Our Studio
Our Instructors
Photo credit: Kristine Cofsky
Marlene Amado
Founder, Director
Knowledgable, Adaptable, Supportive
The immersion in Classical training and the dramatic physical results spurred the completion of a second Pilates certification in 2015 in the Advanced Program at The Pilates Center, Boulder. Marlene is a nationally certified Pilates teacher through the NCPC and has recently become a Certified Level 1 Hypopressives® Teacher.
In 2017 Marlene founded Reform Pilates in order to create a culture that continued the legacy and knowledge of Classical Pilates and also to reflect the values of integrity, curiosity, community, and health.
Marlene is passionate about facilitating learning opportunities and exploring creative ways to teach others about this obscure, timeless, yet effective System of Movement. Marlene enjoys the psychology of movement most as well as providing the space and the tools that are most effective at delivering effective workouts.
Away from the studio, Marlene can be found in the forest, exploring our scenic local mountains by foot or by wheel, and less often now, spending time with her two teenage sons.
Melissa Woods
Instructor
Curious, Supportive, Playful
Born and raised in Vancouver, Melissa fell into the local Film Industry shortly after finishing a Fashion Design Diploma. The long hours and stress were demanding, so at the recommendation of a co-worker, she started taking Pilates classes in 2003. She enjoyed the challenge, both mental and physical, as well as improved posture and more self-confidence; she quickly got hooked.
To deepen her personal practice, she completed a Mat Teacher Training through PhysicalMind Canada in 2009 and from there maintained a home practice for several years as well as a “lazy weekend warrior” lifestyle that included kayaking and backpacking.
In 2017, soft tissue injuries from a car accident forced her to hit the pause button on most of the activities she loved. As soon as she was able to, she returned to the Pilates studio to help heal herself. She continued to work full time in the Film Industry, but found it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle while working a 70-hour work week.
In the fall of 2021, she enrolled in an 850-hour Comprehensive Classical Pilates Teacher Training Program with Matilda Christensen. Melissa is set to graduate from the School of Natural Movement in March of 2023. She is looking forward to sharing her passion for Pilates!
Emily Krilanovich
Instructor
Passionate, Kind, Detailed
Emily found Pilates in 2009, after suffering a back injury that would not heal using traditional rehabilitation methods. She greatly appreciated having ownership over her own healing as she was guided through the Pilates repertoire. In addition to healing her back, she noticed how her dedicated practice greatly improved her posture, core strength, balance, anxiety, and coordination and prevented injury while pursuing her outdoor passions of running and skiing.
Bringing together her love of teaching and moving with that of Pilates, she has received her Pilates Mat, Reformer, and Apparatus Instructor Training and Certification from Balanced Body Education.
Emily has taught as a B.C. Elementary School Teacher and Private Piano Teacher for over 20 years. She has always loved moving; Training and performing as a ballet dancer in childhood, distance running as a young adult, and skate skiing in recent years. You can find her running on the West Vancouver seawall or skate skiing on the nordic tracks at Cypress!
Laís Nunes
Non-RMT Lymphatic Drainage
Accountable, Passionate, Dedicated
Laís has been a Physiotherapist for 10 years in Brazil before moving to B.C.. She is passionate about rehabilitation and is inspired by the body’s ability to heal given the right tools and support. In college, she continued to explore other modalities to support her training as a therapist. During that time she specialized in Aesthetic Physiotherapy.
During her treatments, Laís focuses on providing full-body integration and focused breathing to bring higher levels of relaxation to the massage. She sees value in treating the body as a whole and is genuinely invested in helping her clients manage pain. She uses her knowledge of the nervous system to help invite tranquility to your sessions, creating an environment conducive to healing.
When Laís is not working, you can find her exploring the world with her wonderful son.
Studio Etiquette
- Spots are limited! Pre-booking your preferred class times well in advance ensures your spot and prevents class cancellations and interruptions to programming.
- We now offer recurring memberships, for your convenience. Cancel anytime, this one-time setup makes it easier for you to book into your regularly scheduled sessions in advance at a reduced rate. Please call or email the studio for more information.
- We encourage students to bring their own water bottles whenever possible to aid with hydration before and after class.
- Please remove shoes upon entering the studio as we do not allow footwear.
- Please refrain from wearing perfumes or potent scents in the studio.
- Please arrive a few minutes early for your class as we do not allow late arrivals.
- Due to the intimate nature of our studio please keep electronic devices turned off so as not to distract students currently in session.
Reservation Policy
Our classes are designed on a first-come-first-served basis with restrictions on last minute bookings. Please book your classes in advance to secure your reservation or risk losing a spot in a class.
Cancellation Policy
There is no charge to your account if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled class time. Late cancellations and no shows will be deducted as a class from your membership pack or considered a full charge to your account if you have pre-paid as a drop in. To cancel a class, please log into your online account and remove your reservation from the class.
Standards of Health
The safest standards of hygiene for everyone is one that is based on science. As always, we maintain and stay committed to the highest standards of hygiene and health but we need your help too.
What You Can Expect
If you show any signs of illness while present in the studio (for example, coughing) or you do not follow our safety protocols, we will kindly ask you to leave.
After each class, students are expected to wipe down and disinfect their apparatus, including props that they have used. We only use freshly sanitized cleaning supplies and we ask that students dispose of their towels in designated receptacles.
Cleaning Procedures
High touch areas are regularly and thoroughly cleaned using soap and antimicrobial agents that are effective at reducing the spread of disease and virus. Studio floors and high touch areas like switches and handles are disinfected regularly.
Follow Our Lead
