Instructor Trainers

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.

Jeff is a member of the Ontario Osteopathic Association (OOA) and a graduate of the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy (CAO). As a classically trained osteopathic manual practitioner, Jeff's training has given him a deep understanding of osteopathic principles. He applies his extensive knowledge of the human body by successfully diagnosing and treating a diverse range of musculoskeletal and physiological problems. He enjoys continually learning about the human body and improving his osteopathic treatments in order to help others.

In 2000, Jeff graduated with a degree in Nutritional Science from the National University of Malaysia. In 2006, after working for several years in the healthcare industry, he moved to Toronto and enrolled in the STOTT PILATES^® Certification program. Jeff was invited to become an Instructor Trainer for the Merrithew^® Education Department in Toronto in 2008. Since then, he has taught STOTT PILATES education programs and workshops internationally throughout Asia and Europe as well as in Canada.

Jeff's interest in human movement and health is complemented by his gentle and effective teaching manner, drawing both clients and fellow Instructors alike to work with him on a regular basis. As a well-known and respected Pilates Instructor in the industry Jeff is continually inspired by the opportunity to teach others and regularly participates in Pilates and movement workshops in order to deepen his knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics and teaching.

Jeff's passion for results-oriented, progressive, rehabilitative programming is rooted in his teaching approach. This unique style has established him as a lead Pilates Instructor who is able to provide high quality, diverse Pilates workouts for every client at any level, while being mindful of specific needs, focuses and goals.

Jenna has a passion for life, the outdoors, education and people. She is the owner of Awaken Studios and Retreats. She is a Lead Instructor Trainer with Merrithew^®, a yoga teacher with 500 hours of training, an AntiGravity Fitness Certified Instructor, AFAA Certified, a Les Mills Group Exercise Instructor, a Certified Personal Trainer from the National Association of Sports Medicine and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Masters in Education from the University of Utah and a secondary teaching license.

Along with teaching fitness, Jenna has also taught snowboarding, skiing, recreational therapy and dance. She has taught dance, drama, and Pilates in New Zealand and was a rafting and hiking guide in Alaska. Jenna has competed and placed in IRONMAN triathlons, snowboarding and dance competitions. She loves seeing how her students’ lives improve as they work towards fitness goals, injury rehabilitation or an improved quality of life. Her clients include professional athletes, grandparents, firefighters, endurance athletes, professional strongmen, stay-at-home moms, children and everyone in between. Jenna’s life’s work however is her three children, who help remind her how to live life in the present with a sense of awe for the amazing world we live in.

Jenn's career in the fitness industry began as a group exercise instructor and personal trainer. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology, and is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with the NSCA. In 2007, Jenn became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES^®. She is also an Adjunct Professor in the Exercise Science Department at Southern Connecticut State University and teaches Pilates at The Edge Fitness Clubs in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Jennifer Dahl is a certified STOTT PILATES^® Instructor and Merrithew Master Instructor Trainer with over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. She brings her innovative methods to Merrithew as an Instructor Trainer for STOTT PILATES, Halo^®, Total Barre^®, ZEN∙GA^® and Merrithew Fascial Movement.

She is a graduate of the University of Toronto Psychology Department specializing in Physiology as well as the renowned School, Toronto Dance Theatre. She continues to hone her approach by providing well-articulated movements which are curated to aid the mind-body connection through physical activity.

Jennifer is motivated by the challenges and rewards that this type of training can offer to clients from various physical backgrounds. Her curiosity has led her an exploration into new concepts, and ideas as well as revisit more established protocols with colleagues worldwide.

Jenn has an extensive background in Ballet and performed with Mid-States Regional Ballet Company, Ballet Americana for many years. Currently she instructs Ballet and Pilates classes for Ballet Americana and helps run company rehearsals. She discovered Pilates through her dance training and loved the conditioning, strength, and balance it provided. A Fully Certified STOTT PILATES^® instructor, Jenn became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2014. Jenn also holds certifications from ACE, Xtend Barre and TRX^®. Jenn has been working at Equilibrium since 2007, and enjoys giving a very detail-oriented workout to clients of all ages and fitness levels.

Originally from the UK, Jennifer has lived in Dubai, UAE since 2008. Her passion for Pilates started in 2007 and in 2013 she started her education to become a Certified STOTT PILATES^® Instructor. Her love for the method continued to grow, and in 2016 she was accepted into the Merrithew^®Instructor Trainer program, specializing in STOTT PILATES. With her love of fitness and understanding how the body moves, Jennifer's passion is to motivate and inspire others.

Jennifer Vaughn became a STOTT PILATES^® Instructor in 2002 and an Instructor Trainer in 2005, specializing in STOTT PILATES Mat and Reformer. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Commerce and Business Administration from The University of Alabama and is an ACE^® Certified Group Fitness Instructor. Jenn has been teaching STOTT PILATES for 12 years and combines her passion and enthusiasm for the method and its many benefits with a detailed approach to instruction on all levels from training post rehab and therapeutic clients to professional athletes and dancers as well as students. She possesses an in-depth understanding of safe practice and works to develop a Pilates program uniquely tailored to each of her client’s life and fitness goals. In addition, she is devoted to her PILATES LOVE initiative where she provides free Pilates sessions to fellow Military Spouses and New Mommies in an effort to promote health, fitness and well-being within her community. She is an avid reader, skier and runner and enjoys the beach with her family when she is not in the studio.