Our Team
We’re excited to share our love for Pilates and creating strong bodies and a strong community!
Gina Ascolese
Instructor
Gina was born and raised in NYC and moved to Orange County with over twelve years of experience in health and fitness. Her background is in team sports and dance which she still enjoys today. She holds a degree in Exercise Science from Adelphi University and second Bachelors and Master’s in Athletic Training from LIU Brooklyn and is also a Certified Personal Trainer, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Exercise Specialist and Performance Exercise Specialist. As a group fitness instructor and personal trainer Gina would trade sessions with other instructors to in an array of modalities to learn new skills and further her own fitness journey, this is when she found Pilates. She soon became a student of Pilates to further her knowledge and enrolled in BASI. She now integrates Pilates with her personal training to help those recover from injury, gain strength, and understand the mind-body connection. Gina works with a variety of clientele from young to old, special populations and all fitness levels. She is driven by her passion for people and creating a fun health-centered environment.
Maddy Beadle
Instructor
Maddy took her first dance class at the age of 6 and has never looked back since. During her years of traveling to dance conventions / intensives she encountered her first experience with Pilates in the form of a mat class. Maddy was instantly intrigued by how great Pilates made her body feel and, soon after graduating, decided to join the Teacher Training Program at Club Pilates in August of 2021. Maddy loves that Pilates is for EVERY BODY and especially loves the cross training it provides in her rigorous dance schedule. Maddy is so excited to fan her love of teaching and helping others feel better while on staff at Co-Op!
Rowena Dhingra
Instructor
Rowena started doing Pilates over 20 years ago and loved the transformation in her body and how agile she felt. From there, she wanted to educate and teach others Pilates by sharing all the benefits she had felt through her practice. Trained in STOTT Pilates and armed with a comprehensive certification through BASI Pilates, and a variety of workshops, Rowena decided to pursue her passion of Pilates after a career in sales and marketing. She loves to educate all ages from teenagers to the mature client on all the health benefits of strengthening, lengthening and toning that Pilates creates for the body. From private lessons, to group classes she loves Pilates and looks forward to continuing to help other people transform their mind, body, and soul.
Staci Kessel
Instructor
Staci holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from California State University at Fullerton. After graduating, she became a mom to two daughters and knew that her full time job would be raising her girls. Fitness has always been important to Staci’s and frequented group classes at the neighborhood gym. Staci decided to become a personal trainer and earned a certification in Personal Training, Group Class instruction and Corrective Exercise Training through NASM. While working at a small gym as a personal trainer she became interested in the workings of movement through Pilates. In 2021 Staci became certified in the comprehensive program through BASI. She is now excited to pass on her knowledge and passion to others at Co-Op. Other interests include, cooking, nutrition, reading, hiking, family and her furry golden doodle, Larry.
Sophia Lang
Instructor
Sophia Lang, originally from Simi Valley, California, began dancing at the age of three. Her passion for dance led her to Chapman University, where she earned a BFA in Dance Performance and a Minor in Business Administration in May 2019. While at Chapman, Sophia discovered her love of Pilates and how effortlessly it complimented dance. She was intrigued by how it could also be used to help all people find movement efficiency within their body. Shortly after graduating college, Sophia began the Club Pilates Teacher Training program in 2020 and completed her certification in 2021. Sophia is passionate about helping her students achieve strength and efficiency within their bodies so they can continue to live a happy and healthy lifestyle outside of the Pilates studio!
Kady Lawson
Instructor
Kady Lawson began dancing at the age of three in her hometown of Vancouver, Washington. After moving to California to pursue a career in dance, she discovered Pilates when looking for a new form of cross training. She instantly knew she wanted to help others fall in love with the Pilates Method like she did. Kady is currently working towards earning her Pilates Teacher and Personal Training Certifications through Orange Coast College. She is excited to help her clients achieve their goals and live a happy and healthy lifestyle, inside and outside the Pilates studio.
Kaycie Wallace
Instructor
Kaycie got her start in the fitness industry more than 12 years ago as a water aerobics instructor in San Bernardino before moving to Orange County in 2015. She then discovered Pilates and has spent the last 8 years teaching both mat and reformer Pilates at gyms and studios all over OC. Most recently, she is also a pole dance instructor at Uplift Movement Awakening in Tustin. When she's not teaching, she's working on her master's degree in speech-language pathology. Teaching is her passion and she loves any opportunity to share what she loves with others while dancing along to her playlists. She is super excited to be part of the Co-Op Pilates family!
Kaitlyn Ayers
Studio Associate
Kaitlyn grew up in Orange County as a competitive dancer for most of her life. Transitioning into college at UC Irvine she did not want to pursue dance as a career, but was looking for a way to stay active and maintain her flexibility from dance. As a part of the UCI Spirit Squad, Kaitlyn discovered Pilates and quickly fell in love with the mental and physical benefits. Kaitlyn now assists at the Co-Op front desk while remaining a frequent Co-Op client and working her full-time job in Human Resources. When she is not in class, Kaitlyn enjoys traveling, hiking, & trying new coffee shops around OC!
Alyssa On
Studio Associate
Alyssa is another Orange County native and is just touching her toes into Pilates. However, like many of us, she isn’t new to training her body. She danced competitively throughout college, and played volleyball throughout her childhood. She also has a deep love for creative expression that translates into all aspects of her life. If she’s not at our front desk, she works intimately within the Los Angeles fashion scene. Most notably, as a wardrobe stylist. With her projects bringing her into photo studios for magazine shoots and music video sets alike. While pursuing a Bachelor’s of the Arts in Philosophy, she welcomes every day as a learning opportunity and strives to make connections with others. When she has a moment to herself, don’t be surprised to find her in a corner of a coffee shop with an iced latte in front of her and a book in her hand!
Amber Kim
Instructor
Based in Orange County, Amber's journey into the realm of movement and wellness began with a diverse array of activities, from martial arts to creative pursuits like sewing, clay art, and jewelry making. However, it was dance that captured her heart and ultimately led her to pursue it professionally.
During college, Amber's encounter with Pilates deepened her understanding of movement and anatomy, leading her to switch her focus from dance to dance science. In 2019, she pursued BASI certification in Pilates, complementing her B.S. in Dance Science obtained in 2020. With unwavering dedication, she now aims to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
Starting January 2025, Amber will embark on her next academic endeavor as she attends Azusa Pacific University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program. With a vision firmly rooted in holistic wellness and rehabilitation, Amber aims to establish a physical therapy practice integrating Pilates as a core component for recovery and injury prevention.
Driven by a passion for accessibility and equitable healthcare, Amber's long-term vision encompasses the provision of free physical therapy sessions for those in need, ensuring that essential care remains within reach for all.
Ashley Lauro
Instructor
For 12 years, Ashley followed her passion for dance, learning traditional and modern dance styles while competing at the National level. Simultaneously, she also began pursuing her education in healthcare. In 2021, while seeking a way to cross-train for dance, Ashley discovered Pilates, where she found a new passion that seamlessly merged her dance and public health backgrounds. Ashley fell in love with Pilates because of its ability to provide a full-body workout that targets all major and minor muscle groups. She was captivated by Pilates's mind-body connection, finding that it strengthened her body and sharpened her focus and awareness. In May 2023, Ashley joined the Teacher Training Program at Club Pilates. Combining her Pilates certification with her Master's degree in Public Health from the University of California, Irvine, Ashley is dedicated to sharing the transformative power of Pilates with her clients, helping them discover the same balance, strength, and connection it has brought to her life. Ashley is thrilled to join the Co-Op Pilates family, and when she is not in the studio, you can find her camping, hiking, or baking!
Miranda Murillo
Instructor
Miranda grew up performing and her artistic infatuation continually influences how she lives her life. She began her training in dance, musical theater and choir as a child. The amount of joy these activities brought her was immense, however dance pulled at her heartstrings the most. She attended and graduated from the competitive arts high school, The Orange County School of the Arts. She was extremely fortunate to be hired right out of high school as a dancer at Disney’s California Adventure Park. Through dancing, she was introduced to Pilates by fellow peers who had their instructor certifications. Seeing how they were applying the Pilates method into their dance teachings was eye opening for Miranda. Soon after, she began teaching Mexican Folk dance classes which expanded her outlook on her artistic goals by revealing she had a passion for teaching. She too began incorporating the Pilates method to her own teaching and realized the benefits it was having on both her students and herself. Having that personal understanding she enrolled in the Pilates Instructor Certificate Program at Orange Coast College. Since graduating, she has furthered her understanding of Pilates and how it benefits the body. She hopes to teach Pilates and continue to incorporate it into both her performing and teaching. Miranda plans on learning all she can to promote an attainable healthy lifestyle while still staying true to her artistic passions.
Yasmiina Kashani
Studio Associate
Yasmina has been in Orange County for most of her life and is currently a student. Growing up she was involved in various sports and to keep up, was introduced to yoga. This eventually led her to discover Pilates and it is now her favorite pastime alongside yoga. In her free time, Yasmina loves to spend time with her family, try new coffee shops, and enjoy the beach.
Julia Santana
Studio Associate
Julia may be new to Pilates but is no stranger to the health and fitness world. Born and raisted in Orange County, she has a bachelors in Kinesiology from Cal State Fullerton . She is currently in her final year of the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at Chapman University, Julia is passionate about helping others return to their favorite activities- whether it is sports, mountain biking, or being the weekend warrior. In her free time, Julia enjoys playing soccer, reading, and spending time with her two nephews Cameron and Henry.
Cortnee Wilson
Studio Associate
Cortnee Wilson, from Orange County, grew up competing in dance for over 10 years. Throughout her dance career, Cortnee has been a traveling dance assistant, appeared on Season 2 of World of Dance, and was a Crimson Girl at Washington State University. Cortnee has since continued her studies remotely, majoring in Sports-Business. While dealing with a very extensive knee injury, Cortnee discovered a passion for Pilates, as it was the only form of exercise that helped strengthen her knee without pain. Cortnee now helps at the Co-Op front desk while also teaching dance at a nearby studio. In her free time, Cortnee enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and playing with her puppy, Lemon.
JESSI MIDSTOKKE
Discovering her love for fitness later in life than most, Jessi understands the importance of a personalized, welcoming fitness experience. After many years of trying countless studios and never finding a home base, she found it with Pilates. Since she began her Pilates journey she has found her strength and purpose. Armed with an MBA and 14 years in the nonprofit sector, she has extensive experience in creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect and be empowered. Closing in on her Comprehensive Pilates Certification through Club Pilates, Jessi will be managing the studio and teaching classes.
BLAKE MIDSTOKKE
Blake grew up in Irvine, Woodbridge to be specific, with his childhood home only a little over a mile away from the Co-Op Pilates studio. As a lifelong athlete, including Basketball, Track and Cross Country at Woodbridge High, he was a Pilates skeptic until experiencing first-hand the relief it brought to his body. Incorporating Pilates into his regular workout regime has allowed him to sustain his much loved sports and other more high-impact workouts.