Meet The Team
Ann van Messel
Comprehensive Pilates Instructor
Zhao Catherine Xu
Comprehensive Pilates Instructor
Endlessly curious and constantly seeking, I love finding new ways of approaching movement. My sessions are driven by the needs of the body that presents itself at that moment. The hope is that when one becomes conscious of their movement patterns, students will find their own freedom of movement, propelling them to move more and better without fear!
I love moving – swimming, biking, skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, climbing --name it and I probably want to do it. But my movement patterns used to leave me in a ball of pain for weeks —until I discovered Pilates. After a few months of Pilates twice a week, the constant numbness I had in one leg for several years evaporated for a few minutes. With consistent pilates practice being symptom free grew to hours at a time. I was hooked!
The way my body felt after a pilates session was magic so I knew I had to learn more. I sought out my teacher’s teacher – Rael Isacowitz and graduated from the BASI Comprehensive Teacher Training in 2015. I began working with people daily and my students became my teachers. Learning how they held their bodies informed how we went about their movement practices and led me to seek out further trainings.
Over the years since, I have augmented my teaching with other courses - including Pathologies and Injuries; Pre and Postnatal Pilates; Pilates for the Athlete; Pilates for Neurological Conditions; Fascial Conditioning; the BASI Mentor Program; etc. - expanding my learning into human movement. A perpetual student I am thankful to be able to assist people on their own movement journeys!
Pilates found me in 2010, halfway through the pregnancy of my first daughter. As my body changed, I experienced discomfort and challenges I had never faced before. Through Pilates, I discovered a way to breathe more easily, move more freely, and feel deeply connected to my body — all within a short period of time. From that moment, I was hooked.
Before becoming a Pilates instructor, I worked in the gems and jewelry industry, spending hours examining, grading, and appraising gemstones and fine jewelry through loupes and microscopes. This work taught me to appreciate awareness, balance, control, concentration, efficiency, harmony, and precision — qualities that I now also see beautifully reflected in the practice of Pilates.
While studying Polestar Pilates Teacher Training (Mat and Reformer), I was very fortunate to find Ann and Dragonfly Pilates Studio, which quickly became my second home. After completing my Polestar training, I continued with Samantha Wood’s Pilates for Injuries and Pathologies, followed by the BASI Comprehensive Program, and later Dr. Mark Vella’s Movement Anatomy course. My journey of learning continues, as there is always more to discover and share.
My hope is that through my experience and knowledge, I can help students build a strong mind-body connection — and that the awareness and strength they cultivate through Pilates will be carried into their everyday lives, helping them move with confidence, achieve their goals, and live with greater ease and joy.
Linda Botha
Comprehensive Pilates Instructor
After completing my training in classical pilates I started a home studio (Spring Punk Pilates) in 2018. In 2021 I transitioned to teaching from commercial studios, specializing in duet and private sessions for clients with a variety of activity levels. In addition to my classical training, I have also been incorporating influences from other lineages (Stott & BASI) and drawn inspiration from other styles, e.g. Fuse pilates (Mariska Breland) and Glo Pilates (Anula Maiberg). With a background in biochemistry and science, my teaching philosophy is to join my students on a journey of exploration to learn their own bodies' preferences and pattern new, more balanced ways of movement. My focus on 'harnessing the power of the spring' in the various pieces of pilates equipment, essentially relies on the feedback of the springs as teacher to and inform different muscles/ muscle groups during dynamic movement. I view Pilates as the supporting platform which enables my students to do what they love to do outside the studio with strength, balance and resilience.
Doris Yiqian Zhou
Comprehensive Pilates Instructor
Hi, I’m Doris, a certified Pilates instructor who blends precision, flow, and a personalized approach to help clients build strength, mobility, and awareness with focus on form, breath, and mindful movement—whether you’re new to Pilates or deepening your practice. I believe in movement that supports your life, not just your workout.
When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me exploring new movement styles, lifting (I’m a power lifter) or enjoying a long walk with a podcast. I believe Pilates is for every body—and I’d love to help you move with more confidence and ease.
Christina Su
Comprehensive Pilates Instructor
I come from a background in computer science, and I first discovered Pilates while navigating the intensity of my studies. It quickly became a powerful tool for maintaining physical and mental balance—something that transformed my daily life.
After practicing for several years, I pursued formal training and am now a BASI certified Pilates instructor. I’m passionate about helping others experience the same benefits Pilates has brought to me. I love supporting people in moving better, feeling stronger, and deepening their connection to their bodies. I’m also always eager to keep learning and growing within this work.
I truly believe Pilates is for everyone, and I look forward to moving with you and being part of your journey—wherever you are starting from.