Pilates Instructors
Your Guide to Wellness
Welcome to RTR Pilates, where we take pride in our team of dedicated and highly trained Pilates instructors. Our mission is to empower you to achieve your fitness goals while fostering a strong sense of community.
Our Pilates instructors are ready to support you on your path to improved health, strength, and well-being. Whether you’re new to Pilates or a seasoned practitioner, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Meet Our Instructors
At RTR Pilates, we believe that the quality of instruction is paramount to your success and satisfaction. That’s why we’ve assembled a team of passionate, knowledgeable, and experienced Pilates instructors who are committed to helping you thrive. Let’s introduce you to the professionals who will be by your side on your wellness journey.
Aisha C
Aisha joined RTR Pilates as a client in 2010 and immediately fell in love. She couldn’t get enough and eventually got trained in mat then got certified in reformer through the RTR training program. Outside of Pilates, Aisha enjoys spending time at the gym and loves going to California to see her cutie pie nephew.
Alex A
As a lifelong athlete, after taking her first Pilates class at a Rock The Reformer studio, Alex knew that she had found a different kind of athleticism. Pilates helped to improve her running, prevented injury and she found all of that happened within a short time. The machine’s potential for an infinite number of movements and exercises blew Alex’s mind. The rest is history!
Alex GM
Alejandra (Alex) trained with RTR to become an instructor in 2018. She first started pilates to manage chronic pains and injuries. Through pilates, she’s been able to recover from injuries and get stronger and feel better than ever! She loves the core strength and flexibility she has gained through pilates, and that it’s a great complement to weightlifting. She’s passionate about helping others to integrate movement into their regular routines and loves helping clients find ways to modify for injuries. Outside of teaching at RTR, Alex has a Master’s in Public Health and works for an international development organization, supporting developing countries to improve maternal and child health services.
Alyssa Gail V.
Alyssa Gail started Pilates with the intention of injury prevention and found it to be her favorite form of physical activity. She stumbled across RTR Pilates when she went grocery shopping and saw one of the studios in the same shopping lot. She took one class and has been hooked to the reformer ever since. She loves the way she feels leaving a class and noticed her mobility and flexibility improved a lot!
Alyssa Gail aspires to always teach a class that is challenging, motivating, calming, and flowing! Working the glutes is her favorite thing to do, so expect a good set of lunges, standing leg slides, or other leg exercises. Outside of teaching, you can find Alyssa Gail roller skating, experimenting with an online trending recipe in the kitchen, or binging a book series on her Kindle.
Andrea R
Andrea is an enthusiastic practitioner of Pilates and has been a loyal RTR client for the past two years and now, starting in 2023, an instructor. She brings her passion for healthy living and teaching to her clients. Raised in Brazil and fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, Andrea found an inspiring balance of traditional and contemporary approaches to Pilates at RTR. When not teaching Pilates classes, Andrea serves as an adjunct faculty member for the Leadership Coaching program at Georgetown University as well as coaching leaders in the Private and Government sector.
Anna H
Although a native Bostonian and diehard Red Sox fan, Anna has now lived in DC for more than 20 years. A former college swimmer and Ashtanga yoga devotee, she has always enjoyed athletic pursuits. Anna discovered Pilates after a shoulder injury in 2017 and quickly became hooked! She did classical Pilates for a couple of years but missed the energy of group classes and was thrilled to discover RTR in 2019. Anna became an instructor in 2023 and hopes to pass along her passion for precise movement and balance challenges (among other things).
When not doing Pilates, Anna loves all kinds of live music (but especially Pearl Jam), walking her dogs, traveling to just about anywhere, and spending time with her husband and three kids. She is currently learning how to play tennis and bridge and her goal is to ski and do headstands until she’s at least 75.
Atlas M
As a new Pilates instructor, I bring a fresh perspective rooted in my background as a Ph.D in human genetics, specializing in muscle function and its impact on rheumatoid arthritis. My personalized sessions are tailored to address diverse fitness needs, emphasizing precision, alignment, and scientific insights to enhance the mind-body connection and optimize results. Leveraging my years of teaching experience with a variety of students, I excel at adapting sessions to individual needs and effectively communicating with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Outside of Pilates, I enjoy exploring nature, trying out new healthy recipes, and also watching suspense movies! Ready to join me on a Pilates adventure that combines science and movement for a life-changing experience? Let’s start your journey to holistic wellness together!
Ayle J
Ayle (Ay-la) is a native Washingtonian who recently moved back to the area after living in Israel for over six years. As a new mom, fitness junkie and Pilates addict, she found that Pilates helped shape her body both before and after pregnancy. She loves the enthusiastic environment of both the clients and instructors at Rock The Reformer and has set the goal to motivate herself as well as others on a daily basis. She earned her Rock The Reformer Instructor Certificate with hopes of helping all of the RTR clients find their Pilates passion.
Brittany B
Brittany’s love for Pilates began during the 1st round of COVID-19 lockdowns. Looking for an exercise program that could be done from the safety of her home, she stumbled upon a virtual mat Pilates class and immediately connected to the simple but effective movements and the emphasis on a mind-body connection. From that first virtual class, she was hooked and continued to work diligently on her mat practice throughout quarantine. Once COVID-19 restrictions began to lift and encouraged by her progress at home, Brittany then took a private Reformer Pilates class and has hit with a whole new level of appreciation for Pilates. She was inspired by the accessibility and adaptability of the Reformer programming towards people of all fitness levels and body types. Brittany knew then that she wanted to be a part of an industry that could meet you where you are and then continue to build upon and improve both your physical and mental well-being. Brittany joined RTR Pilates in the summer of 2021 after becoming certified through RTR’s in-house training program. She truly believes that Pilates is one of the most effective forms of exercise and the progress that you make in class will positively translate into all aspects of your life!
Camilia D
Camilia, a graduate of Vanderbilt University Class of 2022, began her fitness journey in her early adolescence. She was always very physically active growing up; participating in sports and running 5k races whenever possible! Going to university during the Covid-19 pandemic really opened her eyes to the myriad of issues regarding health in American society. Upon graduation, she decided to look further into a potential career path that would allow her to be a part of the solution. When gyms were closing down, YouTube mat Pilates became a regular part of her fitness regime and has stayed ever since! In addition to Pilates, she loves to cross-train with weightlifting, yoga, and running! Health and wellness have become a growing passion of hers and through her classes, she hopes to foster the same joy and love in her clients!
Candace C
Candace was an RTR client for over 10 years, before joining RTR as an instructor. In class, she hopes to create routines that showcase some of the practice elements that have made her a Pilates devotee including: relaxation, deep breathing, lengthening, and flow. Her goal is for clients to leave class feeling centered and strong and for their bodies to be better aligned.
Beyond the studio, Candace finds joy in volunteering and cherishes quality time with her husband and their wonderful daughter, Cara.
Carly Y
Carly joined RTR Pilates when it first opened in 2007. Born and raised in Potomac, MD, she began as a member of the front desk team and went on to get certified through Balanced Body. She has loved all that Pilates has to offer and how well it compliments other forms of exercise. Outside of Pilates she enjoys walking, hiking and spinning. Carly is a graduate of the University of Dayton in Ohio and currently works for Lisa Stransky at Washington Fine Properties.
Ceara C
Hi there! My name is Ceara, and I’m a Pilates enthusiast-turned-instructor. I’ve been practicing Pilates for over 10 years, and it has been a passion of mine ever since I first discovered it. Recently, I decided to take a leap and turn my passion into a career by becoming a certified Pilates instructor.
One of the reasons I love Pilates so much is because of the way it benefits both my mind and body. It helps me feel centered and focused, while also improving my strength, flexibility, and posture. As an instructor, I’m excited to share these benefits with others and help them achieve their own health and wellness goals.
I currently teach at RTR, where I have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside other experienced instructors. I’m grateful for the supportive community and the chance to continue deepening my knowledge and skills. If you’re interested in joining me for a Pilates class, I’d love to have you!
Cecilia H
Cecilia was drawn to Pilates after learning about its physical and mental benefits. She fell in love with Pilates after taking her first class with RTR. Outside of Pilates, she enjoys lifting weights at the gym. She found that the benefits and principles of Pilates have helped support her weightlifting practices. In her free time, she loves to read and crochet. She also loves playing with her 2 adorable cats, Leo and Luna!
Christianne C
Christianne joined RTR as an instructor in August 2020. While teaching Pilates, Christianne also worked at Meridian International Center as Board Liaison and Executive Assistant to CEO Ambassador Stuart Holliday, and President/ COO Lee Satterfield. A native Washingtonian, Christianne has been a vibrant participant in the non-profit, political, and performing arts communities around DC and is thrilled to share her experiences to support RTR Pilates’ leadership and mission.A political strategist, ballerina, fundraiser, choreographer, and pilates instructor, Christianne has worked hard to balance her passion for both the arts and public service, sustaining a commitment to working across the aisle and advocating for the arts. Prior to her time at Meridian, Christianne was at The Washington Ballet as a marketing consultant and repetiteur, setting Septime Webre’s famous DC Nutcracker.
She previously acted as a Presidential Campaign Liaison during the summer of 2019, organizing The Problem Solver Convention for the 2020 Presidential Candidates in Manchester, NH.Christianne’s political experience includes acting as finance and personal assistant to both Senator Evan Bayh and Susan Bayh for Senator Bayh’s 2016 Senate campaign in Indiana, as well as Finance Director for Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett’s Gubernatorial Campaign in Oklahoma. She was later appointed development director and choreographer for Vitam Musica Foundation’s 2019.20 season in Oklahoma City, and choreographed two new ballets for the University of Oklahoma School of Dance in collaboration with Vitam Musica’s full professional orchestra. She has been a ballet dancer for 18 years, dancing lead roles with The Washington Ballet. While a pre-professional student, she competed in numerous international ballet competitions winning scholarships and finalist awards. Christianne received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Theory and Arts Administration with a minor in Constitutional Studies from The University of Oklahoma.
Christine C
Christine was a client of RTR for 12 years before becoming an instructor. She was drawn to the low-impact challenge that Pilates provided and found that it complemented her other fitness passions, Olympic weightlifting and boxing, well. As an instructor, she loves to provide challenging and mindful classes that encourage clients to slow down and listen to their bodies. Outside of instructing, Christine works in government contracting and loves to spend her free time taking Pilates classes and planning her next big adventure.
Danielle B
A native Washingtonian, Danielle joined RTR as an instructor in the Fall of 2022 after ten years as a client. It took just one class for her to get hooked, and over the years she has found Pilates to be a crucial practice benefitting both her physical and mental health. Danielle attended Georgetown Visitation in DC and the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC, and also works in marketing and interior design.
Deborah R
A native of Charleston, SC, I moved to Washington, DC by way of Boston to attend graduate school. Nearly 30 years later, here I am still! I met my husband and raised a daughter here (and a couple of awesome dogs too), and enjoyed a long career in communications with a focus on environmental and social justice issues. I first tried Pilates on the Reformer about 5 years ago at another DC gym and fell in love with its unique combination of strength training, balance, flexibility, and mental focus. I truly believe it’s a form of exercise that people of any age and fitness level can benefit from throughout their lives. I’m so excited to take my career in a healthy and challenging new direction with RTR Pilates. Mad respect & gratitude to all the amazing and supportive RTR instructors I’ve had the pleasure to train with, and to my fabulous fellow graduates of the Spring 2023 Training Session.
Dolci B
Growing up in Potomac and being a health and fitness enthusiast it was inevitable that I eventually found and fell in love with RTR. I started coming to RTR (when it was Potomac Pilates) back in 2012 and was instantly hooked. The classes left me feeling strong, motivated, mobile, and rejuvenated and I knew this was something that will be long lasting. RTR was always there to help me recover from injuries and imbalances caused by heavy lifting and high intensity group workouts so once the timing and opportunity arose I knew I wanted to share my love of RTR by becoming an instructor and help others feel strong and challenged while still being functional and balanced. When I’m not focusing on my health and fitness, I can be found deep into a Netflix binge, cozied up with a good book, or walking around downtown Bethesda with my giant sheepadoodle, Henry.
Ellie V
Elizabeth “Ellie” Vassaux has worked professionally in the field of health and fitness for over 12 years. Ellie’s style is a lighthearted, fun approach coupled with precision and loads of intensity! With thousands of group and private teaching hours under her belt, her passion for wellness shines through. That passion developed late in life – she didn’t start working out until she was 39 years old and yet has come full circle to embrace fitness, making it her full-time career. Ellie brings her diverse experiences to her RTR classes. Ellie owned and operated a gym for 6 years in Gaithersburg, MD. That’s the period when she started coming to RTR! RTR became her sanctuary away from work, but she learned so much more about her body, about breathwork, how to hear instruction and perform it, and ultimately about herself. Doing Pilates made her feel better and better physically and it’s a practice she comes back to again and again.
She’s been a Personal Trainer, CrossFit Level 2 Trainer, Modern Kettlebell Sport L2 Coach, Registered Yoga Teacher, a Movement Specialist at a physical therapy practice, and has instructed several methods of Pilates and strength training! Ellie loves a good hands-on assist but will always respect your space whenever you want it. Physically, she went from the couch to a marathon in 1 year (she does NOT recommend it – feel free to ask why!) and was invited to represent Team USA for Kettlebell Sport, but also truly remembers what it was like to be unmotivated, confused with coordination, and struggling to understand a cue. She will patiently empower you to do more for yourself, to persevere, but also teach you to listen to your own body so you can learn to move properly taking breaks as needed to adjust form. Ellie loves to make playlists! Most genres, all eras, always upbeat…something for everyone… just ask her if you want something special in her class.
Felicia C
Felicia C. is currently not instructing any classes.
Gayle C
After a couple of car accidents and a few lingering injuries, Gayle C was looking for a workout that was both athletic and functional. As an entertainment reporter, Gayle C. had long heard the Hollywood types praising the benefits of Pilates. She began her own Pilates journey more than 17 years ago, becoming first a student of classical and then more innovative and modern classes around the Washington, D.C area. After discovering RTR Pilates, Gayle was motivated to share her enthusiasm and appreciation of Pilates by training to become an RTR instructor. Teaching since March 2019, Gayle draws on both her diverse Pilates background and her lifelong devotion to group exercise classes [Barre, Spin, Weight Training, Dance, Aerobics, etc.] to create her energetic classes at RTR.
Gina D
Gina is originally from the UK! She grew up in England and lived and worked in London until 1997. She moved to Paris, France, learning French and studying at the Sorbonne. She then moved to Washington DC with her Italian husband, where she worked for the World Bank Group in Human Resources. Gina is a mom of three children, the firstborn in DC and the other two born in Bulgaria, where they relocated for work. While in Bulgaria, Gina played a key role for the International Women’s Committee, supporting different charities with a particular focus on orphanages. She came back to the USA in 2009 and lives in Great Falls, Virginia. Gina fell in love with Pilates as a client of RTR and later trained to become an instructor, which she has been since 2019. Other than teaching Pilates and raising her three teenage children, Gina loves to go hiking, play tennis and meet up with friends.
Jalincia K
Jalincia enjoys Pilates and the numerous benefits it provides. As a graduate of the RTR Pilates instructor training program, she looks forward to working with clients as they progress in achieving their individual Pilates fitness goals. Jalincia loves to spend time in nature and exercising.
Jean Marie D
Jenna M
Jenna joined RTR as an instructor in April of 2021. In addition to teaching Pilates, Jenna has worked in media for the last ten years, and is currently a Senior Program Manager at Industry Dive. Jenna is a native Washingtonian who moved back to the DC area in 2013 to be closer to her family. As a dancer for most of her young and adolescent life, Jenna turned to barre and cardio based classes as her dance chapter of life came to a close. After suffering many injuries from weight lifting and HIIT group classes, Jenna turned to Pilates as a way to exercise and tone, without putting added stress and pressure on her body. After her first class, Jenna’s obsession began. In addition to Pilates, Jenna is an avid Peloton rider and runner, and enjoys skiing and hiking out west.
Jenny J
Growing up, I fell in love with movement through hobbies like ice skating, hiking, and snowboarding. My personal fitness practice was a mix of yoga and calisthenics that eventually sparked a curiosity for Pilates. Discovering RTR in 2023 solidified my passion for intentional movement. I love that Pilates is a functional full-body practice that increases mental and physical confidence. I’m excited to share this joyous experience while challenging and strengthening clients!
Joanne G
Joanne’s journey to Pilates began as a client in 2013. An avid fitness enthusiast, tennis player and runner, Joanne began to feel that her weight training and cardio regimen had hit a plateau. Her work out routine had become too predictable and was getting stale. She needed a jump start so she set her sights on Pilates. After her first month, she began to see uniform changes in her body that was the result of challenging specific muscles groups in a different way. More importantly, she had renewed energy and a deeper focus during her sessions that proved to be the key difference. Her strides piqued her interest to understand more about the discipline, so she enrolled in the training course offered through Potomac Pilates.
“I learned that when you work your body without fully engaging your mind, fitness goals can be left unmet. The manner in which exercises are performed is much more significant than time spent.” With a Master’s Degree in Education, Joanne’s decision to instruct was a natural progression. “My goal is to help clients realize that Pilates strengthens and nurtures the mind as well as the body, and is beneficial for everyone, regardless of their fitness level. It improves flexibility and develops a strong powerhouse which is the corner stone of movement in our daily lives.” Joanne has two children who have since left the nest and lives in McLean with her husband Steve.
Julie S
Julie was an original client of RTR Pilates when the studio first opened in Potomac. In 2017 she decided to pass along her love of pilates by becoming a certified instructor. She believes Pilates is for everyone. As a native Washingtonian Julie has also lived in New York City, Connecticut and Atlanta. She has a supportive husband and three wonderful sons. In her spare time Julie loves to bike, walk and is learning to play golf.
Karin T
Karin started mat Pilates a decade ago to complement her passion for figure skating and running. After having kids, she turned to the practice far more often, and a true love of Pilates was born. She appreciates the core strength and flexibility it brings to her sports endeavors and to everyday movements. Karin joined RTR in the fall of 2023 and loves bringing high energy to the room. She is passionate about helping people of all fitness levels find a life-long love of movement. Karin also works as a novelist and journalist and has written seven novels (and counting!). She’s seen first-hand how much physical movement sparks creativity and has all her best ideas while in motion.
Katharina K
Katharina started combining her hobby and passion to move and work out with work during university. It was a great way to stay balanced, meet new people and earn some extra money. At that time she taught aerobics, dance, strength classes etc. Getting people to move, strengthening and mobilizing their bodies and having a good time feels very rewarding. As a psychotherapist and a mom Katharina knows how important exercising is, mentally and physically. She has been doing Mat Pilates every now and then for years. At one point they offered Reformer classes at the gym she was working at. She took a class and loved it.
When she moved to the USA, the RTR studio in Chevy Chase was within walking distance. Still unpacking stuff, Katharina needed some me-time and took a class. It was amazing. So far she was more used to classical reformer Pilates – the combination of classical and contemporary Pilates at RTR let her become a regular client. A year later Katharina became an instructor and never regretted it. In fact she continues to get further certifications and loves taking workshops and getting new inspiration.
Kristen R
Kristen first started taking Pilates classes at RTR ten years ago hoping to help her aching low back and in order to tone up for her wedding.
She has continued exclusively with RTR over the years and is in awe of how it helped her prepare for and recover from her two pregnancies and to give her the strength to raise two little boys.
When the time was right, Kristen jumped at the chance to join the RTR team and to teach classes to this awesome community. Kristen is a certified hatha yoga instructor and brings a strong body awareness and flow to her classes.
Lindsay D
Lindsay grew up in the DC area and became one of the very first members of RTR (Potomac Pilates at the time) in 2007 when she was in high school. Her love of and commitment to Pilates continued for many years which led her to eventually complete one of the very first RTR instructor training programs in 2013. Lindsay taught classes part time in Chevy Chase and the Palisades while also teaching preschool full time. In 2017, Lindsay moved to Baltimore where she earned her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education while also teaching at a reformer Pilates studio in Baltimore City. During her time in Baltimore, Lindsay went through a comprehensive Pilates training program through The Lab and is currently working towards her comprehensive certification on every Pilates apparatus. She moved back to DC in 2021 and rejoined the RTR team in January 2022. Lindsay is thrilled to be back at her original Pilates home! When not in the studio, you can find Lindsay working out at the gym, cooking and spending time with family and friends. Check her out on the schedule at Great Falls, Potomac and Chevy Chase!
Lindsey F
After Lindsey retired from swimming, she hoped to find something she could be as passionate about and do every single day to stay in shape. Lindsey started with RTR as a client, and it was love at first class! After a few years, Lindsey became one of our instructors and taught at both the Chevy Chase and Palisades studios before quitting her day job to move across the country and manage our studio in Highlands Ranch, Colorado! After Covid closed our beloved Highlands Ranch Studio, Lindsey’s back in Maryland now and helping out with our Administrative Team as our Sales Manager and Client Relations Support staff.
Lisa J
Lisa Johnson joined the RTR Pilates team in 2011 as a trained Pilates instructor through Balanced Body. She has an extensive background in exercise, dance and yoga with experience teaching students of all ages and levels of ability in both studio and private settings. This experience includes over ten years as a yoga teacher trainer with a focus on functional anatomy and techniques for managing stress.
Lorena RD
Lorena loves Pilates because it’s a fun way to stay in shape, working out on the machine makes every exercise enjoyable. Her favorite Pilates exercise is long spine. She hopes clients leave her classes feeling good about themselves.
Mikayla M
Mikayla found RTR Pilates when she was looking for an enjoyable workout that enabled her to strengthen her body and protect it from injury. She fell in love with RTR’s contemporary style of teaching and is so glad to have received her RTR certification in the Fall of 2021. Mikayla is also the Marketing Director of RTR Pilates.
Mikayla graduated magna cum laude from George Mason University with a B.F.A in Dance in 2017. Since graduating, she has been a freelance dancer for choreographers in both the DMV (Washington area) and New York City. In addition, Mikayla spent 2017/18 dancing with Company Danzante and Metropolitan Ballet Ensemble. In 2019 she danced and choreographed for RawArts Dance. Since 2020, Mikayla has been a Principal Dancer and Resident Choreographer for Ash & Elm Dance Company.
She is also the co-director of Kaleid Dance Company. In addition, before becoming Full-Time at RTR Pilates she spent 2 years as the Office & Studio Manager at James School of Dance Arts, and has used her Social Media Skills for many part-time gigs.
Monika H
Monika started at RTR Pilates as a client, and soon discovered that Pilates is not only a great workout — it can also be a way of practicing mindfulness and self-awareness through movement. Hoping to share this experience with others, Monika joined the RTR Pilates instructor training program in Spring 2023. In class, she strives to create accessible routines that can be challenging as well as relaxing — with the hope that clients will leave her class feeling stronger and more relaxed.
Aside from Pilates, Monika practices as a health coach, and runs her charity-driven, sustainable womenswear line.
Mufeng L
Mufeng’s first encounter with Pilates was through reading scholarly articles about the components and effectiveness of this system of exercise. When she was intrigued by the literature that there were benefits from this method, she went into the RTR Pilates studio to give it a try. To her surprise, she started to feel stronger than ever, both mentally and physically, after only a few months’ practice.
She inevitably became a true enthusiast for Pilates and wanted to help others achieve the same results. Mufeng designs every class to be a balanced mind-body workout that incorporates the six principles of Pilates: centering, concentration, control, precision, fluidity, and breathing. She wants to help clients achieve balance, strength, and health through fun classes. When not wearing her Pilates instructor’s hat, Mufeng is busy juggling between being a scientific officer and a mother of two girls.
Paula D
Paula Daza, a Pilates Reformer Instructor, brings a global perspective to Washington DC, having lived in various countries, including Luxembourg. Originally from Colombia, she has cultivated her passion for Pilates while traveling. With a heart for helping others, Paula finds joy in guiding her clients towards holistic well-being. Balancing her career with motherhood, she cherishes moments with her 5-year-old son, embodying the principles of a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
Quintus C
Quintus, a native Washingtonian, comes to RTR with a background in teaching, coaching, and personal training. For the past 10 years, he has coached soccer, basketball, and baseball at several local independent schools, and youth sports organizations. A RTR client since 2017, who found pilates to strengthen his core and prevent injury while playing high impact sports. He believes Pilates is for everyone and enjoys making classes both accessible and challenging.
Quyen T
Having done mat Pilates on and off since she was 14, Quyen finds that she always comes back to it no matter how many other types of exercises she tries. She felt that it was one of the few things she can do that will improve her energy, strength, and durability. When she discovered RTR Pilates during the pandemic, her passion for mastering reformer Pilates began as it was true therapy for her. She found that reformer Pilates allows her to push herself further and find more trust and strength in her mind and body. Her goal as an instructor is to help clients do just those things: learn to trust their own minds and bodies and find their limits. She also moonlights as a software product manager, and, in her free time, Quyen can be found eating and laughing with friends and family in many corners of the world.
Rebecca R
Reina O
Reina Offutt is both the creative mind and owner of RTR Pilates. Since 2006, Reina has worked continuously to ensure a thriving business for both her employees, and her clients. With six intimate, inspiring, and accessible locations, Reina plans to expand her business and personal goal to sculpt both the mind and body. She places a high importance on philanthropy. She firmly believes in giving back to the community, both personally, and professionally. Annually, Potomac Pilates donates more than $5000 worth of services to schools, charities, and organizations. The MOM-trepreneur is a proud mother of 2 two-legged children and 2 four-legged fur babies. Reina holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Tulane University and a Masters in Business Administration from George Washington University.
Sara L
Sara started teaching at RTR in 2018. She was drawn to reformer pilates as a fun way to find more strength, flexibility, and better posture. She strives to make every client feel strong and accomplished. She strongly believes that Pilates is for every body. In her classes, she enjoys finding new and fun ways to challenge the body.
Before moving to Virginia, Sara attended law school in Vermont. After she graduated, she decided to put her legal career on hold to focus on her family. Sara enjoyed continuing Pilates throughout both of her pregnancies. She strongly believes in the importance of Pilates for both pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Outside of Pilates, Sara enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids. She loves hiking, traveling, cooking, and reading. Sara is also the Director of Training for new instructors.
Sarah G
Sarah G. danced at the Washington School of Ballet for ten years. It was during this time, at the age of eleven, that she began her journey with pilates. Pilates complimented her dance, strengthening her core and furthering her understanding of form. While she moved on from the dance world her involvement with pilates never ceased. She returned to the DC metropolitan area after graduating magna cum laude from Connecticut College and quickly began studying with RTR and happily took the opportunity to become an instructor.
Shay T
Shay’s journey into Pilates started with a personal quest for a new workout that focused on overall well-being. She took her first class at RTR in 2023 and instantly connected with the workout and atmosphere. She is a passionate fitness instructor who believes that a strong mind and body are the foundation of a vibrant life. Shay’s motto is everybody and every body can benefit from Pilates.
Shelley B
Shelley Brown is an alpine skier, year-round swimmer and RTR Pilates client and teacher since 2017. An avid exerciser and dedicated health and fitness practitioner, Shelley enjoys tri-training, especially swimming and biking, and participated in the Hagerstown Sprint Triathlon in 2012 and 2016 and 2021. In 2014, Brown trained in The Esmond Technique of Classical Stretch given by Miranda Esmond White. She participated in the Classical Stretch program including appearing in a live program on WETA -TV as part of the Aging Backward series. A varsity high-school gymnast, Shelley trained in ballet for 8 years and taught gymnastics at family gymnastics programs at Denver University and Connecticut College.
In October 2015 Shelley Brown became Managing Director of Dumbarton Arts and Education, Inc. From August 2003 to 2015, Ms. Brown served as the VP for Programming and Artistic Director for Strathmore Hall Foundation, Inc. where she oversaw the planning and implementation of Strathmore presentations in the Music Center (1800 seats) and the Mansion at Strathmore. From August 1988 – 1997 Ms. Brown worked at The Kennedy Center as Festival Manager. Ms. Brown, a native of Denver, Colorado, holds a B.A. from Connecticut College and an M.B.A. from George Washington University.
Sheri F
Susan D
Susan joined the RTR instructor family in 2021! Susan’s Pilates journey started when the Great Falls studio opened up. Following her retirement as an executive at a major telecommunications company, she could be found almost daily at the studio. Pilates erased years of sitting in front of a computer and Susan was hooked! A native to the DC area, Susan has been an avid athlete all of her life – swimming, soccer, cheerleading, volleyball – and now alternates her athletic pursuits between golf and Pilates. Susan’s other passions include her family and friends, her numerous pets (cats and dog), cooking, and Virginia Tech sports, especially football and the tailgates.
Taylor G
I’ve always enjoyed movement- whether practicing yoga and barre or the thrill of running or spinning. So naturally when my mother introduced me to RTR Pilates this past summer, I quickly fell in love with Pilates. I welcome the shakes and quakes, the satisfying burn in my muscles while finding proper spine alignment and strengthening the core during each 50-minute class. The benefits extend far beyond the studio, supporting my every move throughout the day. A graduate from the Fall RTR Academy, November 2023, I cannot wait to share my love for movement in the studio. As an instructor, my aim is to keep my clients moving and grooving, helping them find strength and length while we Rock The Reformer together!
Beyond the studio, you’ll often find me curled up with my cat, book in hand, scaling walls at the rock-climbing gym, or testing out a new recipe in the kitchen. With a BA in Global Studies and a minor in Chinese from Trinity College, my love for exploring diverse cultures, arts, and histories have led me across the globe. Living in China and Cambodia, I’ve taught English to children, written romance stories, and shared yoga teachings at retreats. Returning home to DC this past Spring (2023), I’m excited to join the RTR community.
Tiffany L
Tiffany discovered Pilates in early 2019 when a new studio opened up near her house in San Diego and fell in love with the way the exercises transformed her body. When Tiffany found RTR near her house in McLean in 2021, she immediately signed up for a membership. She knew right away that RTR was a supportive and encouraging place to call her new Pilates home. Intrigued by the way the mind and body work in concert, and eager to share her love of Pilates with others, Tiffany trained with RTR shortly after joining the studio. She hopes her clients enjoy the feeling of accomplishment after each class as well as the benefits Pilates provides to a person’s mental health and physical fitness. Tiffany looks forward to meeting new clients each week and helping them grow stronger with every class.
Tom B
Tom enjoys creating new Pilates classes with different balance and symmetry challenges, focusing on proper form and safety. He loves to travel and play golf, enjoy spending time with his family, and walking his dog.
Ulrick R
Ulrick has a lifelong passion for fitness and has dedicated 15 years to all aspects of the profession. He is a strong advocate for an active lifestyle and healthy nutrition. Prior to becoming a fitness professional, Ulrick earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and a Masters in Management Information Systems from The American University. Ulrick quickly realized that Pilates was the missing piece in his comprehensive training regimen and could only benefit his background and help with clients. His positive outlook on life and training allows him to seek many different aspects of the fitness world.
He is the founder and owner of URFitness and has worked as a fitness trainer at health clubs throughout the greater DC area. Ulrick’s background includes expertise in group training, boot camp programs, boxing classes, sport specific conditioning, and rehabilitation exercises. Ulrick’s certifications include: Balanced Body Pilates Mat and Reformer, Fitness Instructor and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength Professional Association, and Post-Rehabilitative Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist with the Pink Ribbon Program.
Yara B
Yara’s journey into Pilates was driven by a desire to share the transformative power of movement. Drawing from her dance experience, she prioritizes precision, grace, and discipline in her teaching. Her approach is to empower clients, whether beginners or experienced enthusiasts, to discover their inner strength, improve flexibility, and cultivate a balanced, functional body. She is always excited to make new connections with those she works with and uncover their limitless potential!
Yolanda T-B
Yolanda’s Pilates journey began when she was a Yoga Instructor teaching at a studio that primarily offered Reformer Pilates classes. She began taking classes at the studio and fell in love with it. After going through a challenging pregnancy with her son which had her on bed rest from 19 weeks on, Pilates was a huge component in her post-pregnancy recovery. She sought her first Pilates certification through Peak and began teaching in Rockville, MD.
After a couple of years, she stepped away from teaching to take a position as a Health & Wellness Coordinator at a Software company then later chose to become a stay-at-home Mom during the Pandemic and had her daughter. She and her family moved to Great Falls in 2021 and discovered RTR Pilates as she was looking to get back to taking classes. In 2023 she had the opportunity to become an RTR Instructor and has loved being a part of the community since!