Education Team

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Hayley

  • Merrithew Instructor Trainer:
  • STOTT PILATES® Matwork & Reformer
  • Total Barre® and Functional Anatomy

With more than 20 years experience in dance, Hayley has been involved in movement and wellbeing for as long as she can remember.

Her passion for all things fitness-related led her to complete a Bachelors degree in Exercise Science and become a Level 3 Personal Trainer. She discovered Pilates many years ago as part of her dance training and chose to complete a Diploma in Pilates as well undertaking additional training in Pilates Reformer and barre work. Originally from Scotland, Hayley has worked as an instructor in the UK and in Abu Dhabi before moving to Dubai. In 2022, she also obtained her MSc in Sports Medicine, Exercise and Health.

Hayley shares her knowledge of anatomy with passion and energy in a way that allows her students to truly understand, learn and be able to apply their learning to their practice and teaching of Pilates, yoga and functional fitness,

She teaches Functional Anatomy courses, STOTT PILATES Mat & Reformer courses and TOTALL BARRE.

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Jennifer

  • Head Trainer
  • Merrithew Instructor Trainer:
  • STOTT PILATES® Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels
  • Jennifer first discovered Pilates in 2007 while she was living in Toronto. She was drawn to its teachings and the remarkable way it works for different body types. She has been lucky enough to travel the world and gain valuable experience and knowledge whilst practicing Pilates in various studios.

She moved to Dubai in 2008 and decided to turn her passion into a career and became a certified Instructor, undergoing training in Dubai as well as Toronto. In 2016, Jennifer went on to become a certified Instructor Trainer for Matwork and Reformer. She enjoys working with a range of clients, and draws great satisfaction from seeing others motivated and inspired to better themselves.

Jennifer has completed the STOTT PILATES full certification and is a certified STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainer for Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair and Barrels as well as numerous workshops.

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Leonieke (Nikki)

  • Merrithew Instructor Trainer:
  • STOTT PILATES® Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair & Barrels, Injuries & Special Populations
  • ZEN.GA® Equipment, Mat

Leonieke Albreghs’ Pilates journey first began after undergoing a major surgery in 1999. Leonieke used Pilates as part of her rehabilitation after surgery. In 2000, after years of continuous studies and teaching in health clubs, she discovered STOTT PILATES® and became inspired to further her education in the method. Building on her background as an aerobics, dance and school teacher in The Netherlands, she was keen to share with others the knowledge that had eased her pain. Leonieke’s extensive Pilates education and teaching experience began in 2008 while living in The Netherlands. She has since moved to The U.K. and has continued to share her passion for teaching STOTT PILATES.

It was not long after that Leonieke’s love, dedication and passion for educating others about Pilates encouraged her to become a Merrithew® Instructor Trainer in 2016 specializing in STOTT PILATES.

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Krisztián

  • Merrithew Lead Instructor Trainer:
  • STOTT PILATES® Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair & Barrels, Injuries & Special Populations
  • Merrithew™ Fascial Movement; CORE™; Total Barre®; Halo®

Krisztián comes from a background as a ballet dancer and became a Merrithew™ Instructor Trainer in 2006. Since then he graduated at Semmelweis University Faculty of Health Sciences as a physiotherapist. He also qualified as a personal trainer at the Hungarian University of Physical Education. At his studio in Budapest, Hungary, he teaches the STOTT PILATES® program as well as GYROTONIC®, TRX, TRX- Rip Training, and trains a variety of clients including dancers, athletes and agile recreational clients. As a physiotherapist, Krisztián works with patients who have neurological, rheumatological and orthopedical problems and rehabilitates trauma injuries. In 2020, he became a Merrithew Lead IT.

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Karien

  • Education Coordinator

Karien grew up in a farming community in South Africa, where she learned the value of hard work and spent her time surrounded by nature. After studying Public Relations Management, she worked in London and Cape Town, gaining experience in administration and account management. During a period in Taiwan, Karien discovered her passion for Pilates and became a certified instructor.

In 2010, she opened her own Pilates studio in Cape Town, managing a clientele of 60 per week for eight years. Karien also collaborated on an activewear brand called "Wellness through Movement" and supported young designers through a fashion design project. In 2019, she relocated to Dubai with her family. Karien remains dedicated to promoting wellness through Pilates, believing in its transformative power for the mind and body.

At Real Pilates, Karien is focused on supporting our community of students to guide them towards the most suitable teacher training courses and continuous education workshops.