Praise

‘Deb has been my Pilates instructor for the past two years. I was new to Pilates and not sure what to expect. Deb put me at ease right away with her calm approach, positive feedback and great sense of humour. Deb is very knowledgeable and like any good teacher, is always looking for ways to improve her practice and to meet the needs of her students. I like that she walks around the room to see that everyone is making the correct moves and she always provides modifications as well as challenges. One of the best things about Pilates has been no more neck pain. I had been plagued by neck issues for many years and now, after doing Pilates, those neck issues have disappeared.’

– Susan Shackles

‘I have been practicing mat Pilates for over a decade and have worked with many instructors. Deb is definitely one of the best! I first met Deb as my instructor in a group class. She had a loyal following, in fact if you didn’t pre-book a week ahead, you were out of luck! In the group class, she put a lot of time and effort into planning sessions that were challenging and varied. Just when we had reached our point of exhaustion she always managed to get us to do “just one more”. Deb always kept the sessions interesting by using a variety of props or focusing on one area for the class. 

When Deb moved on to focus on her private practice, of course I faithfully followed her, even if it meant trying the Reformer! In my private sessions Deb has carefully planned to gradually introduce the apparatus. She has taught me how to transition “gracefully”, handle the equipment independently and give me specific cues to engage my body. I know I can trust her to try new movements and feel safe. And yes, she can still get “just one more” out of my tired body!

Thank-you Deb for your patience, flexibility and friendliness!’

– Tina Pali

‘Deborah’s Pilates sessions are usually 1 to 1 (or at most, 2 to 1) and these sessions use high end Peak reformers which are similar to the original reformers used by Joseph Pilates. As someone who taught mathematics at UBC for 30 years and who has been an expert witness in significant negotiations and court cases for the past 15 years, I recognize an exceptional teacher when I see her. Deborah is an exceptional teacher. She has a joyful and empathetic disposition; she was a good soccer player and ballet dancer; she has recovered from serious physical injury herself; and she knows the Pilates exercises inside and out. Deborah uses these experiences in her teaching and she encourages the student to make small incremental improvements and very rarely tells the student what not to do. (Don’t think of a pink elephant!) Fifteen years ago, I took group Pilates sessions for 3 years at a very good Pilates’ studio. These sessions were valuable, but I have gained so much more in the last 8 months by taking weekly 1 on 1 sessions with Deborah. At this point, my body awareness has increased immensely and I am able to apply my awareness of using my core and breathing properly to cycling, golf and increasing my balance and flexibility.’

– Peter Kiernan, Ph.D., UBC Professor Emeritus
Optimal Solutions, Consultant

‘I started incorporating Pilates into my weekly workout routine a little over a year ago. It has changed my body significantly in strength and my posture has improved too. Deborah brings an amazing calming energy to each class, and is very passionate and enthusiastic about the Pilates method which is infectious. I look forward to her class every week!’

– Paige Morgan

‘I have been attending Deb’s classes for approximately one year. Through Deb’s expert instruction I feel I have developed a stronger core, improved posture, balance, and flexibility. Deb’s classes are tough but fun. She incorporates different props like balls, blocks, and straps, and she is very good at recognizing when we are up for a new challenge. Deb’s approach to teaching is very positive, encouraging, and supportive. She always offers modifications to exercises that may be difficult due to injuries.

I highly recommend Deb’s Pilates classes…you will not be disappointed! I guarantee you will be standing tall and engaging your core for the rest of your life.’

– Audrey O’Brien

‘Not only are Deb’s Pilates classes a great workout but the environment and energy in her classes is fun, comfortable and relaxed. Deb is a very talented teacher who vocalizes and demonstrates the exercises in a clear manner. She radiates positivity and passion for her art and inspires me each class to give it my all and push through. I would recommend Deb’s classes for anyone who is just beginning or who is experienced in Pilates, as she offers many variations to each exercise to increase the intensity.’

– Kelly Dawson

‘This was my first time doing Pilates. Deb has made me feel comfortable as a beginner and confident that I will improve. Her approach is supportive while safely pushing you past any imaginary limits. Deb is a knowledgeable, warm & friendly instructor. I feel stronger and am starting to better understand how my body works.’

– Lisa Lindo

‘Pilates is especially great for strengthening the core. Our classes go by quickly and our corporate group is having fun while becoming fit. Thanks Deb for challenging us.’

– Eileen Stiratt, Bayshore Home Healthcare Solutions

‘Deb is a great instructor. I’ve really enjoyed our group Pilates sessions. She has a warm sense of humor and makes exercise actually fun. ;) Deb is very supportive and encouraging and pushes you to work harder in a positive way.’

– Sarb Garcha, Bayshore Home Healthcare Solutions