baking C- Cycling, Comedy D- Dancing, Drama E- Europe, Environment… I could go through the whole alphabet!

“My first introduction to Pilates was through a few workshops at Ryerson Theatre School. It was incredibly hard and confusing and I could barely keep up. I actually became a Pilates instructor as I knew a deeper knowledge of Pilates would help my own dancing. Soon, I realized I could quit my hateful restaurant job if I began to teach it. I love how effective Pilates can be at helping bodies heal and how quickly we see results. I love how specific we can be in our teaching. I enjoy working with the same client and watching their bodies change and become stronger. I like how amazing Pilates feels! When I’m not teaching, my other career is performing and dancing. My other other career is raising two kids.” Neesa is a Pilates Process™ Teacher Trainer.

“I was born in Coaldale, Alberta but I now call Toronto home. I was first introduced to Pilates through a good friend who was teaching at the time and thought it would be a great fit for me. What drew me to teaching was a pure interest in the body and movement and the importance of movement in my life. I love the way Pilates makes my body feel. When I finish teaching someone and they feel brand new, it warms my heart! When I’m not teaching, I’m a mother of three! I have no time for other interests at the moment!” Jessica is a Pilates Process™ Teacher Trainer and the Education Director. Jessica is also certified through the Pilates Method Alliance as an NCPT.

“I was first introduced to Pilates at the Riverdale studio, working with Monique. I had only heard of Pilates and thought it sounded like a good idea as I was nearing 40. I just happened to walk into the studio and Paul signed me up for two weeks on the spot! I was fascinated in the first session by the idea that I could effect movement just by imagining it. I was drawn to teaching Pilates after Pascal, my husband, had passed away. I needed to figure out some way of living outside of the way we had made our life together. Learning about the teacher training program and working with Angela Lewis, gradually made me think this was a possibility. When teaching Pilates, you are thinking about what is going on with the body in each exercise, and how you would explain that effectively to another person – which is very difficult. You are also always trying to figure out how each individual makes sense of what you are saying. The struggle for clarity is interesting in itself. When doing my own Pilates practice, I think examining more closely what is going on in your own body (in order to explain to others) and finding that your body can do more things than you thought possible, is exciting. I appreciate it more. When not teaching Pilates, I have worked for many years as a garden designer and gardener and it is still something I do. Other interests of mine include cooking (especially baking), tennis, and reading history.”

In an effort to explore different approaches to injury rehabilitation and to maintain a strong and healthy physique as a dancer, Dana began training in Pilates. Ten years ago, after taking time to explore different modalities and studios, she became a Pilates instructor through the Pilates Process Method.

As a professional performer, she incorporates a wide range of techniques, styles and movement in her approach. Including ballet, jazz, contemporary, street dance, aerial silks, and fire performance.

Dana is a mother to two young children and has found Pilates to be essential in keeping up with the physical demands of caring for her little humans.