Meet Kingston's Certified Pilates Instructors

Shannon began in the fitness industry in 1998 as a group fitness instructor. Eager to expand her expertise, she became a personal trainer and began seeing clients one-on-one. In addition to teaching classes and guiding individuals at multiple fitness facilities, she had the opportunity to step into various supervisory roles, overseeing cardiac maintenance fitness programs, managing a fitness centre with a team of personal trainers, and being in charge of fitness programming, including a large group fitness schedule and team.

After being introduced to the Pilates method, Shannon obtained certifications in Mat and Reformer Pilates, delving into the intricacies of body alignment and functional full body movement. Her dedication to mastering Pilates extends further as she pursues comprehensive certification in all Pilates apparatus through Balanced Body.

Always eager to deepen her knowledge, Shannon recently achieved certification as a Level 2 Fascia Stretch Therapist, emphasizing her interest in innovative approaches to mobility, flexibility and pain-free living. Known for her enthusiasm for lifelong learning, Shannon continues to explore new avenues to enhance her skill set in order to further enhance her clients' wellness journeys.

She has found her happy place with Momentum Pilates, where she is able to apply her knowledge in her classes, while working one-on-one with new members experiencing the benefits of Pilates and FST, and being behind the scenes as the studio office manager helping to make every member's experience an exceptional one.

Pascale has been a dedicated fitness professional since 1996, when she embarked on her journey in the fitness industry. Her passion for health and wellness led her to specialize in teaching Pilates and yoga, where she found her true calling. With years of experience, she has honed her skills and expertise in these disciplines, helping her clients achieve their fitness goals and improve their overall well-being.

In addition to her work as a Pilates and yoga instructor, Pascale is also a certified Fascia Stretch Therapy (FST) practitioner. This unique combination of skills allows her to offer a holistic approach to fitness, focusing on both physical strength and flexibility, as well as the mind-body connection.

Pascale is known for her compassionate and encouraging teaching style, always putting her clients' needs first. She believes in the importance of tailoring each session to the individual, ensuring that everyone receives the personalized attention they deserve. Her dedication to her craft and commitment to helping others make her a valued and respected fitness professional in her community.

I embarked on my journey into holistic health and wellness back in 1997, starting with an Aromatherapy Massage course that led me to the world of Pilates. Captivated by the discipline's blend of strength and flexibility, I sought training with Stott Pilates and have been teaching it since 1999.

My path took an exciting turn when a dance instructor introduced me to the MELT Method in 2010. Intrigued by its promise of pain relief and enhanced strength, I traveled to New York City for the first of many trainings.

In 2018, my exploration of movement therapies led me to Essentrics, a dynamic workout that marries the fluidity of Tai Chi with the grace of ballet, offering a unique approach to full-body conditioning and wellness.

My passion for Aromatherapy continued to flourish, culminating in the completion of a second aromatherapy massage course in 2022, and a course to learn all about the benefits of CBD. This reinforced my belief in a multidisciplinary approach to health, blending physical activity with the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.

In 2015, my husband Cliff and I made the move from Toronto to Gananoque, a decision that has brought us immense joy.

Joining the team at Momentum Pilates was a serendipitous event; the camaraderie, fun, and supportive environment have been unparalleled, enriching not just my life but also those of our cherished members.

As a Therapeutic Fitness instructor with a deep emphasis on Pilates, the MELT Method, and Essentrics, coupled with my extensive training in Aromatherapy, I am dedicated to guiding individuals on their journey to wellness. My approach is holistic, nurturing, and tailored to meet the unique needs of each person, empowering them to achieve their health and fitness goals.

Emma has been teaching Pilates for over 15 years, bringing a passion for movement, wellness, and lifelong learning to every class. After moving to Kingston in 2010, she began teaching at Momentum Pilates with Peggy and has taught in community centres, yoga studios, and fitness centres throughout Toronto and Kingston.

Emma is Mat and Reformer certified through Pilates for Life/Movement for Health and Balanced Body, as well as a certified Movement Specialist through Body Harmonics in Toronto, and a Pilates for Menopause Instructor through the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI). Emma has continued her Pilates education through courses in Postural Analysis, Functional Anatomy, Prenatal and Special Populations, Neurobiology of the Spine, Running Mechanics, and Feet Fundamentals. She is currently pursuing a comprehensive certification in Pilates Apparatus through Balanced Body.

In addition to her Pilates training, Emma is passionate about supporting women through midlife through movement, education, and wellness, and she is a certified Qigong Instructor and Holistic Peri/Menopause Coach.

Emma believes movement should leave you feeling stronger, more balanced, and more at home in your body, and she creates an encouraging and empowering environment where every participant feels supported, capable, and connected to their body.

Movement has the power to transform how we feel, move, and live. After discovering Pilates in 2013 and experiencing its positive impact firsthand, I found a practice that challenged, inspired, and balanced me in ways no other form of exercise had before.

What began as a personal journey quickly became a passion. In 2015, I embarked on the path to becoming a STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor, driven by a desire to help others experience the same benefits I had found through mindful movement. Today, I continue to deepen my knowledge and refine my teaching, helping clients build strength, improve mobility, enhance posture, and move through life with greater confidence.

My approach to teaching is supportive, encouraging, and focused on meeting clients where they are. Whether you are new to Pilates, recovering from injury, looking to improve athletic performance, or simply seeking a stronger connection between mind and body, I am committed to helping you achieve your goals in a welcoming and positive environment.

Outside the studio, I serve as CEO of the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce, where I am passionate about building strong communities, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting local businesses. Both roles reflect what motivates me most: helping people reach their full potential.

I am incredibly grateful to the Momentum Pilates community, whose support, encouragement, and dedication continue to inspire me every day. It is a privilege to be part of your wellness journey, and I look forward to moving with you for many years to come.

I live in Kingston with my husband of 28 years and we have three beautiful grownup daughters. Together with my mother and brother we own three boutiques, Fancy That, Roundstone and Limestone and Ivy. I run the downtown stores and have been there for the last 25 years.

I started teaching fitness 25 years ago and definitely have a love for the wider spectrum of fitness. I teach step, spinning, body sculpt, and Pilates. I love educating people about the importance of being fit as we get older. I also enjoy fitness with my family and we have done many running races and triathlons together and it is wonderful to spend time with them as we work out. I love the triathlon community in Kingston and the confidence it brings to many individuals.

I love teaching Pilates since it is the basic foundation to building a strong and healthy core. I think having a strong core makes a happy and healthy body.

With more than a decade of practice and teaching, Thens has provided exceptional care to individuals with diverse needs. She finds joy and fulfilment in seeing her clients improve and achieve things they never thought possible. From her perspective, every session is an opportunity to learn more about our bodies and make new discoveries.

As a physiotherapist, Thens uses her extensive knowledge of the human body to design and carry out efficient, meticulous, and customized programs that will allow continuous improvement while maintaining safety. With her remarkable eye for correction and precision to detail, she will guide you through each movement with emphasis on proper form and breathing.

Thens received numerous training programs and certifications from STOTT Pilates over the years, specializing in pre/post-natal and rehabilitative Pilates. She also completed Kettlebell training and received certificates in TRX and First Aid & CPR/AED Level C. As a health and fitness expert, Thens aspires to provide training that feels enjoyable and aims to make exercise sustainable for everyone.

Join Thens' class to discover the wonders of Pilates and embrace the power of mindfulness in every movement.

My journey with Pilates began in 2006 when I was in a car crash in Victoria and suffered whiplash. My osteopath told me I needed to strengthen my core and suggested Pilates. After finding a beginner-level Pilates workout on VHS at the library, I was hooked and haven't looked back. Exercise is my happy place, and I've added strength and HIIT workouts to my regimen over the years, but Pilates has always been my focus.

Having worked in the corporate world for most of my career, I suffered from burnout almost 10 years ago and knew I needed a change. I took the leap in 2023 and received my Mat Pilates certification from Body Harmonics. I'm currently working on my Motor Control Specialist certificate through Body Harmonics and plan to do my Reformer training in the fall of 2025 with Balanced Body.

I want everyone to experience the benefits of a strong core, strengthening and lengthening the body to feel good and move comfortably as we age.

I've been working as a Pilates and Gyrotonic instructor for around 9 years. I always bring energy, positivity, and empathy into every session.

I understand what it feels like to live with back pain, joint issues, and a sensitive body. Because I've experienced those struggles myself, I truly relate to my clients and design each class with their comfort and needs in mind.

I have just become a certified FST Level 1 practitioner and I am so excited to have this new way of supporting my clients on their wellness journey.

In my classes, we focus on activating the right target muscles and gently exploring your natural range of motion. Everything is approached with care so that your body can move safely and confidently.

There is no need to compare your progress to anyone else. We are all growing in our own time. Through movement, we reconnect with ourselves and build strength from the inside out.

Pilates is not just about the way you look. It's about how you feel in your body and in your mind. Let's enjoy the journey together.

Maya has been immersed in the world of Pilates since childhood, growing up surrounded by the vibrant energy of the studio and often playing among the equipment. Her lifelong exposure has cultivated a deep appreciation for movement and wellness, inspiring her to complete her Mat & Reformer certification through Balanced Body and step into the role of instructor. Now teaching classes while continuing her studies toward comprehensive certification, she brings a fresh perspective and enthusiasm, blending her deep familiarity with the practice and a passion for helping others on their Pilates journey.