Meet Our Team

ARIEL LEHAITRE
Owner & Founder of Pilates Santé
Founder of Clinical Instructor Academy
​MPT
​West Valley College Assistant Faculty

Ariel is a highly experienced Physical Therapist and Polestar Certified Rehabilitation Specialist with over 20 years in Pilates-based therapeutic exercise. She holds a B.S. in Clinical Exercise Physiology and an M.S. in Physical Therapy from Boston University.
A former pre-professional ballet dancer, Ariel trained with the School of American Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Injuries led her to discover Pilates for rehabilitation, which not only supported her recovery but inspired her transition to professional salsa dancing and international instruction.
In 2008, Ariel founded Pilates Santé, now over 15 years strong, to provide a more integrated approach to healing by combining physical therapy and Pilates. Her clinical focus is on correcting muscle imbalances, improving motor control, and restoring functional movement so clients can return to their active, pain-free lives.
A dedicated educator, Ariel recently launched Clinical Instructor Academy, a sister business to Pilates Santé. This program trains Pilates instructors to deliver safe, clinical-based sessions tailored to clients with a wide range of various musculoskeletal conditions. She also continues to offer specialized workshops and mentorships, and previously served as a Polestar Pilates Mentor (2011–2016). Her additional certifications include CoreAlign, Pilates for Osteoporosis, the Oov, and Scoliosis adaptations.
Outside her professional life, Ariel enjoys learning, holistic nutrition, meditation, and being a proud single mom to her teenage daughter, Simone.

THERESE VOELKER
DPT

Therese earned her B.S. in Biology & doctorate degree in physical therapy. She has over 25 years of experience in Pilates, orthopedics & manual therapy-based private practice.
Her focus is on the correction of faulty mechanics & muscle imbalances, core strength & improved functional mobility. She is a nationally certified Pilates Teacher & certified Polestar Rehabilitation Specialist. 
Therese has extensive training in CoreAlign & Oov therapeutic exercise systems & enjoys sharing this work with her colleagues & clients.

CINDY HOLMES
PT

Cindy is a licensed Physical Therapist with over 15 years of experience in outpatient orthopedics, working with a diverse population including sports medicine, neurology, and geriatrics. She began practicing Pilates early in her career and has since integrated its principles into her treatment approach.
With a strong foundation in yoga and mindfulness, Cindy takes a holistic approach to rehabilitation and wellness, focusing on movement, breath, nervous system regulation and individualized care. She is passionate about helping clients reduce pain, restore function, and feel stronger and more connected in their bodies.​

CRISTINA WALSKI
​Pilates Instructor

An active equestrian, Cristina’s passion for Pilates began over 15 years ago as a way to enhance her riding and support the physical demands of her life with horses.​
This led Cristina to teach the classical work of Joseph Pilates and earn accreditations from Balanced Body and STOTT Pilates. 
​Cristina is also a certified Personal Trainer and Functional Training Specialist through the
​American Council on Exercise.

MARCIA SORIANO
PTA, Pilates Instructor

Marcia is a passionate and highly skilled Physical Therapist Assistant who graduated with honors from the Ohlone College PTA Program in 2018. With experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings, she brings a well-rounded and compassionate approach to rehabilitation and movement. Her journey into Physical Therapy began with a love for mindful movement, earning her Comprehensive Pilates Certification through the Balanced Body program at the College of San Mateo in 2015.
Marcia is dedicated to helping clients reconnect with their bodies, restore confidence, and move through life with strength and ease. Her sessions blend clinical expertise with holistic movement principles, empowering each person with practical tools for lasting wellness.
Outside the clinic, Marcia recharges by spending time with her family and surfing the California coast.

GABBY ORTANEZ
Pilates Instructor

Gabby started her movement journey back in 2013 with the TRX suspension trainer in the Philippines. After seeing the importance of functional and bodyweight training, she moved to the Bay Area and pursued her career in fitness.
​She is currently a NASM certified personal trainer, Lagree fitness instructor, and a Polestar Pilates certified instructor. Her style involves a body-neutral, enthusiastic, and safe approach to movement that meets
​you where you are.​

FERNANDA TOMASI
​Pilates Instructor

​Fernanda is fascinated by the beauty and complexity of the human body. She earned her BS degree in Physical Therapy at the Federal University of Londrina in 2009 and MS degree in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation at the University of Brasília.
​Her journey with Pilates began when searching for treatment for fibromyalgia and was taken by how its methods improve body awareness and the understanding of movement, reflecting on daily life and well being. She became motivated to share this newfound skill and became a certified Pilates instructor.​

SARAH WILLARD
Pilates Instructor

Sarah has always had an interest in dance and exercise. In her spare time she took tap and jazz dance lessons and participated in local theater.  She then became interested in Pilates. When a family member was suffering with chronic pain, she was inspired to take it to the next level.
In 2020, she bought her own reformer and enrolled in the Pilates certification program at West Valley College. Once she was certified she began teaching group and private lessons in the South Bay Area. Sarah has learned through Pilates that exercise does not have to be rigorous in order to be effective.
She has helped numerous people improve their posture and reduce their pain. 
​Sarah’s mission is to increase awareness of the benefits of Pilates throughout her community. She believes Pilates is good for overall health and quality of life.

ISABEL ALFARO
​Pilates Instructor

​A passionate Pilates instructor with a background in dance and personal training, Isabel lives by the mantra movement is medicine. Isabel's journey with Pilates began several years ago while recovering from an injury and she has since become a Balanced Body certified Pilates instructor with a holistic and whole body approach to wellness and fitness.She is dedicated to helping others discover their strength, improve their mobility, and live a more movement forward lifestyle. She is currently working towards a career as a physical therapy assistant with the intention to deepen her commitment to healing through movement.
Isabel brings energy, empathy and a deep understanding of the body to every session and understands the importance of catering to each client's unique needs. In addition to teaching Pilates, she also works as a swim instructor, lifeguard and as a volunteer dance instructor.
When she's not teaching, Isabel enjoys spending time outside with her family backpacking, hiking and surfing.

CARLA MARTINS
Pilates Instructor

Carla is a Clinical Researcher currently transitioning into a new chapter focused on holistic healing and movement therapy. She is in the process of completing her Comprehensive Pilates Certification through Balanced Body, with a strong passion for Rehabilitative Pilates and the healing potential of mindful movement.
​
In parallel, she is pursuing additional certification in spinal pathologies to deepen her understanding of movement-based rehabilitation. She is also actively studying Traditional Chinese Medicine to become a TCM practitioner by 2027. Her goal is to integrate multiple healing modalities to support individuals on their journey to recovery and wellness.
​
As a native Brazilian, her favorite past times are taking Flamenco dancing classes and going to the beach to enjoy the sunshine!

AMITY RETUTA
Pilates Instructor

Amity is a Pilates instructor who completed her Comprehensive Teacher Training through Balanced Body at the College of San Mateo. Before discovering Pilates, she spent several years working as a veterinary nurse, where she developed a strong foundation in compassionate care, patience, and attention to the body’s needs.
Her own journey with Pilates began as a way to build strength, restore mobility, and find balance. Over time, it became much more — a source of clarity, resilience, and overall well-being. That personal transformation inspired her to begin teaching and support others in their own healing and growth.
Amity’s teaching style is supportive, restorative, and centered on meeting clients exactly where they are. She’s especially passionate about women’s health and committed to ongoing education to provide thoughtful, informed care.

SHARON MEISTER
Pilates Instructor

Sharon’s journey into Pilates began as a heartfelt response to her mother’s struggles with severe back pain. Drawing on her foundation in gymnastics and dance, she was instantly captivated by Pilates when she first stepped onto the mat in 1997. Sharon earned her mat certification and further advanced her expertise with a comprehensive certification in the classical full apparatus through the PhysicalMind Institute in 1999. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes a personalized safe, methodical approach centered on alignment, posture, and stability. Sharon has continued to share her passion for Pilates with both group and private clients in California and Texas.

SANEM ALKAN
Apprentice Pilates Instructor

Sam is working on completing the West Valley College Pilates Instructor program in May 2026.  An avid tennis player, swimmer, road & mountain cyclist with hypermobility issues, Sam took up Pilates and Barre 25 years ago to stabilize and strengthen her body.  Seeing how complementary Pilates is to physical therapy for injuries along the way, Sam developed a passion for “Rehabilitation Pilates,” prompting her to study Pilates formally and join Pilates Santé as an apprentice instructor as she gets ready to obtain her Pilates Instructor Certificate.  Sam is looking forward to supporting clients interested in personalizing their programs to specific body mechanics and conditions.

Office & Administration

CHRISTINA PAVLOVIC
Operations Director

GRACE GADDINI
Office Associate

Christina has worked as a healthcare administrator for over four years prior at a family-owned physical therapy clinic back in her birth country, Canada. With over 10 years of client services experience, her goal of making your day just a little brighter is always her top priority!
Christina is responsible for client care, studio & staff management & the "behind-the-scenes" of Pilates Sante.
​In her free time, Christina enjoys walking with her  miniature American Shepherd named Panda & discovering all the many different flavors of tea in the world!

Grace earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Boise State University and is driven by a genuine passion for helping others live healthier, more fulfilling lives. She values connection, empathy, and a holistic approach to well-being.
Grace is responsible for daily client communication, assistance with studio bookings and sales, as well as assisting Christina with general administrative tasks.
​In her free time, you can find Grace hiking through the redwoods with her pug, Langley Blue, or discovering her next favorite dessert across the Bay Area.


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