IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS
Working together, we can transform your body. We are highly committed and experienced Classical Pilates instructors delivering results-oriented, compassionate care to our clients. Choosing the right instructor with a keen eye for detail and the right background is critical.
Our instructors have completed extensive training with the highest education, 850 hrs + on mat and all apparatus, have enrolled in continuing education courses and have an extensive understanding of musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
Maggie Lin - Pilates Instructor
Maggie’s fitness journey began in 2014 with weightlifting and yoga in Taipei, sparking her passion for movement and health. After struggling with chronic knee pain from an ankle injury, she discovered Pilates in 2018 while in Hong Kong. Pilates not only healed her injury but also improved her mobility, body control, energy, and strength.
Inspired by its transformative effects, Maggie moved to Vancouver in 2021 to train under world-class Pilates instructors in the direct lineage of Joseph Pilates. She graduated from the 950-hour Beyond Pilates Teacher Training Program under Noam Gagnon and completed Level 1 Franklin Method training. Maggie empowers clients to relieve back pain, improve mobility, and unlock their full movement potential.
Natalie Avontuur - Pilates Instructor
Natalie is a Classical Pilates instructor certified through Pilates From the Centre in North Vancouver. Her passion for the method began under Brita, and she is skilled in both mat and apparatus work, helping clients build strength, confidence, and a deeper mind-body connection.
Natalie specializes in cancer recovery, injury rehabilitation, anxiety, trauma, and issues with the lower back, knees, and hips. She tailors exercises for healing and functional movement.
With a holistic approach rooted in Classical Pilates, Natalie empowers clients to achieve physical, mental, and emotional resilience, fostering lasting strength, alignment, and vitality.
Susana Ponce - Pilates instructor
With over a decade of experience, Susana has trained under Boulder, Stott, and Master Trainer Matilda Christensen. Certified by the PhysicalMind Institute Canada, she is completing specialized training in Osteoarthritis, Lower Extremity Replacements, and UBC Trauma-Informed Therapy.
Susana began Pilates for post-surgery rehab and later used it to manage pain from a car accident. It also supported her during pregnancy for labor preparation and postnatal pelvic floor recovery.
She specializes in recovery from breast surgeries, pre/postnatal care, and neck pain relief. Susana fosters a safe, compassionate environment for clients to explore movement, alignment, and well-being.
Continuing education
Osteoarthritis and Lower Extremity Replacements - Active initiatives Physiotherapy - Current
UBC Trauma informed therapy - current
Advanced teacher training - Matilda Christensen - current
Physical Mind Pilates Certification 2022
Chelsea Rusnak - Pilates instructor
Chelsea brings over 30 years of movement experience, blending her passion for dance, fitness, and wellness into a dynamic teaching style. Her journey began at age three in a dance studio and evolved into a decade-long career as a professional dancer and aerialist.
Inspired by movement’s transformative power, she transitioned to Pilates and fitness to help others build strength, resilience, and confidence. Chelsea emphasizes the mind-body connection, using movement as a path to healing and empowerment.
As a 3rd Generation Classical Pilates instructor, she holds comprehensive certification through Alycea Ungaro’s REAL Pilates program. With a modern approach rooted in classical principles, Chelsea guides clients toward balance, vitality, and a deeper connection to their bodies.
Brita Unger - Studio Owner
With 12 years of experience in the Pilates industry, Brita founded Align Pilates in 2021. Her expertise lies in recovery - correcting misalignment and optimizing movement patterns. She is Classically trained through the 950-hour Boulder program, and continues to expand into specialized training in MS, stroke recovery, joint replacements and osteo-arthritis. She also holds a Trauma-Informed certification from UBC.
Her journey into Pilates began at a retreat in Sayulita, Mexico, with celebrity trainer Alisa Wyatt of Pilatesology.com. This experience inspired her to shift her corporate career in ergonomics to Pilates. A former equestrian jumper and gymnast, Brita faced nerve pain and pelvic misalignment from hypermobility and injuries. Pilates was the only solution to resolve her discomfort, driving her passion to help others.
Brita enjoys running, hiking, painting, yoga, and exploring North Shore trails with her dog, Koda. She’s also an avid snowboarder.
Continuing education
Osteoarthritis and Lower Extremity Replacements - Active initiatives Physiotherapy - 2024
UBC Trauma informed therapy - 2022
Pilates for Neurological Conditions - The Neuro Studio 2020
Soft Tissue Release (Level 1) Workshop/ Jim Bilotta 2019
The Pelvic Floor, Cathy Watson Physiotherapy - 2015
Boulder Classical Pilates advanced certification - Matilda Christensen 2014
BCRPA Personal training - 2010