Instructor Trainer bios

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.

Andrea was introduced to Pilates as a means to rehabilitate a back and hip injury while attending Oklahoma City University as a Dance Performance Major, She immediately fell in love with the profound impact Pilates had on her overall physical wellness, and the deeper mind-body connection it fostered with her dancing.

After college, Andrea pursued a professional dance career, performing on U.S. tours, in Las Vegas productions, and aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise ships. During this time, she taught dance and Pilates across Canada, New York City, and Nebraska, while completing her STOTT PILATES^® Full Certification.

In 2013, Andrea advanced her career by becoming an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® in STOTT PILATES^® and Total Barre^®. Her experience spans from training young dancers and gymnasts to adults, and professional athletes. Andrea’s passion for Pilates creates a perfect synergy, allowing her to share the benefits of Pilates with clients of all ages and backgrounds. Her teaching journey in physical therapy clinics, boutique studios, gyms, and dance studios across the U.S. and Canada has shaped her into the dedicated instructor and mentor she is today. Andrea firmly believes, "Pilates is for everybody”.

She currently teaches at Pilates Movement Studio in Tampa under Lead IT Stephanie Crank.

Angel is the Technical Director for Akro Studio and an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES^® as a Lead IT who has worked in various Pilates centers in Madrid, Spain. He studied Occupational Therapy and leads the Rehab Pilates program at the European University of Madrid, where he works with individuals such as Diane Lee to guarantee the development of the STOTT PILATES curriculum within his latest research. Throughout his fruitful career, Angel has had the opportunity to work with several noteworthy professionals, including the renowned dancer, Victor Ullate, and is a recognized teacher and presenter all across Spain and South America.

Angela is owner and founder of Studio Pilates located in Winchester, MA. She is a fully certified STOTT PILATES^® Instructor and an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES Mat and Reformer. She began her Pilates training in 2002, became an IT in 2010 and in 2013, Angela became a ZEN•GA® and Total Barre® Qualified Instructor. Angela brings over 30 years of group fitness teaching experience to Studio Pilates, holding AFAA certifications in Group Fitness, Kickboxing, and Personal Training. Angela has always had a love and interest in fitness, has competed in several middle-distance triathlons and holds a purple belt in Tae Kwon Do. She is a graduate of Tufts University with a BS in biology and classical studies. She is passionate and knowledgeable and brings enormous energy and enthusiasm to her teaching.

Born in Hong Kong and educated in Canada, Anita moved to Shanghai in 1995. She is the co-founder of the Orange Room Wellness Centre (2006), a pioneer in Pilates education in Mainland China. Together with her business partner, Patricia Liao, she introduced the STOTT PILATES^® method to the region in 2012, thereby establishing the foundational framework for Merrithew^® education in the country. Their leadership has positioned the Orange Room as a leader in Merrithew training volume. Anita is one of the China’s first Instructor Trainers (2015) and currently a Lead Instructor Trainer. She teaches in Putonghua, Cantonese and English, and has had the privilege of mentoring numerous new Instructor Trainers in China and Hong Kong. She is dedicated to building a cohesive, skilled team of Instructor Trainers to uphold the high standards of Merrithew education in China for years to come.