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.
Tomoko Ogawa
Floating
Tokyo, Japan
IT qualifications
STOTT PILATES® Matwork & Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, & Barrels
Bio
Tomoko began her training with STOTT PILATES® in 2003 and received her Full Certification in 2005. She became a certified Instructor Trainer for Merrithew® in 2007.
Tracy Dawber
Floating
Johannesburg, South Africa
IT qualifications
STOTT PILATES® Matwork & Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, & Barrels, ISP
Bio
Tracy Dawber has been teaching Pilates for more than 17 years. Originally a fully-trained classical ballet dancer and teacher, Tracy opened her own studio and taught Ballet for 9 years. While looking for an exercise to do for herself, a friend recommended Pilates. Her search led her to STOTT PILATES® and she decided to embark on training and certification in 1999. After completing her Full Certification, Tracy went on to become a Merrithew® Lead Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES.
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Tracy Maxfield
Bodysmith Studio
Springfield, Missouri, U.S.A
IT qualifications
STOTT PILATES® Matwork & Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, & Barrels, ISP
Additional credentials and designations
Master of Fine Arts in Modern Dance
Bio
Tracy came to Pilates with a long history in movement of the body. With a Master of Fine Arts in Modern Dance from the University of NC at Greensboro, he worked as a professional dancer before an injury changed the direction of his career. In search of rehabilitation, he found Pilates and after 6 months, the pain he had experienced for two years disappeared. Amazed by the healing nature of the method, Tracy became certified with STOTT PILATES® in 2004 and is currently a Merrithew® Lead Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES. His new career path has allowed him to travel to many places from Montreal, Quebec to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE teaching and training in the exercise technique.
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Tresa Sauer
Floating
St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
IT qualifications
STOTT PILATES® Matwork & Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, & Barrels
Bio
In 2005, Tresa left a 20-year paralegal career to become a STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor. After completing her courses at The Sweatshop in St. Paul, she began teaching classes and working privately with clients there. In 2010, Tresa became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew® specializing in STOTT PILATES and remains at The Sweatshop now teaching students in addition to her client base. Her dynamic personality and keen sense of humor bring enthusiasm to the educational setting and make her an approachable mentor and information source. In addition to Pilates, Tresa is a TRX Suspension System, Russian Kettlebell and CrossFit enthusiast.
Vichael Mak
VIM Pilates Studio
Hong Kong, China
IT qualifications
STOTT PILATES® Matwork & Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, & Barrels, ISP; Halo® Training
Additional credentials and designations
BBA, Masters Sports Medicine & Health Science; Master of Osteopathy in Neuromusculoskeletal Dysfunctions
Bio
Vichael is the proud co-owner of VIM Pilates Studio, a Merrithew® Host Training Center in Hong Kong. In 2010, he became the first Merrithew Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES® in Greater China region. Awarded the Rookie IT in 2012 and is a Lead IT currently.
Being able to teach bilingually in English and Chinese, Vichael has trained students in Canada, Hong Kong, Korea, Mainland China and Taiwan, Thailand. His courses and workshops always attract a wide array of students.
Vichael is passionate about teaching, He tries to keep his client teaching despite his busy schedule of instructor trainings.
Vichael also enthuses about learning. He finished his Master study in Osteopathy after another one in Sports Medicines. He also gets trained by gurus in fascial sciences such as Thomas Myers and Robert Schleip.
Vichael’s extensive experience makes his teaching unique and practical. Students from different backgrounds all find it easy to learn from his classes.
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