the BCTO Family

Meet the talented and educated movers that value mindful, functional movement, with a focus on the education that addresses the WHY behind each movement. We encourage you to take agency in deciding how you show up and move through each class, while celebrating your own progressions and achievements. 

Shelley-Anne Castro (she/her) is a certified Pilates Instructor, Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT500) and has been leading Barre fitness since 2017 after pursuing a career abroad. Travelling to over 150 countries as a dancer and singer in the cruise line industry, her decade long venture led her to become a Fleet Supervisor for Carnival Cruise Lines managing casts and teaching choreography to industry talent. Shelley-Anne has performed on various stages across the globe behind amazing musicians and entertainers including televised performances on the Juno’s, Canadian Urban Music Awards, and iHeart Radio Much Music Video Awards.

Her passion for dance was ignited in her childhood having been immersed in a Caribbean cultural group learning traditional dances and performing at local events. She taught competitive for many years and continues to provide dance education for children and adults. Today she is the proud owner and director of The Toronto Barre Collective, a lululemon Ambassador and works as a movement coach in artist development and choreography. What started as a love for educating and developing performing artists has evolved to a passion for sharing her knowledge about how to use health and wellness to prolong the physical demands of their careers. She is proud to be leading this BCTO Fam and excited to engage in community with you!

  • SHELLEY-ANNE CASTRO (she/her)
    @breathe.love.inspire

    Movement Modalities: 
    Barre, Yoga, Pilates, Dance, Meditation

    Favourite song to move to: 
    Bad Girls by: Donna Summer

    Movement goal for our Community:
    Empowering you to become the Master of your own body!

Born and raised in Toronto, Bethany Litner (she/her) holds a BFA in Performance dance from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Masters of Teaching from OISE at the University of Toronto. After completing her BFA, Bethany began working as a contemporary dance artist, dancing in cities throughout Canada and Europe. She has over 10 years of teaching experience teaching ballet and contemporary movement to all ages. Additionally, Bethany is Barre and Mat Pilates Certified with pre and post-natal training, and has been teaching to incredible communities throughout Toronto. Bethany puts great care into creating a welcoming space intended to be exciting and challenging for all levels. Expect to move, have fun, and leave feeling energized!

  • BETHANY LITNER (she/her)
    @bethanylitner

    Movement Modalities: 
    Barre, Pilates, Dance

    Favourite song to move to:
    Nobody's Supposed to Be Here - Deborah Cox and Hex Hector

    Movement goal for our Community:
    I want my clients to fall in love with movement!

Dylan (he/him) is a Toronto based yoga & meditation teacher. He first started practicing yoga in theatre school over 10 years ago, and continues to be inspired, challenged and humbled by this practice. He’s a graduate of Downward Dog’s 200-Hr Yoga Teacher Training Program, and Octopus Garden’s 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training program. Many thanks to all of my teachers, colleagues, and community.

  • DYLAN CHISHOLM (he/him)
    @dylangrantchisholm

    Movement Modalities: 
    Yoga, Meditation

    Favourite song to move to: 
    I love EDM, anything with a great beat!

    Movement goal for our Community:
    Empower people to feel good about the body that they have right now. To help people find contentment and joy in the present movement, and to help people find mental & physical strength, agility, and balance.

Jessica Germano (she/her) is a contemporary dance artist, dance educator, and Barre/Pilates instructor based in Toronto. During her studies in the Performance Dance program at the Toronto Metropolitan University, she was introduced to practices including Barre and Pilates. 

With a BFA in Dance, and certifications in Barre (Barreworks), Mat Pilates (Equinox), and Reformer Pilates (Muse Movement), Jessica's passion for movement is always evolving. Her experience both as a teacher and a dancer provides her with the tools to develop classes that are functional, creative, and adaptable for all levels. She delivers cues through imagery, creates seamless transitions, and gives students the freedom to explore, and express themselves. Through mindful movement, Jessica will encourage you to stay curious, and discover what a sustainable, and enjoyable practice can look like for you.

  • JESSICA GERMANO (she/her)
    @barrebyjessica

    Movement Modalities: 
    Dance, Barre, Pilates

    Favourite song to move to: 
    I Fink You Freaky by Die Antwoord

    Movement goal for our Community:
    I want to help people have an interconnected mind-body experience and discover pleasure through movement.

As a coach, Tiana Pollari (she/her) aims to make movement fun while pushing the limits of your comfort zone to a banging playlist. The focus of her practice is strength training using various modalities and nutrition and believes that a healthy mindset is the foundation in all aspects of wellness. Her biggest motivator is helping others reach their goals with ease.

  • TIANA POLLARI (she/her)
    @tianapollari

    Movement Modalities: 
    Strength, HIIT

    Favourite song to move to: 
    Only girl in the world - Rihanna

    Movement goal for our Community:
    My goal is to always help you realize your true strength

Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Britanny Booth (she/her) holds a diploma from the Teacher Training Program at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, as well as from The School of Toronto Dance Theatre’s Professional Dance Training Program, where she is currently on the faculty of the Young Dancer’s Program.

In addition to dance, Britanny has a passion for fitness, and well- being which led her to become a barre certified instructor at Barreworks, where she taught from 2017 - 2021. Most recently Britanny has become a mat Pilates certified instructor (MuseMovement), and a member of the Toronto Barre Collective. Her dance, barre, and Pilates practices inform all aspects of her teaching, which keeps her classes dynamic, creative, and ever evolving.

  • BRITANNY BOOTH (she/her)
    @britannybooth

    Movement Modalities: 
    Dance, Barre, Pilates

    Favourite Song to move to:
    Yodelady by: Old Man Luedecke

    Movement goal for our Community:
    To guide our clients through movement with a deep emphasis on form and function of the body, creativity and a sense of humour.

Irena (she/her) is a Toronto based dancer, choreographer and graduate of TMU (formerly known as Ryerson), receiving her BFA in Performance Dance in 2016, as well as a graduate of Yoga Tree’s YTT. Irena’s passion for movement drew her to yoga in 2013 where she aimed to build strength, body awareness and stamina. Her current teaching and movement practices now aknowledge all of the physical, mental and emotional benefits of yoga. Irena’s class emphasizes pleasure through movement and anatomical longevity, as well as authentic movement that is generated from the inside out. Students can expect intuitive flows that aim to develop strength and flexibility while being guided by the breath.

  • IRENA PONIZOVA (she/her)
    @irenaponizovayoga

    Movement Modalities: 
    Yoga, Dance, Barre, Meditation

    Favourite song to move to: 
    Faded - ZHU

    Movement goal for our Community:
    My goal is to meet students where they are in their practice and stimulate a sense of mindful movement, curiosity and pleasure in self discipline.

Originally from Victoria, BC, Miranda Meijer (she/her) moved to Toronto to attend the Performance Dance BFA program at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her professional performance career has taken her around the world and has spanned across classical dance styles, physical theatre, Brazilian Samba and circus.

Most recently, Miranda began her career as a Registered Massage Therapist and loves incorporating her knowledge of the body and manual therapy into her work at BCTO.

Her fitness career began with a passion for Barre and has branched into Strength Training, Stretch and Pilates. In her classes you can expect creative sequences that include enough challenge and enough modifications to feel accessible and fun for everyone in the room. She is known for providing dynamic training within a warm, welcoming environment and she hopes to see you soon!

  • MIRANDA MEIJER (she/her)
    @randsmeijer

    Movement Modalities: 
    Barre, Pilates, Strength Training, Dance

    Favourite song to move to: 

    Movement goal for our Community:

Erica Gitten(she/her) is a Toronto-based mindfulness artist and founder of AURA BODY+HOME for Yoga, Meditation, and Mindfulness. 

As a Yoga Facilitator, Erica creates classes that focus on or incorporate Vinyasa, Yin, and Restorative styles of yoga infused with the heart of music from many genres. And as a Meditation Guide and Mindfulness Coach, expect meditations that incorporate ambient music, sound, mindfulness, breathwork, and experiential visualizations that are out of this world.

Through movement and stillness, Erica creates imaginative, mindful experiences to support the connection of mind and body as an act of self-love.

  • ERICA GITTENS (she/her)
    @aurabodyandhome

    Movement Modalities: 
    Yoga, Meditation

    Favourite song to move to: 
    ‘All My Love - Remix’ by Major Lazer, Ariana Grande, Machel Montano

    Movement goal for our Community:
    To move with passion, pleasure and full expression!

Abby Robson (she/her) is a dancer and fitness instructor from Australia. While dancing professionally in Sydney for over a decade, she expanded into teaching dance fitness in elementary schools, before making the transition to instructing Pilates and Barre in 2016 when she moved to Canada. Abby is certified in Pilates and Barre in both Australia and Canada, and is also a Pre and Postnatal FitnessSpecialist, Swiss Ball and TRX instructor. She loves to bring fun to her classes while making sure you find your best form and challenge zone with each move. 

Abby enjoys taking classes herself and experiencing different teaching styles.  She believes that a balance of formal training, self-education and learning from her peers is essential to maintain a high level of instructing. 

When she's not in the studio, she is a mum of 2. If she has a free moment and isn’t enticed by a glass of wine on the couch watching action movies with her husband, she will be baking treats or her favourite Finnish food.  

Abby makes sure her classes are for everyone and will always give modifications as needed. Don't let her smile and upbeat personality fool you though, her classes can be tough. She will make sure you find your challenge zone, work within that good pain, while enjoying those happy endorphins.  

  • ABBY ROBSON (she/her)

    Movement Modalities: 
    Barre, Pilates, Pre Post Natal, Dance

    Favourite song to move to: 
    Anything Pitbull 

    Movement goal for our Community:
    Improving the way you feel from the inside out.

  • NAIKE VICTORIA (she/her)
    @naikeandyoga

    Movement Modalities: 
    Yoga, Yin Yoga, Meditation

    Favourite song to move to:
    Real Love - Mary J Blige

    Movement goal for our Community:
    I want people to discover their bodies, who they are from the inside out.Meditation is a wonderful tool to know who you are.

Rachelle Ashmore (she/her) is a contemporary dance artist, professional dog groomer, and barre instructor. Having discovered her passion to move at a young age, this led her on a journey from Ottawa to Toronto where she completed her dance education at Conteur Dance Academy as well as completing her Barreworks certification in 2021. Rachelle strives to create a fun and empowering class where one can push themselves safely in an encouraging and inclusive space. She prioritizes safety by providing descriptive alignment cues to improve your form. Her classes are designed to be all-levels inclusive and will provide modifications when necessary.  She is thrilled to embark on this journey at BCTO with you all!

  • RACHELLE ASHMORE (she/her)
    @rachelle_ash

    Movement Modalities: 
    Barre, Dance

    Favourite song to move to: 
    Let’s dance - David Bowie

    Movement goal for our Community:
    To harness your inner strength and beauty

Rachel Fackoury (she/her) is a vibrant and energetic trainer, whose vision is to lead people on a path of self-discovery through fitness.

Her passion for personal fitness, health and wellness is rooted in a love of sport, which ultimately led her to pursue an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and play on their varsity field hockey team. In the past ten years, Rachel has pursued her passions by teaching group fitness classes, and serving as a personal fitness instructor in local communities throughout Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo.

From a young age, Rachel was involved in a variety of sports. Dance, gymnastics, cross country and track, soccer, volleyball and field hockey - you name it, she played it. When it came time to select a field of study, kinesiology was an obvious choice. Originally having her sights set on becoming a dentist, fitness instructing and personal training began only as a summer job. As Rachel developed and grew her own fitness classes, she quickly realized that she not only saw remarkable improvements in people’s physical strength, but their mental health and well-being too! Having a career that allowed her to be involved in igniting positive change in another person’s life is something she never knew could have existed. From then on, Rachel has been devoted to helping people lead their best lives and become their best self. She is trained in barre, mat Pilates, strength training, and cardio dance. Through injury, Rachel discovered the importance of pelvic health and is pre & post natal certified. She continues to take various continuing education courses yearly to expand her knowledge.

  • RACHEL FACKOURY (she/her)
    @rachelfackoury

    Movement Modalities: 
    Barre, Mat Pilates, Strength Training, Cardio Dance, Pre & Post Natal

    Favourite song to move to: 
    Anything Dua Lipa!

    Movement goal for our Community:
    Listen to your body, choose your own adventure, feel GOOD in the options you choose (whether that be elevating the intensity or honouring a more gentle pace), and have fun!

Chiara Lucchetta (she/her) is a freelance dance artist and also a barre, pilates, meditation, and yoga instructor. Chiara began her dance education at a young age and went on to train at various institutions, including Canada’s National Ballet School. She has danced competitively and even performed with the Argos A-Team as a cheerleader for the Toronto Argonauts. Chiara believes movement is a means of expression, energy, and play. Through mindful movement practice, she hopes to help people celebrate and honour the body while connecting mind, body, and soul.

  • CHIARA LUCCHETTA (she/her)
    @chilucchetta

    Movement Modalities: 
    Barre, Yoga, Dance, Meditation, Pilates

    Favourite song to move to: 
    Before I Let Go by Beyoncé

    Movement goal for our Community:
    Using movement as a way to get to know yourself better! Connecting body, mind, and spirit.

Leora Kirshenblatt (she/her) 's love for movement began at a very early age. She grew up dancing competitively in all styles of dance. After numerous years of training, teaching and choreographing, Leora decided to expand her movement vocabulary. She started teaching barre modalities, dance cardio, as well as Pilates. She is Pilates Mat Certified from Equinox's Pilates Training Institute. Leora believes in movement that makes you feel good, while lengthening & strengthening. She finds joy in sharing her love for movement. Leora is so excited to be a part of BCTO and cannot wait to share her light with you in class!

  • LEORA KIRSHENBLATT (she/her)
    @leorapaigek

    Movement Modalities: 
    Barre, Pilates, Dance

    Favourite song to move to: 
    I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston

    Movement goal for our Community:
    I believe movement is always the answer!

Dustin Parchment (he/him) began his movement journey studying martial arts and those skills continue to serve him well as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor across many disciplines.

You are sure to find Dustin’s boundless energy and enthusiasm infectious, inspiring and energizing.

  • DUSTIN PARCHMENT (he/him)
    @halfpastblack

    Movement Modalities: 
    Boxing, Strength Training

    Favourite song to move to:  
    Keep it Going - dvsn

    Movement goal for our Community:
    I want to motivate and inspire everyone to tap into their alter ego and empower themselves!

Originally from Montreal, Kathia Wittenborn (she/her) is a dance artist and movement teacher. She is a graduate from the professional dance training programs at Le Conservatoire de Danse de Montréal, Ballet Divertimento, and The School of Toronto Dance Theatre. She has had the privilege of working with many critically acclaimed dance artists and companies and has performed across North America and Europe.

Kathia's dance experience traverses into her work as a movement teacher, group and personal fitness instructor, and Barre teacher trainer. She has taught specialized movement workshops in Toronto, Montreal, and Kuujjuaq, Nunavik. With an ever growing passion for movement and wellness, Kathia strives to empower her clients and collaborators by helping them towards their goals. She is interested in continuously deepening her knowledge and experiences to support her ongoing growth and share it towards the growth of others. 

Her certifications include; Barre, Pilates, RYT200, Meditation, Restorative Yoga, Core Confidence, and Pre/Postnatal specialist

  • KATHIA WITTENBORN (she/her)
    @kwit

    Movement Modalities: 
    Barre, Yoga, Pilates, Meditation, Restorative, Core Confidence, Pre/Post Natal

    Favourite song to move to: 
    Innerbloom by Rufus du sol

    Movement goal for our Community:
    To move with passion, pleasure and full expression!

Taranee Herrera Ponjani (she/her) is a Toronto based movement guide and artist. She teaches a variety of movement modalities such as, gymnastics, strength training, handbalancing, movement flow, and yoga. She is a firm believer that the more we share, the more we have. This notion drives her passion for teaching and sharing. Her classes can be described as supportive, informative, creative, and fun. 

  • TARENEE HERRERA PONJANI (she/her)
    @satnam.333

    Movement Modalities: 
    Strength Training, Yoga, Movement Flow, Gymnastics, Hand-balancing

    Favourite song to move to: 
    Jamboree - Naughty by Nature

    Movement goal for our Community:
    To use our movement practice as a way to fill up our own cups so we can continue to pour into the things we love most

After diving into yoga over 7 years ago to complement her active and adventurous (and perhaps slightly chaotic) lifestyle, Brittany Seki (she/her) received her 200-hour and 300-hour teacher training certifications. As a rock climber, runner and motorcyclist, yoga has allowed her to find balance and thrive. This way of life has introduced her to a wonderful community, and she aspires to help grow that community and share the mental, spiritual and physical benefits of yoga through her teachings.

  • BRITTANY SEKI (she/her)
    @seki_yoga

    Movement Modalities: 
    Yoga, Meditation

    Favourite song to move to: 
    Bela Galo by Trevor Hall

    Movement goal for our Community:
    We are all stronger than we sometimes believe, and I'm just here to help show you how capable you are

Avery Beatty (she/her) found her passion for movement in her first ballet class at age 3, and it only grew from there. As a young dancer pushing her body to its limits, she began to explore functional movement styles to support strength and mobility. Since completing her education in dance, she has become a certified Yoga Teacher, Barre Instructor, and Personal Trainer. She has completed training in prenatal fitness techniques and mindfulness & meditation practises with the University of Toronto. Avery takes a special interest in putting the FUN in functional movement, and has a deep appreciation for safety in fitness. Her humour and natural cheerleading tendencies will leave you feeling ready to take on anything your day throws at you. Avery takes great pride in prioritizing joy in movement, and is thrilled to be a part of the Toronto Barre Collective team.

  • AVERY BEATTY (she/her)
    @averylanebeatty

    Movement Modalities: 
    Barre, Yoga, HIIT, Meditation, Dance

    Favourite song to move to: 
    More Than A Woman - Bee Gees (or literally anything by ABBA)

    Movement goal for our Community:
    Finding the perfect balance between challenging ourselves and respecting the body’s limits.

Originally from Colombia, Mateo G. Torres (he/him) is a multidisciplinary dance artist, producer, performer and movement educator based in Toronto. He is a graduate of the School of Toronto Dance Theatre and Centro Prodanza de Cuba professional programs. Mateo is also a barre fitness and pilates trained instructor, and is currently faculty at the School of Toronto Dance Theatre. As a performer, he has worked internationally with a wide array of directors and choreographers, for live theatre, voice over and film. As a choreographer, his work is highly influenced by his Latinx American background, often politically charged, and inspired by social subject matters. Mateo fuses his eclectic movement training within his choreography creating a distinct movement quality.

  • MATEO GALINDO TORRES (he/him)
    @guetchaguaritcha

    Movement Modalities: 
    Barre, Pilates, Dance

    Favourite song to move to: 
    Raiz - Bomba Estereo

    Movement goal for our Community:
    Let's move towards loving our bodies. True growth and evolution happens from self love and acceptance. 

Look for these wonderful faces when you come to BCTO HQ! They are here to help you navigate our offerings and educate you on all things BCTO!! Get the most out of your experience in this community by connecting with the FDC + OC :)

Front Desk Crew (FDC)

  • Favourite way to move:
    Dance

    What are you currently listening to?
    Fleetwood Mac and Hozier

    Favourite thing about this community:
    Everyone's positivity and friendliness creates such an uplifting and supportive environment. I am always so excited to come to the studio.

  • Favourite way to move:
    Dancing, sports

    What are you currently listening to?
    Old reggae or anything carib

    Favourite thing about this community:
    The family feeling! We feel like one big family and everyone just brings the vibes

  • Favourite way to move:
    Curling, Hockey

    What are you currently listening to?
    Oasis and Jeff Buckley

    Favourite thing about this community:
    I like that this community is really nice and respectful

  • Favourite way to move:
    Running!

    What are you currently listening to?
    Usually country, but right now, Drake’s new album

    Favourite thing about this community:
    Everything really! I love the space, there is always great music playing, and it’s filled with so much positive energy.

  • Favourite way to move:
    Rugby, Basketball, and the gym

    What are you currently listening to?
    U2, Billy Idol, David Bowie

    Favourite thing about this community:
    Building relationships with regular customers and meeting new ones

  • Favourite way to move:
    Frisbee, volleyball or baseball

    What are you currently listening to?
    - Taylor Swift and Queen
    (What music do you listen to??)

    Favourite thing about this community:
    How kind and welcoming everyone is!

Operations Crew (OC)

Move in community

Manager
Events + Operations

With over 25 years of experience in the Entertainment Industry and Production Operations, Eddie continues to provide and exceed our community expectations to ensure the delivery of exceptional operational management and customer service. Our staff manager, leader and talented bassist with an impressive record of building strong teams within the corporate structure and talent management field.

  • Hailing from Miami Beach, Florida. Eddie Castro can be seen performing as a freelance bassist in all genres of music throughout the city. From Salsa to Jazz to Pop, Eddie enjoys playing different styles of music. Eddie now calls Toronto home .

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