INSTRUCTORS

Deborah Watson
Deborah, the owner and founder of MatWorkz, has been a practicing Pilates instructor since 1999. As one of the most knowledgeable instructors in the area, she combines extensive professional training, a generous spirit, and first-hand experience with a diverse range of clients to offer quality instruction. Her warmth and concern for others shines through in a sincere desire to help clients meet their goal — whether it be relief from chronic pain, recovering from an injury, body toning, or building physical strength and stamina.

Deborah’s Pilates training began in 1998 with a mat certification through the PhysicalMind Institute in San Francisco. As a personal trainer, the fitness techniques developed by Joseph Pilates struck a cord of truth with Deborah, giving her a natural passion for the program and a desire to learn more. In 1999, she became certified in The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning — a program developed by Romana Kryzanowska, a devoted protégé of Joseph Pilates. Deborah completed her 120 hour comprehensive training in Atlanta. She commuted to Chicago and New York to fulfill 500 of her 600 observation/teaching hours. Her remaining 100 hours were completed  under Romana in New York City.

As her knowledge and skill flourished, so did her understanding of the connection of mind, body, spirit and its importance in the lives of her clients. Deborah opened MatWorkz, and the studio thrived — as did her passion to grow.

In 2004, she completed certification in GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM^® — a muscle stretching and strengthening methodology developed by Juliu Horvath — and added private GYROTONIC^® instruction to MatWorkz’s menu of services. She completed the Polestar Pilates Studios bridging program in Denver, which gave her more expansive knowledge of Pilates philosophies and perspectives.

Deborah also has completed certification in GYROKINESIS^®, fluid movement classes based on Horvath’s theories. Deborah’s future plans include studying Feldenkrais and other movement modalities. Feldenkrais teaches awareness of proper movement in order to improve quality of life. The movement re-education program helps those who have physical limitations or chronic pain, as well as those who simply wish to improve performance.

Deborah’s certifications include:
• American Council on Exercise Personal Training 1997
• The Physical Mind Institute Mat Certification 1998
• Pilates Method of Body Conditioning in 1999 (Romana)

• The Egoscue Method of 3P’s workshop 2002 (Posture)

• GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM^® Level 1 2004

• Polestar Pilates Studio series 2005 (Bridging program)
• GYROKINESIS^® Level 1 2007

Willis Middleton
Willis is an avid and lifelong exercise enthusiast. She considers herself so lucky to have found Pilates, because she believes it is the best exercise for flexibility, strengthening and posture. “Pilates is so wonderful for me. I have done every kind of sport, but I had no flexibility or ‘core training.’ Pilates has given me strength and greater mobility, and I feel so much better in my own body.”

Willis first learned of Pilates while living in Los Angeles and working as a manager at Disney. After moving to Florida with Disney, she decided it was time to make her dreams come true and pursue her passion for exercise. “I decided after my first Pilates lesson that I wanted to be a teacher and go through the rigorous training program.” After a year long training period of more than 700 hours, Willis began teaching at MatWorkz.

“I love to teach and help people with their physical issues and exercise goals. Pilates is a lifelong exercise that helps people gain greater flexibility, strength and knowledge of their bodies. I feel so privileged and blessed to teach others Joseph Pilates’ revolutionary work.”

Willis’ certifications include:
• Pilates Method of Body Conditioning (Romana)  2002

• MatWorkz instructor since 2002

April Aubiel
April discovered the Pilates method when she was referred as a teenager to the Pilates Studio in New York City because of an injury she had sustained as a dancer. After leaving the field of dance, April began a 23 year career in management with Walt Disney World. While at Disney, she earned a master’s degree from Rollins College in Human Development, and later used movement therapy to help women overcome eating disorders.
 In 1994, April rediscovered Pilates and ignited a passion that would lead to a major career change. After leaving Disney, she completed Pilates Method training in Atlanta and with Romana Kryzanowska in New York City.

April’s certifications include:
• Pilates Method of Body Conditioning (Romana) 2000
• MatWorkz instructor since 2000

Leslie Martino
Leslie started her fitness career in 1995 while working as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher. She embraced Pilates in 2000 as a way to improve overall strength and rehabilitate from dance injuries. She quickly grew to love the method, as it helped her become a more controlled and stronger dancer. Leslie decided to become a Pilates instructor earning certification through The Willow Pilates and Yoga Studio’s Comprehensive Teacher Training Program.

Leslie has a Bachelor’s in Dance and History, and a Master’s in Elementary Education from Columbia University. She is currently working towards a Pilates method Alliance Certification. Originally from New York City, Leslie has been teaching Pilates for about seven years and enjoys helping others discover the benefits of better strength, flexibility and tone.

Leslie’s certifications include:
• The Willow Pilates and Yoga Studio’s Comprehensive Teacher Training Program 2002

• Pilates instructor since 2003
• Agatsu Kettlebell Certification Program for a Level 1 Instructor 2009

Leah Marke
Leah Marke is a GYROTONIC^® teacher and professional dancer. First exposed to the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM^® in 2003 in a dancer’s master class, she instantly recognized the benefits of the method for keeping her body mobile and limber. She earned a BFA in Modern Dance Performance from the University of South Florida in 2005, and became interested in Gyrotonic as a way to continue her movement education. Leah studied under Master Trainer Bradley Kreamer in Miami, Florida for her Level I foundation course. She truly enjoys teaching and helping others strengthen their bodies through fluid joint movement and stretching. Leah is also a professional dancer for many venues around Tampa and Orlando, including Universal Studios, Sea World, and the Orlando Fringe Festival.