Lead Instructor Trainers

Adriana Rotella was first introduced to the STOTT PILATES^® method in 1999 when she was strengthening her training as a volleyball player. After falling in love with Pilates, she became a fully certified STOTT PILATES Instructor in 2000 and then, inspired by the results she saw in her clients and her drive to further her career, excelled to become a Pilates Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2003. Adriana's IT status has enabled her to teach as a Pilates Lead Instructor Trainer. Adriana has taught certification programs in Toronto and to students from around the world as well as at sites in over 10 countries. She has been a featured performer in several Merrithew DVDs, and has participated in a number of international fitness conferences including Canfitpro & the Body Mind Spirit Conference. Her knowledge and understanding of the Pilates method continues to inspire her students and clients to continue mastering the technique for their own personal growth and achievement.

Amanda discovered Pilates through physical therapy following multiple knee surgeries due to a skiing accident. However, this twist of fate led her to discover her passion, earning her STOTT PILATES^® certification in 2005. With nearly two decades of experience, Amanda has mastered the art of seamlessly blending the fitness and healing aspects of Pilates in her training. Her expertise extends from joint replacements to spinal injuries, alongside everyday minor ailments. Yet, amidst her therapeutic work, she leads dynamic classes focused on overall fitness.

As a Lead Instructor Trainer, Amanda cherishes opportunities to share her knowledge internationally, having taught instructors in Istanbul, Seoul and the United States. In 2016, she founded Conscious Education, dedicated to offering STOTT PILATES instructor courses, exams and education workshops in Denver. In 2024, she co-founded Conscious Pilates with Jacqui Pilkington, establishing a fully equipped STOTT PILATES studio.

Amanda first became STOTT PILATES^® Certified in 2004 and in 2005, moved on to become a Lead Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^®, specializing in STOTT PILATES. She has an extensive background as a fitness instructor, and likes to combine her STOTT PILATES teaching with her successful personal training and sports massage business.

Amy was introduced to Pilates while completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree as a Dance major at York University in Toronto. After pursuing a career in modern dance she turned to Pilates for her next challenge. In 2004, she became a STOTT PILATES^® Fully Certified Instructor and was invited to work at the Corporate Training Centre in Toronto. Amy moved to Asia in 2008 where she spent 10 years in Singapore and now resides in Saigon, Vietnam. She continues to represent Merrithew^® as a Floating Lead Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES, Total Barre^® and Halo^® Training. She has traveled extensively worldwide teaching courses and presenting at international fitness conferences such as FILEX in Melbourne/Sydney, Australia, China Fit in Beijing, FIBO in Shanghai, the Yonion Yoga Festival in Xiamen, China and the online World Wellness Weekend. Amy has also been featured on Channel News Asia AM Live “Fighting Fit” series, was a visiting Fitness Specialist at the prestigious Amanoi Resort in Vietnam, and has worked with the artists of Cirque du Soleil’s Totem. Amy currently is enjoying her role in Saigon as the Director of Education at CHI Pilates, where she teaches both clients and courses to students who are pursuing a career in the Pilates industry.

Angel is the Technical Director for Akro Studio and an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES^® as a Lead IT who has worked in various Pilates centers in Madrid, Spain. He studied Occupational Therapy and leads the Rehab Pilates program at the European University of Madrid, where he works with individuals such as Diane Lee to guarantee the development of the STOTT PILATES curriculum within his latest research. Throughout his fruitful career, Angel has had the opportunity to work with several noteworthy professionals, including the renowned dancer, Victor Ullate, and is a recognized teacher and presenter all across Spain and South America.

Born in Hong Kong and educated in Canada, Anita moved to Shanghai, China in 1995. She stumbled upon Pilates while searching for a way to ease her muscle pain and tension. From the relief of her tense muscles to the relief of her tense mind and the discovery of a new inner strength, practicing Pilates left Anita open to the many possibilities in life. The change was so profound that she decided to leave her corporate life. She co-founded the Orange Room Wellness Center in 2006, which later became the first host center for Merrithew^® education in China.

Anita first became a STOTT PILATES^® Certified Instructor in 2012, an Instructor Trainer in 2015, and moved on to become a Lead Instructor Trainer for Merrithew in 2022 specializing in STOTT PILATES. In a fast-growing market in which quality can sometimes be compromised for quick results, she strives to uphold the high standard of Merrithew education in China, one course at a time.

Ashlee Richardson holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, USA. Her professional interests include women’s health and orthopedics. Ashlee utilizes her extensive Pilates knowledge with her clients and patients to emphasize posture and movement re-education, core stability and pelvic health. She became a Certified STOTT PILATES^® Instructor in 2006 and a Lead Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^®, specializing in STOTT PILATES. Ashlee is co-owner of Pilates Center of Omaha, the home of Victory Pilates Education Centers and CoreWorks Physical Therapy.

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.

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^®.

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.