Tessa Crofton

Tessa Crofton

Tessa Crofton is the founder and director of West Coast Pilates and Health, which is celebrating 15 years of business in 2015. She is a well-known member of British Columbia's Pilates community, and a valuable resource, leader, and mentor to instructors. Tessa has always had a passion for movement and physical health, and she became a certified personal trainer, group fitness leader and strength trainer prior to becoming an Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES® in 2000. She is also a certified ZEN•GA® Instructor Trainer for Merrithew Health and Fitness™, and holds multiple certifications with BCRPA and Canfitpro. Tessa works with physiotherapy patients on the road to recovery, triathletes and fitness enthusiasts to enhance their athletic performance, and breast cancer survivors to rebuild their strength and spirit. Tessa practices Pilates and other mindful movement modalities to improve flexibility, strength and endurance in her own athletic endeavors. This leads to improved performance and keeps her injury free. Her passion for learning and sharing continuing education has helped Tessa become a sought after teacher and Instructor Trainer.

Shelly McCaffrey

Shelly McCaffrey

Shelly’s background in classical ballet combined with her passion for movement and fitness led her to commit herself to a career in health and wellness. It was during her formal dance training years that she was introduced to the Pilates method as a means of conditioning and injury prevention, and she instantly recognized how well it complemented her ballet training and the benefits of integrating this method into any fitness regime.   In 2000, Shelly was accepted into the STOTT PILATES® comprehensive training program in Toronto and graduated with full certification in Mat, Reformer, CCB, and ISP. She has since gone on to receive her STOTT PILATES® Instructor Trainer designation in Mat, Reformer, CCB, ISP and most recently Total Barre®, which has allowed her to present certification courses on behalf of Merrithew Health and Fitness since 2002.  Shelly’s extensive dance experience has provided her with an exceptional understanding of alignment and movement patterns as well as a keen eye for detail, and over the years she has gained experience working with clients of all abilities ranging from post rehab to elite athletes. A highly regarded instructor, Shelly teaches courses, examines students for certification, and presents workshops in Canada and Internationally. She brings with her an enthusiasm of the STOTT PILATES® method and the desire to share her knowledge with others.  She looks forward to seeing you in class!

 

Mia Soehn

Mia Soehn

Mia Soehn has been involved in the Health and Fitness Industry since 1989, as a personal trainer, fitness leader and manager of several facilities. In 1997 she competed in the Body Max Building Classic and soon after sustained injuries from a car accident, which led her to a career in Pilates for recovery. In 2001, Mia became a certified STOTT PILATES® Instructor, requiring her to learn over 500 exercises in mat, reformer, cadillac, chair, and barrel work at all levels. In 2005 Mia was invited to become a Mat and Reformer Instructor Trainer for Merrithew Health and Fitness™. She continues to add to her repertoire, and has recently completed certifications in ZEN•GA® and Total Barre®. Mia has also studied and practiced other modalities such as Thai Yoga Massage, Yoga Fusion, and she is a Level 2 Reiki Practitioner. Mia has rehabilitated herself back to health from several injuries including an ACL repair, carpal tunnel syndrome and other setbacks. This allowed her to gain greater knowledge and understanding of the body, and she enjoys helping others in their personal healing experience. Mia has worked in the past as a Chiropractor’s Assistant, where she learned the importance of a healthy functioning spine and nervous system. She currently works as an Optometrist’s Assistant, which has also added to her knowledge of a healthy body.

Darcy McMurray

Darcy McMurray is a fully certified STOTT PILATES® Instructor who has experience teaching a range of clients, from beginners to elite level athletes, and doing rehabilitation work. In addition, she is a certified Instructor Trainer. She has travelled internationally to train Pilates instructors, and to conduct workshops and exams. Darcy background is in dance. She has been dancing since age 4 and also works as a professional dancer.