Meet Our Team
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Holly Murray
Owner & Steward of Pi Teacher Training Academy
Holly discovered Pilates in Seattle in 2000 and, after completing her training with Romana Kryzanowska in 2003, became one of the first in the UK to open a fully equipped Pilates studio.
In 2009, she launched the UK’s first teacher training for the Pilates Method. Today, the Pi Teacher Training Academy is internationally recognised as a comprehensive training centre for the Method of Joseph Pilates.
Holly remains devoted to Pilates as a healing process — one that re-educates the body, restores natural movement, and trusts in each client’s ability to return to wholeness.
She is an alumnus of the Flow Genome Project and among the first UK mentors in Flow, having worked with Steven Kotler and Jamie Wheal. Flow is a state of heightened performance, creativity, problem-solving, and learning capacity (see our Mind Gym for more).
Holly has also worked with Gabor Maté, deepening her understanding of how childhood patterns live in the body — a perspective that aligns fully with the Pilates Method and supports a return to true potential and wholeness.
“Never has a day gone by when I have not been grateful for the Method and the steady foundation it has provided in my life. Pilates, in its fullest expression, is a Return to Life.”
For private 1:1 sessions with Holly, please email: theconservatory@pistudios.co.uk
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Sophia More
Classical Teacher & Teacher Trainer
Sophia More, a seasoned Pilates practitioner and longtime Pi Studios teacher, has over 20 years of experience. Originally training under Holly Murray, she embraced Classical Pilates as both a practice and a philosophy. Now a Teacher Trainer on Pi’s Full Comprehensive Teacher Training Programme, she mentors aspiring instructors while continually refining her practice through advanced training. Passionate about movement, Sophia’s personalised approach helps clients unlock strength, flexibility, and vitality. She has trained with esteemed figures like Bob Liekens and Kathi Ross Nash.
Pi Teacher Training
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Javier Toirkens
Classical Teacher - 2nd Generation Romana Kryzanowska
Javier is a long-standing friend of Pi, and we’re delighted to welcome him back to teach at Pi Studios. A true Classical Pilates teacher, widely respected for his integrity and deeply passionate about the work, he is committed to preserving the authenticity of the Method and the classical apparatus while advancing Pilates education worldwide. He’s the real deal, full-force Classical.
Javier met Romana Kryzanowska at her New York school in 2007 and was certified in her lineage. He has been teaching internationally since 2008 and spent over six formative years in New York, fully immersed in the Method, teaching and training relentlessly alongside leading 1st- and 2nd-generation teachers.
His teaching is precise and inspiring, intelligent and progressively layered, with a sharp focus on depth, refinement, consistency, and the safety and integrity of the Method. Sessions are challenging yet supportive, always tailored to the individual, and designed to build strength, control, and confidence with clarity and purpose.
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Max Lobatto
Classical Teacher
From an early age, Max has practised martial arts and discovered Pilates to help him regain his strength and rehabilitate after an injury required surgery. He soon realised that Pilates not only helped him restore balance and strength in his body but also sharpened his focus. As a result, Max decided to embark on his own Pilates certification journey. Now a Pilates instructor, Max works extensively with athletes from a wide range of sports using Pilates to help them restore, rehabilitate and strengthen their bodies. His broad experience includes a 5-year spell at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club.
Pi Studios Teacher Training
Pilates Art Trainer Programme — Javier Velazquez
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Tala Barot
Classical Teacher & Co-Founder of Tru Pilates - Buckinghamshire
A swimmer and long-distance runner since childhood, I turned to Reformer Pilates after my swim coach recommended it for back issues. I became a certified teacher with Balance Body in Dubai and recently deepened my practice through a workshop with Gloria Gasperi, Jay Grimes, and Sandy Shimoda. My goal is to help clients feel connected and experience Pilates’ transformative power.
Pi Teacher Training
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Nasia Grimani
Classical Teacher & Teacher Trainer
Nasia holds a Bachelor's in Physiotherapy and she has three Pilates certifications: one in contemporary and two in classical method (Power Pilates and Pi). She has trained with esteemed figures like Kathi Ross Nash, Sonje Mayo, Javier Velazquez, Jean-Claude Nelson, Saul Choza. To further her expertise in the method and be able to deliver it in the purest way, she trained as a Teacher Trainer on Pi's Full Comprehensive Teacher Training Programme by Holly Murray.
She loves sharing her knowledge and help people explore all the possibilities and what their bodies can do. As an ex-athlete she uses the method to discipline the body and make it healthier and stronger. She has been using the method on clients ranging from 83 years old with musculoskeletal problems through young dancers, runners, cyclists, triathlon athletes, volleyball players, pre and post-natal women, paraplegic people, cancer survivors, and many more. She supports her students grow physically and mentally. Classical Pilates is for everyone and can benefit everybody.
She is based in London and you can find her at North West London, South London and in the City of London.
Teaching is her passion and a way of expression, awakening joy and inspiring others.
Next to Pilates some of her favourite sports to keep her active and switch off from her day is boxing, kick boxing, parkour, yoga
Power Pilates Teacher Training
Pi Teacher Training
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Gioia Davi
Classical Teacher
"Hi, I’m Gioia, a Classical Pilates teacher, passionate about helping people move better, feel stronger, and connect with their bodies in a more mindful way.
Before discovering Pilates, I spent years training in boxing and CrossFit.
Those experiences taught me a lot about strength and discipline, but it was Pilates that really changed how I understand my body.
It showed me a more thoughtful and balanced way to build strength; one that focuses on control, flow, and awareness.
I completed my comprehensive training at Pi Studio, but I believe the learning never stops.
For me, Pilates is more than just a workout, it’s a lifelong journey of growth and discovery.
Pi Teacher Training
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Pooja Valechha
Classical Teacher
With over a decade of experience as a dedicated Pilates student, I discovered my true passion for movement while on a sabbatical from my corporate career. What began as a personal journey led me to certify in Mat Pilates and dive deeper into the classical method through my training at PI studio. Having experienced the effects of a sedentary lifestyle firsthand, I’m passionate about helping others reconnect with their bodies, build strength, and find confidence through mindful movement.
I also have a keen interest in how nutrition supports movement, and believe in a holistic approach to wellness that nurtures both body and mind. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, focused, and empowered one hour at a time.
Pi Teacher Training
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Trevor Schoonraad
Classical Teacher
Trevor first came to Pilates during his training at English National Ballet School where he was taught by the legendary Alan Herdman, who is credited with being the Father of British Pilates.
Since then Trevor has always relied on Pilates to maintain and strengthen his technique as a professional dancer and to prevent and rehabilitate from injuries that are all too common in the dance profession.
He certified comprehensively with Peak Pilates® in 2007 during which time he studied under Claire Dunphy (who studied directly with Romana Kryzonowska).
Trevor subsequently became a Master Instructor and Teacher Trainer for Peak Pilates® and presented courses and workshops internationally. He has also developed and presented CPD courses for The APPI Health Group(London).
Trevor has taught in studios around the world and loves nothing more than sharing the knowledge and many benefits of the Pilates method.
He is passionate about preserving the classical Pilates method and passing it on to future generations of Pilates practitioners and instructors alike.
Trevor is currently working on developing a Pilates for Dancers program in collaboration with Pi Pilates Studio which will launch in the coming months.
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Pinja Maenpaa
Classical Teacher
Hi there, I’m Pinja! I’m a former athlete and corporate professional turned to Pilates Instructor and Holistic Health Coach. My classes are uplifting, strong, personalised to YOUR goals and always welcoming because pilates is for everyBODY. My goal is to ensure you leave my classes with a smile, feeling accomplished and more confident in your mind and body. I’ve personally experienced the magic of Pilates curing my years of chronic neck and back pain, but also connecting me to a kind community. That experience is at the heart of why I do what I do: to help others live healthier, longer lives filled with joy and meaningful connections. Outside the studio, you will most likely find me in nature with a friend, playing sports, or geeking on the latest in health & wellness research.
Pi Teacher Training
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Zhana Leeson
Classical Teacher
Practising Pilates for over a decade, Zhana was originally introduced to The Method after experiencing pain from a herniated disc. She was quickly hooked and it became her retreat from London life. However, it wasn't until she relocated to Amsterdam that she certified as a Pilates teacher. Life has brought her back to London where she continues to teach, share her passion, and further her knowledge of both classical and contemporary Pilates.
Pi Teacher Training
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Becky Uden
Classical Teacher & Studio Owner
Becky discovered Pilates while recovering from a snowboarding accident in 2008. Beyond physical healing, it brought emotional clarity, inspiring her to leave her digital media job and teach. As a full certified instructor, she works with diverse clients, personalising sessions to their needs. Becky believes Pilates is for everyone, offering transformation at any stage of life.
Pi Teacher Training
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John Smelt
Classical Teacher & Triathlon Coach
Office life with lots of long-distance travel, is never good for the body and discomfort increasingly became part of my everyday. A flight to Hong Kong, made possible only by a physio, surgical tape and painkillers, made me finally accept that something had to change.
And so over twenty years ago I started doing Pilates and it has grown from a necessity to a passion. As a teacher I want to pass on not just how positive Pilates is, but how fun it can be. I have worked with high performance athletes, people recovering from injuries, and those just wanting to stay mobile and active. Outside Pilates, I have raced bicycles on road and track, competed for GB Triathlon and continue to ride and swim.Pi Teacher Training
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Flo Dowler
Classical Teacher & Teacher Trainer
Flo’s passion for Pilates developed following a sporting injury resulting in a stress fracture to her back. Determined to learn more about her body and how to heal it. She went on to qualify as a Personal Trainer, however it wasn’t until she trained completed 600 hours of training at Pi as a Pilates Instructor that she noticed a significant improvement to her body . She successfully works through clients injuries -back to being pain free and feeling stronger than ever before. Flo believes in both the mental and physical benefits of Pilates for every age group, and relishes helping her clients find their mind-body connection through movement.
Pi Teacher Training
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Ashley Van Dyk
Classical Teacher
Ashley has over 10 years’ experience in both classical and rehabilitation Pilates. She discovered and immediately fell in love with Joseph Pilates' method of movement. The centring, concentration and breath control changed her perception of exercise. Ashley has furthered her education through pre- and postnatal Pilates, Yoga, and Gait Therapy.
Through Pilates, Ashley has found her true connection with her mind and body and strives to help others achieve proper body alignment.
Pi Teacher Training
Pilates Art Trainer Programme, Javier Velazquez
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Christos Niaros
Classical Teacher & Teacher Tainer
Christos began his Pilates journey in 2010. He holds two comprehensive Pilates certifications and was selected as part of the inaugural LEAP Masters Program, created and taught by legendary teacher Bob Liekens.
A graduate of the Classical Syllabus®, Beyond the Syllabus®, and PPATT™ programs, Christos has invested deeply in his education. He studied extensively with master teachers Bob Liekens, Mejo Wiggin and Kathryn Ross-Nash, and has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education with some of the most influential teachers in Classical Pilates.
Christos is committed to preserving and sharing the legacy of the Classical Method.
As a teacher of teachers, he works closely with both instructors and clients, offering guidance rooted in years of study and hands-on experience. His approach is thoughtful, precise, and driven by a genuine passion for the original work of Pilates.
The Leap - Bob Liekens
Red Thread - Kathy Ross Nash
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Isabella Tang
Classical Teacher
Isabella has been practicing Classical Pilates for over five years, and her passion and desire to deepen her own practice led her to become a teacher. Originally drawn for the rehabilitative benefits after two knee surgeries, she fell in love with the precision, control, and low-impact method of Pilates. She especially enjoys the challenge of acrobatics and inversions as the practice has progressed.
Having trained ex-dancers, Isabella brings a strong eye for movement and alignment. Expect to leave sessions feeling taller, stronger, and more energized.
Instagram: @pilates_isabella
Pi Teacher Training
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Rose Lewis
Classical Teacher
After moving to London in 2020, I discovered Pi as one of few truly classical spaces in the city, and started the process of training to become a classical teacher in the studio. I aim to bring positive, bright, and focused energy to my clients, meeting people where they are and grounding them in a meaningful experience in their bodies. and when not at Pi I enjoy coxing on the Thames, being a law student, and traveling as much as possible.
Pi Teacher Training