Instructor Trainers

Esther began her training in STOTT PILATES^® in 2006 and is now an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^™ specializing in STOTT PILATES and CORE^™. Looking to expand her knowledge base, she has attended several courses focusing on movement screenings including Kinetic Control, Performance Stability and Be Activated. A specialist in Personal & Group Training, she is also a ZEN•GA^® Qualified Instructor. Esther is an energetic and very technical instructor who manages her own center in Valladolid, Spain.

As the Chair of the Maggie Allesee Department of Dance in the College of Fine Arts at Wayne State University, Eva’s primary research is in education, pedagogy, teaching methodology and dance science. Her courses in Dance Kinesiology and Movement Analysis reflect her interest in the integration of body and mind conditioning for dancers. Eva was recently named a Merrithew^™ Lead Instructor Trainer for STOTT PILATES^®. She has also achieved Level 1 Certification in Gyrotonic^® and apprentice level in Gyrokinesis. Eva is a dancer, choreographer, gifted professor and mentor to new STOTT PILATES instructors at Equilibrium.

Fabiana began her STOTT PILATES^® education in 2002, and became a fully-Certified Instructor. In 2006, she became a Merrithew^™ Instructor Trainer. Currently she is the Pilates Coordinator at Spirale, and runs Aprenda Praticando, a project that promotes Pilates classes for Instructors, incentivizing them to practice exercises, review the repertoire and meet new Instructors. She holds a degree in Physical Education from the University of Mogi das Cruzes.

Fabio was first introduced to the STOTT PILATES^® method in 2007 while finishing his education in Physical Education. He fell in love with the method and became certified as a STOTT PILATES instructor in 2008, sharing the passion and benefits of the method with clients of all levels and ages. In 2011, he became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^™ specializing in STOTT PILATES and has been teaching the method throughout Brazil since then. A passionate mountain biker for over 20 years, Fabio has competed in some major events in Brazil and now rides just for fun!

Working out on a Reformer was transformative to Phil's recovery from a motorcycle accident that left him with an open left leg fracture, lumbar compression fractures and a herniated disc. Pilates helped him regain his muscle strength and mobility as well as gradually relieve his pain. After graduating from university, Phil signed up for a Pilates training course. He went on to complete his full STOTT PILATES^® Certification. Within two years, Phil then became a Merrithew^™ Instructor Trainer, specializing in STOTT PILATES^®.

Gabrielle, an active teacher in the fitness industry for over 10 years, earned her full STOTT PILATES^® Instructor certification in 2011, and became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^™ specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2013. She is a graduate of Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commercial Recreation Management. Gabrielle, an avid runner, discovered the benefits of Pilates in 2007 and saw increases in her training performance with less injury. Gabrielle is the owner of Studio 48 Pilates & Fitness in Whitefish, Montana. She is enthused to provide Studio 48 Pilates & Fitness as a home for her clients to achieve their fitness goals and build the strength needed for endless outdoor adventures Montana offers year round. Gabrielle is also trained in Total Barre^®, CORE^™, and TRX and is an ACE certified Personal Trainer.

Gail received her full certification as a STOTT PILATES^® Certified Instructor in 2004 and became an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^™ specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2008. She is a Gold Certified Pilates Instructor with the Pilates Method Alliance and is also an ACE Certified Personal Trainer. She has complemented her Pilates training with Yoga teaching training courses. In addition to her fitness credentials, Gail holds a B.S. degree in Finance from Santa Clara University in California.

Gayle became a fully certified STOTT PILATES^® instructor in 2000 then went on to become an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^™ specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2003. Gayle holds a B. A. in dance from Michigan State University and performed professionally as a leading dancer with Harbinger Dance Company for 12 years. She enjoys mentoring Pilates students enrolled in Equilibrium’s comprehensive training program: helping them to determine the best ways to make Pilates effective for themselves and their future clients. She is very passionate about helping her clients stay active throughout their lives. Gayle is a Breast Cancer Post-Rehab Specialist, certified through the Pink Ribbon Program. She is trained in the Gyrotonic Expansion System, TRX Suspension System and TRX Rip Training. She is also a MELT Hand and Foot Instructor.

Gidget began her career in movement while performing in musical theater. Her love of dance gave way to a passion for fitness. She was a personal trainer for many years before she turned to the more mindful movements of yoga and Pilates. She opened her Pilates studio in the Dallas area in 2003. From 2012 to early 2018, she owned the Merrithew^™ Licensed Training Center in the Dallas area. In 2016, Gidget was designated a Merrithew Lead Instructor Trainer. This has been the honor of her career. She considers teaching and educating her gift to give, and actively mentors students both during and after they complete their education programs.

Gigi is one-half of the heartbeat of Gigi’s Pilates Studio & Personal Training. A Des Moines native and fitness expert with more than 18 years’ experience, Gigi’s passion for fitness began early when she earned her Bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Iowa State University. Since then she’s added certifications as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor from the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), and the International Sports Conditioning Association (ISCA). Gigi also is an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^™ specializing in STOTT PILATES^® and is a certified breast cancer exercise specialist with the Pink Ribbon Program.