Instructor Trainers

Anne has been practicing physiotherapy since her graduation from the University of Saskatchewan in 1981 with a focus on chronic pain syndromes, TMJ and spinal dysfunctions, acupuncture, craniosacral therapy. An Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^®, Anne specializes in the STOTT PILATES^® Injuries and Special Populations program for rehabilitation and conditioning and has developed individualized Pilates rehab exercise programs only available at Fitness Physiotherapy. A teacher of acupuncture and TMJ care to physiotherapists at a post graduate level, Anne has served on the Manitoba regulatory board for physiotherapists, The College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba and is a member of organizations including the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, The Acupuncture Foundation of Canada, and the International Association for the Study of Pain. She has been a contributor to many medical journals and general interest publications on physiotherapy subjects

Anne has been an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^®, specializing in STOTT PILATES^® since 2007 and teaches in Chicago. She has a passion for incorporating Pilates with aquatics and is the proud creator of the Stronger Seniors^® program and Peyow Aqua Pilates. Anne is an international presenter and author. She published a two-year case study on the effects of an aquatic Pilates program on persons with disabilities and chronic conditions at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. In addition to educating instructors in the STOTT PILATES method, Anne is a faculty/education provider for AEA, ACE, AFAA, ATRI, and AquaStretch^™. She teaches at Swedish Covenant Hospitalé Galter Life Centre, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the University of Illinois Chicago and other locations.

Annette has been studying and teaching STOTT PILATES^® as a Certified Instructor since 2004 and in 2008 went on to become an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^®, specializing in STOTT PILATES. Annette also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the Boston Conservatory and went on to teach and perform in various areas of Massachusetts throughout her dance career. In February of 2011, Annette opened her own studio, Barry Pilates Center in Amesbury, Massachusetts where she specializes in private training and small mat and equipment group sessions. Annette is also ACE certified and continues to work with Northeast Pilates as an Instructor Trainer, leading courses and workshops, in addition to training clients. Annette’s enthusiasm for movement and fitness is constantly evolving as she continues to share her knowledge and passion for Pilates and dance with others.

Annie was introduced to Pilates during her physical therapy for repetitive use injuries. The experience changed her concept of fitness and provided her with a sense of calm and physical well-being that she hadn't experienced from years of running, weight training, and aerobics classes. In 2008, Annie became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^®, specializing in STOTT PILATES^® Matwork & Reformer, and enjoys making Pilates accessible to all ages and fitness levels. Annie holds a B.S. in Biology, an M.S. in Nutrition and is a Registered Dietitian with the American Dietetic Association.

Ariel Lim is a highly experienced Instructor Trainer based in Seoul, South Korea. She became a STOTT PILATES^® Instructor Trainer in 2009 and has since taught a wide range of courses, including Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair & Barrels, Total Barre, and Halo Training. She is also certified in ZEN•GA^® and Gyrotonic.

With extensive experience working with diverse clients and instructors, Ariel is recognized for her precise cueing, strong anatomical knowledge, and ability to deliver clear, accessible instruction. She has a background in classical ballet and contemporary dance and holds the international Cecchetti Classical Ballet diploma, which strongly informs her movement teaching.

Ariel continues to expand her expertise as an ISP Instructor Trainer as well as a TRX Yoga Master Trainer and TRX Pilates Master Trainer, integrating functional training and mindful movement into her education approach.

She is the owner of WITH PILATES, a Merrithew Host Training Center in Seoul, where she teaches instructor education programs and mentors new instructors across Asia.

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.