Instructor Trainer bios
The members of our esteemed team of Pilates Instructor Trainers are accomplished and internationally sought-after educators known for their comprehensive knowledge, dedication and professionalism. Each hold full certification in the STOTT PILATES® method and have achieved additional designations to complement their training.
A diverse group, they come from varied backgrounds including physical therapy, exercise science, athletic therapy, dance, and group and personal fitness training to name a few. Every member of the team strives to uphold the highest standards of training that have been developed worldwide.
Rie Sakamoto
Toronto Corporate Training Center
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
IT qualifications
STOTT PILATES® Matwork & Reformer, Cadillac, Chair & Barrels, SPX
Additional credentials and designations
B.A., Registered Homeopath, DCHomMed
Bio
After completing her bachelor’s degree in Japan, Rie moved to Toronto, Canada to pursue her avid interest in the human body and passion for health and wellness. She received her STOTT PILATES® certification in 2006, excelling further to become a Merrithew® Instructor Trainer in 2008. Rie applies her expertise to deliver high quality education to students as a Lead Instructor Trainer and in her work as Education Programming Specialist at the Merrithew’s Head Office in Toronto. In addition to teaching students and supporting Instructor Trainers, she is involved in developing Merrithew Education and expanding Instructor Trainer resources and website content. She also became a Registered Homeopath in 2015, furthering her passion to help people in the pursuit of holistic health and wellness.
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Robert Izatt
YMCAfit
London, UK
IT qualifications
STOTT PILATES® Matwork & Reformer, Cadillac, Chair & Barrels; Total Barre®; CORE™
Bio
Originally from South Africa, Rob has been with the fitness industry for the past 25 years, where he started with fitness class instruction including aerobics, circuits, step and body conditioning. After moving to Boston, Rob started his training with STOTT PILATES® in 2000 and a long journey continued, which included further Certifications in yoga, Esalen Massage, Cranial Sacral Therapy and WATSU (Water based Shiatsu). He has been able to incorporate this therapy knowledge into his Pilates teaching. After operating his own Pilates and yoga studio in Winthrop, Massachusetts for 11 years, Rob moved to London in 2011 and finally became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew®, specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2013. Rob is passionate about teaching and motivating, his passion for helping others is what drives him to provide his clients with careful attention, encouragement and compassion, allowing them to become the best they can be and believe in themselves.
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Roberto Garcia Macias
Toledo, Spain
IT qualifications
STOTT PILATES® Matwork & Reformer, Cadillac, Chair & Barrels
Bio
Roberto began his training with STOTT PILATES® in 2004 and became a Certified Instructor Trainer for Merrithew® in 2011.
Rouxchelle Denton-Cooke
Floating
London, UK
IT qualifications
STOTT PILATES® Matwork & Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, & Barrels, ISP ; Total Barre®; Halo® Training, Part 1; Fasical Movement
Additional credentials and designations
CORE™, ZEN•GA® and Merrithew™ Fascial Movement Qualified Instructor
Bio
A native South African with a dance background, Rouxchelle began her STOTT PILATES® training in 2005. She opened a home studio and commercial studio in South Africa before relocating to New Zealand in 2010. After moving to Australia in 2011, she opened a new Studio ROUX Wellness. Rouxchelle is a great ambassador for Merrithew® and her passion and enthusiasm are contagious. She is fully certified in STOTT PILATES and is a Merrithew Lead Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES Matwork & Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, & Barrels, ISP, Total Barre®, Halo® Training and Merrithew Fasical Movement. She is also a Qualified Instructor in ZEN•GA®, CORE™, and Merrithew Fascial Movement. Rouxchelle creates an atmosphere of love and support for both clients and Instructors. Her client list includes all ages and all possible needs, from post-surgery rehabilitation to performance-enhancement for elite athletes such as Australian Olympic kayaker Naomi “Floody” Flood and Canadian Olympic kayaker Emily Fournel.
Sakiko Kanda
Sky Pilates Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan
IT qualifications
STOTT PILATES® Matwork & Reformer
Bio
Saki began her STOTT PILATES® journey in 2008 to support her conditioning as a ballet dancer. By practicing the exercises regularly, she gained physical and mental strength; that so-called mind-body connection. She has been practicing ballet and studying physiology to enhance her teaching and performance skills.
Saki’s based in Tokyo. She joined Sky Pilates Tokyo in 2015 and became a Merrithew® Instructor Trainer in 2019.
One of her goals is to use all her knowledge in teaching and wellness to help people of all ages maintain functional health and quality movements so they live a happy, healthy life.
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