Experts in Movement. Anchored in Community.
Decades of movement experience, instructors who live in the neighbourhood just like you, and thoughtful, high-quality teaching that prioritizes community care and feels like home.
About us
At Pinewood Pilates & Movement, our instructors aren’t just highly trained — we're neighbours, parents, artists, and longtime members of this community. Many of us have been teaching movement for over 10, 15, and even 20 years, bringing deep experience, personal attention, and true care to every class and private session.
Our approach blends Pilates principles with functional movement, yoga, somatics, and mindful strength practices to support you in moving well through life — not just in the studio. We believe in meeting you where you are, helping you feel strong, supported, and confident in your body, and fostering a space where everyone feels welcome, seen, and at home.
Our Instructors
Kiri Figueiredo
(She/her) Studio Founder
Pilates (Group Mat, Reformer + Privates) / Yoga / Prenatal + Postnatal
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Kiri is a dedicated Pilates instructor and the founder of Pinewood Pilates & Movement. A proud local resident and mom to a busy toddler, she is deeply connected to the neighbourhood and passionate about creating a welcoming, community-centred space for mindful movement.
Kiri first discovered Pilates over 23 years ago as a young dancer, and it has been a foundational part of her life and movement practice ever since. Before opening the studio, she spent more than 14 years as a contemporary dancer and choreographer, performing and creating work across Canada, the US, Europe, Israel, and India.
She holds comprehensive Pilates training through Merrithew/Stott Pilates and Pilates Process with additional studies in Pre and Postnatal Pilates through Body Harmonics. Kiri also holds yoga certifications from Octopus Garden Yoga, YYOGA, and Yoga Mamas.
Kiri’s teaching is thoughtful, creative, and deeply attentive. She integrates breath, functional strength, and mindful movement to help clients feel grounded, strong, and connected in their bodies. Her goal is for every person to leave feeling more balanced, open, and strong — with a little more space to breathe and move through life with energy and confidence.
Testimonial: “Kiri is so knowledgeable, encouraging, and creates such a welcoming space. I felt strong, supported, and totally energized by the end.” – Kate S.
Sarah Rodd
(She/her)
Yoga / Prenatal & Postnatal
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Sarah has been teaching yoga for over 10 years. She emphasizes optimal alignment, breath, functional movement, and mindfulness in her classes, guiding students to explore their capabilities while deepening their body awareness and connection. With certifications from Yoga Mamas and Bellies Inc. Core Confidence, she has specialized training and a deep passion for prenatal and postnatal yoga and movement, helping expectant and new mothers maintain both physical and mental well-being.
Currently completing her Kinesiology degree at York University, Sarah combines academic knowledge with hands-on teaching. She has a passion for working with people one-on-one and loves the small group environment at Pinewood Pilates. She is a proud mother of two boys here in the neighbourhood and is inspired by how yoga supports the body, mind, and spirit while building community.
Testimonial: “Sarah’s classes are like a big gentle hug and helped me ease back into movement and caring for my body after years of putting myself last on the list. So grateful!” – Valerie T.
Andrea (Andy) Spaziani
(She/her)
Pilates
(Group Mat, Reformer + Privates)
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Andrea is a professional choreographer and Pilates instructor with over 12 years of experience. She trained at The Pilates Process in mat and all equipment, specializing in Therapeutic Pilates. Andrea discovered Pilates while recovering from an injury and has since embraced it as a vital part of her life. As an artist, she has toured her work nationally and internationally. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD at the European Graduate School in Literary, Musical, and Visual Thought.
Andrea brings a lighthearted and playful approach to her teaching, supporting students in building strength, mobility, and confidence.
Outside the studio, she co-runs a small winery in California with her partner — so you might see her pop off the schedule for several weeks at a time in the Spring and Fall. We always miss her dearly when she’s away!Testimonial: “Andrea is wonderful and extremely knowledgeable!” – Katelyn L.
Joanna Morrison
(She/her)
Therapeutic Yoga
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Joanna is a trauma-informed yoga therapist, wellness consultant, and somatic therapist with over 18 years of teaching experience. Certified in Hatha, Yin, Yoga Therapy, and Restorative Yoga, Joanna believes everyone is their own best teacher. Her work supports clients in listening to their inner voice and meeting their somatic needs through consistent practice and compassion.
She has trained with Bessel van der Kolk, Diane Bruni, Tracey Soghrati, Yoga Therapy Toronto, and Kripalu, shaping her multidisciplinary approach.
Joanna is well known in our local community, is active on the Humewood Community School parent council, and is a proud mother of two daughters. She also works at the Jean Tweed Centre.Testimonial: “Joanna is a skillful and soulful instructor.” – Lisa B.
Meredith Clinton
(She/her)
Pilates (Group Mat, Reformer + Privates)
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Meredith came to Pilates through dance. After discovering the therapeutic, strengthening, and mind-body benefits of Pilates, she pursued certification and taught to support her professional dance career in New York, Las Vegas, and Toronto for over 15 years.
Now specializing in Therapeutic Pilates, Meredith’s dance background greatly informs her teaching. She uses fluid transitions, imagery to support alignment and movement quality, and exercise progressions to build body awareness and strength. She integrates mindfulness techniques to deepen the mind-body connection, helping clients reach their stability, mobility, and wellness goals.
Meredith is currently completing a degree in Kinesiology to further deepen her knowledge of the body and her practice of Pilates for rehabilitation. She is also a mother, balancing her family life with her commitment to teaching and study. She looks forward to teaching more at the studio once she has completed her degree.
Testimonial: “Meredith’s precise, thoughtful sequencing pairs with her clear, warm instructions so beautifully.” – Kelly H.
Denise Mitsche
(She/her)
Pilates (Group Mat, Reformer + Privates)
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Denise has been teaching Pilates for over 20 years. A longtime resident of our wonderful neighbourhood, you may spot her out walking her dog, Lucho. Her lifelong journey in movement began at age eight with ballet. A graduate of the National Ballet School of Canada, she went on to dance professionally with The Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam.
After a 16-year career as a dancer, Denise started a family and moved back to Canada, where she began teaching Pilates and movement at studios across Toronto. She loves helping people become stronger, more flexible, and move with greater ease in their everyday lives.
Testimonial: “Denise is an excellent teacher. I left the class feeling energized, taller and stronger.” – Mick L.
Rachel Offer
(She/her)
Pilates (Group Mat, Reformer + Privates)
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Rachel is a certified Pilates instructor, actor, and hockey player, and a proud resident of St. Clair West. She began her Pilates certification in 2019 and brings a rich background in both athletic and artistic movement. Pilates first entered her life as a training tool for hockey, then deepened during her acting degree, and has remained a constant ever since because, as Rachel says, it “just feels so good.”
Rachel believes Pilates should support the body for longevity in everyday life, as well as for the physical demands of work, sport, and life’s more active seasons. She is passionate about helping people connect with their bodies and discover the joy of movement, leaving clients feeling longer, stronger, and excited to return.
Karolina Martinez
(She/her)
Pilates (Group Mat, Reformer + Privates)
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Karolina Martinez is a STOTT® Pilates–certified instructor in Matwork and Reformer. As a mom of two, she brings a grounded, compassionate approach to her teaching and is excited to be part of the Pinewood community.
Her focus is on helping clients move with more awareness, ease, and confidence. With a passion for mindful movement, Karolina sees Pilates as a powerful way to build strength while also supporting mental well-being. She is especially interested in the connection between posture, muscle imbalances, and how we move in our everyday lives, and loves helping clients find more efficient, comfortable movement patterns.
Karolina teaches with kindness, attention to detail, and a genuine care for each individual in the room. Her classes are welcoming, supportive, and focused on helping you feel strong, balanced, and more at home in your body—whatever your starting point.
Ashley Dyment
(She/her)
Pilates (Group Mat) / Yoga / Prenatal + Postnatal
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Ashley is an E-RYT 500 Yoga Teacher, Yoga Educator, Pilates Instructor, and Retreat Host. She believes in the power of movement to keep us doing the things we love for longer — whether that’s picking up your kids or grandkids, hiking mountains, or skiing. She lives in the neighbourhood with her husband and two young boys, who famously eat sushi for breakfast at the Wychwood Farmers Market every Saturday.
Ashley runs quarterly yoga teacher trainings — from Yin Yoga to Reiki to Anatomy — and is hosting a Yoga & Pilates retreat in Costa Rica this January. A published academic and journalist, Ashley also holds a Master’s in International Relations and has worked and volunteered in over 20 countries.
ashleyholly.com • Instagram • Costa Rica Retreat
Testimonial: “Ashley creates a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment. I can truly feel the difference yoga has made. I feel wonderful after each class!” – Barry G.
Nicole Kahansky
(She/her)
Pilates (Group Mat)
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Nicole completed her training at Mindful Movement Centre and brings a thoughtful, supportive approach to her teaching.
After spending a decade in a desk job, Nicole turned to Pilates to reconnect with her body and mind — and never looked back. Her teaching reflects that journey: she focuses on helping people release tension, restore posture, and build functional strength that carries into everyday life.
In her classes, Nicole offers calm encouragement and clear, accessible guidance — creating a space where clients can both challenge themselves and feel deeply supported.
