Meet the Team

Meet our dedicated team of Pilates instructors, clinicians and specialists at The Cornerstone Pilates in Burlington, Ontario. We're here to guide you on your journey to intelligent movement. Your wellness is our priority.

 
 
Jocelyne Pelchat - Studio Founder, Pilates & ELDOA™ Instructor Groups & Privates, Teacher Trainer, Reflexologist (Women sitting on a large white box facing the camera with one leg crossed in front of her.)
  • I am someone who never ceases to learn and to challenge herself. I am a lifelong learner and I believe in feeling good on the outside and on the inside, and for me, Pilates is the gateway to doing just that. My approach is to teach awareness of the biomechanics of the body and to only fine-tune what truly needs it. I work with individuals with varying degrees of pain and/or discomfort ranging from disc herniations, stenosis, ankylosing spondylitis, SI-joint dysfunction, arthritis, knee & hip replacements, MS, cancer, whiplash and various degrees of trauma.  My goal is to help you find joy in moving again.

    My interests include studying how the brain, the body and perception work in unison to create unique experiences for each and every individual. I am a true advocate of refined movement and my main mission is to share my knowledge with you and help you on this journey.

    Roles at The Cornerstone Pilates:

    Studio Founder, Pilates & ELDOA™ Instructor Groups & Privates, Teacher Trainer, Reflexologist                          

    Areas of Expertise: 

    Neuroscientist, The Cornerstone Movement Institute Pilates Creative Director, Body Harmonics Pilates Certified Instructor, Teacher Trainer, Mentor, Movement Specialist, Bio-Mechanics & Functional Anatomy Specialist. Post-Rehab Specialist. ELDOA™ Level III. Reflexologist Ingham Method of Reflexology, FRCms ®, RYT-200hr 

Kristen Carrington - Pilates Instructor Groups & Privates, Teacher Trainer, Holistic Health Coach.  (Women sitting on a large white box with legs curled up and hands clasped in front of her.)
  • For 14 years I have been channeling my passion for teaching and helping others heal with methods and practice that generates hope, motivation and strength from within as a Pilates Certified Instructor, Teacher Trainer and Holistic Health Coach.

    I familiarize myself with my clients by learning what is working well and what feels right and then exploring the nuances of movement that will best help achieve the results they are seeking. I integrate mindset tools with movement mechanics to cultivate a physical, spiritual and mental mind-body-life balance. My mission as a trainer and instructor is to empower clients by demonstrating how and explaining why. My roles in instructing private and group sessions, mind-body-life workshops and coaching creates more harmony and ease in your life, inside and out.

    Pilates builds the foundation for greater intimacy and partnership with your mental, physical and spiritual self on our shared life-long journey of discovery, improvement and growth.

    Roles at The Cornerstone Pilates:

    Pilates Instructor Groups & Privates, Teacher Trainer, Holistic Health Coach.

    Areas of Expertise:

    BODY HARMONICS Pilates Certified Instructor, Teacher Trainer, Mentor, Movement Specialist, Advanced Bio-Mechanics & Functional Anatomy Specialist, Core Conditioning Specialist, Post-Rehab Specialist. Coaching Specialist in Neuroscience-Linguistic Programming, Hypnosis, Core Transformation, Time Line Therapy.

Hala Haffar -Pilates Instructor - Group Classes and Privates (Women sitting on large white box leaning up against wall.)
  • My love for Pilates started back in September 2006. I had just tried it for the first time and had an immediate “Aha!” moment. My previous profession was a college professor, teaching business and computer studies. Many hours spent sitting at the computer meant poor posture and I developed calcification in my shoulders. As I started Pilates, my aches and pains started to diminish and my overall posture had improved. My experience with Pilates was life changing and so I decided to change my career and become a fully certified Pilates instructor.

    My aim is to help my participants find their optimal movement and increase their overall mobility and energy. Most importantly, I want to achieve this while having fun, because I believe Pilates and healthy living should be enjoyable for everyone. In my 13 years of experience in Pilates, I have been privileged to share my knowledge and expertise with a wide range of clientele with varying issues and concerns. I am thrilled to be joining the team and to lead you into your journey of healthy living.

    Roles at the Cornerstone Pilates:

    Pilates Instructor - Group Classes and Privates

    Area of Expertise:

    BODY HARMONICS Pilates Certified Instructor, Post-Rehab Specialist

  • As someone who never felt fully comfortable in a gym setting, I strived to find a type of physical activity that I was both comfortable and confident with. Having spent most of my youth as a ballet dancer, Pilates seemed like a natural choice. After investing in many years of self-practice, I got to the point where I was looking for that next step. I felt ready to train to become an instructor at the same studio that nurtured my love for Pilates – The Cornerstone Pilates.

     Whether your goal is strictly fitness-related, conditioning a specific ailment, or some combination of the two – I am here to help you achieve it. As an instructor, I aim to help clients discover the transformative benefits of Pilates through personalized instruction and a supportive atmosphere. I always want my clients to leave the studio feeling stronger and more open than when they arrived. I have experience in training clients who have spinal stenosis, hip tendonitis, osteoporosis, disc herniations, spinal fusion and more. Simply signing up for a Pilates session means you’re prioritizing both your mental and physical health. Therefore, my goal is to help you continue making yourself a priority, through mindful movement that both supports and challenges you.

    Role at The Cornerstone Pilates:

    Pilates Instructor - Group Classes and Privates

    Area of Expertise:

    The Cornerstone Movement Institute Pilates Certified Instructor

Linda Nall - Client Care and Social Media Coordinator (Women sitting on white box with legs curled up and leaning against wall.)
  • My mum (who is Spanish) always used to say that I had “un culo de mal asiento” (a butt that doesn’t sit well). This is the case to this day. Being a child of multi-cultural parents, we spent our summers overseas, where staying inside was not an option. That to say, that travel and walking/hiking has been a passion of mine forever. One might say that “movement” is my passion!

    After doing Zumba for quite a few years, I began having SI issues, and was introduced to Jocelyne and Pilates. I have been doing Pilates for over 10 years now, and continue to do so, with Jocelyne and The Cornerstone Pilates. It has helped me tremendously with movement, strength, imbalances, flexibility, endurance, and always with a smile and laughter included in the mix. I always feel so energized after a Pilates class.

    I am officially “retired” from the corporate world and have immersed myself more into the Pilates world. I am tickled pink to be part of the Team and am thoroughly enjoying it, along with the learning and even tapping into my creative side.

    Roles at Cornerstone Pilates:

    Client Care and Social Media Coordinator

    Areas of Expertise:

    Customer Service

Maria Hatzakis - Teacher Apprentice - Mat Level 1 (Women standing lean up against white wall smiling at the camera.)
  • As a Physical and Health Education teacher for over 20 years, I have encouraged and promoted healthy active living in various forms. It excites me to see others engaged in daily movement, whether it's through sports, fitness, walking, cycling and recreational activities.

    My goal is for others to simply move in ways that feel good and keep them motivated to stay active. I have always been an active person with a particular passion for fitness and outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. I began Pilates 5 years ago and was instantly hooked and inspired. I love the strength that I feel and the mind body connection with each movement.

    I recently completed the Mat Level 1 teacher training course and I am working towards completing 100 hours of practice teaching. I am very excited to join the team and continue to promote lifelong movement.

    Roles at the Cornerstone Pilates:

    Certified Tier 2 Instructor - The Cornerstone Movement Institute

  • Pilates became my sanctuary during a challenging time as a mom of three. That sanctuary became even more vital when I faced breast cancer. Stepping away from Pilates during treatment felt like losing a lifeline, but it was also Pilates that guided my recovery. Its principles of strength, resilience, and mindfulness were instrumental in helping me rebuild physically and emotionally. This journey ignited my passion to help others harness the healing power of movement, especially those recovering from breast cancer.

    As a certified Movement Specialist, I focus on empowering breast cancer survivors to reclaim their strength and confidence. My classes are also designed to support those with physical disabilities, seniors, and anyone seeking improved mental and physical health. I’m deeply committed to the research linking Pilates to breast cancer recovery and well-being, ensuring my approach is both compassionate and evidence-based.

    Let’s explore the healing power of Pilates and create strength in every movement.

    Roles at The Cornerstone Pilates:

    Apprentice Teacher


 

Pilates - Movement Education and Health Clinic in Burlington

4-1893 Appleby Line Burlington, ON L7L 0G5