Instructor Trainer bios

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.

Chloe, a fully Certified STOTT PILATES^® Instructor and Instructor Trainer, brings a wealth of experience from her training in ballet, contemporary and modern dance. She dedicated her teenage years to dancing and studied at the California Institute of the Arts, majoring in dance. Afterward, she embarked on her Pilates training journey in 2018 and commenced teaching in 2019. Driven by a lifelong passion for teaching and education, she pursued the Instructor Trainer role in 2023, marking a new chapter in her career.

Chloe's goal is to foster a learning environment that is welcoming, respectful and diverse, ensuring that students derive maximum benefit from each course and emerge as exceptional instructors. She prioritizes the input of her students, valuing their perspectives as much as her own.

Transforming lives through movement and education, Thicha bridges the worlds of finance and wellness. With a Master of Science from MIT and nearly two decades in investment banking, she brings analytical rigor, leadership, and strategic insight into the movement and rehabilitation space.

Thicha’s movement journey began at age three as a classical ballet dancer. Her recovery from ballet-related injuries led to her passion for movement education and rehabilitation. This inspired her to establish Breathe Pilates Education, where she oversees Merrithew’s Licensed Training Center in Singapore—across five locations—and the Host Training Center in Bangkok. As a Lead IT for Merrithew, Pre-Trainer in GYROTONIC^®, and educator across multiple modalities, she helps shape the next generation of movement professionals.

She has trained and certified more than 1,000 students in STOTT PILATES^®, contributing greatly to developing skilled instructors in the region. Her interest in rehabilitation and movement informs her evidence-based, holistic teaching approach.

Dedicated to elevating global standards in movement education, Thicha’s mission is to empower individuals through intelligent movement, transformative education, and holistic health.

Chrissy discovered Pilates whilst attending a Fitness weekend with a group of friends and was hooked! Formerly a member of the British Olympic Windsurfing team and 3 times World Champion, Pilates fits her mindset with the precise and mindful control of the body’s movements.

Chrissy co-owns The Host Centre Principle Pilates and works as a movement consultant to Southampton Football Club, Hampshire CC and England Womens Cricket. Her client base ranges in age from 16 – 82 with a mix of athletes, weekend warriors, aspiring older sports people and post- operative individuals. She teaches group classes and tailored private sessions in addition to the Stott Pilates courses, exams and workshops.

Initially a Personal Trainer and sports massage therapist she added Pilates to her skill set becoming a STOTT PILATES^® Certified Instructor in 2004, Instructor Trainer in 2007 and ZEN•GA^® Instructor Trainer in 2013.

With over 25 years in the mind-body sector she is constantly furthering her knowledge of teaching and exploring change through movement.Chrissy enjoys teaching both the STOTT PILATES and ZEN•GA modalities and prides herself on delivering first class education in a fun and supportive way.

Christine Heckel (she/her) is a Merrithew^® Lead Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES^®, ZEN•GA^®, and Fascial Movement. With more than 20 years of experience in movement education and a foundation in classical ballet, Christine is recognized for her precise, anatomy-based teaching and her ability to translate complex movement concepts into clear, accessible instruction. She presents Merrithew courses and workshops throughout the U.S. and internationally, training instructors in biomechanics, class design, cueing, and effective programming.

Christine is the owner of Breathe Pilates Place in Maryland and serves as Interim Director for Local Motion Project, a non-profit dance organization. She also provides Merrithew education at Wheelhouse Pilates in Clifton, VA, a Host Training Center. Her multidisciplinary background—including Pilates, dance, aerial arts, and functional strength—shapes her comprehensive approach to movement and instructor development.