OUR TEAM

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Jacqueline Ethier, NCPT

Jacqueline Ethier, NCPT

International Faculty Member, Fletcher Pilates® Program of Study
Fletcher Pilates® Professional Teacher
Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher
FRC® Certified Mobility Specialist
Z-Health® Neurocentric Movement Re-education (Neurology, Performance)

Sudbury native Jacqueline Ethier has been a respected leader in Ottawa’s health and wellness community for more than two decades. At the heart of Jacqueline’s work is a belief in the transformative power of movement education. Through her compassionate and client-centred approach to teaching, she has touched the lives of countless individuals. Her work emphasizes the somatic experience, is guided by curiosity, and is informed by current research in movement science and health. Jacqueline’s extensive knowledge, depth of experience, and keen intuition allow her to observe and understand movement with exceptional clarity. This unique perspective enables her to respond to the individual needs of each person she works with, whether a professional athlete, dancer, or mover of any age or ability, helping them achieve their goals with greater confidence and ease.

A dance artist, educator, mother, and entrepreneur, Jacqueline is a graduate of the Contemporary Dance Programme at The School of Dance in Ottawa and holds the designation of Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher. Her contributions to the community and entrepreneurial achievements have been recognized through honours such as the prestigious Ottawa Business Journal Forty Under 40 Award. She has also been a finalist for both the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award and the YMCA Women of Distinction Award.

In 2002, Jacqueline founded Pilates Space in a small basement studio on O’Connor Street, at a time when Pilates was still relatively unknown in Ottawa. Through vision, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, she and her husband, Charlie, have grown the studio into Ottawa’s premier Fletcher Pilates movement studio and Teacher Training Educational Centre.

Jacqueline had the privilege of studying with first-generation Pilates teacher Ron Fletcher for nearly a decade. This mentorship profoundly shaped her teaching philosophy and practice. In recognition of her deep understanding and embodiment of Fletcher Pilates, Ron entrusted her with the distinction of disseminator of his work.

Under Jacqueline’s leadership, Pilates Space was recognized as Best Pilates Studio at the 2020 Ottawa Health and Wellness Expo and received recognition for Leadership in Health. From its inception, Pilates Space has been grounded in the principles of respect, inclusivity, and fairness. Together with her team, Jacqueline continues to foster a welcoming environment where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities are invited to learn, move, and grow.

Charlie Ayoub

Charlie Ayoub

Fletcher Pilates® Professional Teacher

Charlie has played an integral role in the growth and development of Pilates Space, working alongside his wife, Jacqueline, to build a thriving movement education community. Together with their dedicated team, they continue to honour and advance the Fletcher Pilates lineage, ensuring that its principles remain both relevant and accessible to all practitioners.

After spending a decade in a corporate environment, Charlie experienced firsthand the physical and mental challenges associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Introduced to Pilates in 1999, he quickly recognized the transformative benefits of a consistent movement practice. As a long-time practitioner of Wing Chun Kung Fu, he was drawn to the shared emphasis on coordination, timing, precision, and mindful movement that characterize both disciplines.

Charlie earned his YMCA Certified Personal Trainer designation in 1999, laying the foundation for further study in movement education. In 2009, he completed the Fletcher Pilates Comprehensive Program, becoming part of the first cohort to undertake this training in Canada.

Known for his thoughtful teaching style, gentle movement progressions, and warm sense of humour, Charlie creates an environment where students feel supported, capable, and empowered. Over the years, he has helped countless individuals develop greater confidence, ease, and comfort in their bodies, fostering lasting improvements in their movement, health, and overall well-being.

Kim Laporte

Kim Laporte

Studio Coordinator
Fletcher Pilates® Professional Teacher

Kim was first introduced to Pilates in 2002 while studying ballet in the Professional Programme at The School of Dance in Ottawa. After graduating, she moved to Vancouver to continue her dance training and pursue a professional dance career.

After living in the United Kingdom, Kim returned to Ottawa in 2011 and established herself as a dedicated dance educator. She earned her Associate Diploma with Cecchetti Canada and has spent the last 15 years teaching and coaching ballet students at The School of Dance, sharing her passion for movement and artistic excellence with the next generation of dancers.

In 2015, Kim became a Fletcher Pilates Qualified Teacher after completing the Fletcher Pilates Comprehensive Program at Pilates Space. Building on this foundation, she completed the Fletcher Pilates Professional Program through Body Works Pilates in Tucson, Arizona, further deepening her understanding of movement and the Fletcher Pilates lineage. Committed to lifelong learning, she continues to expand her knowledge through ongoing professional development, including specialized training in Trauma-Informed Practice: Trauma and the Body.

Kim has long appreciated the way Pilates complements and enhances dance training, while also recognizing its profound relevance for people from all walks of life. She brings a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of movement, and a genuine enthusiasm for teaching. Her thoughtful, encouraging approach helps students build confidence, and discover new possibilities in movement.

Since joining the Pilates Space team in 2015, Kim has made a lasting impact on the community through her dedication, warmth, and expertise. In 2020, she stepped into the role of Studio Coordinator, where her commitment and compassion have further strengthened the Pilates Space community. Today, she remains an integral part of the fabric of Pilates Space, supporting both students and colleagues with care, professionalism, and generosity of spirit.

Mary Catherine Jack

Mary Catherine Jack

Fletcher Pilates® Qualified Teacher
MELT Method® Instructor
MELT Method® Neurostrength Instructor

Mary Catherine is an independent dance artist, educator, and lifelong student of movement. She is a graduate of the Professional Contemporary Dance Training Program at The School of Dance in Ottawa and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Arts from the University of Waterloo.

With more than two decades of teaching experience, Mary Catherine has shared her passion for movement with students of all ages and abilities—from children and teens to adults, and from beginners to professional dancers. Driven by curiosity and a spirit of exploration, she continually expands her own practice through ongoing professional development and the study of diverse movement modalities. She views learning as an evolving process and brings this openness, creativity, and sense of discovery to every class she teaches.

Inspired by the arts, the natural world, and the vibrant community that surrounds her, Mary Catherine fosters a welcoming and engaging learning environment. Since joining the Pilates Space team in 2007, she has been an invaluable member of the community, encouraging students to explore movement with curiosity, presence, and joy.

Cathy Kyle

Cathy Kyle

Fletcher Pilates® Licensed Provider
BONE FIT™ Instructor (Canada)
BUFF BONES® Instructor (USA)
HYPOPRESSIVES CANADA Instructor

Cathy began her intensive study of Pilates in 2009 as a practice client for the Fletcher Pilates Comprehensive Program. After many years as a professional dancer, and teacher, she experienced the strengthening and healing benefits of Pilates firsthand. Her personal practice deepened her understanding of movement and brought a new dimension to her teaching, making the transition to Pilates a natural next step in her professional journey.

In 2010, Cathy became a Fletcher Pilates Licensed Provider, expanding her ability to support individuals through thoughtful, movement-based education. Alongside her Pilates work, she is a faculty member in the Contemporary Dance Program at The School of Dance and continues to create, choreograph, and present original work in the Ottawa community.

Committed to ongoing learning and evidence-informed practice, Cathy has pursued specialized training in bone health and healthy aging. She is a BONE FIT Instructor through Osteoporosis Canada, a BUFF BONES Instructor, and a Level 3 Instructor with Hypopressives Canada. She is also trained in Hypopressive – Low Pressure Fitness, bringing a diverse and well-rounded perspective to her teaching.

Since joining the Pilates Space team in 2011, Cathy has shared her passion for movement with boundless energy, curiosity, and compassion. Her warmth and enthusiasm inspire students to move to their fullest potential with joy and gratitude.

Jane Fitzpatrick

Jane Fitzpatrick

Fletcher Pilates® Licensed Provider

Jane has been inspired by the Pilates method since first discovering it in 2001 while recovering from a shoulder injury. Seeking a way to support her rehabilitation and regain strength, she turned to Pilates and quickly experienced its transformative benefits. What began as a path to recovery soon evolved into a lifelong passion for movement and wellness.

Under the mentorship of Jacqueline Ethier, Jane completed her first Matwork training program in 2003. Eager to deepen her understanding and expand her teaching repertoire, she went on to become a Fletcher Pilates Licensed Provider, incorporating Fletcher Towelwork®, Barrework™, and Floorwork® into her practice. She has also pursued studies on the Reformer and Wunda Chair and earned her Level 1 Kettlebell Specialist Certification, further broadening her knowledge of functional movement and strength training.

Outside the studio, Jane is passionate about an active lifestyle and enjoys cycling, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, and gardening. She values the role movement plays in supporting both physical health and mental well-being and has found Pilates to be an ideal complement to the demands of a busy career as a Senior Project Manager.

Since joining the Pilates Space team in 2005, Jane has been a dedicated and valued member of the community. Known for her warmth, enthusiasm, and positive energy, she shares her passion for Pilates with a unique zest for life, encouraging students to move with strength, confidence, and enjoyment.

Jennifer Bitz

Jennifer Bitz

Fletcher Pilates® Qualified Teacher

Jennifer’s love of movement began in childhood through dance. She has studied and taught a variety of dance forms and developed a strong foundation in classical ballet through her training at The School of Dance in Ottawa and l’École supérieure de danse du Québec in Montreal.

In the early 2000s, Jennifer was introduced to Pilates through Jacqueline Ethier and immediately recognized it as a missing piece in her movement practice. As a dedicated student, she experienced firsthand the transformative benefits of Pilates, finding relief from chronic pain while developing greater strength, tone, and body awareness. She also discovered how Pilates enhanced her dance technique and provided a sustainable way to care for herself while balancing the demands of motherhood and a career in the public service as an Executive Director.

Driven by her passion for movement and learning, Jennifer completed the Fletcher Pilates Comprehensive Program in 2018 under the guidance and mentorship of Jacqueline Ethier. The following year, she achieved a long-held goal by becoming a Fletcher Pilates Qualified Teacher after successful completion of testing in Tucson, Arizona.

Since joining the Pilates Space team in 2019, Jennifer has been committed to helping clients build strength, confidence, and resilience through movement. She believes that Pilates empowers people to participate more fully in the activities they love – whether running marathons, playing on the floor with grandchildren, dancing with freedom and joy, or simply moving through daily life with greater comfort and ease. Her thoughtful and encouraging approach helps students discover their own capacity for growth and well-being through movement.

A lifelong learner herself, Jennifer continues to pursue opportunities for personal and professional growth. In 2026, she completed a graduate program in Executive Coaching at Royal Roads University, bringing additional insight into communication, personal growth, and human potential to both her teaching and coaching practices.

Caitlin Elmslie

Caitlin Elmslie

Fletcher Pilates® Professional Teacher

Caitlin is a registered Occupational Therapist and graduate of the Fletcher Pilates Comprehensive Program, completed under the mentorship of Jacqueline Ethier. Her Pilates journey began with a Mat Pilates certification through Body Harmonics before continuing her studies in the full Fletcher Pilates repertoire, deepening her understanding of the connection between body, mind, and breath.

Caitlin has taught dance for over fifteen years, working with students of all ages in studios and programs across Ontario. A highlight of her training was spending three months in New York City studying at the Broadway Dance Center through its International Student Visa Program.

Driven by a desire to better understand the therapeutic potential of movement, creative expression, and embodied awareness, Caitlin is currently studying with the National Centre for Dance Therapy to become a registered Dance/Movement Therapist.

Passionate about the role of movement in health and well-being, Caitlin values both Pilates and dance as powerful tools for building strength, confidence, and connection. Since joining the Pilates Space team in 2022, she has brought insight, curiosity, and genuine care to her teaching, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all.

Miriam Benoy

Miriam Benoy

Fletcher Pilates® Qualified Teacher

Miriam is a professional dancer and Pilates teacher who studied extensively at The School of Dance, graduating from the Professional Ballet Program in 2019 and the Contemporary Dance Diploma Program in 2022. Throughout her dance training, Pilates played an important role in her strength, conditioning, and injury prevention, eventually inspiring a passion for teaching.

In 2024, Miriam earned her Fletcher Pilates Matwork certification and, under the mentorship of Jacqueline Ethier, completed the Fletcher Pilates Comprehensive Program in 2026, achieving the designation of Fletcher Pilates Qualified Teacher.

Miriam believes in the transformative power of movement and is committed to helping others discover its benefits. As she continues to grow her own practice, she shares her knowledge with clients, guiding them toward greater strength, flexibility, balance, and overall well-being with enthusiasm and care.

Katherine Ng

Katherine Ng

Fletcher Pilates® Qualified Teacher

Katherine is a certified flexibility coach, movement educator, and professional dancer. With more than a decade of experience in the performing arts, she specializes in helping students—from ages 9 through adulthood—develop greater flexibility, mobility, and body awareness.

Katherine holds certifications in Alixa Flexibility Modules 1–5 and spent three years as an ambassador student under founder Alixa Sutton, deepening her understanding of flexibility training, hypermobility, and movement education. She also draws on her background in contortion and Pilates, bringing a thoughtful, informed, and supportive approach to her teaching.

As a Fletcher Pilates® Qualified Teacher, Katherine is passionate about helping movers of all levels build strength, flexibility, and confidence in a safe and sustainable way. Her teaching emphasizes mindful movement, proper alignment, and individual progress, empowering students to reach their goals while fostering a deeper connection to their bodies.

Alexis Andrew

Alexis Andrew

Fletcher Pilates® Matwork Teacher

Alexis has performed, choreographed, and taught contemporary dance, improvisation, and movement practices throughout Canada and Europe for more than three decades. She is a graduate of the School of Toronto Dance Theatre and furthered her studies at the European Dance Development Centre in the Netherlands. Alexis was also the co-artistic director of collective (gulp) dance projects and produced three editions of the Square Zero Independent Dance Festival.

Introduced to Pilates as a teenager, Alexis has incorporated it into her movement practice ever since. She has been a dedicated student at Pilates Space since 2006 and was delighted to qualify as a Fletcher Pilates Matwork Teacher in 2024. She continues to expand her training through additional Fletcher Pilates modules while balancing her roles as a senior public servant and mother of two.

As a teacher, Alexis draws on her extensive movement background and strong technical knowledge while remaining attentive to the unique needs, goals, and potential of each student. Movement is a source of both joy and balance for her, and she is passionate about sharing its transformative benefits with others.

Robin Treleaven

Robin Treleaven

Fletcher Pilates® Licensed Provider

Robin (she/her) is a dance artist and movement teacher who first discovered Pilates in 2013 through her dance training. She is a graduate of both the Professional Ballet Programme and the Contemporary Dance Programme at The School of Dance, and has trained in a wide range of movement forms, including ballet, contemporary dance, Lindy Hop, and vernacular jazz.

As a freelance dance artist based in Ottawa, Robin has collaborated with organizations such as Ottawa Dance Directive, The School of Dance, Dark Horse Dance Projects, and Youth Infringement Festival, among many others. Her work spans performance, teaching, choreography, and stage management, reflecting her versatility and deep engagement with the local arts community.

Robin believes that Pilates has the potential to benefit everyone and every body, which inspired her to pursue her Fletcher Pilates teacher training. Drawing on her diverse movement experience, she brings a thoughtful and inclusive approach to teaching that fosters both physical well-being and personal growth.

Myrielle Bernier-Acuña

Myrielle Bernier-Acuña

Fletcher Pilates® Licensed Provider

Myrielle is a professional dancer, Pilates teacher and yoga teacher. She graduated from the Professional Ballet Program at The School of Dance before continuing her studies in the three-year Contemporary Dance Diploma Program, graduating in 2018.

Later that year, she became a licensed Fletcher Pilates Provider and, in 2019, successfully completed a 500-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training under the guidance of Eliot Acuña.

From an early age, Myrielle was immersed in the teachings and practices of yoga and meditation through her parents, both devoted practitioners. She was especially influenced by her mother, a teacher of Iyengar Yoga and Neelakantha Meditation, whose example fostered a lifelong appreciation for mindful movement and self-awareness.

Combining her passion for movement with a deep commitment to understanding body alignment and function, Myrielle enjoys sharing her knowledge with others. Through both Pilates and yoga, she helps students develop greater strength, balance, and body awareness while discovering the many benefits these practices can bring to everyday life.