Instructor Trainer bios

Laureen is an integral member of a dynamic team responsible for the global development and implementation of training and certification programs. Her spirited approach to teaching has made Laureen a vibrant international presenter, trainer and examiner. An NSCA certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and a Pink Ribbon certified instructor, she began teaching Pilates in 1995, and is now a Merrithew^® Pilates Master Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES^®, ZEN•GA^®, Total Barre^®, Halo^® Training and Merrithew Fascial Movement. Laureen is a featured performer and associate producer of many Merrithew DVDs, the associate editor of numerous teaching manuals and author of articles in several industry publications.

Prior to joining Merrithew, Laureen worked for Tennis Canada where she was responsible for Canadian and international public relations in the capacity of media relations and communications, player relations and event organization. Laureen studied Dance and Physical Education at York University in Toronto where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.

Laurentia was trained in ballet and traditional dance at a young age and it is through her passion in body movement that she was intrigued to learn about Pilates. She received her STOTT PILATES^® certification in 2012 and became a certified Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2014. Along with the STOTT PILATES method, Laurentia is also qualified in CORE^™ Athletic Conditioning & Performance Training^™ and an Instructor Trainer for Total Barre^®.

In 1997, LeeAnn began working with athletes in the prevention, emergency care and rehabilitation of injury. She developed her passion for teaching during two years of instruction in the Athletic Training Program at James Madison University. But it wasn’t until 2004, after spending several years as a rehab integration specialist (as well as with working through her own struggles with Scoliosis), that Pilates emerged as a focus for her.

LeAnn since went on to become an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® in 2007, specializing in STOTT PILATES^®. The same year, she joined Balance Pilates Training Center in Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S.A.. She now possesses 25 years of experience working in the fitness industry, and continues to love sharing her knowledge and skills with future instructors.

Clara Chen had always been an avid Yoga practitioner. She was introduced to STOTT PILATES^® back in 2018. She was amazed at how STOTT PILATES helped her improve her posture and correct knocked knees. Her transformative journey inspired her to pursue Halo^® Training which enabled her to help clients improve their postural alignment. Clara Chen is now a STOTT PILATES Pre- and Post-Natal Specialist and she also became STOTT PILATES certified in Mat and Reformer in February 2022. She became a Halo Training – Part 1 Instructor Trainer in November 2022.

Leonieke Albreghs’ Pilates journey first began after undergoing a major surgery in 1999. Leonieke used Pilates as part of her rehabilitation after surgery. In 2000, after years of continuous studies and teaching in health clubs, she discovered STOTT PILATES^® and became inspired to further her education in the method. Building on her background as an aerobics, dance and school teacher in The Netherlands, she was keen to share with others the knowledge that had eased her pain. Leonieke’s extensive Pilates education and teaching experience began in 2008 while living in The Netherlands. She has since moved to The U.K. and has continued to share her passion for teaching STOTT PILATES.

It was not long after that Leonieke’s love, dedication and passion for educating others about Pilates encouraged her to become a Merrithew^® Instructor Trainer in 2016 specializing in STOTT PILATES.