All Metropolitan Pilates instructors are graduates of an extensive 700-hour training program in the classical Pilates method. The Instructor Training Program involves hands-on experience as an apprentice, as well as written tests to demonstrate knowledge of the systems.

At Metropolitan Pilates, we know there is more than one way to teach something, and each of our instructors recognizes the need to tailor their teaching to each student's style of learning. All instructors have unique styles and approaches to teaching Pilates which benefits the client in being able to work with a variety of teachers or simply choosing a couple that are a particularly good fit. All teachers have been thoroughly trained on the beginner, intermediate and advanced systems and know how to coordinate a personalized Pilates workout that will benefit each individual. Our primary concern is always safety, and teachers are well versed on how to modify and tailor a program for different levels of fitness and for those who currently have or are recovering from injury.

Lauren Albert has been a certified Pilates instructor since January 2003 and has been training under the guidance and supervision of Dorothee VandeWalle since she began her Pilates journey in 2000. Lauren studied dance and fitness, and her clients appreciate her clear direction and sense of movement.

Ilia Ash is a graduate of the University of Washington where she rowed for the varsity women's crew. She started studying Pilates with Dorothee VandeWalle in order to improve her rowing performance. Ilia was certified in 2004, and in addition to teaching Pilates she coaches the UW freshman women's rowing team.

Laura Baker received her B.S. degree in Food and Nutritional Sciences-Dietetics from Seattle Pacific University in 1999. Her passion for exercise and teaching brought her to Pilates in 2004. She believes everyone can benefit from Pilates, and takes pride in her client's journey to a healthier lifestyle. She currently directs the Healthy Habits for Life weight management program at Metropolitan Pilates.

Cara Berman discovered Pilates in 2004 and was immediately taken by its ability to transform the body. After years of running and weight training, Cara found that Pilates created a new found balance and strength in her body while reducing chronic back pain. She left her career as a research scientist at the University of Washington to pursue her teacher certification with Dorothee VandeWalle. Cara enjoys teaching adults and children, and emphasizes Pilates as a way to enhance the physical fitness of all ages and body types.

Christopher Blackburn was trained by Dorothee VandeWalle at Metropolitan Pilates and was certified in the Spring 2006. Chris is a trained gymnast and former dancer whose interests include nutrition and healthy eating. He loves teaching Pilates and enjoys making each workout fun yet focused and effective.

Clare Kennelly (bio forthcoming).

Heidi-Lyn Mensonides has been teaching with Dorothee VandeWalle since she was certified as a Pilates instructor in January of 2001. Heidi-Lyn graduated in 1999 from Liberty University with a degree in exercise science (kinesiology) and worked for two years as a fitness coach and personal trainer. She is an accomplished runner, hiker, cyclist, and outdoorsperson and brings a high degree of body awareness and detail to her teaching.

Carol Meachum launched into Pilates several years ago and never looked back. Carol is not only an enthusiastic spokesperson for how Pilates can change the shape of one's body, but how it can change one's outlook on life as well. Carol has been teaching since 2003 and her clients love and appreciate her special brand of unbridled enthusiasm.

Rick Morris is a seasoned Pilates professional. He has been teaching in the Seattle area since he was certified in May 2000. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rick had a successful career in social services before teaching Pilates. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in history from the University of Washington. Rick began practicing Pilates in 1995 following a back injury. His patient scholarly approach makes him a favorite of many clients.

Ashley Newman (bio forthcoming).

Jason Ohlberg has been a professional dancer for over 10 years. He has toured internationally with companies such as Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Purchase Dance Corps, and Dance Kaleidoscope. Locally, Jason teaches at Spectrum Dance Theatre, at Arc School of Dance, and as guest lecturer at the University of Washington. Jason began his Pilates career in 1995 in Chicago and pursued his certification with Dorothee VandeWalle at Metropolitan Pilates.

Ilka Oliveira completed her Pilates certification at Metropolitan Pilates in 2008. A native of Bahia, Brazil, Ilka has a degree in physical education and was a personal trainer before coming to the United States. She's an avid volleyball player and enjoys capoeira and swimming.  Ilka's attention to detail and clear direction makes her a favorite of many clients.

Nicole Potts started training at Metropolitan Pilates in 2005. She danced ballet for 10 years in Canada and believes that exercise creates health and overall wellness. She left her career in public relations and marketing to pursue her Pilates certification. She believes Pilates can transform a body and a lifestyle and that the purity of the movements and the individual adaptations for different body types are invaluable.

Amy Sommer (bio forthcoming).

Adrianna van Elswijk credits Pilates with giving her the increased strength of mind, body and spirit needed to address health and personal challenges. She was first introduced to the practice of Pilates in the late 1990s by Carol Phillips and has studied with Dorothee VandeWalle since 2000. After applying Pilates principles to both training women at Curves and assisting with her father's in-patient rehabilitation following a traumatic brain injury, she began her apprenticeship at Metropolitan Pilates in April of 2006. Adrianna combines her educational and practical experience in Pilates, theater, competitive walking, ballroom dance, clinical social work, percussion performance, historic preservation and entrepreneurship in a caring and humorous, yet demanding, teaching style.

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