I N S T R U C T O R S

Integration Pilates Studio opened in February 2000, and since its opening, Tracy Friesen has been working with the studio’s instructors as they have undergone the process from being practitioners to becoming instructors. This intensive process has ensured that the instructors work together, continuing to learn how the body works and how to assist our clients best.

Tara Bennett: 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. As well 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.

Amanda Buda: Instructor
Amanda was introduced to Pilates Matwork at Grant MacEwan College, where she earned a diploma in the Modern Dance Program in 1999. Shortly after Integration opened in 2000, Amanda began practicing on the Pilates Equipment. She earned Pilates Matwork Certification at Integration in 2004, and is currently apprenticing as an equipment instructor under director Tracy Friesen. Amanda's Pilates practice has allowed her to stay strong and agile for her Modern Dance hobby.

Catherine Green: Instructor
Catherine’s interest with the physical body began at a young age — first as an athlete and later through the arts. An actor for many years, Catherine studied movement and physical theatre. She discovered Pilates and its rehabilitative benefits because of a back injury. She studied Matwork with Steve Bryson at the Bodyworks here in Edmonton and subsequently trained and certified as a Pilates Instructor through Body Balance in Las Vegas. Catherine is thrilled to be a part of Integration Pilates Studio.

Janet Kwantes: Instructor
Janet Kwantes is a busy mother of three pre-teen children. Her educational background includes a B.Sc. and RT (medical laboratory medicine) and she has ten years experience as an organic lab instructor to university students. Janet started training in Jazz and Modern Dance in 1996 and hopes in the long term to integrate emotional, spiritual and physical health through Dance Movement Therapy. She is a certified Pilates Mat instructor since June, 2004.

Raena Waddell: Instructor
The world of Pilates was introduced to Raena during her two years at Grant MacEwan's Dance Program (1998-2000). After graduation, Raena began a number of endeavors: performing with the Mile Zero Dance Company, training as a Reflexologist with the Universal College of Reflexology and taking Pilates at Integration Studio. Fascinated with the amazing increase in strength and flexibility Pilates created in her body, Raena began training with Tracy Friesen for her Pilates Method Certification. In addition to her employment at Integration, Raena teaches four levels of Pilates at Stillpoint Healing Centre, she is a founding member and teacher with the New Dance Collective and is completely immersed in the performance and creation of Dance in Edmonton.

Jim Zerr: Instructor
Jim has been using the Pilates Method of exercise for several years and began learning at Body Works Pilates Studio here in Edmonton. For the last few years, Jim has been studying, practicing, and now teaching at Integration Pilates Studio. He completed his Matwork Teacher Training at Integration and is currently completing an apprenticeship for full Teacher Training. He began Pilates to rehabilitate a progressive work related back injury. In the years since then, Jim has grown to appreciate the awe and wonder of his body. In addition to helping each client move toward greater levels of fitness and personal empowerment, he hopes to help each client experience the awe and wonder of their own bodies.

Tracy Friesen: Director
Tracy Friesen, owner of Integration Pilates Studios, has been teaching Pilates since 1997. She trained and certified at Body Matrix under Vivian Nickels in Toronto, and has continued her training under various masters around the world. She continues to study many forms of body-work and movement and integrates her knowledge into the Studios’ programs, such as completing her Gyrontonic training in 2001 and received her certification in Traditional Thai massage in 2004. She has taught at Body Matrix and Body Works here in Edmonton. Tracy also has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from York University, and has studied and performed as a dancer across Canada and England.