Instructor Trainer bios

Ashlee began her Pilates journey through rehabbing overuse injuries as an endurance athlete. She fell in love with the rehabilitative, but yet challenging aspects of Pilates. With the realization that Pilates was a tool that could help her remain active as she aged, she knew this was what she the direction she wanted to take her career. She took her first STOTT PILATES^® Training in 2006 and has been continuing her education in the field of health and wellness ever since, becoming a STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainer in 2008 and Lead Instructor Trainer in 2018. Ashlee took her education a step further and graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2016. Her professional interests include women’s health, pelvic floor rehabilitation, and working with individuals with chronic pain. She is passionate about continuously furthering her education and encouraging clients and students to realize their full potential.

In her free time Ashlee enjoys anything outdoors! Working on her Nebraska prairie is almost a 2nd full time job; In addition, she stays active with gardening, any adventure in a kayak or on a bicycle, swimming, backpacking and camping with her favorite adventure pup!

A former professional dancer trained in ballet, jazz, modern, and tap, Bernadette transitioned to teaching after years of experience in dance and fitness. Following an injury, Bernadette discovered STOTT PILATES^®, sparking a deep passion that led her to complete advanced training in 2005. Known for her energy and dedication, she now owns a thriving Pilates studio that has earned multiple awards, including the Reader's Choice Award, Quality Business Award, and Canadian Choice Award. Bernadette enjoys working with a wide range of clients of all ages and fitness levels, from rehabilitation to athletic conditioning and believes that fitness should be enjoyable, not a chore.

A dedicated lifelong learner, she regularly attends workshops and courses worldwide to explore diverse movement modalities. In April 2019, she was honored with the Pink Tea Party International Women’s Day Award by the Canadian Member of Parliament for her meaningful contributions to the Pickering community. Before committing fully to Pilates, Bernadette worked as a buyer in the fashion industry for companies like TJ Maxx, gaining valuable international business insights. Her global experiences now add a unique perspective to her Pilates practice.

Bernie Sidney is originally from Mexico City and earned her STOTT PILATES^® certification at John Garey Pilates Studio in Long Beach, Ca. where she was employed from 2000-2010. She became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2002 and has had the great opportunity to travel to Mexico, Spain and South America to teach courses. Bernie is a long distance triathlete and coach and has completed seven Ironmans and many Half-Ironmans. She now lives in San Diego, Ca. where she trains most of her clients.

Beth Posa is a STOTT PILATES^® Instructor Trainer and owner of New Strength Pilates in Missouri City, Texas. She has advanced education and clinical experience across multiple movement and therapeutic modalities, supporting evidence-informed exercise programming and pain management.

Beth works extensively with clients experiencing chronic pain, movement dysfunction, and postural impairments. A significant focus of her practice is supporting individuals with osteopenia and osteoporosis, leading her to become a Peer Educator for the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation and a BoneFit^® Instructor. Her additional training includes Craniosacral Therapy, Neurokinetic Therapy, and certification as a Somatics Instructor.

Beth integrates these modalities to develop individualized, clinically appropriate programs that promote pain reduction, neuromuscular re-education, postural alignment, and functional strength.

Bianca Bolissian has been a devoted dancer since the young age of four. This is exemplified by her graduation in 2004 from the Dance University in Campinas, Brazil where she expanded her knowledge of classical ballet and contemporary dance. In 2006, Bianca moved from Brazil to Toronto, Canada, becoming a fully certified STOTT PILATES^® Instructor by 2007 and moving further to become a Lead Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® Specializing in STOTT PILATES and Total Barre^®. Her passion for teaching and body movement is displayed by her outgoing and caring demeanor, always putting her clients first and providing them with an enjoyable and productive workout.