Our Instructors

Alex

As the owner and founder of Black Cat Studio, Alex is the core of BCS. Her journey with Pilates began in 2010 as a college credit, but quickly evolved into a passion that would shape her future. After discovering Reformer Pilates at RTR studios in 2014, she knew she had found her calling. She completed her training with RTR that same year, later adding a Balanced Body certification in 2018. Her move to Nosara that year led to further expansion of her practice, including a 200-hour yoga teacher training certification at the Yoga Collective Nosara.

While teaching various movement modalities around Nosara since 2018, Alex's vision was always clear: create a comprehensive fitness sanctuary that delivers the strength benefits of weight training, the flexibility of yoga, and the endurance of cardio - all in one welcoming space. This vision materialized as Black Cat Studio, where she brings her extensive experience and understanding of movement to a community she loves.

Alex designed BCS to be more than just a workout space - it's where functional strength meets mindful movement, where injuries are prevented rather than managed, and where lasting transformations happen. Her mission is to empower and instill confidence in others by building functional strength, rehabilitating limitations, and helping everyone achieve their unique fitness goals.

But perhaps what makes BCS truly special is its heart: the community. Like the tight-knit groups that form around surfing or running, BCS has become a place where people don't just exercise together - they grow together. It's where weekly commitments turn into friendships, where achievements are celebrated collectively, and where everyone's journey is supported by those around them.

Meet the Team

At BCS, Alex is supported by an exceptional team of instructors, each bringing their unique expertise and energy to the reformer. Together, they create an environment where serious fitness meets genuine connection, and every class offers a fresh perspective on movement.

  • With over 14 years of teaching experience spanning studios worldwide, Anna's Pilates journey began at age 14, leading to her teaching certification by 16.

    Her approach weaves together physical practice with spiritual awareness, drawing on her deep connection to natural cycles and the subtle rhythms of existence.

    Her teaching philosophy extends beyond the physical aspects of opening, strengthening, and lengthening - she brings a deeper awareness to the body's innate capabilities and wisdom.

    For Anna, Pilates has been a constant sanctuary through life's various chapters, and she strives to make each class both a healing experience and an activation of the body's potential.

    Anna's classes blend challenging sequences with relaxing moments, set to groovy, mellow vibes that let everyone feel themselves. She believes workouts shouldn't add to life's stress but rather provide a space for transformation and growth. Her extensive experience makes her particularly skilled at guiding newcomers through their first reformer experiences, helping them build the confidence to practice anywhere in the world.

    “If you are new to Pilates, there is nothing to fear. The amazing thing is that it truly is a lifelong practice that can easily meet you where you’re currently at and there is infinite space to grow for all levels. The reformer is straightforward to learn how to operate and once you know how to work it, you will not only be comfortable at Black Cat but you will be able to go into any studio around the world and feel like you know what you’re doing which really builds confidence.” - Anna

  • A former Team Canada figure skater turned management consultant, Meaghan brings her elite athletic background and infectious energy to the reformer.

    Working with clients like the United Nations and various health sectors across Canada hasn't stopped her from pursuing her passion for movement.

    Now calling Nosara home with her husband and two dogs (Mina, the black lab, and Milo, the tico weenie), she brings her dynamic energy to every class. Her sessions blend precise technique with playful challenges, set to a soundtrack of low-fi beats mixed with oldies and old school hip hop.

    Self-described as sarcastic, driven, and spontaneous, she creates an atmosphere where challenging sequences feel achievable and every class leaves you stronger and smiling.

  • With a journey that began in nutrition and expanded into biomagnetism, Traditional Chinese Medicine, massage therapy, and movement, Mariel brings a truly holistic approach to the reformer.

    Her 2013 studies in Par Biomagnetism in Mexico deepened her understanding of how therapy, movement, nutrition, and emotional healing interconnect.

    Since moving to Guiones in 2019 to embrace the active lifestyle of surfing and skating, she's found her calling in combining all aspects of wellness. Now, as a mother to a two-year-old, she brings a unique perspective on movement and healing to her classes. Insightful, empathetic, and fun, her sessions combine deceptively challenging sequences with mindful awareness.

    Her belief that "your body always knows" guides students to discover their inner wisdom through movement, while her diverse background ensures a comprehensive approach to strength and wellness.

  • Born and raised in Canada, Tanya brings a wealth of athletic experience to the reformer. A former national basketball silver medalist with over 15 years of personal training and basketball coaching experience, she understands the power of team dynamics and individual growth.

    Her background in multiple sports, including her current passions for surfing, fitness, and pickleball, informs her approach to functional fitness.

    Determined, motivated, and dedicated, she creates classes that challenge while building a supportive community. Her 90s and 2000s workout jams keep the energy high while her expertise keeps the form precise.

    As a coach and athlete, she believes in the power of consistency and community, making every class feel like a team achievement.

  • Adventurous and easygoing, Sabrina approaches each class with a perfect balance of challenge and accessibility.

    Her house music-driven sessions prove that every day on the reformer can feel different and exciting. She crafts workouts that tone the full body while keeping the energy high and the pressure low.

    Her teaching philosophy centers on helping students feel accomplished without overexertion, creating the perfect environment for consistent progress. Constantly exploring new movements and sequences, she ensures each class brings fresh challenges while maintaining a welcoming, supportive atmosphere for all levels.