Pilates Emporium Team

Barb started her adult career as a Resource teacher for preschool children with special needs after finishing a 3 year Early Childhood Education and Resource Teacher Program.  After teaching for a year and a half, Barb returned to University to complete a Bachelor or Science and Elementary and Special Education Degree. Barb then worked as a Therapeutic Recreation Director  for a nursing home in Niagara On The Lake. For 25 years Barb continued her career in Social Services as a Director of Services for the St. Catharines Association for Community Living running the Educational Therapeutic Supports and Resources, Family Support and Counselling and Research and Development Departments. Barb initiated the integration of children and teens with special needs into regular settings in the Niagara Region and co-authored two books related to the inclusion of children and adults with disabilities into the norm of society. Barb completed her masters in Education (Adult Ed./Councelling/Special Ed.). Once retired  from Social Services, Barb fell in love with Pilates and recognized that Pilates, in its true form, was an ideal fitness option for mature clientele. She wanted to create an option in the community that was specific to the needs of maturing adults.  Barb received her training through Stott Pilates and Body Harmonics 18 years ago and continued to upgrade her skills in Pilates Rehab, Fredricks Fascial Stretch Therapy and Neurostim Scar Release along the way.

Ellen fell in love with Pilates in 2005 when she took weekly mat classes at a local studio.  In 2007 she began her journey as a Pilates Instructor with Stott Pilates, now known as Merrithew.  Throughout her training, Ellen obtained certification in Mat and Reformer, Chair & Cadillac - Beginner to Advance. Constantly continuing education on movement, Ellen has completed courses on Injury and Special Populations, Rehabilitation for MS, Stroke and Parkinsons, Active aging, Lumbo-pelvic stability, Shoulder stability and much more. 

In 2015, Ellen successfully completed her 200 hours training practice and study of Hatha Yoga, at Heaven on Earth Yoga Institute 

Ellen successfully completed her Level 1 and Level 2 certification with the Stretch to Win Institute as a Fascial Stretch Practitioner. 

Ellen has also earned certificates in MPS Pain Therapy and Concussion and Brain Recovery Therapy with the Centre for Pain and stress Research Ltd.  

Ellen's out of studio interests are golfing, kayaking, cycling, hiking and spending time with family and friends.  She loves everything Niagara has to offer with its beautiful surroundings.  Ellen enjoys visiting Niagara Wineries, Craft Breweries, Local Shops and Restaurants.

Rachel has always been very active playing women’s soccer, biking, hiking and swimming . Rachel was first introduced to mind body movement as a young child by her mother who was a Yoga instructor. After years of practicing yoga Rachel decided in 2019 to become a Yoga instructor herself.  She graduated from a 200 RYT and then continued to further her education adding Yoga Nidra, restorative yoga, yin and chair yoga.

Rachel was first introduced to Pilates ordering a VHS series of videos from an infomercial on tv. Instantly she became addicted to how amazing her back felt, how good her core engagement became and how it improved her posture. In 2022 Rachel graduated from a Comprehensive Pilates Program and has been teaching classes in  mat, chair, Cadillac and reformer. Rachel also teaches privates, semi-privates and physio rehabilitation clients.

In 2023 Rachel completed her Level 1 Facial Stretch Therapy and plans to take her Level 2 this fall. In 2024 Rachel added Neurostim Pain Relief and Scar Release to her modalities to help her clients feel their best.

Jenny is a passionate and dedicated Pilates instructor with over 10 years of experience in helping clients of all levels achieve their fitness goals. As a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher, Jenny specializes in classical and contemporary Pilates techniques, ensuring each session is tailored to the individual’s needs and goals.

With a strong focus on improving core strength, flexibility, and posture, she emphasizes mindful movement and alignment, creating a safe and effective workout experience. Whether you’re new to Pilates or an experienced practitioner, Jenny is committed to helping you move with confidence and feel your best.

Her approach blends physical fitness with mental clarity, encouraging clients to stay focused, challenge themselves, and cultivate a deep connection with their bodies. Outside of teaching, she enjoys weight training, golfing, reading, and spending time with her son.