Our Trainers
Lara Yanik
Lara started Pilates in 2003 when her Physician said to her that it was imperative that she start Pilates in order to improve her posture, thus taking the pain away from her muscular imbalances. Excited, she signed up for privates in a North Vancouver studio and started on the Reformer - it was love at first sight! After completing many privates, she decided this was the environment and career for her. The results were amazing and she wanted to share that with everyone. She completed her BCRPA, 1st year apprenticeship, Stott Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrel and ISP certifications. Lara went on and continued learning from everyone she could. She learnt various styles of Pilates from trainers all over North America: Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto, Victoria, Hawaii, and Kelowna. After years of studying, she finally decided that classical Pilates is her calling. She is currently enrolled in the Boulder Colorado teacher training program in North Vancouver.
Kate Watson
Hello! As an owner and Instructor I welcome you to experience the power of Pilates with me. After years of challenging my body to the max with dance, hockey, soccer and competitive snowboarding I knew I had to look for a way to satisfy my taste for exercise and fun all in one! After the birth of my second child, my back was getting bad again and I needed to strengthen my core - this is when I found Pilates. From the first class I took, I was hooked! I have been teaching Pilates for 5 years and I am a fully certified Stott Pilates instructor. I have completed my Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels and ISP certifications and have taken many workshops in different methods including Boulder Pilates. As an outdoors enthusiast, it has only been natural to layer Pilates into my life. I had to overcome a back injury and Pilates has given me the long-term results I was looking for. Pilates brought core strength into all my sports, whether it is snowboarding, mountain biking or just playing around with my two girls. I am now strong and balanced in my body. I invite everyone to come and experience with me what Pilates has to offer.
Hayley Harkness
Hayley started Pilates with no intention to ever teach it. Hayley practices Pilates religiously and loves it! After two years into her practice, her trainer suggested that she would be an amazing teacher. Hayley thought about it for a long time and decided that it was a great idea. She completed her courses in Stott Mat and Reformer and has continued learning through many different workshops. Hayley has a lot of fun with her clients and teaches very dynamic classes.
Sharon O'Connor
Sharon recently moved from Penticton and is stoked to be living in Vernon and working at The Pilates Connection. Fitness has always been important to Sharon. Certified as a yoga instructor, and as well as achieving her certification in Stott Mat and Reformer, Sharon enjoys teaching a fun and feisty class. She is currently enrolled in a 500 hour Hatha Certification program as well as Boulder Pilates Cetification, to deepen and broaden her knowledge base and inspiration. Sharon loves her 2 year old son, Ryder.
Mary-Jeanne Tremblay
Hi, my name is Mary-Jeanne also known by many as MJ. I have been living in the Okanagan since 1994 and am proud to call the beautiful Okanagan home. I love exploring life and the world with curiosity, openness and heart. Committed and loyal to my family, friends and career, I am someone who wears compassion on my sleeve and am driven to serve humanity.
With a lifetime commitment to health and fitness I find Pilates and Yoga are a lifestyle choice that has given me much benefit physically, spiritually and emotionally. I also enjoy a successful career as a Nurse in Mental Health Services and feel fortunate to honestly say I LOVE What I do! For the last 20 yrs I have enjoyed teaching, facilitating and instructing individuals and small groups in fitness/health/wellness. Teaching Stott Pilates has been fun and rejuvenating. My cheerful gentle nature creates an atmosphere in which others feel accepted, motivated and respected.
As a Certified Pilates Instructor (Stott Mat/Reformer/Chair level 1, Boulder Pilates trainee) I am excited to have joined the team at Pilates Connections here in Vernon. The clients, team and community have been welcoming, warm and inspiring. Here is to living life with love, light and laughter.
Gilian S Kilgour
L.I.S.T.D (Finale Dip.) A.R.A.D. A.I.D.T.A.
Certified Stott Pilates Instructor
Mat, Reformer and CCB
Having completed Stott Pilates Mat Certification to Advanced level in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Gilian went on to certify in Reformer and CCB in Winnipeg. Mat instruction includes working with small apparatus such as Flex Band, Fitness Circle, Toning Ball, Foam Roller, Bosu, Wedge and more.
Gilian teaches all levels, including private instruction, semi privates, group classes and more with a keen eye. Challenging her clients to work their bodies to maximum potential while making sure they are executing correct form and technique. This comes from a background of over 25 years teaching and studying Dance (Ballet & Contemporary), Anatomy, Physiology and Body Mechanics. Gilian is also a Certified Gyrotonic Instructor.
Due to her unique teaching background, Gilian's classes are extremely popular.
Yun Cheung
Yun recently moved to the beautiful Okanagan from North Vancouver and is excited to join the team at the Pilates Connection. She has been teaching Pilates for over 10 years and has trained with Polestar and Stott Pilates. She is currently working on completing her Level II Stott Pilates certification for Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair and Barrels. Yun's background includes an undergraduate degree in Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia as well as earning her Certified Strength and Conditioning (CSCS) and Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) credentials through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). She is also a Stretch Therapy practitioner, trained by Kit Laughlin and the Posture and Flexibility method. Yun earned her Masters in Physiotherapy from the University of Alberta and is a Registered Physiotherapist. In her free time, Yun enjoys trail and snowshoe running, skiing, biking, paddleboarding and yoga.