Instructor Trainers

Carolyn Geerling-Goryl first experienced Pilates, while living in California, and fell in love. A graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in Exercise Science, she has worked in the fitness industry in many capacities including as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. Carolyn is a fully certified instructor and is an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^®; specializing in STOTT PILATES^®. She is also the Michigan Professional Affiliate Coordinator for AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) and believes that Pilates is so appropriate and valuable to every body from the athlete to the injured, from the fitness enthusiast to the overweight client, from 18 to 80! She has enjoyed bring her personal training background and group fitness experience to individual clients as well as into her Cardiolates, Group Reformer and Matwork classes!

Carolyn first trained with STOTT PILATES^® in 1999 and followed the path to become a fully certified Instructor in 2007. A few months after, she became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^®. She currently teaches at C² Pilates Training Center, a Merrithew Licensed Training Center.

Cate Vallone is a Lead Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in Total Barre^®, ZEN•GA^®, Halo^® Training and STOTT PILATES^®. She has been teaching Pilates and somatic education in clinical and studio settings for 20 years, with a focus in post-rehabilitation and athletic conditioning. She currently owns two Pilates studios in the Greater Hartford, Connecticut area. Cate received a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Movement Education from Boston University in 1999 and Master of Arts degree in Consciousness and Transpersonal Psychology from The Graduate Institute in 2022. In addition to her Pilates education, Cate has been trained in Craniosacral Therapy, Kinesiotaping, Body-Mind Centering and Continuum Movement.

Caterina began her STOTT PILATES^® education in 2005, received her full certification in 2011 and became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2013. She was introduced to the STOTT PILATES method during her years as a personal trainer and fitness instructor. Caterina is devoted to helping people find a pain-free way to stay healthy and active.

Catherine received her STOTT PILATES^® certification in 2006 and became a certified Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® in 2011. She specialized in training in STOTT PILATES Matwork & Reformer, and Cadillac, Chair, & Barrels.

Cathy decided to become a STOTT PILATES^® Certified Instructor in 2009 when she discovered the remarkable benefits of Pilates in alleviating years of serious back pain. Her passion for teaching Pilates is recognized in the measurable results achieved by her clients, including in their postural realignment and restoration of body mobility.

To further expand her career in Pilates, Cathy became a Merrithew^® Instructor Trainer in 2017. She has also studied the Franklin Method and NeuroKinetic Therapy to further enhance her knowledge of optimal body movement.

CC’s experience and practice in the fitness industry has spanned over 20 years. She began as an aerobics instructor and personal trainer in 1992, teaching at various gyms and at UMass Amherst while attending school there. After graduating with a BFA, CC continued to gravitate towards fitness as a career. After becoming a STOTT PILATES^® Certified Instructor, CC became a Lead Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2001 and Total Barre^® in 2013. She is a valuable member of the esteemed Merrithew programming and presenting team. CC opened her first fitness and Pilates studio in Boston in 1999 and in 2005 opened a STOTT PILATES Licensed Training Center in Connecticut. She is now the proud owner/operator of 4 studios in the greater Boston, MA and Hartford CT areas. CC is NSCA certified and always strives to create results-driven workouts that are safe, effective, and fun.

Brought up in London, Charlotte has developed a diverse teaching career. After completing a B.Ed Hons degree in Physical Education, she taught in various International schools in Spain, Portugal, Switzerland and Italy. Later, she completed an MA in Theatre Arts at London University progressing to teach Drama. With a career entrenched in a physical background, Charlotte developed an interest in Pilates and in 2009 embarked on her STOTT PILATES^® training. Inspired by the rehabilitative aspect of the technique, she proceeded to complete her qualifications and in October 2013, became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^®; specializing in STOTT PILATES. She now teaches courses at London’s Central YMCA whilst teaching an array of Pilates classes and clients. She also continues to consult on Drama in Secondary Education.

Chase earned his B.S. in Kinesiology in early 2012 with a focus on Fitness from California State University, Long Beach. He began at John Garey Fitness & Pilates as a certified personal trainer through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and since has earned accreditation through Johnny G Krankcycle, TRX Suspension Training, and the Spinning/SpinPOWER program. Most recently, Chase earned the prestigious title of CORE^™ Instructor Trainer through Merrithew^®, enabling him to train and certify other instructors. The combination of these certifications, along with years of experience in both traditional and corporate fitness settings, promotes a perfect blend of science, fun, creativity, and motivation in each class. Expect to be challenged and inspired each time you embark upon a workout with Chase.

Chau earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. The primary focus of her studies was ‘human factors’, the practical application of optimizing performance and movement, concepts that she incorporates into her instruction today.

Chau became a Merrithew^® Instructor Trainer in 2006, and was then awarded the additional designation of Lead Instructor Trainer in 2014. Chau has instructed STOTT PILATES^® certification courses in North America, South America and Europe. She is the owner and education/program director of Pilates South Texas, the exclusive Merrithew Licensed Training Center in Texas.

In addition to her many credentials listed above, she is also a GYROTONIC^® & GYROKINESIS^® Instructor and is qualified in YOGA for LIFE^® and Muscle Activation Techniques^™ Jumpstart Upper Extremities, Lower Extremities and Spine and Trunk.