Instructor Trainers

Pilar started her practice as a physiotherapist in the neurological field, then transferred to the sports field. She specializes in Obstetric & Gynecologist Therapy as well as Myofascial Techniques. Pilar shares her enthusiasm in the Pilates Method teaching courses internationally in several University Masters programs. She received her Full Certification in the STOTT PILATES^® method in 2006 and became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2007 and the STOTT PILATES Rehab program in 2014. She was granted Merrithew Lead Instructor Trainer in 2018.

Pilar worked for more than 18 years in high performance sports as a gymnast trainer and coordinator of technical programs that develop efficiency and safety for competitive gymnasts. In 2003, she first experienced Pilates, and saw how it could improve athletic performance. She decided to certify in classic Pilates, and began applying what she learned to gymnasts as a complement to their workouts with excellent results.

Years later, she was working in a fitness club and spa as a personal trainer, and focused on injury prevention and post-rehab using Pilates. She chose to obtain STOTT PILATES^® Certification in order to add to her knowledge base and learn a more efficient and intelligent method of movement. STOTT PILATES provided her with a full and complete understanding of the biomechanics involved in all forms of exercise. As a STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainer, Pilar teaches courses in Spain and Portugal.

With more than 20 years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry, Pilar Zúñiga brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and dedication to mindful movement. She is the Co-founder and CEO of The Loft Ibiza, a Merrithew^® Host Training Center, where she designs and leads innovative programs that inspire both clients and professionals.

As a Merrithew Instructor Trainer, Pilar delivers STOTT PILATES^® courses worldwide, including Mat, Reformer, Total Barre, and Functional Anatomy, sharing her deep knowledge and enthusiasm with the next generation of instructors. Her academic background includes a bachelor’s in physical education, a Master’s in Health & Exercise, and a Master's in Sports Nutrition, complemented by full certification in STOTT PILATES. She is currently expanding her expertise through ongoing studies in Dietetics and Nutrition.

Pilar is known for her professional excellence, supportive teaching style, and commitment to helping others discover the transformative power of movement.

PJ O’Clair is an internationally recognized, award-winning leader in health, fitness, and mindful movement. A Merrithew^® Master Instructor Trainer. She specializes in STOTT PILATES^®, Fascial Movement, and Zenga. PJ has been a respected educator and innovator in the industry since the 1980s.

PJ has developed and published numerous fitness and therapeutic programs spanning Pilates for Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, fascia and movement, and athletic performance for cyclists. She has also authored textbook chapters on movement and cancer, including breast cancer rehabilitation, contributing to professional and academic resources within the field. PJ has appeared in more than 80 fitness DVDs and digital platforms and is widely known for her ability to bridge evidence-informed movement science with practical, empowering instruction.

In addition to training clients and professionals worldwide, PJ is deeply rooted in her North Shore community, where she has coached generations of individuals and families. She is an ACE Certified professional and a TRX^® Senior Master Instructor and a regular guest instructor at the #1 Wellness Resort Canyon Ranch.

Driven, passionate, and committed to lifelong wellness, PJ continues to inspire both consumers and professionals through education, movement, and mentorship. Outside of work, she and her husband are avid cyclists and active participants in charitable events.

Priscilla Swee first turned to STOTT PILATES^® as a way to recover from severe back pain after the birth of her first child. This transformative experience not only restored her strength but also inspired her to pursue a second career as a Pilates instructor.

With over a decade of experience teaching Pilates and RedCord Active, Priscilla furthered her training to become a STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainer. Now, as the founder of her own studios in Vietnam, Priscilla is committed to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of Pilates professionals, sharing her extensive expertise and deep passion for mindful movement.

Rachel Gleason is a physical therapist and professor at the University of Cincinnati's DPT program. Over the last several years, Rachel has completed her Full Certification with Merrithew^® becoming an Instructor Trainer in 2020 specializing in STOTT PILATES^®. Rachel is an IT for Over Fifty Fitness, where she offers courses and workshops. She also teaches Merrithew courses at the University of Cincinnati.

Rachel originally trained as a classical ballet dancer and worked in the profession from the age of nine. She started Pilates at the age of 14 as part of her rehabilitation for a prolapsed disc. After undergoing two back operations in 1996 and 2010, Pilates has enabled her to regain strength and control. It was only natural that she would end up becoming a Pilates instructor after understanding how beneficial this way of working is. Following her second back operation she became a personal trainer, a STOTT PILATES^® Certified Instructor and then a Merrithew^® Instructor Trainer. She has worked with many clients from all backgrounds and abilities, helping them achieve strength, control and flexibility. She thrives training clients and instructors to reach levels that they never thought possible. Her enthusiasm and dedication has helped many people improve their fitness and take control of their own health.

Bec brings extensive expertise in the health and fitness industry, holding a Full Teachers Diploma in Dance, a Diploma of Beauty Therapy and Dermal Science, and qualifications in Remedial Massage. She is a fully certified STOTT PILATES^® instructor and an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew, passionately committed to advancing fitness education through her Pilates studio and host centre, Pilates Utopia Perth.

With over 12 years of hands-on Pilates instruction experience and more than 25 years in dance, movement, and fitness, Bec combines a deep understanding of anatomy and movement science to deliver tailored training for diverse populations. Her approach ensures safe, effective, and engaging learning experiences for all participants.

Rebecca has been working in the health and fitness industry since 2000 and has her BA in Adult Fitness from Marshall University in West Virginia. She has been an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES^® since 2010 followed by CORE^™ and Total Barre^® since 2013. She is also a certified ACE Personal Trainer and an AFAA certified Group Fitness Instructor. Rebecca is the proud owner of Be Buff Pilates, a boutique Pilates studio that incorporates Pilates and Functional Training.

Prior to her life as a Pilates Instructor, Rebecca had careers in radio broadcasting as a disc jockey & traffic reporter and in cable television advertising, amongst others. She was first exposed to the Pilates method as a young dancer. Many years later, and looking for a "complete 180" career change, she was exposed to STOTT PILATES^®. She began her training in 2001 and became fully certified in the full STOTT PILATES^® repertoire. She became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2012 and has been teaching & training ever since. Rebecca relishes in the good Pilates has done her and absolutely loves sharing knowledge with her students.