Instructor Trainers

Jan became a STOTT PILATES^® Certified Instructor in 2005, and by 2008 had become an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES. She is also a licensed massage therapist, having graduated from the Southeastern Massage School in 1994, where she later returned to teach massage therapy courses. In addition to her Pilates teaching Jan offers myofasial, neuromuscular and cranio-sacral therapy at ABsolute Pilates. Jan is passionate about fitness and education, and is dedicated to teaching Pilates to foster wellness in other’s lives.

Movement and the study of the human body have always been important to Jana. As a child, Jana was passionate about dance, and she trained and performed with the DancEast Young Company in Moncton, New Brunswick. After high school, she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Anatomical Sciences at McGill University and continued her dance studies in the professional training program at The School of Toronto Dance Theatre. While attending The School of Toronto Dance Theatre, Jana was introduced to STOTT PILATES^®, and she immediately noticed that she was stronger and more in control and aware of her body. After completing her training at The School of Toronto Dance Theatre, Jana was fortunate to work professionally with independent choreographers and dance companies in Toronto, including DesRosiers Dance Theatre and the Danny Grossman Dance Company. To complement her dance training, Jana decided to train to become a Pilates instructor as well, and in 2000 she was certified by STOTT PILATES in Matwork and Reformer.

Jana is now a Fully-Certified STOTT PILATES Instructor, having completed training in Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, Chairs, and Barrels and Injuries and Special Populations. Recently, Jana was chosen to become an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^®, specializing in STOTT PILATES. She is also a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor and has completed a 200 hour yoga teacher training. Additionally, Jana also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and recently completed her Master’s degree in Inclusive Education. Jana truly believes that Pilates is for every body!

Jane was first introduced to STOTT PILATES^® back in 2014 after suffering from scoliosis. By practicing STOTT PILATES, a full-body, systemic approach to exercise, she miraculously improved her posture and body movement. Amazed by her progress, she decided to pursue a career as an instructor to share and promote the benefits of the STOTT PILATES method with others.

Now a Merrithew^® Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES Matwork and Reformer, Jane teaches with passion to inspire and guide her students to successfully obtain their certifications. In addition, she teaches with devotion and empathy to influence her clients to achieve their physical goals.

As methodologies continue to evolve and adapt, Jane is constantly studying and learning to enhance her professional knowledge of STOTT PILATES in order to thoughtfully apply new research and practices to her courses.

Janet has been involved in many facets of the fitness industry since the 1980’s, including aerobics, running; strength and conditioning, as well as Sports and Remedial Neuromuscular massage therapy. She is a certified Breast Cancer Rehab Exercise Specialist (Pink Ribbon Program). She discovered the benefits of Pilates following a back injury in 2000, which led to the decision to embark on a new career. Janet first became a Certified Instructor for STOTT PILATES^® in 2004 and then an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^®specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2010. Janet enjoys teaching the method to a broad client base, from rehab to elite athletes. She is well known for her passion and enthusiasm, which successfully helps her clients achieve their goals, including improved performance, pain relief and an increased feeling of well-being.

With a passion for movement and an eye for detail, Janine is always looking to help others lead healthier and fulfilling lives. In 1992 she completed a degree in Physical Education and in 1994-95 she added a series of Personal Training specialization certifications. Looking for a smarter training method to help her clients, in 1999 Janine completed first the Polestar Mat and then the STOTT PILATES^® Mat and Reformer Level 2 Instructor Training in Toronto. In 2000 she completed the CCB training level 2, and then in 2001 she completed the ISP and her full Certification Exam. In 2004, Janine became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® offering IMP and IR Teacher Trainings throughout Europe. Janine has also completed a Golf Performance Instructor Certification through the Titleist Performance Institute and a 200 hr Yoga Teacher Certification with Nicki Doane and the Yoga Alliance. Janine now lives and works in Kelowna, BC and can be reached at janine@pilatesfunction.com.

Jaqueline is a Merrithew^® Lead Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES^® and ZEN•GA^®. She is the owner and director of Studio Flow in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Jaqueline is a professional dancer specializing in contemporary and brazilian ballroom dance. She also studied Biology at George Brown College in Toronto, Canada and Physiotherapy in Brazil. She is Cirque Du Soleil’s movement coach for the shows Corteo and Amaluna and is currently in an Europe tour teaching Pilates at dance congresses.

A Licensed Massage Therapist, Jayme was introduced to the STOTT PILATES^® method in 1998 by a client. The following year, she started on her education path and became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2006. The same year, her studio, Pilates Training Center Hawaii became what is still the only STOTT PILATES Licensed Training Center in the Hawaiian Islands. Jayme prides herself on her ability to create an atmosphere of encouragement and motivation for students and clients alike with her enthusiastic presence and attention to detail.

Jean is a former modern dancer and dance educator with an M.S. in Dance and Kinesiology. She has been an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES^® since 2000 and has taught Pilates in physical therapy clinics, health clubs and private studios since 1998. Complementary to this, Jean has obtained her ACE certification in personal training as well as her MELT Method certification. She has studied extensively with Australian physiotherapist Greta Von Gavel and feels privileged to have been able to travel around the world delivering STOTT PILATES education. Jean became certified in Core Align in 2016.

Rachel studied Science of Body Movements and Performance as well as Business Management at Ewha Woan’s University in Korea. She began working at a Pilates studio in Seoul after translating a Pilates manual into Korean and immediately saw its potential growth in the market. Soon after, she was running three studios in Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand. She realized a goal of running her own studio after opening the Pilates Asia Co., Ltd in Thailand. In 2013 she became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in all STOTT PILATES^® equipment and techniques. Rachel embraces the logical side of Pilates and how it keeps her focused.

Jeff's passion for weight training in college inspired him to pursue a career in fitness. However, during his preparation for a bodybuilding competition, he realized his physique was unbalanced and suffered a severe left shoulder injury due to intense training. Consequently, he decided against participating in the competition. He was introduced to STOTT PILATES^® in 2018 and after his first lesson, he was surprised by a significant reduction in his left shoulder pain after just one session. Impressed by the biomechanical principles of STOTT PILATES, Jeff embarked on an instructor training journey in 2019. Within 15 days of attending his first training, he passed the exam and received his first certification. Since then, Jeff has dedicated himself to teaching STOTT PILATES^®, aiding numerous clients in improving their posture and resolving pain issues. His hard work culminated in 2023 when he became a certified Merrithew Instructor Trainer, specializing in STOTT PILATES Mat and Reformer.

Jeff is extremely passionate about sharing scientific training insights. He admires the systematic approach of STOTT PILATES in understanding the human body. This modern, scientifically-informed training method not only improves exercise and physical condition but also enhances overall life quality. Jeff firmly believes that the modifications and programming methods of STOTT PILATES can guide anyone, regardless of physical condition, on a safe and effective journey toward health.