Instructor Trainer bios

Jeff is a member of the Ontario Osteopathic Association (OOA) and a graduate of the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy (CAO). As a classically trained osteopathic manual practitioner, Jeff's training has given him a deep understanding of osteopathic principles. He applies his extensive knowledge of the human body by successfully diagnosing and treating a diverse range of musculoskeletal and physiological problems. He enjoys continually learning about the human body and improving his osteopathic treatments in order to help others.

In 2000, Jeff graduated with a degree in Nutritional Science from the National University of Malaysia. In 2006, after working for several years in the healthcare industry, he moved to Toronto and enrolled in the STOTT PILATES^® Certification program. Jeff was invited to become an Instructor Trainer for the Merrithew^® Education Department in Toronto in 2008. Since then, he has taught STOTT PILATES education programs and workshops internationally throughout Asia and Europe as well as in Canada.

Jeff's interest in human movement and health is complemented by his gentle and effective teaching manner, drawing both clients and fellow Instructors alike to work with him on a regular basis. As a well-known and respected Pilates Instructor in the industry Jeff is continually inspired by the opportunity to teach others and regularly participates in Pilates and movement workshops in order to deepen his knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics and teaching.

Jeff's passion for results-oriented, progressive, rehabilitative programming is rooted in his teaching approach. This unique style has established him as a lead Pilates Instructor who is able to provide high quality, diverse Pilates workouts for every client at any level, while being mindful of specific needs, focuses and goals.

Jenna is a passionate educator, mover, and lover of the outdoors. She is the co-founder of Awaken Studios, Awaken Retreats, and Awaken Transformation, which she runs with her husband, Joe. As a STOTT PILATES^® Lead Instructor, she brings a comprehensive approach to mindful movement education.

Her additional credentials include 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training, co-founding Awaken Aerial Education, life-coach certification, TRX, personal training, as well as a BFA in Dance and a Master’s in Education from the University of Utah. Beyond Pilates, Jenna has taught snowboarding, skiing, recreational therapy, and dance.

She is inspired by seeing clients transform their lives through mindset work, movement, injury rehabilitation, and personal growth. Above all, Jenna’s greatest joy is her four children, who continually remind her to live with presence, gratitude, and awe.

Jenn's career in the fitness industry began as a group exercise instructor and personal trainer. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology, and is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with the NSCA. In 2007, Jenn became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES^®. She is also an Adjunct Professor in the Exercise Science Department at Southern Connecticut State University and teaches Pilates at The Edge Fitness Clubs in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Jennifer was first introduced to Pilates to support and strengthen her body for dance. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Dance from Simon Fraser University and continues to teach jazz, tap, ballet and stage.

Jennifer began her STOTT PILATES^® journey with a Matwork certification and has since continued to advance her training. She finds it deeply rewarding to work with clients of all ages and to witness their growth in strength, stamina and confidence through movement.

One of her greatest joys is hearing how clients apply what they’ve learned in Pilates to other areas of their lives—whether golfing, skiing or simply keeping up with their grandchildren on the playground.

Jennifer Dahl is a certified STOTT PILATES^® Instructor and Merrithew Master Instructor Trainer with over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. She brings her innovative methods to Merrithew as an Instructor Trainer for STOTT PILATES, Halo^®, Total Barre^®, ZEN∙GA^® and Merrithew Fascial Movement.

She is a graduate of the University of Toronto Psychology Department specializing in Physiology as well as the renowned School, Toronto Dance Theatre. She continues to hone her approach by providing well-articulated movements which are curated to aid the mind-body connection through physical activity.

Jennifer is motivated by the challenges and rewards that this type of training can offer to clients from various physical backgrounds. Her curiosity has led her an exploration into new concepts, and ideas as well as revisit more established protocols with colleagues worldwide.