After 20 years as a Pilates Instructor in Toronto, Suzy brings her unique take on Yin Yoga and Pilates to Niagara-on-the-Lake. With her passion for teaching movement (both privately on equipment, and in group settings), coupled with a background in theatre and the study of Gestalt psychology, Suzy creates an inclusive space that encourages all to feel safe to explore and expand their flexibility and build strength in order to bring the body into balance.

 

When she first started teaching, Suzy often geared her classes toward intermediate to advanced Classical Pilates, (due also to her Stott Certification) which can seem more difficult.  At that time in 2002, Pilates was taught as more of a fitness regime, as it was originally geared toward the rehabilitation of dancers and acrobats. But her natural sense of creativity soon took over and she found it easy to modify and put together sequences of movement that felt both retained Pilates’ vision as well as made each class a breathing, living, enjoyable thing.  She sharpens her techniques through institutions such as Body Harmonics and the East End Association of Pilates Instructors in Toronto, a group geared toward sharing anatomical knowledge and exploration of different methods such as Melt and Diane Miller’s repertoire of exercises, a woman much revered for her adaptation of Pilates for different populations such as Scoliosis and Arthritis.

 

In particular, Suzy finds that clients with knee issues, especially knee replacements, seem to gravitate to her.  A cyclist for many years, she’s had her share of knee and hip issues and has grown to view injury as not only a part of life, but as an opportunity to understand how injuries effect the body and person as a whole. It has also made Suzy better at strategizing for the physical and emotional longevity for all her clients. Experience has taught her how to teach those struggling with conditions that limit mobility, however challenging their circumstances may be.

 

5 years ago, Suzy certified with one of her colleague Yoga instructors in Toronto, Amanda Montgomery, in the practice if Yin Yoga. Prior to that she had studied with Barb Keshen - to become a Reiki Master, something she had dreamed of having the honour to practice.  In 2019 she had the unique opportunity to teach a combined Yin Yoga and Reiki class, which soon became one of the highlights of her career.  Then COVID 19 hit.

​

Suzy has a lot of interests, from writing to wine-tasting, Tarot card reading, photography, travelling and cycling. Add gardening to that list, as now you can find her mulching and picking weeds in her sun hat at her new home in Niagara-on-the-Lake. She retains her fascination for the human body within the joy of what she has witnessed her clients from all walks of life accomplish with a bit of solid practice and discipline, no matter what their age or physical ability.  Pilates, Yin Yoga and Reiki have something for everyone.  

.     

Whether looking to increase core stability, or retain and maintain correct joint function, to address postural issues or recover from injury post-rehab, Suzy’s wealth of knowledge and experience combine to guide you toward your best physical wellness goals.