THIS YEARS PRESENTERS AND SHARERS OF KNOWLEDGE
A collective of innovative minds and spirited individuals, committed to bringing out the best in you.
JOAKIM VALSINGER
2nd Generation Pilates Teacher
Joakim Valsinger is an award-winning fitness instructor, sports therapist, and holds advanced Pilates qualifications, including the prestigious NCPT (Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher) credential — formerly known as the PMA. He currently runs Bälans Pilates Studio in Perth, Scotland.
In 2014, Joakim was awarded the Spirit of Flame at the UK Active Awards — a national ceremony celebrating excellence in the fitness industry. He won in a competitive field of nominees from some of the UK’s biggest gym chains, recognised for going “above and beyond” in getting more people more active, more often.
Joakim originally trained as a Pilates Instructor with the Pilates Foundation, before qualifying with Body Control Pilates in 2004. He also holds a Level 4 Lower Back Pain Specialist accreditation through REPs (Register of Exercise Professionals).
Notably, Joakim is one of only a handful of Pilates Instructors in the UK with direct lineage from Joseph Pilates, having completed a two-year Master Mentor Programme under Lolita San Miguel — one of the original Pilates Elders personally certified by Joseph Pilates in New York City in the 1960s.
His skills were rigorously developed under Lolita’s mentorship, and in 2015 he was invited to undergo further training to become an Educator for Lolita’s Legacy — her Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Programme. Joakim now leads regular courses, helping to train and inspire the next generation of Pilates Instructors.
JULIE DRIVER
Pilates Teacher
Julie Driver is an award-winning, internationally renowned Pilates teacher with over two decades of teaching experience. In 2014, she was named Pilates Anytime International Instructor of the Year — a testament to her impact and leadership within the global Pilates community.
Alongside her work training Pilates teachers, Julie specialises in Pilates for equestrians, coaching riders of all levels — from weekend enthusiasts to elite athletes. She is currently the Pilates teacher for the Wesko Foundation three-day eventing team, where she helps riders enhance their balance, alignment, and body awareness in the saddle and beyond.
At this year’s conference, Julie will lead a pre-conference workshop based on her recently published book Pilates for the Equestrian. This session is tailored for clients and riders, offering accessible movement strategies to improve strength, stability, and performance both on and off the horse. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or a curious mover, Julie’s approach offers insight into the unique demands of equestrian sport and how Pilates can support it.
Returning to Scotland for the second time, Julie brings her infectious energy and passion for movement — guaranteed to leave you smiling, inspired, and wanting more.
LABRIECE OCHSNER
Pilates Teacher
LaBriece Ochsner is a passionate and internationally recognised Pilates teacher with over 20 years of experience. Now in her 50s, LaBriece has embraced a personal transformation that shifted how she sees herself — and, in turn, how she teaches. She believes that changing the lens through which we view life can profoundly shape the way we approach movement and instruction.
A native of Berkeley, California, LaBriece brings a culturally rich and open-minded perspective to her work. Since relocating to Switzerland in 2016, she has fully integrated into the local culture and language. She now teaches fluently in English, German, and Swiss-German — embodying the diversity she advocates for within the global Pilates industry.
LaBriece is the owner and director of LB Pilates Studios GmbH, the Balanced Body® Authorized Training Center for Switzerland and the German-speaking regions of Europe. She trains Pilates teachers and mentors students with a hands-on, equipment-focused approach, blending technical expertise with warmth and motivation.
Her special interests include training elite athletes, mentoring teachers, and supporting individuals in reconnecting with their strongest, most aligned selves. She regularly presents at national and international Pilates conferences and leads continuing education workshops around the world.
As a mother of three, former athlete, senior educator, and lifelong learner, LaBriece brings depth, clarity, and empathy to her teaching. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a new student, you’re in expert hands with LaBriece Ochsner.
MICHAEL KING
Pilates Master Instructor
Michael King has been working with the Pilates Method for over 40 years. He was first introduced to the technique as a dancer at the London School of Contemporary Dance. In 1982, he opened his own studio, Body Control, in connection with the newly established Pineapple Dance Studios in Covent Garden, London.
Two years later, he was offered a position in Texas managing the Pilates studio at the Houston Ballet Company, where he remained until 1990. During this time, supported by the Houston Ballet, Michael travelled extensively across the USA, visiting and training at Pilates studios — including studying with Carola Trier and Romana Kryzanowska at the original Pilates Studio in New York.
Michael also worked at the Voight Fitness and Dance Center in Los Angeles for five years, teaching fitness programmes as well as Pilates. He taught at several prominent studios, including Winsor Pilates in LA.
In 1995, Michael returned to Europe. After a two-year contract in Switzerland, he relocated to London, where he became the founder and Director of the Pilates Institute UK, a role he held until 2008. He now runs his own international education company, MK Pilates.
Michael has earned a global reputation as a leading presenter in both fitness and Pilates since the 1980s. His training programmes are now taught in over 32 countries, and he has played an instrumental role in shaping both national and international standards for Pilates education.
STEVE WRIGLEY MCSP
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapist and owner of The Health Rooms — a Pilates studio and physiotherapy clinic based in the Scottish Borders.
Steve Wrigley has had a long and distinguished career as a musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapist, spanning four decades. He has worked with the NHS, the Ministry of Defence, and both amateur and professional sports clubs. Together with his wife, he now owns and runs The Health Rooms — a successful physiotherapy clinic and Pilates studio in the Scottish Borders.
Steve has worked closely with Cameron Angus for many years, developing an award-winning programme to improve referral pathways for surgery and rehabilitation among injured military personnel. He remains passionate about encouraging people to move and helping injured patients reach their full potential.
CAMERON ANGUS
Clinical Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist /Pilates Teacher and Mentor
Cameron Angus discovered Pilates in the 1980s at the start of his physiotherapy career. While on a clinical exchange to the US, he had the rare opportunity to study with Jay Grimes — gaining firsthand insight into the Method’s true origins. He later completed his full comprehensive training and has since studied with many renowned Pilates and movement teachers, including several who knew Joseph Pilates personally. Cameron went on to develop his own workshops and training programmes, and has presented at major Pilates and medical conferences for over 40 years.
He is a Clinical Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist with more than four decades of experience, including a distinguished career as a military physiotherapist — where movement rehabilitation truly meant something. His special interests include chronic pain, spinal, pelvic and shoulder conditions, whiplash, and headaches. Cameron also brings extensive expertise in bodywork, performance, and rehabilitation. Uniquely, he may have been the first person to teach Pilates in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Cameron is deeply passionate about bridging best clinical practice with the world of movement. He values understanding individual motivation and helping people rediscover joy in movement and body ownership. His blend of clinical knowledge, teaching experience, and positivity offers a unique foundation to support both professionals and clients in their health and learning journeys.
The Pilates Gathering is Cameron’s vision — a space to deepen education, celebrate shared practice, and support teachers in becoming their most authentic selves.
CATERINA ROMANO
Founder of Beautysnap | Marketing & Communication Specialist
Caterina Romano is the founder of Beautysnap, a creative marketing and communication studio based in Dundee. She helps brands communicate with confidence, find their unique voice, and tell their story in a way that feels authentic and impactful.
With a background that spans multiple industries, Caterina blends creativity, strategy, and a highly personal approach to support business growth and build genuine audience connection. She believes good communication isn’t just about visibility — it’s about creating relationships that resonate.
Caterina is at the start of her Pilates journey, but she’s a seasoned promoter of businesses like yours. In her sessions, she’ll share simple, actionable digital hacks to make your life easier — from time-saving tips to full-scale social media strategies. You’ll walk away with fresh tools and practical confidence to ensure your online presence supports your personal and professional goals.