Welcome teachers!
Celebrating our newest teachers — and the Classical work that connects us all.
This October, we welcomed teachers from across the globe — each with their own story, training, and passion for preserving the Classical work. Though we teach in different places, we’re all connected through the same lineage and dedication to the Classical Pilates method.
Here’s a look at the teachers who joined Classical Pilates Connect in October:
🇦🇷 Argentina
Stella Longhi – Buenos Aires, Argentina
3rd Generation teacher certified through Romana’s Pilates, a university professor of Physical Education, and specialist in exercise rehabilitation. Stella teaches in La Plata, Argentina, sharing Classical Pilates with students and professionals alike.
🇭🇰 Hong Kong
Karin Ubbiali – Hong Kong
2nd Generation teacher, originally from Italy, trained through Romana’s Pilates under Cynthia Lochard and later mentored by Jay Grimes and Sandy Shimoda of Vintage Pilates. Karin bridges East and West through her Classical teaching in Hong Kong.
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Margarita Efthymiou – Zurich
2nd Generation Pilates teacher through Lolita San Miguel, whose initial Classical Pilates training was with Bob Liekens, followed by advanced study with Kathi Ross-Nash. Margarita teaches online and leads Kinaesthesis Immersion Retreats, and will launch a new Comprehensive Teacher Training Program at Pilates Together Zurich in 2026.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Angela Green – Pontypridd, Wales
Certified through The York Pilates Studio® and Classical Pilates UK, Angela brings precision and care to her teaching, offering private lessons and small group classes in South Wales.
Candy Kay – West Sussex
After beginning with a Contemporary background, Candy transitioned to Classical and now teaches in her home studio in Cuckfield, offering one-to-one sessions and community mat classes.
Dawne Likhodedova – Windsor, Berkshire
Founder of Classical Pilates Connect and a 3rd Generation teacher with nearly two decades of experience. Dawne teaches at Everybody Pilates Windsor and online, with a mission to strengthen the Classical community worldwide.
Helen Truman – Leicestershire
A 3rd Generation teacher who completed her certification at Pi Studios in 2023. Helen offers mat and studio sessions in her fully equipped space for small groups.
Rebecca Thijm – West Midlands
With nearly 20 years of experience, Rebecca trained with Amy Kellow, Miguel Silva, and Mejo Wiggin, among others. She runs Stourbridge Pilates Rooms, focusing on refined technique and strength through Classical principles.
Rosalie Sevell – Sheffield, United Kingdom
3rd Generation Classical Pilates teacher certified through Power Pilates New York in 2008. Rosalie teaches in English and Greek and is dedicated to keeping the Classical system alive with precision, passion, and lifelong curiosity.
🇺🇸 United States
Desiree Sánchez – Lone Tree, Colorado
3rd Generation teacher and founder of Functional Strength Pilates. Desiree trained at The Pilates Center, Boulder and later joined the faculty there. She has taught for nearly three decades, presenting internationally in English, French, and Spanish.
Katie Desmond – Livingston, New Jersey
3rd Generation teacher certified by Brett Howard. Katie owns Flex Pilates NJ, where she teaches privates, duets, and small group sessions that blend challenge, flow, and connection.
Kerstin Korzekwa – Boynton Beach, Florida / originally from Germany
A 2nd Generation teacher trained directly by Romana Kryzanowska. Kerstin’s background in dance and performance brings artistry and precision to her teaching at Pilates Space Florida.
Kim Rollie - Parker, Colorado
3rd Generation Classical Pilates teacher and Peak Pilates Comprehensive Certified Instructor. Originally trained as an educator, Kim discovered Pilates in 2005 and now teaches in Parker, Colorado, continuing to deepen her understanding of Classical Pilates through ongoing education.
Kirsten Cherubini – Missoula, Montana, USA
3rd Generation teacher with over 20 years of studio ownership, trained under Chris Robinson (2nd Gen). Her background in dance informs her movement-based, inclusive approach.
Melissa Derstine – Sarasota, Florida
2nd Generation teacher, originally certified by Romana Kryzanowska in 1999. A former Director of Romana’s Pilates Certification Center, Melissa continues to teach with Romana’s Pilates International, offering deep experience in Classical technique and teacher education.
Vicki (Fleury) Van Blaricom – Fairfax, Virginia
Studio owner of Authentic Pilates of Fairfax and mentor to other Classical teachers. Vicki’s Pilates journey began in 1997 when she first took a private with Jerome at Drago’s in New York. Thirty years later, she continues to teach and uphold the authentic systems of the work.
Each month, we welcome more teachers who carry forward Joseph Pilates’ work with authenticity and passion. Explore their full profiles in our Teacher Directory — and if you teach the Classical method, we’d love for you to join us.
Together, we keep the community connected.
