About our instructors

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 an Instructor Trainer for Merrithew^® specializing in STOTT PILATES in 2003. Adriana's IT status has enabled her to teach as a 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.

Jennifer Dahl is a certified STOTT PILATES^® Instructor and Merrithew Master Instructor Trainer with over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. She brings her innovative methods to Merrithew as an Instructor Trainer for STOTT PILATES, Halo^®, Total Barre^®, ZEN∙GA^® and Merrithew Fascial Movement.

She is a graduate of the University of Toronto Psychology Department specializing in Physiology as well as the renowned School, Toronto Dance Theatre. She continues to hone her approach by providing well-articulated movements which are curated to aid the mind-body connection through physical activity.

Jennifer is motivated by the challenges and rewards that this type of training can offer to clients from various physical backgrounds. Her curiosity has led her an exploration into new concepts, and ideas as well as revisit more established protocols with colleagues worldwide.

Sarah Jarvis joined the Merrithew^® team in 2004 after completing her Full Certification in STOTT PILATES^®. She is now a Merrithew Lead Instructor Trainer and specializes in ZEN•GA^®, Halo^® Training and Total Barre^®. With a background in aerobics and fitness, Sarah brings a dynamic approach to her Pilates teaching. She holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Windsor and is Can-Fit-Pro certified.

Sarah has extensive experience working with various demographics, including individuals with injuries and those with lifelong conditions where movement is crucial for maintaining quality of life. She is particularly passionate about empowering active aging clients. Since becoming certified, she has continually expanded her knowledge through specialized courses and workshops on the fascial system and anatomy, as well as seminars on specific injuries and programming with leading experts in physiotherapy and kinesiology.

“Pilates, for me, has always been about getting people into their bodies. Many people go through their workouts with poor or no activation and little understanding of how their muscles work. It’s my job to help them activate, provide well-balanced workouts, assist in injury prevention and improve posture and overall strength."

In addition to teaching clients, Sarah mentors internationally trained instructors and has represented Merrithew for over a decade, presenting across North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. Outside of Pilates, Sarah enjoys spinning, HIIT training, traveling, savoring great food and wine, and meeting wonderful people.

After completing her bachelor’s degree in Japan, Rie moved to Toronto, Canada to pursue her avid interest in the human body and passion for health and wellness. She received her STOTT PILATES^® certification in 2006, excelling further to become a Merrithew^® Instructor Trainer in 2008. Rie applies her expertise to deliver high quality education to students as a Lead Instructor Trainer and in her work as Education Programming Specialist at the Merrithew’s Head Office in Toronto. In addition to teaching students and supporting Instructor Trainers, she is involved in developing Merrithew Education and expanding Instructor Trainer resources and website content. She also became a Registered Homeopath in 2015, furthering her passion to help people in the pursuit of holistic health and wellness.

Formerly a professional dancer, Leslie was introduced to the STOTT PILATES^® method after an extensive knee injury and a multitude of surgeries ending her career as a dancer. Her familiarity with body movement and muscular strength made the transition to Pilates feel completely natural. She quickly advanced herself in the industry and is now a Merrithew^® Lead Instructor Trainer specializing in Total Barre^® and STOTT PILATES. She is a valued member of the Merrithew education team and presents on their behalf. Leslie continues to train both future instructors and private clients including Cirque du Soleil performers, NHL Players, Olympic athletes and is an adviser/instructor to “SpiderTech Kinesiology” Executives.

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.

Tania Serrano began taking Pilates in 2002 after experiencing chronic lower back pain stemming from her pregnancy, and after one class, she was hooked. Tania went on to earn her Full Certification from STOTT PILATES^® in 2008, and currently works with a variety of clientele ranging from physiotherapists to runners, as well as special populations groups such as pre and post-natal women. She is now a Merrithew^® Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES and Halo^® Training. Tania enjoys the on-going learning experience as well as the physical transformative experience Pilates has brought to her life. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge with those around her and continues to integrate the Pilates principles into her teachings and lifestyle for optimal functional health and movement.

Wayne Seeto is a Merrithew^® Master Instructor Trainer known for his expertise in STOTT PILATES^®, STOTT PILATES Rehab and Halo^® Training. With a career spanning over two decades, Wayne has been an invaluable member of Merrithew's programming, education and presenting team.

His journey in the world of fitness, Pilates and rehabilitation began in his native Australia, where he completed his Personal Training certification and earned a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Queensland. Furthering his pursuit of excellence, he obtained a Master of Science (Physiotherapy) at McMaster University in Canada.

Since 2003, Wayne has been an integral part of the Merrithew Corporate Training Center in Toronto, contributing to developing the STOTT PILATES, STOTT PILATES Rehab and Halo Training education curriculum. As a senior editor, he has overseen the creation of numerous Merrithew teaching manuals, ensuring the highest standards of instruction. Wayne’s passion for Pilates education has taken him across the globe, where he has represented Merrithew at symposia and industry trade events in North America, the Asia-Pacific region and Europe. He’s also featured as an instructor in several Merrithew DVD titles.

Wayne's teaching style is characterized by his passion for precision and functional movement. He approaches STOTT PILATES with a keen focus on form and function, making each movement count. His specialization is in rehabilitation, using Pilates as a powerful tool for injury prevention and recovery.

In addition to his role at Merrithew, Wayne is a physiotherapist at a sports medicine private practice clinic in Toronto. He utilizes STOTT PILATES Rehab as a powerful tool for injury prevention and rehabilitation, helping athletes and individuals regain their strength and mobility.

Outside of his professional life, Wayne leads an active lifestyle. He often explores different cities and cultures during his travels while teaching courses for Merrithew. His free time is usually spent hanging out with his rescue dog, Lucas, an energetic Potcake breed from the Dominican Republic. His adventures with Lucas remind him of the importance of balance and vitality in life — values he eagerly shares with his clients and students.

Laureen is an integral member of a dynamic team responsible for the global development and implementation of training and certification programs. Her spirited approach to teaching has made Laureen a vibrant international presenter, trainer and examiner. An NSCA certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and a Pink Ribbon certified instructor, she began teaching Pilates in 1995, and is now a Merrithew^® Pilates Master Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES^®, ZEN•GA^®, Total Barre^®, Halo^® Training and Merrithew Fascial Movement. Laureen is a featured performer and associate producer of many Merrithew DVDs, the associate editor of numerous teaching manuals and author of articles in several industry publications.

Prior to joining Merrithew, Laureen worked for Tennis Canada where she was responsible for Canadian and international public relations in the capacity of media relations and communications, player relations and event organization. Laureen studied Dance and Physical Education at York University in Toronto where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.