MatWorkz Pilates Studio - Winter Park, Orlando

MatWorkz Pilates and GYROTONIC® Studio in Orlando Winter Park

Every instructor at MatWorkz brings their own certifications, training, and years of Pilates education — a range of perspectives that includes classical training in the Romana Kryzanowska lineage alongside other respected methods and certifications. That diversity means we can draw on multiple approaches to find what actually works for your body, rather than applying one rigid system to every client. We don’t stop learning once we’re certified; continuing education is part of how we work, so our collective technique stays sharp and current.

More importantly, we match instructor to client — pairing your specific goals, injury history, or physical limitations with the instructor best suited to guide you through them. It’s not a rotating cast of teachers; it’s a small, dedicated team who gets to know your body over time.

Matworkz Pilates Instructors
Deborah Watson - Matworkz Pilates Studio

Deborah Watson

Deborah is the owner and founder of MatWorkz Pilates Studio, where Joe Pilates authentic system, thoughtfully taught is more than a philosophy—it’s the foundation of her work.
From a young age, she recognized the powerful connection between movement and mental well-being. With a B.B.A. in Marketing and an early career as a certified American Council on Exercise personal trainer, she was naturally drawn to Pilates and its integration of mind, body, and spirit. She began her authentic Pilates practice and teaching in 1997 and has spent decades refining a method rooted in awareness, precision, and depth. She has created a studio environment where a variety of teaching backgrounds are welcomed, allowing for mutual respect among teachers and a richer, more inclusive learning space for everyone.
Deborah is known for helping clients understand their bodies in a clear, accessible way— to reduce tension and improve ease of movement. Her work is guided by curiosity, a respect for the authentic teachings of Joseph Pilates as taught by Romana Kryzanowska, and the belief that awareness comes first, technique follows, and integration is the goal.
Deborah is a Bodies Mind® Academy Somatic Movement Teacher and Tutor. Her continued study of AIM (Amend Integrative Model) has deepened her ability to meet each client where they are. She recently collaborated with Carole Amend to develop Pilates by AIM, a continuing education program designed to bring greater depth and understanding to the work.
 She holds a teaching certificate in Mindfulness Meditation through Dharma Moon https://www.dharmamoon.com
Outside the studio, she is an avid reader, swims regularly, and finds restoration in nature.
She has faculty taught at Orlando Ballet School as well as the Fitness Thru Dance program.

Certifications include:

  • The Physical Mind Institute Mat Certification Mountainview , CA 1998
  • The Pilates Method Teacher Training comprehensive (Romana Kryzanowska) NYC 1999
  • 3P’s workshop Clearwater, FL 2002 (Posture) https://egoscue.com
  • GYROTONIC Expansion System® Level 1 Tallahassee, FL 2004 https://www.gyrotonic.com/about/gyrotonic-method/
  • Polestar Pilates Studio Series Denver, CO 2005 (Bridging program)
  • GYROKINESIS® Level 1 Miami, FL 2007
  • FAMI Workshop (Functional Anatomy for Movement & Injuries) NYC 2009 https://virtuallykinected.uscreen.io
  • GYROTONIC®  Jumping-Stretching Board Training Orlando, Fl 2013
  • Bodies Mind® Academy (BMA) Associate Mill Valley, CA 2015
Lisa Ryan - Matworkz Pilates Studio

Lisa Ryan

Lisa is a comprehensively trained Peak Pilates Certified Teacher who has been teaching in Central Florida since 2008. Passionate about both teaching and learning, she is deeply committed to continuing education and believes that movement is a lifelong practice of curiosity, growth, and connection.

Her extensive training includes graduation from both the Kathy Grant Heritage Training and the Movement Science Made Simple Advanced Movement Studies Program. Lisa values blending classical Pilates principles with evolving movement education to better serve the wide range of bodies and abilities she works with every day.

Lisa began her personal Pilates practice in 2004 as a cross-training program for running, but quickly realized that Pilates has the power to support every body — regardless of age, experience, fitness level, or personal goals. Whether working with accomplished athletes, clients new to movement, or those simply wanting to move and feel better in their daily lives, she tailors sessions that are safe, effective, and individualized.

Known for her quick wit, approachable teaching style and keen eye for movement, Lisa strives to create an encouraging environment where clients feel supported, challenged, and empowered in their bodies.

Outside the studio, Lisa enjoys an energetic and active lifestyle. In addition to running and participating in local road races, she loves paddling the Wekiva River whenever she gets the chance. She hopes to inspire her clients not only through Pilates, but through her genuine passion for lifelong movement, health, and learning.

Certifications include:

  • Peak Pilates Comprehensive Certified Pilates Instructor (2009)
  • Kathy Grant Heritage Training taught by Cara Reeser
  • MSMS Advanced Movement Studies
  • MatWorkz Instructor since 2012
PJ Catalano - Matworkz Pilates Studio

PJ Catalano

PJ Catalano is orginally from Michigan and grew up a dancer, following in her mother’s footsteps and becoming a dance instructor. Bringing over 25 years of teaching experience, she began instructing mind-body fitness in 2001 after developing a passion for Pilates. She has trained in Stott mat & reformer and is fully certified through McEntire Pilates. Known for her hands-on approach, detailed corrections and the enthusiasm she brings to each session, PJ has worked with clients from all walks of life and varying abilities. In addition to teaching, she continues to learn and explore the possibilities of body movement.

Certifications include:

  • Certified Pilates Instructor 2000
  • Certified Level I GYROKINESIS® Trainer 2010
  • Licensed Massage Therapist (#MA74094)
  • Certified Thai Massage Therapist 2006
  • Reiki Master 2006
  • Dance Masters of America (tap, jazz, ballet & acrobatics) 1991
  • Cecchetti Council of America Teachers Grade I & II 2000
  • Certified Level I GYROTONIC® Trainer 2016
  • GYROKINESIS® Level 2 pretraining
  • MatWorkz Instructor since 2013
Thouraya Zapara - Matworkz Pilates Studio

Thouraya Zapara

Thouraya began her Pilates journey in 2006, building on a dance background that started at age six and continued through the university level. She discovered Pilates while recovering from a repetitive injury. She found that the practice offered increased strength, flexibility and significant stress relief. Fascinated by the method’s rehabilitative origins, she began her instructor training in 2011 and completed her comprehensive certification through Balanced Body https://www.pilates.com/education/pilates-certification-comprehensive-instructor-training/  in 2013.
Committed to continuing education, Thouraya regularly attends workshops to expand her knowledge of healthy movement patterns. She earned a certificate in Pilates for Neurological Conditions with Mariska Breland in 2017. She has studied the Amend Integrative Model, a somatic approach to Pilates developed by Carole Amend. Thouraya holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego, and an MBA with a concentration in Finance from San Diego State University.
Thouraya has experience working with clients of all ages and fitness levels and finds great fulfillment in helping others gain the body awareness necessary to build a stronger, healthier life.

Certifications include:

  • Comprehensive Pilates Instructor, Balanced Body 2013
  • MatWorkz Pilates Instructor since 2016
Monica Heiz - Matworkz Pilates Studio

Monica Heiz

Monica Heiz is a pioneer in exercise with over 25 years of experience.  She earned her degree from Florida State University with a B.S. in Nutrition & Fitness.

Monica's training in Pilates is grounded in the original method created by Joseph Pilates. Trained and certified in STOTT Pilates, her experience began in 2007 in NYC, the home of Pilates first Studio in 1926. The culture of Pilates runs deep, professional and detail oriented in NYC maintaining the richness clients travel far and wide for.  Monica trained in Anatomy Trains with Tom Myers himself and besides Brooke Siler, author of The Pilates Body and founder of re:AB Pilates Studio

STOTT Pilates is a comprehensive training method with world class education.

Her depth of wisdom, detail oriented focus in Pilates helps her clients find more peace in their body's, gaining more strength, mobility and overall well-being.

  • MatWorkz Instructor since 2024.

 Please contact Monica directly for appointments.  Her email is mh@monicaheizlifestyles.com.

 

 

 

Noor Gandikal - Matworkz Pilates Studio

Noor Gandikal

In 2018, I turned to Pilates as a last resort to address the debilitating hip and lower back pain that had completely halted my life. After my first session, I felt a renewed sense of hope that I could regain control over my body. What I didn’t expect, however, was the profound impact Pilates would have on reinvigorating my mind and bridging the gap between my mind and body that had perpetuated the cycle of chronic pain.

With a dedicated training regimen of 3-5 sessions per week for three years, under the guidance of Jennifer O’Mara (The Pilates Loft), I was able to reclaim my physical and mental well-being, ultimately healing from chronic pain. As an added benefit, Pilates also helped me lose over 50 pounds!

In 2021, driven by my passion for the method, I earned my comprehensive certification through Classical Pilates USA™️  https://www.classicalpilatesusa.com the successor to U.S.P.A.®️, under the tutelage of Master Teachers Jennifer O’Mara, David Freeman, and Brett Howard. These mentors instilled in me a deep sense of curiosity and dedication to the practice, which led me to further my training with Deborah Watson of MatWorkz.

I work with a diverse range of clients, from individuals experiencing chronic pain due to illness or injury to athletic persons seeking to complement their training regimens.

I love that Pilates is for every body! It can be used as a rehabilitative tool, as well as a transformative workout for a lifetime!

Certification

  • U.S. Pilates, LLC 2021
  • MatWorkz Instructor since 2024

 

Elizabeth Monge - Matworkz Pilates Studio

Elizabeth Monge

Elizabeth Monge Hackett

Elizabeth grew up with a dedication to gymnastics starting at an early age. The structure and hard work instilled in her carried with her creating a lifelong passion for fitness. As a teenager Elizabeth began weightlifting, spinning, yoga and kick boxing as a way to stay fit. A mother of twin girls and a son, she is constantly busy and found in Pilates a new way to strengthen her core, and a mind body connection to exercise she had never experienced before. The overall strength and tone she gained was life changing, and her desire to learn more ignited a desire to teach the method.
Elizabeth graduated with a B.A. in Communications from the University of Central Florida in 2002 and enjoyed a fruitful corporate career in the field after deciding to pursue her passion for Pilates full time. In 2012, she entered the NY Pilates Studio Teacher Certification Program through the United States Pilates Association ® LLC https://www.classicalpilatesusa.com and The New York Pilates Studio ® receiving over 700 hours of training at The Pilates Loft, extensively training with Senior Teacher of Teachers Jennifer O'Mara, and at The Pilates Haus in New Jersey with Brett Howard, Senior Teacher of Teachers and Director of Education for Classical Pilates USA. She continues to be a lifelong learner in the Authentic Pilates method and shares her passion with her clients. In 2024 she was invited to be a Teacher Trainer for U.S. Pilates LLC and is thrilled on mentoring, teaching and passing along her knowledge to apprentices and instructors.

Certification

  • U.S. Pilates, LLC 2012
  • U.S. Pilates, LLC Teacher Trainer 2024
  • MatWorkz Instructor since 2024
  • MatWorkz is a top quality Pilates facility with up to date equipment and a very professional atmosphere. I've been practicing Pilates with Lisa Ryan for a year and a half and have benefitted immensely from her depth of knowledge and commitment to my progress. Lisa and her teachings have improved my strength, coordination, and flexibility all of which are so important in preventing injury. I highly recommend MatWorkz Studio.
    Lisa Prast
    Winter Park, FL
  • 5
    My husband and I have been doing Pilates at MatWorkz for over eight years. Leslie is an amazing instructor and is always challenging us and keeping our workouts innovative and interesting. Leslie has helped us prepare for and recover from surgeries as we age as athletes. Pilates is a means to a healthy and vibrant lifestyle as you age. As former marathon runners and triathletes we were looking for a place to maintain our core strength for our athletic lifestyle. As a result, we continue to enjoy running hiking, biking, and ropes courses as much as we did as a young married couple. The studio is bright, clean and has all the latest equipment. If you are looking for a personalized place to work on your fitness goals, we highly recommend MatWorkz as a studio to stay fit, be challenged, and feel welcomed and appreciated as a client verses a membership number.  
    Don & Julie Bieger
    Winter Park, FL
  • I’m entering my 12th year as a student at MatWorkz Pilates & GYROTONIC® Studio. Deborah Watson and her dedicated instructors care about my physical and emotional welfare. It shows in their passion displayed in every class. They ensure proper form, technique, and makes every class more unique than the last. The studio is well equipped and is full of positive energy. Nothing else in Central Florida compares to this studio!
    Christine Stewart
    MAITLAND, FL
  • I am so grateful to have found MatWorkz, and Lisa especially.  I suffer from chronic vertigo and for years, it severely limited what kind of exercise I could do.  I had lost so much strength.  Lisa works with me to adapt every exercise in a way that I can do it. She's super kind, very funny, and really warm and supportive.  I have gained so much strength and flexibility, it has greatly improved my every day life. I've become much more active, even starting to play tennis. I can't recommend Lisa highly enough.
    Maggie Lloyd
    Winter Park, FL
  • I started private lessons with Lisa almost one year ago. After sitting behind a computer for over ten hours a day for the past twelve years, my body was craving movement. I was concerned that I had trouble getting out of my desk chair and that my balance was not what it used to be. I quickly realized working with Lisa three times a week was exactly what I needed. I was not born with the workout gene, but I quickly fell in love with Pilates: building core strength, seeing my posture improve and feeling more confident about my balance.
    Randye Falk
    Maitland,Fl
  • At MatWorkz, Deborah and her staff are a group of dedicated, skilled professionals who provide you with individualized attention regardless of age, body type or athletic ability in their warm and fully equipped studio. Participating at MatWorkz for 16 years has been super beneficial for me – Increasing both my strength and flexibility while addressing any specific issues that may occur with knowledge and patience.
    Gail Thomas
    Lake Nona, Fl
  • MatWorkz is a well-designed and very attractive Pilates studio. The team, especially Deborah and Lisa, are extremely knowledgeable about Pilates and match their expertise perfectly to each client’s needs. The experience is both challenging and comfortable as they are excellent at motivating each client but also understanding and adapting to physical limitations. I feel so much better, stronger and taller every time I finish a work-out at MatWorkz!
    Robin Suarez
    Orlando, FL
  • Never have I been as impressed with an instructor’s knowledge and dedication to her craft as I have with my experience with Lisa. Her dedication to my Pilates training has improved my personal body awareness, core strength, flexibility and ability to prevent neck and back injury from golf and other activities of daily living. Though I don’t have the “six-pack” abs, I feel stronger whether I sit, stand or move purposefully.  
    Kerry Schwartz
    Orlando, Fl
  • I enjoy an active and healthy life because of the incredible instructors at MatWorkz. Their knowledge about the marriage of anatomy and exercise is demonstrated in every class. When I leave the studio, I always feel great! My body and mind have been strengthened. MatWorkz is amazing!
    Nora Hickey
    Orlando, Fl