Instructor Trainer bios

After training for 4 years with Michaela Bimbi-Dresp in Munich, Germany, Amy de Schweinitz obtained her STOTT PILATES^® Certification in 2004. In 2007, she became a Certified Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^®, specializing in STOTT PILATES, and enabling her to teach worldwide. With a BSc in Kinesiology and Sport Science, Amy was able to complement her studies as a competitive runner and triathlete. She found that Pilates was a huge asset to her success as an athlete, thus it launched her career in Pilates. Amy is now certified by the Pilates Method Alliance and is an ACE Certified Trainer. As an international Certified Health Coach, Amy is passionate about using Pilates to help people feel good in their bodies and have the best quality of life.

Amy Pronovost received her BA in Dance and English from Western Michigan University. She is currently an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES^®, a Level 1 Gyrotonic instructor, a 200-hour registered yoga teacher and an ACE certified Group Instructor Trainer. She has been teaching at Equilibrium in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan since 2000. She has also taught ballet for fifteen years and currently has students performing around the world and on Broadway.

Amy is an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^®, specializing in STOTT PILATES^® Mat, Reformer, as well a certified STOTT PILATES^® Rehab Instructor. She is also a NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Speed, Agility & Quickness instructor and a Level 1 Gyrotonic Instructor. As a licensed physical therapist specializing in treating orthopedic, sports medicine and dance injuries, Amy combines her backgrounds to design safe, yet challenging Pilates workouts for each client, regardless of their fitness level. Teaching STOTT PILATES^® fed a passion for thoughtfully selecting exercises to address a client’s needs and inspired her to co-author two editions of a physical therapy textbook, Therapeutic Exercise Prescription, with another STOTT PILATES^® Instructor Trainer and physical therapist, Kim Dunleavy, PT, PhD, OCS, FNAP.

Amy was introduced to Pilates while completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree as a Dance major at York University in Toronto. After pursuing a career in modern dance she turned to Pilates for her next challenge. In 2004, she became a STOTT PILATES^® Fully Certified Instructor and was invited to work at the Corporate Training Centre in Toronto. Amy moved to Asia in 2008 where she spent 10 years in Singapore and now resides in Saigon, Vietnam. She continues to represent Merrithew^® as a Floating Lead Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES, Total Barre^® and Halo^® Training. She has traveled extensively worldwide teaching courses and presenting at international fitness conferences such as FILEX in Melbourne/Sydney, Australia, China Fit in Beijing, FIBO in Shanghai, the Yonion Yoga Festival in Xiamen, China and the online World Wellness Weekend. Amy has also been featured on Channel News Asia AM Live “Fighting Fit” series, was a visiting Fitness Specialist at the prestigious Amanoi Resort in Vietnam, and has worked with the artists of Cirque du Soleil’s Totem. Amy currently is enjoying her role in Saigon as the Director of Education at CHI Pilates, where she teaches both clients and courses to students who are pursuing a career in the Pilates industry.

Andrea brings over 17 years of experience in the fitness industry. She became a STOTT PILATES^® Certified Instructor in 2007 and a Merrithew^® Instructor Trainer in 2023. In 2013, she opened Fitji Pilates in Bern, Switzerland, which became a Merrithew Hosting Centre in 2021.

Combining her expertise in anatomy, Pilates methodology and neuro-strength training, Andrea helps clients build strength, improve posture and move efficiently, and support their recovery when needed.

With a background in science and medical writing, Andrea contributes to publications focused on orthopedic surgery and implants, providing her with valuable insight into biomechanics and movement. Her professional interests include rehabilitation and athletic performance, with a focus on effective, intelligent movement.

Driven by her passion for teaching, Andrea strives to inspire both clients and fellow professionals to achieve their goals through the principles of Pilates.