Our People
Meet the Team
Michelle
Co-Founder and Physiotherapist
Qualifications
- Doctorate of Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne
- Bachelor of Kinesiology, UBC
- Diploma in Work Health and Safety & Ergonomics
- Certified in APPI, DMA Pilates
- Certified GLA:D Physiotherapist
Michelle is an Australian-trained physiotherapist and co-owner of Avanti Athletics, with nearly ten years of experience across sports, musculoskeletal, neurological, geriatric, occupational rehabilitation, and pre- and post-natal care.
Originally from North Burnaby, Michelle spent much of her professional career in Australia before returning home to contribute to her local community. She holds a degree in Kinesiology from UBC and a Doctor of Physiotherapy from the University of Melbourne.
Her clinical experience spans injury rehabilitation, chronic pain management, post-operative recovery, and long-term movement optimization. Her background in occupational rehabilitation and ergonomics has shaped her holistic approach to physiotherapy, considering not only the injury itself, but also workplace, lifestyle, movement patterns, and other factors that may contribute to or aggravate symptoms.
Michelle is trained in Clinical Pilates through APPI, with additional education through DMA Clinical Pilates and Polestar Pilates. She combines physiotherapy, Pilates, and strength-based movement to help people move better, build resilience, and feel confident in their bodies.
Now back in Canada, Michelle is enjoying reconnecting with the outdoors and hopes to get back into kiteboarding, flying aircraft, and find a local netball community. Outside of Avanti, she also enjoys hiking with her dog Bella, skiing, and snowboarding.
Yuna
Reformer Pilates Instructor
Qualifications
- B.A. in Contemporary Dance, Korea National Sport University
- Certified Mat & Apparatus Pilates Instructor, South Korea
- Advanced training in Anatomy & Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
Yuna graduated from Korea National Sport University with a degree in Contemporary Dance, where she developed a strong foundation in movement, body awareness, and alignment.
With nearly four years of experience teaching Pilates in both private and group settings, Yuna brings her dance background into a thoughtful and detail-oriented approach to movement. Her classes focus on building core strength, improving stability, and developing greater body awareness through controlled, intentional movement.
Yuna offers modifications and progressions to support a range of fitness levels, helping each client move safely, confidently, and with purpose.
She believes Pilates is more than simply building strength. It is a journey toward improving the quality of everyday movement and developing a deeper connection between the body and mind.
Gillian
Mat Pilates Instructor
Qualifications
- Certified Pilates Instructor, Body & Flow Pilates Method
Gillian is a certified Pilates instructor trained in the Body & Flow Pilates method, with a foundation in classical Pilates. She especially enjoys the creativity, versatility, and freedom of movement found in contemporary Pilates, while staying grounded in the six core Pilates principles: centering, breathing, control, concentration, flow, and precision.
Her classes are designed to be both challenging and accessible, with an inclusive approach that welcomes all experience levels. Gillian offers thoughtful modifications and progressions throughout her classes, allowing each person to work at a level that feels appropriate for their body while continuing to build strength, mobility, stability, and confidence.
For Gillian, Pilates is about more than the workout itself. She believes movement should be adaptable, enjoyable, and accessible to everyone, and she strives to create classes where clients feel supported while discovering what their bodies are capable of.
When she’s not teaching, Gillian enjoys crocheting, learning to knit, going for bike rides, and spending time with her pets.
Manisha
Yoga and Sound Therapy Instructor
Qualifications
- 240-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification
- Ministry of AYUSH, India
- Certified Yoga Alliance Yin Yoga, Breathing Techniques, and Restorative Yoga
- Certified in children’s Yoga, pre- and post-natal Yoga, and Sound Healing
Manisha is a Registered Yoga Teacher, certified sound healer, musician, and singer with over a decade of personal yoga practice. She is passionate about creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where individuals can reconnect with themselves through mindful movement, breathwork, and sound.
Her qualifications include a 240-hour Yoga Teacher Training certification, additional certification from India’s Ministry of AYUSH, and Yoga Alliance-approved training in Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and breathing techniques. She is also certified in Children’s Yoga, Pre- and Post-Natal Yoga, and Sound Healing.
Manisha teaches Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, and Chair Yoga, thoughtfully blending movement, alignment, breathwork, meditation, and relaxation to support students of all levels. As a musician and sound healer, she incorporates crystal singing bowls, traditional metal sound bowls, ocean drums, rain drums, and gentle shakers into her sessions. Her sound healing practices may also be combined with Restorative Yoga, guided meditation, and Yoga Nidra to encourage deep relaxation and renewal.
At Avanti, Manisha hopes to cultivate a warm and nurturing environment where everyone feels welcome to slow down, breathe, move, and rest. Through yoga and sound, she invites students to find greater balance, inner calm, and connection with themselves.
Jennifer
Reformer Pilates Instructor
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree from Laban Contemporary Dance School
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Mat Pilates Certification – Breathe Education
Reformer Pilates Certification – Breathe Education
TRX Group Fitness Training
With a background in dance, Jen holds a bachelor’s degree from Laban Contemporary Dance School. Her passion for movement inspired her to pursue teaching, with the goal of helping others experience the same joy and connection through movement.
Jen began her fitness journey teaching Pilates Sculpt classes and has since expanded her expertise across various movement and strength training methods. She is certified in NASM personal training, Mat and Reformer Pilates through Breathe Education, and TRX group fitness.
Jen brings energy and challenge to her classes, encouraging everyone to push beyond their comfort zone and discover what they are capable of. She believes there is always room for one more rep and that Pilates and strength training are essential tools for building resilient, capable bodies that support an active lifestyle throughout life.
Outside the studio, Jen loves spending time in nature, whether hiking, snowboarding, or exploring the outdoors. She hopes to inspire others to build strength, confidence, and a lifelong love of movement.
Emily
Yoga and Mat Pilates Instructor
Qualifications
500+ Hours of Yoga and Movement Training
Yoga Teaching Experience Since 2016
Ongoing Professional Development in Yoga, Pilates, Mobility, Mindfulness, and Strength Training
Emily has been teaching yoga since 2016 and brings a curious, thoughtful approach to both yoga and mat Pilates. She loves exploring the why behind movement, weaving learning, mindfulness, and introspection into her classes to help students develop a deeper understanding of their bodies.
With over 500 hours of training and a commitment to continued learning, Emily draws inspiration from a range of movement disciplines, including yoga, Pilates, mobility, mindfulness, and strength training. Her classes offer a balanced blend of challenge and exploration, helping students build strength, improve mobility, and move with greater ease.
Emily believes that what we learn on the mat should support us in everyday life, empowering us to continue doing the activities we love. Her classes welcome everyone, encouraging students to arrive as they are, stay curious, and enjoy the journey of movement.
Lorraine
Mat and Reformer Pilates Instructor
Qualifications
- Comprehensive STOTT PILATES Certification (Merrithew)
Certified in the early 2000s, with decades of Pilates knowledge and foundational experience
Loraine brings decades of Pilates knowledge and experience to the Avanti team, having earned her comprehensive STOTT PILATES certification through Merrithew in the early 2000s. After taking an intentional hiatus, she has returned to teaching with a renewed appreciation for movement, combining her strong foundation in classical Pilates principles with a contemporary approach to fitness.
Loraine’s classes place a strong emphasis on precision, alignment, and proper technique. With a keen eye for detail and thoughtful, intuitive cueing, she helps students get the most out of every repetition while building functional strength, improving body awareness, and moving safely and effectively.
Outside the studio, Loraine maintains an active lifestyle and continues to draw inspiration from her own fitness journey. By regularly participating in a variety of fitness, Pilates, and yoga classes, she enjoys exploring new ways to challenge herself and deepen her understanding of movement.
At Avanti, Loraine is passionate about helping students develop strength, confidence, and a lasting appreciation for mindful movement.
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