Instructor Trainers

Bonnie Crawford is a former professional ballet dancer, who has shaped her work as a Pilates educator with the same passion for movement and strong work ethic that defined her dance career. She earned her full STOTT PILATES^® certification in 2013 and further deepened her expertise with a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology from the Exercise Science department of Concordia University.

In September 2024, Bonnie became a STOTT PILATES Mat and Reformer Instructor Trainer. She has extensive experience working with clients navigating neurological, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal conditions.

Bridget received her first STOTT PILATES^® certification in Matwork in 2002 and became a certified Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® in 2006. Located in Long Beach, California, Bridget is the owner of her own studio “The Studio by Bridget”.

Brigitte Robitaille has been a STOTT PILATES^® instructor since 2004 and an Instructor-Trainer since 2009, with a deep foundation in mindful movement and anatomy. A trained massage therapist specializing in Swedish massage, Fasciatherapy, Deep Tissue, Osteodynamie, and TNC, she brings a holistic, hands-on understanding of the body to her teaching.

Holding a university degree in Psychology, Brigitte is passionate about the mind-body connection and the ways emotions shape physical patterns. She specializes in women’s training—particularly prenatal, postnatal, perimenopause, and menopause—creating supportive programs tailored to each stage.

Brigitte integrates Brain Gym^® and EFT tapping into her sessions to help clients deepen their self-awareness, release tension, and feel more connected, strong, and empowered in their bodies.

Brigitte started her career in the fitness industry more than 18 years ago working as a freelance personal trainer and aerobics instructor. After being exposed to Pilates for rehabilitation purposes, and finding it to be a perfect compliment to the high energy exercise she always enjoyed, she went on to become a Lead Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES^®, ZEN•GA^® and Total Barre^®.

Brooke has been active in the fitness industry for the past 7 years and has been an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES^® since 2008. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a dual major, a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography and a BA in Psychology. While pursuing a professional dance career, she discovered a new passion for fitness and holds several national fitness certifications. Her client work specializes in corrective exercise training, cardio respiratory training, weight management, and exercise performance.

With nearly two decades of professional experience in dance teaching, choreography and performance, Cai Ying holds a Bachelor of Science in Dance Performance from Beijing Dance Academy and a Master of Science in Dance from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. In 2006, she discovered Pilates and experienced firsthand the transformative benefits it offers. She obtained her STOTT PILATES^® certification in 2022 and further advanced her expertise to become a Merrithew^® Instructor Trainer.

Ying is passionate about helping individuals of all ages and fitness levels achieve optimal physical performance and holistic well-being. Her clientele encompasses professional athletes, dancers, seniors and others from diverse backgrounds. Notably, she has served as a Pilates coach for Singapore’s National Synchronized Swimming team.

As an Instructor Trainer, Ying fosters a supportive learning environment that blends theory with practical application. She specializes in guiding trainees to adapt Pilates principles to diverse teaching scenarios, while fostering their professional development. Committed to mentorship, she actively shares her experiential insights and technical expertise with emerging instructors.

Caleigh Kierstead is a former professional ballet dancer. She was originally introduced to Pilates as a compliment to her dance training while studying at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School. She found that it quickly made improvements in both her dancing and daily life. When moving on from dance she knew she wanted to stay in the movement world. After taking the STOTT PILATES^® Intensive Matwork course she knew she had found her calling and completed her STOTT PILATES Full Certification in 2016. With a constant drive to continue learning, she decided to take the next step and share her passion for teaching Pilates with others through becoming a STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainer in 2019. Caleigh is currently continuing her education in anatomy and physiology as a student at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy.

Cari’s comprehensive understanding of the human body complements her role as a Instructor Trainer, providing students with a unique, wide-ranging approach to fitness. Holding Bachelor of Science degrees in Exercise and Sport Science as well as Nursing from the University of Utah, she has a well-rounded health background. As an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor she is skilled at delivering proper attention to all clients, whether they opt for private or group instruction. Cari also owns Aspire Pilates Training Center in South Jordan, Utah.

Carlo is a Pilates passionista, who loves to inspire students and clients. Born and raised in Mexico City, he started practicing classical Pilates in 1996 while dancing ballet professionally in the US. But it was until after a debilitating lower back dance injury that he discovered the benefits of spinal rehabilitation through the STOTT PILATES^® method. Merrithew^® education inspired him to become an osteopath, and he now incorporates STOTT PILATES into his rehabilitation treatment with patients. Carlo is a STOTT PILATES Mat & Reformer Instructor Trainer, a STOTT PILATES Rehab Reformer Levels 1 & 2 trained instructor and owner of Core Pilates Studios in England, a Merrithew Host Centre for education. He holds a BSc. Ost.(Hons) from the College of Osteopaths in London, UK, a BFA in Ballet from the University of Utah, and can be seen on Merrithew Connect^™ videos.

Carlos Yuste Vaquerizo's high energy and youthful humor makes him an impressive motivator, displaying his passion in all aspects of his work. He became a Certified Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES^® in 2006, and CORE^™ in 2013. He has continually distributed his knowledge through teaching in Europe, South America and Asia. Carlos brings a high degree of knowledge to the forefront, with his advanced education and certification in physiotherapy from the University of Nursing and Physiotherapy of Castilla in Spain. Carlos continually strives for more and exemplifies his passion, as he is actively involved in management of the International Education Department of his affiliated studios. He is now a Merrithew Lead Instructor Trainer.