Meet our team

Having originally trained as a dancer at the Central School of Ballet in London, graduating in 1998, Emily performed with various ballet companies and then appeared in musicals such as Cats and Chicago.

Throughout her dance career, Emily felt the benefits of a regular Pilates practice, whether it was rehab after an injury or simply keeping in shape, and now enjoys passing this experience on to others.

Training Approach: STOTT Pilates

Trained in STOTT's structured, progressive approach with expertise in mat work and Reformer. This training emphasises consistent, choreographed sequences and precise technique, creating challenging workouts that build strength through focused effort and attention to form.

Zilla was first introduced to Pilates through the competitive sports she enjoyed as a teenager and later through her classical singing training. Pilates became a true lifestyle choice after the birth of her son, when she experienced a facet joint issue and painful rib discomfort. Through consistent Pilates practice, she was able to restore mobility, rebuild strength, and return to a pain-free life.

This personal experience sparked a deep interest in the Pilates method, leading Zilla to leave her career in marketing and retrain as a Pilates instructor. She completed her matwork qualification with the Pilates Institute before undertaking her Full Certification with STOTT Pilates.

Zilla continues to expand her expertise through ongoing professional development, with a focus on injuries and special populations.

Training Approach: STOTT Pilates.

Trained in STOTT Pilates' structured, progressive approach, with expertise across all equipment.

Lily trained in classical ballet from a young age and spent time with the Portland Ballet Company in the US. She later earned a BSc in Sports Massage, Rehabilitation & Body Conditioning and became a qualified Personal Trainer. When Lily discovered Barre, she recognised it as the perfect blend of ballet grace and Pilates precision, combining strength, control, and fluid movement - something she now loves sharing with her clients.

Training Approach: YoBarre

Trained in YoBarre's holistic approach, which combines the best of Pilates and ballet with a thoughtful, client-focused approach, promoting strength, alignment, and mindful movement.

Cordelia is a qualified NASM fitness instructor, TRX instructor, and Polestar Pilates instructor with a strong background in movement and anatomy.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Cordelia has participated in competitive windsurfing, martial arts, netball, and triathlon. She used Pilates both as the perfect complement to demanding training and as a foundation for building the strength and resilience needed to perform at a high level.

With a deep knowledge of anatomy and extensive experience supporting clients with injuries or muscular pain, Cordelia is passionate about helping people move without discomfort. She focuses on teaching practical strategies that improve body awareness and empower clients to better understand their own movement patterns. Cordelia strongly believes Pilates has a place in everyone’s life, regardless of age or activity level.

Training Approach: Polestar Pilates

Trained in Polestar's evidence-based approach, which emphasises ease and efficiency of movement alongside a deep understanding of functional anatomy and biomechanics. This comprehensive training focuses on the "why" behind each exercise, integrating the latest movement science with whole-body wellness principles.

Originally from the US, Richard is currently completing his MFA in Musical Theatre at the Guildford School of Acting. He trained in ballet under the late John Magnus in Portland, Oregon, and danced with multiple companies before moving to New York City to train at the world-renowned Steps on Broadway. Performing across the US and Europe, Richard discovered the profound benefits of Pilates for his career and daily life.

He completed his Comprehensive STOTT Pilates certification in 2019, and his unique blend of Pilates expertise, ballet experience, and performing arts knowledge gives him a deep understanding of technique and movement. At 6’7”, he’s impossible to miss in the studio! Richard’s sessions are calm, focused, and tailored to help you build strength, improve mobility, and deepen your understanding of how your body moves.

Training Approach: STOTT Pilates

Trained in STOTT Pilates' structured, progressive approach, with expertise across all equipment.

Jo discovered Pilates while seeking relief from back pain, and quickly fell in love with the method. She has a background as a Physiotherapist, and combines her clinical knowledge with her lifelong experience in dance and singing to create sessions that strengthen, mobilise, and educate the body. She is passionate about supporting clients of all levels and goals, whether for rehabilitation, general fitness, or improving movement quality.

Training Approach: STOTT Pilates

Trained in STOTT Pilates' structured progressive approach with expertise in mat, reformer and cadillac.

Emily’s path to Pilates began after major abdominal surgery, followed by a lower back injury. During her recovery, she discovered the power of Pilates to restore strength, mobility, and confidence - not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

Inspired by this transformation, Emily made the leap from her previous career as a project manager in the media industry to become a full-time Pilates instructor. She's passionate about helping others experience how powerful Pilates can be - whether it’s recovering from injury, gaining confidence, or simply taking time out to move and breathe.

Emily's classes focus on mindful movement, body awareness, and building resilience through intelligent, functional exercise tailored to each individual’s needs.

Training Approach: Polestar Pilates

Trained in Polestar's evidence-based approach, which emphasises ease and efficiency of movement alongside a deep understanding of functional anatomy and biomechanics. This comprehensive training focuses on the "why" behind each exercise, integrating the latest movement science with whole-body wellness principles.

Kim discovered Pilates in 2005 while experiencing hip and lower back pain during her second pregnancy. She quickly realised that the precision and power of the Pilates method could mobilise and strengthen her body, keeping her pain-free both pre- and post-natal. Regular Mat and Reformer classes have been an integral part of her life ever since. A long-term client herself - regular at Guildford Pilates Place since its early days - Kim became a fully qualified Comprehensive Instructor in 2023. Fascinated by how small, precise movements can create big impacts, Kim loves seeing her clients progress and enjoys teaching a wide range of people. She has a particular interest in women’s health and movement for healthy ageing, supported by specialist training in pathologies and injuries.

Training Approach: BASI Pilates

Trained in BASI's comprehensive approach, which combines rigorous movement science with practical teaching skills. This training emphasises fluidity and efficiency, ensuring exercises flow naturally from the body's biomechanics rather than forcing movement patterns.

Jenny’s interest in Pilates grew from her background in dance, having trained from the age of three. She discovered that Pilates provided the strength, stability, and conditioning needed to support the physical demands of her training, which led her to qualify as a STOTT Pilates instructor in 2007. By 2008, she was teaching Pilates full time.

Jenny has extensive experience teaching both group classes and private sessions, with particular expertise in injury rehabilitation, pre- and postnatal Pilates, Pilates for clients with Parkinson’s disease, and programmes tailored specifically for men.

She is deeply passionate about teaching and is committed to helping every client work towards their individual physical goals with confidence and care.

Training Approach: STOTT Pilates

Trained in STOTT's structured, progressive approach with expertise in matwork, reformer and barrels. This training emphasises consistent, choreographed sequences and precise technique, creating challenging workouts that build strength through focused effort and attention to form.

Aniko has a lifelong passion for movement, rooted in her background in dance. Classically trained in mat Pilates, she went on to complete her reformer training in London, where she deepened her love for the Pilates method.

Aniko’s classes are energetic, engaging, and thoughtfully challenging. She enjoys using small equipment to add variety, support, and challenge, helping clients build strength, improve mobility, and discover muscles they didn’t know they had.

Alongside her general teaching, Aniko has developed specialist knowledge in pre- and postnatal Pilates and common orthopaedic conditions, allowing her to adapt sessions safely and effectively to support a wide range of bodies.

Training Approach: Ten Health & Fitness
Combining classical Pilates foundations with contemporary movement science and functional training principles, this approach emphasises strength, control, and precision, while allowing for creative programming and intelligent progression. The focus is on building resilient, functional bodies through mindful movement, clear cueing, and a strong understanding of biomechanics.

Elli’s journey with Pilates began in 2008, when she discovered its ability to improve posture, strength, and flexibility. A spinal disc injury four years later revealed its deeper potential - not just as a method of movement, but as a powerful tool for rehabilitation.

Pilates played a pivotal role in her recovery, sparking a passion that led her to leave a career in Intelligence Analysis and retrain through the world-renowned Polestar Pilates Comprehensive programme in London. Since then, Elli has dedicated her work to helping others move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free. In 2017, she joined the Polestar Pilates UK Education Team as a Mentor, supporting aspiring practitioners in developing movement mastery, teaching skills, and theoretical understanding as they prepare for certification.

Now, as Studio Principal, Elli takes a holistic, client-centred approach to teaching, with a strong focus on restoring functional, pain-free movement. Her ongoing training enables her to support a wide range of clients with tailored, evidence-informed care. Whether mentoring the next generation of teachers or guiding clients on their own movement journeys, Elli’s mission is to share the transformative power of Pilates - to educate, empower, and support lasting change.

Training Approach: Polestar Pilates

Trained in Polestar's evidence-based approach, which emphasises ease and efficiency of movement alongside a deep understanding of functional anatomy and biomechanics. This comprehensive training focuses on the "why" behind each exercise, integrating the latest movement science with whole-body wellness principles.