Kirsty has owned the Kootenai Pilates since 2012. She has been worked in the field of fitness and exercise rehabilitation for over 20 years. After receiving her Kinesiology degree in 1998 she went on to complete her massage therapy diploma in 2004. Movement has always been a huge part of her life!

As a young athlete she represented Canada at many international basketball tournaments. After moving to Nelson her love of movement shifted to mountain bikes, skis and paddle boarding. Kirsty connected with the Pilates method after the birth of her first daughter. With a passion for helping people feel better in their bodies Kirsty has been teaching Pilates for over a decade. Kirsty received her mat certification through the Physical Mind Institute and her equipment certification through the Pilates Sports Centre.

“Pilates has enabled me to connect with my body in a different way. I love the depth of this work and the rewards it brings through mindfulness, alignment and breath!”

Mark discovered the Pilates Method in 2007 while looking for ways to help alleviate lower back pain. He used Pilates to strengthen and stretch his muscles and to enhance the physical fitness he needed to purse his sports. Mark grew up in the Kootenays and has always led an active outdoor lifestyle. He enjoys skiing, mountain biking, canoeing and hiking. He completed his Bachelor of Education in 2004 and has taught at Secondary and Post Secondary schools in the Kootenays.

Mark completed his PSC Certification in Mat, Reformer, Cadillac and Chair with Master Teacher Trainer, Maria Sevilla. He believes that his Pilates training paired with his Education Degree will allow him to help his clients better understand the Pilates Method and go deeper into the repertoire. His goal is to have his students “feel the work” in their bodies.

Mark is confident with a strong mind-body connection his clients can take the Pilates Method into their everyday life!

Mary Ann Spears has been teaching Pilates at The Kootenai Pilates Center since 2003. She is a certified Pilates instructor though the Pilates Sports Centre. Mary Ann is a very dedicated instructor and loves supporting people through movement. She is an avid dancer and has a background in yoga, receiving her Heart Yoga teacher training in 2016 with Karuna and Paul Erickson. When she found Pilates she said, “I know I will be doing this practice for the rest of my life!” Mary Ann continues to study new methods and modalities to keep her clients excited about learning the Pilates method.
Aligning herself as a physiotherapist assistant with Maria Morley, she is excited to bring the benefits of Pilates to new students.

She is a vibrant, inspiring instructor and loves helping people feel good!

Andria’s personal interest in anatomy and physiology has led to a challenging and rewarding career in exercise rehabilitation and massage therapy. She started her career in 2006 by becoming a personal trainer. She was introduced to Pilates in 2007 when her physiotherapist suggested it as a way to reduce back pain and improve posture. After just a few lessons her reduction in pain was significant! She embraced the Pilates as part of her own active lifestyle.

Andria is a fully certified STOTT ® Pilates instructor. “Since completing my STOTT® training over a decade ago, I have gained a deeper understanding of the smaller, stabilizing muscles and the important role these muscles play in coordination, agility, flexibility, endurance and balance. This, in turn, affects total strength and ultimately prevents injury! Pilates balances the body from the inside out.” Andria has recently completed her Registered Massage Therapy program. Massage therapy was a natural ‘next step’ for Andria’s career. Using her combined tools of therapeutic massage, corrective exercise and Pilates movement patterns she guides our Clinical Pilates clients. Collaborating with a physiotherapist, her goal is to get her clients back to the active lifestyles they love!

Anne has been working in the fitness industry for over 12 years. She has a wide array of fitness certifications including Kettlebell, Spin, Barre, and Group Strength. Movement is an essential part of Anne’s life! Anne first became passionate and curious about Pilates through teaching Barre classes. With a background in classical ballet, Anne felt it was a natural fit. She strives to blend the two methods to support one another. Anne believes that our mind and body connection can empower a deeper, more intentional approach to all aspects of a healthy lifestyle.

Anne is an Evolve Your Teaching (EYT) Pilates Mat Instructor; a CFES (Canadian Fitness Education Services) Educator in Fitness Knowledge, Weight Training, and Personal Training. She works as a BCRPA Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. Anne is also certified in TRX Suspension Training and has completed the Merrithew Total Barre Certification. Aside from teaching Pilates Matwork and Barre in the studio, Anne also works with clients one-on-one through the studio’s
Clinical Pilates Program run by Physiotherapist Maria Morley.

Ashley has an extensive background in teaching and a true passion for helping others! She completed her bachelor of education in 2012 and has over 15 years of experience teaching dance. When she relocated to Nelson in 2020, she started taking Reformer classes at Kootenai Pilates Centre. After only a few classes, she knew Pilates was “it”. She knew that becoming a Pilates instructor would be the next step in her career. Ashley completed her Evolve Your Teaching (EYT) teacher training with Kirsty and Mona at the Kootenai Pilates Centre and is excited to start teaching Pilates Matwork and Reformer classes in 2023!

Ashley feels a true connection to the work and has seen first hand the profound changes in her mind, body and breath as a result of starting this practice. She believes our mental and physical well-being should be at the top of everyone’s priority list. Ashley will meet you where you are at, make you feel welcome, and her goal is make you smile during class!