At Art of Pilates, each of our skilled instructors brings their unique perspective and expertise to ensure that clients receive the best possible experience. We share a collective passion for people and Pilates, fostering a strong sense of community within our studio.

Michelle Donati

Michelle completed her comprehensive teacher training with Risa Sheppard. The Sheppard Method of Pilates is based on the original Pilates passed down through Joseph himself. Michelle has her PMA certification, PSC certification, and has completed her BASI certification on injuries and pathologies. She continues to update her knowledge and strives to bring the best in innovative, contemporary exercises. Michelle prides herself in offering eclectic, challenging classes but adjusts levels according to student ability and comfort. She loves bringing variety to each session using various apparatus including the Cadillac, Wunda Chair, and Reformer. Michelle brings energy and joy to her work and thrives in dynamic environments. She looks forward to contributing to a positive and healthy lifestyle for each and every student.

Sarah Thomason

Sarah Thomason is a distinguished Pilates Instructor in the Los Angeles area and Professor in the dance department at Loyola Marymount University for their pilates program. She is the founder of the SET Method, a teacher training program producing Superior, Elite, Training for those who want to become Pilates Instructors of the highest standard. She first discovered Pilates as a dancer and fell in love with the way it helped strengthen and transform her body. In 2009 she became a certified BASI (Body Arts and Science International) Instructor with an emphasis in dance. She has since completed a variety of other trainings to compliment her own unique teaching style. Sarah has assisted and worked closely with physical therapists and taught alongside Samantha Wood dpt, assisting her in her course, Pilates for Injuries and Pathologies. Sarah is a Teacher Trainer for her own SET Method and has taught workshops for Pilates instructors across the country as well as overseas in Japan. Her clientele range from professional athletes, to pre and post-natal women, stroke patients, cancer survivors, and clients with a variety of ailments including, spinal injuries, paraplegia, and vertigo. Joseph Pilates once said, “you are only as young as your spine is flexible” and it is Sarah’s intention to provide longevity to any spine she comes across through the art of Pilates.

Aileen has been dancing all her life and has trained extensively in Ballet, Jazz, and Modern, and Tap. She has attended training intensives with American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, and San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, and it was at these intensives that she discovered Pilates as a form of cross training to supplement her dance classes. She became certified in Pilates in Portland, Oregon through Pacific Northwest Pilates. She believes that Pilates plays an important role in strengthening her body and mind, and has helped her recover from and prevent injuries through her years as a Dance major at Loyola Marymount University. She loves sharing the benefits of Pilates with others and is delighted to be a part of the Art of Pilates staff.

Aileen Moran

Judy McGuire

Judy is an upbeat instructor that fell in love with Pilates during her first session in 2005. She learned from Gerard Hinderlich, a master trainer with Polestar Pilates. Judy loved that Pilates made her mind and body feel stronger in order to live her life to the fullest which sparked her interest in going more in depth by taking on the responsibility of being an instructor and passing on her life changing experience to her clients. Judy truly enjoys sharing her love and knowledge of Pilates, movement, and its healing aspects with people to help them feel longer, stronger, and better no matter where they start. She is flexible with clients who may have past or current injuries, you’ll leave your sessions feeling invigorated and ready to take on the world! In her free time you may catch Judy obsessing over College Basketball, she loves the sport and looks forward to kicking her feet up and enjoying a great game!

Hagar completed her comprehensive teacher’s training at Sheppard Method Pilates. The Sheppard Method emphasises classical pilates as taught by Joseph Pilates himself. She continues to educate herself and attend workshops, and is especially interested in active aging and posture correction. Her classes build upon classical pilates, focusing on control, balance and accuracy, incorporating dynamic and playful elements. She is experienced with clients who may have a history of injuries/sever conditions including back pain, scoliosis, arthritis, and knee pain.

Hagar Barak

Robyn has had a passion for dance and movement since she was a little girl. She discovered Pilates in High School while rigorously performing and competing in dance, using it as an essential method for cross-training. Her love of movement has continued into adulthood, encompassing barre, aerial arts, and teaching dance, yet she consistently returned to her Pilates practice. After facing some health challenges, She decided to make a career change to follow her calling to help others and share her love of movement. She completed her Full Comprehensive training with The Body Process (Culver City) which emphasizes an inclusive and holistic approach to Pilates education. She is passionate about functional mobility and active aging, believing that everyone can benefit from Pilates and improve their quality of life through its practice.

Robyn Breeding

Becca Wilson

Rebecca relocated to San Diego from San Francisco in 2013 and has recently
landed in Los Angeles. She certified in STOTT PILATES® Matwork, Reformer,
Stability Chair™, Barrels, Cadillac from Blue Sparrow Pilates in San Francisco,
Total Barre™ from John Garey Fitness and Pilates in Long Beach and is a
Foundational Fascial Movement Trainer. She is trained in Injuries and Special
Populations and is experienced working with clients who need specialized
modifications and programming due to injuries and other conditions. She has
experience working as a Pilates instructor and PT aide at a physical therapy
clinic and is continuing her education in the health and medical field.
In 2007, Rebecca graduated from Mills College, Oakland with a Master’s of Fine
Arts in Choreography and Performance of Modern Dance. That same year she
began teaching modern dance technique at Sonoma State University. While
performing and choreographing professionally in the San Francisco Bay Area,
New York, and now San Diego, Rebecca has found Pilates to be a perfect
complement to her dance career. She is passionate about sharing her love of
movement and fitness with others. “Watching clients move better and feel better
is one of the most satisfying feelings in the world.”
Rebecca is a dancer, choreographer, educator and enthusiast of scuba diving,
hiking and kayaking. Pilates has allowed her to become a stronger and more
efficient mover in all of her favorite activities. She has also found Pilates to aid in
the rehabilitation of a lower back injury. A healthy back is important for all
aspects of life including lifting and cuddling her 22 pound best friend, Thomas the
cat.