Instructors
Tracy Friesen, Owner of Integration Pilates Studios
Tracy has been teaching Pilates since 1997. She originally trained and certified under Vivian Nickels at Body Matrix in Toronto, and has continued her training under various master teachers from around the world. She continues to study many forms of body work and movement, integrating her knowledge into the Studios’ programs. She completed her Gyrotonic training in 2001 and certified in traditional Thai Massage in 2004. In 2009 she completed yoga certification from YogaWorks. Tracy has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from York University and continues to dance, using Integration as her home base. Her husband, Dan Friesen, custom built all the Pilates Equipment in her studio. Some of his designs are total innovations and improvements to the original apparatus.
Tara Berry: Instructor
Tara certified as a Pilates instructor through the Physical Mind Institute. Besides the training she received at Integration, Tara trained and certified at the Body Harmonics Studio in Toronto under the tutelage of Susan Greskevitch and Margot McKinnon. Tara has a Bachelor of Education specializing in Physical Education, and she brings five years of teaching experience at the junior and senior high school levels to the studio. She was also a member and coach of the University of Alberta Pandas Gymnastics Team.
Catherine Green: Instructor
Catherine was introduced to Pilates at Integration in 2000 and started regular practice with Tracy Friesen following a back surgery. She certified as a Pilates instructor in 2003 through Body Balance at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas and has since been an instructing at Integration. Catherine’s background in physical theatre has exposed her to various movement techniques (Alexander, Feldenkrais, Creative Impulse, and Yoga), all of which influence her Pilates instruction. Catherine continues to enhance her Pilates education through workshops and conferences.
Jim Zerr: Instructor
Jim started doing Pilates in the Spring of 2003 to improve back pain due to a combination of poor posture and heavy work in construction. In a few months his back pain was under control and he began learning pilates with the intention to teach. In 2004 Jim became a certified instructor and started teaching Pilates at Integration Pilates Studio. In the Spring of 2008 Jim began learning Thai Yoga massage by completing a Certification course in Traditional Thai massage and is now also offering Thai massage sessions at Integration. In Jim’s own words, “The knowledge I have been given has made my life more active and way more fun than it ever could have been living with pain and fear of re-injury. My hope is that working at Integration I can pass along the gift of knowledge I have been given to any others who want it, and in the process empower others to more fully appreciate the awe, wonder and fun of their bodies. Live and Learn, Peace.”
Shannon Shea: Instructor
Shannon was first introduced to pilates in 2000 whilst studying at the Melbourne College of natural medicine. Having suffered chronic back pain, Shannon tried and tested numerous types of rehab with no avail, until she tried pilates. Shannon is trained in mat and equipment and continues to educate herself in the discipline of pilates.
Mirella Zadkovich: Instructor
Mirella began practicing pilates after a workshop she attended over 10 years ago. She was immediately drawn to it and knew that it was something she needed to share with others. She became certified in 2004 through Integration Pilates Studio under the guidance of Tracy Friesen. She has been teaching at the studio and throughout Edmonton ever since. “Pilates is not only an exercise form, it becomes a lifestyle. I continue to be amazed by the transformations I see in people. I am truly blessed to share in one’s reconnection with their own body. ” Mirella uses her background in dance, creative movement and yoga to guide her pilates instruction and continues to educate herself through various workshops and conferences.
Shareen Hanke: Instructor
Shareen has over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. She is dedicated to helping people develop healthy, fit, functional bodies. Shareen was Mat certified in 2001 through Body Works Pilates Studio and Dianne Miller, a Master Pilates teacher in Vancouver. Shareen is the creator of Strollercise, Babes in the Woods, and is a respected trainer and certified postnatal specialist. She has an innovative and energetic style and lectures on various wellness topics. She has recently completed her equipment training with Tracy Friesen at Integration and will be teaching equipment at our new Studio in Sherwood Park.
Janet Kwantes:
Instructor
Janet's teaching career spans almost 20 years and includes teaching English as a second language, genetics, organic chemistry and, most recently, Pilates at Integration (since 2004). She desires to bring the body, mind, spirit, and emotions into wholeness. She is currently pursuing a BSc in psychology and a graduate diploma in Dance/movement therapy and was recently certified in Traditional Thai massage. She lives in Sherwood Park with her loving husband and three creative children.
Nicole Wassill:
Instructor
Nicole Wassill discovered Pilates when she injured her knee while working as a professional dancer, singer, and actor. After surgery and extensive rehabilitation therapy, she struggled to reach her previous level of fitness. Through Pilates, Nicole was able to rebalance her body and regain the stability, strength, and flexibility required for her profession and lifestyle. Now, Nicole is a passionate advocate for Pilates and the benefits it offers, and she is driven to help others achieve their fitness goals. Nicole brings her diverse experience with her and incorporates them into her classes. Nicole has certification in Pilates mat and full-equipment, Mind-body and Personal Training through Can Fit Pro, and is a graduate of the Theatre Arts Program, Grant MacEwan College. Nicole is committed to continually learning and growing, and from information learned at conferences and continuing education classes she regularly incorporates new work and ideas in her classes.
Linda Turnbull: Instructor
Linda was first introduced to Pilates while studying at Grant MacEwan College and then later at Simon Fraser University (2002), where she received her BFA in Dance. After returning from Vancouver, she became heavily involved in the Edmonton dance community and began training at Integration in dance and Pilates. She received her Pilates Method Certification in 2004 under the tutelage of Tracy Friesen. Linda practices Pilates and Yoga regularly and feels that not only are they an excellent complement to each other, but both have increased her strength, flexibility and body awareness as a professional dancer.
Cindy Madsen: Instructor
Cyndi has studied pialtes through Integration and various other programs since 2000. Being a dancer for over 30 years and a lifelong fitness enthusiast, she believes being centered is the key to both physical health and quality of life as both are similar in terms of body awareness and physicality. Cyndi has over 12 years experience as a dance instructor as well as over 15 years as an educator in the salon industry. She received her Pilates Method Certification in Matwork under the direction of Tracy Friesen.
Lindsay Yarmon: Instructor
Lindsay first started practicing Pilates at Integration in 2004, and was quickly hooked! She began working toward her teacher certification under Tracy Friesen in 2010. Lindsay enjoys sharing her passion for Pilates with clients, helping them to reach their personal health and fitness goals.
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