Instructor Trainer bios

Gidget began her career in movement while performing in musical theater. Her love of dance gave way to a passion for fitness. She was a personal trainer for many years before she turned to the more mindful movements of yoga and Pilates. She opened her Pilates studio in the Dallas area in 2003. From 2012 to early 2018, she owned the Merrithew^® Licensed Training Center in the Dallas area. In 2016, Gidget was designated a Merrithew Lead Instructor Trainer. This has been the honor of her career. She considers teaching and educating her gift to give, and actively mentors students both during and after they complete their education programs.

Gigi is one-half of the heartbeat of Gigi’s Pilates Studio & Personal Training. A Des Moines native and fitness expert with more than 18 years’ experience, Gigi’s passion for fitness began early when she earned her Bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Iowa State University. Since then she’s added certifications as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor from the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), and the International Sports Conditioning Association (ISCA). Gigi also is an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES^® and is a certified breast cancer exercise specialist with the Pink Ribbon Program.

Greta Martin, with a Masters degree in Health Education specializing in integrated medicine, discovered Pilates in 2007 during her recovery from an injury. Recognizing its immediate benefits, particularly in alleviating pain caused by scoliosis, she fully embraced the practice, making it an essential component of her fitness regimen. Greta's dedication to Pilates significantly enhanced her performance in running, triathlons, and cycling events.

In 2006, Greta relocated to Utah for a prestigious role as a Bone Marrow Transplant coordinator, a position she deeply cherished. In 2013, she obtained her STOTT PILATES^® certification through Pacific NW Pilates in Portland, demonstrating her commitment to expanding her knowledge and skills. Driven by her passion for continuous learning, Greta achieved the distinction of becoming a STOTT PILATES^® Instructor Trainer in 2022. She is thrilled to represent forward-thinking companies like Merrithew^™ in her instructional endeavors.

Gretel’s passion for movement was sparked early, growing up in Singapore immersed in ballet and exploring diverse dance styles like Tango, Jazz, Flamenco, and Contemporary. In 2013, she earned a Diploma in Dance, with a focus on teaching methodology, from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. This exposure to various dance and fitness disciplines led Gretel to develop a keen interest in the biomechanics of movement, ultimately inspiring her to pursue education in STOTT PILATES^® Mat & Reformer.

Gretel began her teaching journey in 2013 as a dance instructor and moved into the fitness industry in 2017 as a Barre Instructor, later advancing to training manager. There, she discovered her passion for teaching and mentoring, ultimately leading her to become a dedicated STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainer. Based at Pilatique Pilates Studio in Singapore, Gretel is committed to sharing the STOTT PILATES method with her students, believing in the joy and transformative power of movement.

Haley Buzbee Shoor is an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES^® Matwork & Reformer as well as Cadillac, Chair & Barrels. Haley found Pilates through her ballet training in Florida. After completing her training, she focused on teaching post-injury clients and clients with special needs. She is also a personal trainer certified through the American Council on Exercise and likes to bridge the gap between mind-body exercise and resistance training. Haley has taught in a variety of settings including gyms, corporate facilities, in-home private clients and several Pilates studios.