Instructor Trainer bios

Chase earned his B.S. in Kinesiology in early 2012 with a focus on Fitness from California State University, Long Beach. He began at John Garey Fitness & Pilates as a certified personal trainer through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and since has earned accreditation through Johnny G Krankcycle, TRX Suspension Training, and the Spinning/SpinPOWER program. Most recently, Chase earned the prestigious title of CORE^™ Instructor Trainer through Merrithew^™, enabling him to train and certify other instructors. The combination of these certifications, along with years of experience in both traditional and corporate fitness settings, promotes a perfect blend of science, fun, creativity, and motivation in each class. Expect to be challenged and inspired each time you embark upon a workout with Chase.

With a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Chau worked in manufacturing and corporate settings for over 10 years. Pursuing her passion of Modern Dance and fitness, Chau decided to change her career path to become an educator and instructor of fitness. With a focus on the education and training of the STOTT PILATES^® method, she became a Lead Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^™. Chau has instructed STOTT PILATES certification courses in North America, South America and Europe. She is the owner and education/program director of Pilates South Texas, the exclusive Merrithew Licensed Training Center in Houston, Texas.

Cherie obtained her BFA in Dance from University of North Carolina School for the Arts and began teaching Pilates in Toronto at the Merrithew^™ Corporate Training Center in 1993 after training under Moira Merrithew. She became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew specializing in STOTT PILATES^® in 1998, and has instructed at the following LTCs: Equilibrium - Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; Bodycenter - Seattle, Washington; Full Circle Studio - Vancouver, BC and currently Inspire Health - Atlanta, GA.

Cheryl is a physical therapist and fitness enthusiast with over 20 years of teaching experience. She graduated from the University of Vermont in 1996 and was first introduced to Pilates while working as a PT. Quickly realizing the benefits to the rehab population, she pursued her STOTT PILATES^® certification in 2000 and is now a Lead Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^™, teaching STOTT PILATES and STOTT PILATES Rehab. She is the owner of Symmetry Pilates Center in New Hampshire where she teaches classes as well as works one on one with clients. Cheryl is an avid runner and triathlete and is a two-time IRONMAN finisher completing Ironman Lake Placid (2011) and Ironman Coeur D’Alene (2013). A lifelong athlete, Cheryl enjoys educating and motivating others to reach their personal fitness goals – knowledge is power.

After graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a master’s degree, Thicha spent 15 years working in the banking industry before leaving the corporate world to follow her long-time dream of becoming a Pilates Instructor. After suffering back and ankle injuries in 2002, she experienced the therapeutic benefits of Pilates first-hand and decided she wanted to teach others. She obtained her full STOTT PILATES^® certification in 2007 and became a Merrithew^™ Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES the following year. Thicha was awarded the prestigious title of Lead Instructor Trainer, and focuses on the education and training of the STOTT PILATES method. Her passion for movement originates from her many years as a professional ballet dancer and a dance educator. She holds a Certificate of Higher Education (Dance) from the University of Surrey, UK, an advanced-level certification from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), and is a registered RAD teacher. She is also a certified 200-hour Yoga Alliance teacher, GYROTONIC, GYROKINESIS and GYROTONER trainer.