Iva Gotzev is a multifaceted entrepreneur based in Washington, D.C., with roots from Bulgaria, known for her dynamic contributions to the city’s wellness and event spaces. As the owner of Toolbox Pilates Art Studio since 2012, Iva has seamlessly blended her passions by establishing a unique venue that operates as a Pilates and yoga studio by day and transforms into an event space by night. This innovative concept reflects her commitment to fostering both physical well-being and artistic expression within the community.
In addition to Toolbox, Iva co-owns Zeleno, a venture she developed in collaboration with her husband, Alex Gotzev. Iva’s dedication to Pilates is evident not only through her ownership of Toolbox Pilates Art Studio but also in her active role as an instructor. Her expertise and passion for promoting health and wellness have made her a respected figure among her clients and peers. Beyond her professional endeavors, Iva cherishes her family and friends. Her personal and professional lives intertwine, creating a harmonious balance that fuels her continuous drive to enrich the cultural and wellness landscapes of Washington, D.C.
Follow her on Instagram @ivagotzev.
DC native Annika Puth is a Pilates teacher and the Studio Manager at Toolbox Pilates. She holds a BA in Computer Science with a Mathematics concentration from Occidental College in Los Angeles. A passionate advocate for health and community, Annika brings a unique blend of precision, creativity, and efficiency to both her teaching and studio leadership.
Annika approaches Pilates as functional fitness, and, in every class, helps her students build core strength, improve spinal mobility, and enhance overall well-being. Her focus on form and breath keeps students present in their bodies, encouraging mindfulness and confidence in movement. She fosters a space where self-care is a priority, and students leave feeling stronger, empowered, and more connected to their bodies.
As Studio Manager, Annika ensures that day-to-day operations run smoothly, fostering a welcoming and well-organized atmosphere for both clients and staff. Her ability to combine technical expertise with a love for movement makes her an essential part of the Toolbox team, where she is committed to cultivating an inclusive space for health and wellness.
Follow her on Instagram @annika_xox.
Alexandra Ambrico, a Long Island native, relocated to Washington, D.C. in 2020. She holds a B.A. in Biology from Indiana University and an M.S. in Science Communication from Stony Brook University. While her academic roots are grounded in science, Alexandra’s passion for women’s health and wellness, combined with her love for dance and exercise, led her to pursue Pilates teacher training at Toolbox Pilates and Art Studio—where she had been a dedicated student since her arrival in D.C. Renowned for her dynamic yet low-impact routines, Alexandra challenges students of all skill levels, ensuring they feel the burn by the end of every session. Her unique classes are designed with quick transitions and high-repetition movements that deliver serious results. She loves making people feel welcome, whether they’ve just arrived in the city or have been here for years, ensuring everyone feels like part of this amazing community.
In 2025, Alexandra transitioned to teaching Pilates full-time. She also launched @callthecoven on Instagram—a collaborative platform designed with friends to connect kindred spirits around the world.
Follow her on Instagram @alexandraambrico.
Alex is a PMA certified Pilates instructor dedicated to promoting wellness and strength through a biomechanics-based approach. She completed her instructor training at Gramercy Pilates in New York, a PSAP approved school renowned for offering the most comprehensive Pilates mat and equipment teacher training program in the industry. With advanced Pilates and physical therapy certifications from Kinected and Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, Alex brings a deep understanding of body mechanics and rehabilitation to her teaching. She strives to help her clients feel better and stronger after every class.
Originally from Potomac, Alex attended Holton-Arms and Cornell University, where she studied engineering. This strong foundation in engineering complements her detailed and analytical approach to Pilates instruction, allowing her to provide highly effective classes and personalized training sessions.
In addition to her professional qualifications, Alex brings a warm and inviting presence to her classes. She often brings her puppy to class, adding a touch of joy and relaxation to the atmosphere. Join Alex for a class and experience the unique blend of precision, care, and community she offers.
Follow her on Instagram @dmvpilates.
Alisha Saxena is a RYT-500 yoga instructor who also holds a specialty certification in yin yoga. She weaves yin, hatha, and vinyasa into a challenging yet refreshing practice that is rooted in yoga’s philosophical roots and texts. As an avid student of reformer pilates, Alisha also works to bring that concentrated physical engagement into her yoga classes.
Amanda’s passion for physical fitness has been a lifelong journey, starting with team sports and evolving into swimming, biking, and running after college. With over 20 years of Pilates practice, she deeply appreciates how the method strengthens the core and aids in injury prevention. As a certified fitness instructor since 2015, Amanda began teaching Pilates in 2018 and has since found joy in helping others get stronger, both physically and mentally.
Her classes blend a solid foundation of movement education with a focus on mindfulness and body awareness. Amanda’s approach is rooted in the belief that Pilates is the perfect complement to running, offering a balanced way to enhance strength and flexibility. She fosters an inclusive, welcoming environment for students of all levels, encouraging each individual to challenge themselves and grow at their own pace.
Outside of teaching at Toolbox, you’ll likely find Amanda running or biking around the District, always striving to blend her love of movement with her commitment to overall wellness. Through her work, she inspires and empowers students, blending her scientific background with her passion for Pilates to help others achieve their health and fitness goals.
Follow her on Instagram @ironmanda21.
Carlos Urrley is a seasoned Pilates instructor based in Washington, D.C., renowned for his dedication to promoting health and wellness through mindful movement. He completed his advanced teacher training at the IM=X Pilates Studio in Miami, Florida, and has participated in several intensive workshops focusing on various Pilates techniques. Carlos is certified by NASM as a trainer and a corrective exercise specialist.
Carlos offers a range of classes, including classical reformer, contemporary reformer, athletic reformer, and barre/reformer fusion. His classes are designed to accommodate various skill levels, ensuring that each participant receives a challenging yet accessible workout.
Beyond his teaching, Carlos is committed to continuous learning and professional development, regularly attending workshops and training sessions to enhance his skills and knowledge in Pilates. His dedication to the practice and his students makes him a respected figure in the Pilates community.
Courtney Kirk is a Pilates instructor based in Washington, D.C., who brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her teaching. With a background in athletics, Courtney previously played as a Division I lacrosse player at Vanderbilt University, where she honed her skills in performance, discipline, and movement. Her athletic background shapes her approach to Pilates, combining strength-building, flexibility, and focus on overall wellness. In addition to teaching, Courtney is a certified integrative health coach. She also creates custom clothing through vintage tees through her brand Off Center Clothing.
Courtney offers a variety of classes, with an emphasis on health, and helps students of all skill levels achieve their fitness goals.
Follow her on instagram @gut2spine.
Denesia is a passionate Pilates, Yoga, and Meditation teacher dedicated to helping students move with strength, balance, and mindfulness. She began teaching Mat Pilates in November 2023 after training with Balanced Body and is currently on a journey to become comprehensively trained in all Pilates apparatus.
Her love for movement started as a personal journey to manage scoliosis, leading her to explore the power of Pilates and yoga for healing and transformation. Now, she specializes in Prenatal, Postnatal, Hatha, and Vinyasa Flow Yoga, tailoring each class to meet students’ unique needs through thoughtful modifications and adjustments.
Denesia holds a 200-hour RYT certification from Yoga District and an RPYT certification from Utah Prenatal Yoga, equipping her to support students at all stages of life. She also crafts guided meditations for those seeking calmness, clarity, and a deeper connection to their breath.
Above all, Denesia is driven by her love for teaching and her mission to make Pilates, yoga, and meditation accessible to diverse communities. Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve mobility, or cultivate mindfulness, she’s here to guide you on your journey. Let’s move, breathe, and grow together!
Erin Evans is a certified Pilates instructor and GYROTONIC® practitioner based in Washington, D.C. She earned her Pilates certification in 2007 through Jen Campbell’s Articulate Eye Pilates teacher training program at the American Dance Institute. Erin is also a certified practitioner of both GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS®, having studied with the method’s creator, Juliu Horvath, and Master Trainers Hsiao-Fang Lee and Tracy Monaco. Erin’s Pilates journey began during her time at Penn State University, where she discovered Pilates in a dance class. Her love for the practice deepened as she continued to explore it at the American Dance Institute in Rockville, MD.
Erin’s experience with Pilates has brought profound body awareness and strength, and she strives to impart this same understanding to her clients. In each session, Erin’s goal is to empower clients with insight that enhances their movement patterns and overall well-being, both in the studio and beyond. She tailors her approach to suit individuals of all ages and abilities, from athletes to seniors, and is known for her attention to detail and her gentle yet challenging teaching style. Erin’s expertise in Pilates and GYROTONIC® ensures that her clients receive a transformative and personalized experience.
Hailey Shull has been dancing since she took her first steps and grew up with an innate passion for kinesiology and wellness. In high school, she taught and competed at the national level in various forms of dance including contemporary, jazz, tap, ballet, and hip-hop. Following her 2014 graduation from Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, MD, Hailey attended Fordham University in New York City where, along with a full course load, she continued to pursue her career in commercial dance.
While in NYC, Hailey spent many grueling hours in the studio and developed several chronic injuries related to hypermobility and overuse. Seeing firsthand how her mom has helped countless clients with similar issues, she turned to Pilates as a method of rehabilitation and prevention of future injuries. As her body strengthened and increased in the range of motion and endurance, she recognized the potential opportunity before her and decided to pursue Pilates as her full-time career. She completed her teacher certification with Body Arts and Sciences International (BASI) in 2017 and returned from NYC in 2018 to join Revelation Bodywork.
Heather Lacey is a comprehensively trained Pilates instructor based in Washington, D.C. She offers Beginner and Intermediate Reformer Pilates classes at Toolbox Pilates and Art Studio. Heather’s classes blend classical Pilates technique with modern sequences designed to increase strength and flexibility, challenge muscles, and invigorate participants, ensuring a full-body workout experience. Heather enjoys working with students of all levels, empowering beginners to find their center and challenging experienced practitioners to advance their practice.
Heather’s background in consulting and teaching, combined with her dedication to her own continued Pilates education, makes her a knowledgeable, approachable, and enthusiastic instructor.
Isaac Combs (JD, MBA, E-RYT) grew up in Fayetteville, AR, and has taught in studios in DC and abroad for over a decade. He came to yoga somewhat reluctantly after serious health problems suddenly ended his legal career. After years of practicing law, he embarked on extensive travels across the United States and internationally, exploring diverse cultures and perspectives. This period of exploration and personal growth eventually led him to the practice of yoga. While initially afraid to try a yoga class, Isaac immediately felt at home on the mat. At one time nearly paralyzed below the neck, Isaac found healing for his body and heart through yoga, tantra, and meditation, and he soon became a teacher to share that healing formula. As someone who came to yoga with a challenged body, Isaac’s teaching style strives to make yoga feel welcoming to and accessible for all people of all levels of experience and ability, and he teaches in a trauma-informed manner to help students feel safe, comfortable, and in control of their body during class.
Isaac primarily specializes in teaching yin yoga and hybrid forms such as yang-yin and yin-yang. His classes are characterized by a mindful and inclusive approach, emphasizing breath, alignment, and the connection between mind and body. Isaac believes that yoga is for everyone, regardless of experience or ability, and strives to create a supportive environment where students can explore their practice.
Isaac completed his 200-hour yoga teacher training in Yin Yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Ubud, Bali with Joe Barnett (USA) and Jo Phee (Singapore). His dedication to continuous learning has taken him to Italy, Portugal, China, and other locations worldwide.
Isaac is now well-known internationally as a senior yin yoga teacher. In addition to teaching thousands of classes on 4 continents, Isaac has attended over 2000 hours of advanced yoga teacher trainings, including extensive study with teachers such as Sri Dharma Mitra and yin yoga founders Sarah & Ty Powers and Paul & Suzee Grilley. Isaac attends regular silent meditation retreats and enjoys time in nature. He has completed the Camino de Santiago three times.
Jessica Sandhu is a comprehensive Pilates and yoga teacher and somatic life coach based in Washington, DC.
Jessica offers a range of wellness services, including Pilates and yoga private sessions and classes, corporate wellness programs, speaking engagements and one-on-one coaching.
Jessica was first introduced to Pilates after a car accident resulted in a hip and shoulder tear. She found Pilates helped with strengthening her body and joints in new ways that made her stronger than before the accident.
In addition to her teaching, Jessica leads retreats internationally and nationally including Nicaragua, Brazil, Peru, West Virginia and more, providing immersive experiences that blend wellness practices with cultural exploration. Through her diverse offerings and commitment to holistic well-being, Jessica empowers individuals to embrace their authentic selves and live fully.
Jessica honors traditional customs of yoga and respects Indigenous culture, integrating these values into her teaching and healing practices. She is committed to creating equity in various settings, aiming to help individuals feel seen and supported.
Follow her on Instagram @jessicapsandhu.
Kseniya discovered yoga after moving to Tulum, Mexico, drawn by the amazing benefits yoga and its philosophy brought to her life. She completed her teacher training in South Goa, India, where she dove deeper into yoga philosophy, meditation, and pranayama. Kseniya keeps learning by attending workshops and taking online courses.
An active lifestyle enthusiast, Kseniya believes in daily self-care for both body and mind. Yoga helps her stay calm, resilient, and mindful, no matter what life throws her way. She’s grateful for the positive changes yoga has brought to her life and loves sharing its benefits with her students.
While she enjoys yoga in all its forms, Kseniya primarily specializes in teaching Power and Vinyasa flow, helping her students unwind their body and mind from the bustle outside of the studio.
Beyond yoga, Kseniya enjoys reading, going to concerts, exploring sound healing sessions, spending time outdoors, and traveling.
Follow her on Instagram @milagro_del_yoga.
Long fascinated by holistic approaches to wellness in Asia – Tai Chi, meditation, and chiropractic, Mayu was intuitively drawn to the idea that a fully present mind and deep understanding of oneself are the essence of well-being.
Her classes are full-body workouts that incorporate dynamic movements focusing on intentional breathing, strength building, mobility, and deep stretching. She is proud to be known for her authentic, non-judgmental teaching style and compassion-centered philosophy. Mayu closes with a personalized savasana and her favorite yoga pose – Big Smile.
Meg Brackett (she/her) discovered yoga in her teens and has been exploring various yoga styles and teachers worldwide ever since. Meg’s all-levels restorative class incorporates long-held poses and is a gentle way to begin the week. Each class includes calm instrumental music, dim lighting, and ample time to connect with your body. She incorporates elements of astrology, numerology, and the moon cycles to align every class with the forces of the universe.
Meg trained with Faith Hunter in 2013 and completed her 200-hour yoga certification. She believes the best way to connect with the present moment is through her practice and tries to incorporate a mindful and positive attitude in all aspects of life.
Follow her on Instagram @theyogabrain.
Rachel has been practicing yoga for 10 years (in this lifetime at least) as of fall 2023 and has been teaching yoga since 2016. While some might say yoga runs in Rachel’s blood due to her great-uncle Ram Dass, Rachel has been drawn to the connection between mind, body, soul, and movement at the core of yoga. Her classes are inspired by yogic philosophies, Ayurvedic teachings, and her love of her growing yogi communities. Get ready to have fun, sweat, and connect to your inner wisdom during Rachel’s classes!
Sarah began her yoga journey in 2014 and came to the practice primarily looking for a personal reconnection with body, mind, and spirit. Since then, yoga has been part of her life as a way to stay grounded. Sarah moved to DC from the Midwest in 2021 to pursue a Master’s in International Relations at American University, and she completed a 200-hour RYT training with Mimi Rieger in 2022. Inspired by vinyasa-style flow and grounded in traditional Ashtanga postures, Sarah offers fun and accessible classes for all levels. A lifelong learner, Sarah brings a passion for teaching and inspires creativity to the practice, encouraging students to find what works for them and make the practice their own.
Off the mat, Sarah lives in Northwest DC with her cat Gusgus and frequents local coffee shops.
Sean Brevard is a comprehensively trained Pilates teacher, Certified Personal Trainer, and Licensed Massage Therapist, based in Washington, D.C. He offers a holistic approach to health and wellness, integrating various disciplines to address both physical and mental well-being.
Sean completed his massage therapy training at The Potomac Massage Training Institute in Silver Spring, Maryland, in 2021, specializing in Swedish and Deep Tissue massage techniques. He expanded his expertise by undergoing Mat Pilates training in September 2022, followed by comprehensive Pilates apparatus training at Vida Pilates in Washington, D.C., in January 2023.
Sean possesses a profound understanding of the human body’s healing potential. He is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association and is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in his practice.
Follow him on Instagram @sean.brevard.
Shalynn Burrill is a dedicated Pilates instructor and wellness advocate based in Washington, D.C. Known for her dynamic and accessible fitness classes, she emphasizes the importance of mindful movement and balance in daily life. Her engaging teaching style empowers individuals of all fitness levels to build strength, flexibility, and confidence through Pilates. In addition to teaching, Shalynn is passionate about fostering a sense of community through fitness events and collaborations. Her classes are designed to motivate and inspire, creating a welcoming environment that encourages personal growth and well-being.
Beyond the studio, Shalynn shares her love for Pilates, wellness, and everyday life through social media, where she connects with a wide audience and promotes healthy, active lifestyles.
Follow her on Instagram @pilatesbaeshay.
Zaina Barakat is dedicated to empowering others through words and movement. Born and raised in the DMV, with a B.A. in Public Relations and Strategic Communications from American University, she is rapidly laying her roots in the D.C. fitness and wellness industry. Classically trained and comprehensively certified, Zaina specializes in Athletic Pilates. With that, she brings a deep understanding of the meaning and importance behind every movement, as well as the depth and layers of optimal form within a body in motion. Zaina uses this knowledge to craft exercises and sequences that challenge and push each individual in the room. Building on classical foundations, she fosters an open and flexible environment where clients can meet their limits and surpass them. Her goal every day is to unlock the inner strength of those she works with, leaving them with a smile and a desire for more.
Zaina is extremely passionate about the fitness and wellness community as a whole, and is constantly connecting with trainers, instructors, teachers, studios, and like minded individuals across the field. She loves to build a supportive and empowering environment within the industry, and hopes to inspire her community to connect with one another and grow stronger along the way.
Follow her on Instagram @zainazae.