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Our Team

Who We Are

Iva M.

Founder, Pilates Teacher, GYROTONIC® Teacher

Iva M.

I started practicing pilates in high school and instantly felt a deep connection. It made me stronger and better in all other sports - especially during my student years when Pilates helped me stay fit as I obtained my Masters in Civil and Environmental Engineering. It was during university that I made the move from a Pilates student to a Pilates instructor. I liked it so much that even after getting an engineering job I continued to lead classes in my after work hours! In 2016 I moved to Toronto where I gained full Pilates certifications and worked in three studios. In 2021 I opened a studio of my own, hoping to pass my passion for Pilates onto you and show you why I love it as much as I do.​

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In 2023, I got certified in GYROTONIC® Level 1, GYROTONIC® Jumping-Stretching Board and GYROTONIC®  Archway Level 1. 

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I'm currently student of Canadian Academy of Osteopathy in Hamilton and I'm working towards a Diploma in Osteopathic Manual Practice (D.O.M.P.)

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Carmen C.

Pilates Teacher

Carmen C.

Carmen is an accomplished Pilates instructor based in Leaside with a career spanning since 2016. Her professional journey originated as an entry-level Administrative Assistant at Pilates Process Studio, catalyzing her deep dive into the world of Pilates. Motivated by personal experiences, including post-pregnancy recovery and healing from a horseback riding injury, Carmen transitioned from a decade-long career in the Dental Field to become a Certified Therapeutic Pilates Instructor. She finds profound satisfaction in the transformative power of Pilates, fostering a sense of balance, coordination, and stability in everyday movements.

 

Carmen's passion extends beyond personal benefits, as she continually deepens her understanding of the intricate human body through instruction. Specializing in Prenatal Pilates, Postnatal Pilates, and Therapeutic Pilates, she derives immense fulfillment from aiding individuals in improving their daily posture and movement. As a practitioner and instructor, Carmen is committed to empowering clients, leaving them revitalized and engaged after each session. Join her on the journey to holistic well-being and enhanced vitality.

Sharon N. 

Pilates Teacher 

Sharon N.

Sharon is a fully certified STOTT Pilates instructor with more than 15 years of experience helping clients move, strengthen, and heal through mindful, technical, and highly individualized Pilates practice. Trained in comprehensive mat and equipment work, she brings a deep understanding of anatomy, movement, and adaptive conditioning to every session.

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Specialising in chronic conditions and therapeutic Pilates, Sharon has worked with organizations such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, implementing Pilates programs for clients living with MS. She has also supported individuals with Parkinson’s, scoliosis, arthritis, and a range of other medical conditions. Her teaching emphasizes precision, accessibility, and compassion creating a safe, supportive environment for clients of all ages and abilities.

 

Through personalised sessions and thoughtfully designed classes, Sharon empowers clients to build strength, improve mobility, reduce pain, and reconnect with confidence in their bodies.

Yoon C.

Pilates Teacher 

Yoon C.

Yoonjung is a certified STOTT Pilates instructor with a background as a former rhythmic gymnast. After experiencing injuries, she discovered Pilates as a way to recover and build strength, which eventually led her to pursue it professionally.

She first trained in South Korea and later moved to Canada to gain broader international experience. Now in her fourth year of teaching, she believes that lasting change comes from building consistent habits and cultivating body awareness, knowing what muscles you are using and what good posture feels like.

Her goal is to guide clients toward healthier movement patterns and help them create positive habits that improve both body and mind.

Lee Y.

Pilates Teacher 

Lee Y.

Lee is a certified Pilates and movement instructor with a strong background in rehabilitation, functional anatomy, and body mechanics. With comprehensive training through the International Rehabilitation Pilates Association in Korea, she is certified to teach on all apparatus. 

 

Her education also includes posture analysis, motion analysis, passive stretching, and sports massage therapy, allowing her to take a detailed and personalized approach to movement and recovery. She is also certified in prenatal and postnatal exercises, supporting clients through safe and effective exercise during and after pregnancy.

 

With additional expertise in yoga functional anatomy and a 200-hour yoga instructor certification, Lee focuses on improving posture, core strength, mobility, and overall body balance. Her sessions are designed to help clients move better, reduce pain, and build long-term strength in a safe and supportive environment.

Nadia G.

Pilates Teacher 

Nadia G.

Nadia has been dedicated to promoting health through movement for over 15 years. She is a fully certified Pilates Instructor in Brazil and Canada. She has also been working in rehabilitation since 2007, when she graduated in Physiotherapy in Brazil. After graduating, she obtained her first Pilates certificate and began using this method in combination with her physiotherapy knowledge to help her clients recover from different types of injuries.

She believes that the Pilates Method is a powerful tool for improving movement and treating conditions of the human body. With her extensive expertise in Neuro-Musculoskeletal rehabilitation, postural alignment, and body movement dysfunction, she is capable of tailoring specific Pilates programs to fit the needs of her clients.

Nadia is an empathetic and motivated professional whose strength lies in ensuring everyone has a personalized experience for a fulfilling and productive life.

Laura O. 

Pilates Teacher 

Laura O.

Laura is a certified Pilates Instructor whose approach to movement is rooted in joy, curiosity, and a deep respect for the mind-body connection. With a background in dance and a strong interest in physiotherapy, her classes are thoughtfully crafted to guide you through precise, intentional sequences that flow with ease and purpose.

 

Laura creates a supportive, inclusive space where every individual is invited to explore their unique strengths and capabilities. Grounded in the core principles of Pilates, her teaching emphasizes clear anatomical alignment, mindful breathwork, and meaningful hands-on or verbal adjustments. Whether you're seeking restorative options, challenging progressions, or a blend of both, Laura encourages you to move in a way that feels right for you. Her classes aim to empower you to build confidence, strength, and a deeper connection to your body.

Monika J. 

Pilates Teacher 

Monika J.

Passionate about movement, strength, and well-being, Monika is certified in Merrithew STOTT PILATES® Reformer (Toronto) and Physical Fitness Conditioning (Barcelona), giving her the expertise to create balanced, effective training programs.

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Monika believes Reformer Pilates is a game-changer, activating muscles that other workouts often overlook. Through controlled, mindful movements, it strengthens the core, improves flexibility, refines posture, and reduces injury risk.

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Since 2016, Monika has been part of Barcelona’s fitness and wellness industry. After a break to care for her baby, she is back energised and ready to help more people reach their goals. Her personalised approach ensures every session is both challenging and supportive, whether focused on toning, core stability, stretching, or power workouts.

Monika finds deep fulfilment in guiding others toward strength, confidence, and a healthier life.

 

 Move with Monika smarter, feel stronger, and train with purpose!

Vanessa R. 

Pilates Teacher 

Vanessa R.

Vanessa comes from a background in national-level gymnastics, which was a central part of her childhood growing up. More recently, she immersed herself in academic research, having completed a PhD in biology in Australia followed by a research fellowship in Toronto. While Vanessa valued the discipline and intellectual challenge of science, she found herself searching for something that connected her more directly to joy, movement, and well-being. Movement has always been a core part of who Vanessa is, and she wanted to incorporate that and bring it to the forefront in a more meaningful way in her life.

 

That journey led her to Pilates - a practice that’s both low-impact and deeply technical, requiring strength, precision, and focus. After returning to Toronto, Vanessa completed her comprehensive Pilates certification through the Equinox Pilates Training Program, with training at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. She also enjoy Barre and often draw from that practice to create classes that build flexibility, mental presence, and total-body strength. Vanessa's goal is to help others feel strong, balanced, and present through movement.

Chelsea L.

Pilates Teacher 

Vanessa R.

Chelsea has been passionate about movement her entire life, and her love for yoga and Pilates began at the age of 12. She started her career as a professional dancer and choreographer, and after retiring from dance, she deepened her practice in yoga, Pilates, and boxing.

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Chelsea believes in the strong connection between mind and body, and that working up a good sweat can be some of the best therapy. She maintains a dedicated personal practice in both Pilates and yoga, and is passionate about helping others move their bodies in creative ways that challenge them and expand their limits.

Kata O.

Pilates Teacher 

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Kata is a STOTT Pilates instructor known for her grounding energy, clear cueing, and ability to help clients “feel it where they’re meant to feel it.” As both a teacher and an eternal student, she blends precision, flow, and a deep respect for the body’s mechanics.

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Her classes are supportive, challenging, and intentionally crafted to help every person step into more strength, mobility, and confidence, one breath at a time. Whether in group settings or private sessions, Kata creates a welcoming space where clients feel seen, safe, and inspired to grow.

Dorothy L.

Pilates Teacher 

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Dorothy is a comprehensively certified Polestar Pilates instructor focused on intelligent movement that supports strength, mobility, and active aging.

Before Pilates, Dorothy performed with Disney Cruise Line and spent 25 years in industrial and residential design, where she developed a deep appreciation for functional, intentional movement that now shapes her teaching.

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Her movement playground also includes Chinese and Korean traditional dance and drumming, dance performances, Spartan races, snowboarding, and adventure travel. She also enjoys building jigsaw puzzles, a form of mindfulness that strengthens mental clarity, focus, and patience, much like the practice of Pilates itself. â€‹

 

After rediscovering Pilates in midlife, she trained between Toronto and Miami to complete her comprehensive Polestar certification. Today, Dorothy helps clients build resilient bodies that move well, feel strong, and last for life.

Jin H. 

Pilates & GYROTONIC® Teacher, FST Practicioner

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Jin is a certified GYROTONIC® Level 1 instructor, an FST (Fascial Stretch Therapy) Advanced level practitioner, and a STOTT Pilates–trained instructor with over 15 years of experience in the fitness and movement field.

 

Jin specializes in enhancing movement quality, mobility, and body awareness through a thoughtful blend of strength, control, fascia-focused techniques, and Women’s Health & Pre/Postnatal Care.

 

Jin works with a diverse range of clients, including those recovering from injury, managing chronic tension, or seeking support through pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Her approach emphasizes safe, efficient, and sustainable movement patterns. Each session is tailored to the individual, creating a supportive environment where clients can move with greater ease, confidence, and resilience.

Say hello

Hours:

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MON - FRI: 6 am - 9 pm

SAT - SUN: 8 am - 3 pm

hello@leasidepilates.com

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647.550.9968

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28 Industrial St -

Unit 109 - Private Class Studio

Unit 108 - Group Class Studio

Toronto, ON M4G 1Y9

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