Emily began her studies of Pilates in the fall of 2000. Having been involved in athletics for most of her life, she was eager to find a form of exercise that would satisfy her, both physically and mentally. She found that Pilates was gentle, yet challenging and that it had the right balance of philosophy and movement that she was searching for. By the spring of 2003 she had received certification in the Classical Pilates Method from Symmetria studio in London, Ontario. Since then, she has continued to deepen her understanding of the method through continuing education workshops and personal practice.
Paulette Carlson
yoga flow
While Paulette completed her yoga teacher training at a local Victoria studio in 2005, she began practicing yoga in Vancouver seven years ago. Paulette’s personal yogic style evolved out of her Soto Zen Buddhist meditation practice and flowed into following the Ashtanga Yoga lineage. Paulette encourages a strong internal focus in her class that invites students to go at their own pace in the unfolding movement towards wholeness as taught by the yogic and Buddhist philosophies. Paulette understands yoga’s power as a transformational tool for growth and healing.
Mia has been involved in the Fitness Industry for 18 years; working as a Certified BCRPA Personal Trainer and Fitness Leader as well as Manager for several facilities in Kelowna, Vancouver and Victoria.
Soon after competing in the 1997 Body Max Body Building Classic, she sustained injuries from a car accident which led her to her career in Pilates for recovery.
She has since been a certified Stott Pilates instructor and Instructor Trainer as well as a certified Fitness Fusion Instructor.
Scott Vannan has been a professional dancer for most of his adult life; most notably with the Irish National Ballet.
With over 20 years experience teaching Pilates and an owner of the Pilates Centre of Toronto, Scott's classes are filled with knowledge and innovation.
After winning the Natural Western Canadians in bodybuilding in 2002, Monica became discouraged with the current fitness facilities in the city and began to experiment with some of the smaller studios. Curious about Pilates she began taking classes and instantly became excited about the changes in core strength and balance she was developing in her body. Always looking for a new challenge, she opened Balance Studio with her husband in January 2005. Monica’s goal is to create a studio that promotes positive body image and provides a positive, encouraging environment for all ages and fitness levels.
Kathy obtained her level 1 and level 2 Yoga Teacher Certification in Rishikesh India in 2007.
Yoga was a passion of Kathy’s in her 20’s but it went by the wayside for 35 years ( exactly the years she needed it the most, becoming a single parent and a cancer survivor) until her youngest daughter dragged her to a yoga studio.
“ I remember feeling very intimidated at first, thinking, I hope I can make it through this class !”
As time went on Kathy realized her mood was improving, she was becoming calmer and also more flexible. “ I noticed little things didn’t bother me as much, I was becoming more toned, my energy level increased, and I was sleeping better at night.
Kathy believes everyone can
enjoy yoga and reap its many benefits regardless of ones current condition.
Modifications of postures are often necessary as everyone brings different experiences and needs to the class.
Smiling happens often in Kathy’s classes as students soon realize they are in a safe and non-competitive environment.
Rena is a certified yoga instructor through the Moksana Yoga Teacher Training program and has been practicing yoga for the past 5 years.
Rena grew up taking ballet and jazz classes and completed a Minor in Dance from the University of Calgary.
She attended her first yoga class at the recommendation of a dance teacher and quickly developed a genuine interest in the benefits of yoga as well as Pilates.
Over the last 20 years, Valerie Lykkemark has pursued education and life experience in the area of preventative health. She holds a Bachelor of Physical Education and 13 years of experience in the health and wellness industry. The integration of Pilates into her life began 10 years ago in Vancouver at Diane Millers Studio. Over the subsequent years she continued to explore a variety of instructors, studios and forms of Pilates. Valerie practiced prenatal and postnatal Pilates to assist in maintaining her strength and health during her pregnancy and to aid in recovery after the birth of her son.
Meredith has completed fundamental and advanced teacher trainings with the Chakra Yoga Center in Thailand. She has taught over the past five years in Toronto, Thailand and Victoria, and guest teaches regularly for the Chakra Yoga Center’s Teacher Training.
Meredith continues to deepen her knowledge and experience through continuing study with senior teachers of various Yoga traditions, and brings this diversity to her classes.
Clinton Draper is a professional dancer and Total Pilates Process certified
instructor. He has taught throughout Canada and brings a university
background in anatomy and kinesiology as well as many years of dance
training to bear in his classes. Expect to work hard and thoughtfully.
Amy has been involved in the fitness industry, providing one-on-one personal training, group fitness classes, fitness consultations, and sport specific training for several fitness facilities, athletes and corporate environments for the past 10 years. She completed a degree in Human Kinetics, specializing in Exercise Science, and is a certified BCRPA Supervisor of Fitness Leaders. She currently works at the University of Victoria as the Fitness Programmer, developing programs and initiatives for students, faculty, staff and community members. Amy has been recognized for her contribution to the fitness and health industry by being nominated for 2 BCRPA fitness awards this year: Group Fitness Leader of the Year and Program Director of the Year.
Eugenie Parker studied ballet in New York City and London England. She apprenticed with the Royal ballet in England and danced with the National Ballet of Canada. She was guest teacher for the Cleveland Ballet and the San Diego Ballet Company in the United States.
Eugenie was the founder of the “Academy of Ballet” here in Victoria. She brings to her classes a wealth of experience as a performer and teacher.
Fitness has always been a major part of Kelly's life since childhood. Growing up she was always apart of numerous sports teams both in and out of school right from elementary to university, and she is the fourth person in her family to become a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Leader.
Kelly started her fitness career in the summer of 2006 and has completed 11 different certification programs in the last 2 years. This path of learning has been a wonderful adventure for her. Her fitness specializations include Peronsal Training, Group Fitness, Strength Training, Yogafit, Kickboxing, 3rd Age, Pre/Post Natal, Hydro Training, and Spin just to name a few. Each of these specializations plays a role in developing Kelly's Core Fusion lesson plans. Kelly loves the diversity of her skill set and enjoys helping participants achieve their fitness goals.
