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OUR TEAM
Danielle Bittner, Owner and Instructor
Danielle is the owner of Ashburn Core Pilates. She began her Pilates journey in 2009 after moving to the DC area after college. Pilates became a daily staple of her life, and after years of self-practice, she decided to take the plunge and become a Pilates instructor. Danielle is certified through Body Arts and Sciences (BASI) Pilates. She received her mat Pilates certification in 2013 and soon after decided to go back for more training, completing her comprehensive Pilates certification through BASI Pilates in 2014. Since then she has been a practicing instructor at local studios throughout Northern Virginia.
​What do you love most about Pilates?
That Pilates is quite literally for everyone- there is always an exercise for you to do, regardless of ability or injury. Pilates is a fun, challenging workout, but that's not just it... there is something about it that's indescribable. It quickly becomes part of your life and being, to the point where you can't imagine life without Pilates!
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What is your favorite Pilates exercise?
Probably the teaser... there are so many ways to do a teaser, and it requires strength and control in various ways!
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Where are you most likely to be spotted outside of the studio?
Tough call... but probably Wegmans (my husband jokes that I basically live there).
Courtney Flickinger, Studio Assistant
Courtney joined our studio as a client at the beginning of 2024 when she took her first ever Pilates class and quickly fell in love. Her resolution for the new year was to invest more into her health and wellness, which led to the search for an exciting and challenging way to move her body. Though she is new to Pilates, she is no stranger to the world of marketing. Since graduating from Virginia Tech, she has spent several years crafting social media content, writing blogs, and working both directly and indirectly with clients and the community.
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What do you love most about Pilates?
Knowing that I am getting stronger each and every class. Pilates has taught me that there are more muscles in my body than I thought possible - which you find out quickly as you walk up and down the stairs or lift small things around the house after your first few classes.
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Where are you most likely to be spotted outside of the studio?
I am most likely to be doing one of these four things -
1. Taking a morning walk outside with my wife!
2. Listening to or talking about Taylor Swift.
3. Going to every Whole Foods in the DMV - yes, this is actually my idea of fun!
4. Eating Mexican food, which I eat on average 4 times per week.
Laurel Muller, Instructor
Laurel’s Pilates journey began 5 years ago when a friend invited her to her first Pilates class. Laurel enjoyed the challenges of Pilates for both her body and mind. She quickly became a “regular” at the studio and found herself asking many questions in a desire to learn more about Pilates. It was then that one of her instructors encouraged Laurel to become an instructor herself.
Laurel received her Comprehensive Pilates Certification and has been teaching Pilates for 18 months. She is super excited to join Ashburn Core Pilates!
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What do you love most about Pilates?
I love that Pilates is for every body! No matter your fitness level, coordination or health conditions, every body can find success and improved health through Pilates.
What is your favorite Pilates exercise?
Any exercise with chest expansion or rotation. I love moving my spine and countering all the time spent on computers and cell phones. It feels so good!
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Where are you most likely to be spotted outside of the studio?
My husband and I really enjoy the local wineries - the beauty and peace of the countryside, along with delicious wines from this region, create a relaxing place to socialize with friends and family.
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Marta Cartón Campbell, Instructor
As a Spaniard, I grew up in an environment where nutrition and physical activity were the backbone of a healthy lifestyle. My background in classical ballet, modern dance, athletics, a decade in fashion modeling in Europe and over a decade of acting in theater has contributed to my development as a mover.
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Through formal certification programs with: Rael Isacowitz, founder of BASI (Body Arts and Science International) Comprehensive Pilates, BODHI Yoga Institute of Hyderabad, Tom Myers founder of Anatomy Trains (fascia research), Perry Nickelston, founder of Stop Chasing Pain, and one-on-one training opportunities, I have successfully developed my skills as a Pilates instructor.
My interest is to work with organizations with a shared passion for supporting people, achieve their personal health goals through effective techniques and methodologies. As Joseph Pilates said "Not only is health a normal condition, but it is our duty to not only attain it but to maintain it." My personal goal is to assist and motivate individuals to move safely, efficiently and gracefully to become independent movers.
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I have worked and continue to contribute with Balanced Bodies, Herndon, VA. I have worked at Club Pilates and I own my personal studio in Round Hill. I am excited to be given the opportunity to work with Danielle, she is a kind, very professional inspiring soul and I am blessed to be part of the team and continue to share the wealth of team building in the Pilates community.
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What do you love most about Pilates?
Pilates is a discipline that places a special emphasis on the development of the smaller stabilizer muscles, rather than the larger muscle groups. Achieving this requires a deep mind-body connection. As you engage in Pilates, time seems to stand still, the cues from your instructor resonate in your mind, a rhythmic breathing pattern and tempo emerge through repetition and focused practice. With dedication and a humble mind, a remarkable transformation takes place - the neurological system adopts and transmits valuable information that liberates the body from constraints and burdens. Through precision and focus we aspire to achieve alignment and symmetry whenever possible. To produce, to establish, to develop a healthy environment for prevention and preservation.
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The freedom of understanding what your body is capable of and to know what it needs at a given moment, is truly priceless. It's a journey well worth embarking on. The most rewarding moment is witnessing the enlightenment of the mind-body connection in my clients' faces when the light bulb goes on and they exclaim, "OMG!!! Is this how it's supposed to feel?"
What is your favorite Pilates exercise?
Well, it's quite challenging to choose just one, I'd say on the mat the Boomerang. It's an advanced exercise that's remarkable in its complexity. It withholds elements from Roll Up, Balancing, Roll Over, Teaser, Rowing, flexion, extension, shoulder rotation... a true gem in Pilates.
Another favorite of mine is the fundamental Pelvic Curl; as the stabilization of the core and back provide full support, spine corset is fully zipped from pelvic floor to mid thoracic, scapula glides toward hips, cervical spine elongates, add the co-contraction of glutes and hamstring with quads and experience an immense feeling of stability and flexibility.
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You become as unyielding as a rock yet as supple as a young tree swaying in the wind - a truly invincible feeling! And let's not forget other fantastic exercises like the Side Pike on the Wunda chair, Balance Control on the Reformer, and Hanging Back on the Cadillac. There are countless more to explore and enjoy!
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I know, I was supposed to pick one ;)
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Where are you most likely to be spotted outside of the studio?
Outside the studio, you'll often find me at the pottery studio, where I happily get my hands dirty with clay, or painting, gardening and hiking with our family and friends, accompanied by our beloved four-legged companions, who come in all shapes and sizes. And, of course, cooking an old good Spanish meal ;)
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Julie Green, Instructor
Julie has been in the fitness industry for more than 30 years. She started with a love for weight lifting and then became a group exercise instructor. After several years of weight lifting and teaching group exercise, she decided to investigate Pilates. Soon after practicing Pilates, she learned that it was just what her back and muscles needed after all the teaching of other formats in fitness. It was the missing piece. She pursued a classical certification with Romana’s Pilates and was certified in 2006.
She has been teaching Pilates private and group sessions ever since and learning that each person in front of her is unique. There is always something to give and something to learn from each person. In addition to a Romana’s Pilates certification, Julie holds the following credentials: Metabolism Based Eating Nutritional Coach, National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Personal Trainer, American Council on Exercise (ACE), Group Exercise Instructor.
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What do you love most about Pilates?
What I like most about Pilates is that it is a place of constant learning. As an instructor, observation, analysis, and helping a client to execute in the best way for their body is imperative for success. You can do the same exercise with every client, but each person makes it look slightly or largely different depending on the communicated execution. For my own practice, my body is constantly learning how to better perform an exercise. It’s rewarding to feel the progress. It encourages me to keep going.
What is your favorite Pilates exercise?
I don’t know if I have a favorite; however, most anything that stretches the lower back, short spine massage on the reformer, tower on the push through bar. Front splits on the reformer is definitely high on my list of favorites for the hip stretch.
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Where are you most likely to be spotted outside of the studio?
I live in Ashburn Village. Therefore, you might spot me walking around the lake at the Ashburn Village Sports Pavilion or in the gym there lifting weights. I still love weight lifting. Other than that, I am a bit of a homebody. I like winding down with a good T.V. series at the end of the day.
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Karin Spencer, Instructor
Karin is a classically trained Pilates instructor with a warm, encouraging, and integrative style. She obtained the Advanced Teacher Training certificate from the world-renowned The Pilates Center in Boulder, Colorado, and is a Nationally Certified Pilates instructor through the National Pilates Certification Program (Pilates Method Alliance).
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Karin began teaching movement thirty years ago as an ACE-certified group fitness instructor and ACE Gold-certified personal trainer. She deepened her teaching skills through graduate and advanced graduate study in teaching and learning and special education. Years of dance training, gymnastics, running, and other physical activities laid the foundation for her love of movement. While building a career as a teacher, teacher educator, and education administrator, she explored movement through multi-sport competitions and practicing the Pilates method. She connected and benefited from Pilates's dynamic, mindful, and integrated approach. A natural evolution was to pursue it deeply as a student and teacher; Karin says her teacher training program was uplifting! She now serves as a Host Advisor for teacher training programs through TPC.
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In addition to being a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT), Karin is an American Council of Exercise (ACE) certified Group Fitness Instructor (GFI), a Franklin Method Pelvic Floor Fascia Trainer, a Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach (PN1), and a Road Runners Club of America Certified Level 1 Coach (RRCA).
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Karin is a continuous learner currently studying The Franklin Method of Dynamic Neuro-cognitive Imagery. She enjoys exploring current movement science research to deepen and extend her knowledge of the transformative classical Pilates work.
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What do you love most about Pilates?
Pilates is transformative. All bodies—athletes, those new to exercise, and those who are looking to discover or rediscover their inner “mover” can find wellness through Pilates. Joseph Pilates said, “Change happens through movement, and movement heals.” I agree! It also brings joy.
Movement improves memory, learning, and concentration. It improves mood, boosts energy, and reduces overall stress in one’s body and mind. Movement helps one to be well so that one can do well in all areas of life. My mission is to help people find joy in movement to increase their physical and mental well-being.
What is your favorite Pilates exercise?
Control balance--probably because being upside down reminds me of my inner gymnast! This challenging but fun exercise requires an intricate activation of opposing muscles: the abdominals, spinal extensors, hip extensors, and hip flexors. The dynamic leg movement is a great benefit for my current cyclist’s body, which offers flexibility for my often-tight hamstrings and hip flexors.
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Where are you most likely to be spotted outside of the studio?
Outdoors! I love to be outside, especially heading out on my bicycle for long rides, taking chatty walks with friends, or strolling my grandson to the playground.
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Diane Lester, Instructor
Diane is a classically trained Pilates coach, professional dancer, actor, singer, and choreographer. She holds a BFA in Jazz Dance Performance and minor in Musical Theatre from The University of the Arts. She first discovered Pilates as cross-training for dance and immediately clicked with it: she loved the control and challenging internal adjustments it asked of her.
In 2014, she was introduced to Classical Pilates and the apparatus at Todd Rosenlieb Dance in Norfolk, Virginia. Over the course of two years of weekly private sessions, she saw how life-changing the work can be! She overcame small injuries and retrained old habits, and saw total change, rejuvenation, and balance in her body: not just in the dance studio, but also in her daily life!
Her performance career took her to New York City, where she completed the Power Pilates Comprehensive Training Program and taught at Power Pilates Midtown, Power Pilates Flatiron, NeXa Pilates and Fitness, and Riser Physical Medicine. Since moving back to Nova (she and her husband grew up here), she has taught at local Pilates studios, fitness clubs, and owns a personal studio.
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Diane brings her movement background to her teaching and takes a holistic approach, knowing firsthand that change happens from the inside out. She is detailed and strives to make Pilates approachable for each of her clients.
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What do you love most about Pilates?
I love that Pilates helps you feel better in the real world and improve in other areas of activity. I've also come to appreciate how each Pilates exercise translates to other Pilates exercises, allowing you to continually build upon what you already know.
What is your favorite Pilates exercise?
Tough question! Generally, I love anything that articulates the spine! I also love Pull Ups on the Chair!
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Where are you most likely to be spotted outside of the studio?
Spending time with my husband, two little girls, and dog. We love exploring new places, good food, and going on neighborhood walks, especially to the playground!
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Kim Walton, Apprentice Instructor
Kim has enjoyed exercise and active movement throughout her life. She has previous experience teaching group exercise classes both in the gym as well as in the pool. Kim has spent many years teaching and volunteering with youth and adults.
During her time working at a physical therapy office, Kim began taking Pilates classes and decided she wanted to understand more about this particular form of exercise and the precise movement it requires. She is an ACE (American Council on Exercise) certified group fitness instructor and in the process of completing her Comprehensive Body Arts and Sciences (BASI) Pilates Certification.
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What do you love most about Pilates?
As someone who considers myself a life-long learner, I love that Pilates is movement that I can continue throughout my life. Each Pilates class is an opportunity to understand the biomechanics that allow me to move my body and to challenge me to improve the way my body moves. I love the quote by Joseph Pilates, “Every moment of our life can be the beginning
of great things.” I hope that by teaching Pilates, I can assist people in both understanding their movements and exploring movements in new ways!
What is your favorite Pilates exercise?
Hmmm, this is difficult to choose one. I will say any of the Up Stretch Group. I like the up stretch position, the challenge of pivoting around different joints, and the utilization of the entire body in order to perform these exercises.
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Where are you most likely to be spotted outside of the studio?
Hiking with my husband and dogs, gardening in my backyard, or cooking/baking!
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James Eastley, Apprentice Instructor
I found my way to Pilates following a large abdominal surgery in 2020. Physical Therapy was a great start, but it wasn’t helping me regain my core strength so I started going to Pilates at a studio in Winchester. It helped me get back on my feet and also became something I really enjoyed!
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I’ve now been practicing regularly for more than five years, and find the combination of strength, stability, and mobility fun and challenging. In 2022 I decided to pursue teaching, to help others build the strength and stability that I found, and completed my Classical Pilates Mat training through Power Pilates in 2023.
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After moving to Leesburg in 2023 I found Ashburn Core Pilates and haven’t looked back. I started the BASI comprehensive teacher program in January of 2024. After months of studying and practice teaching, I’m excited to be in the studio getting to work with students of every skill and experience level. ​
What is your favorite Pilates exercise?
There’s a few! I really like the hip series on the spinal corrector, helicopter, scissors, openings and bicycle; but I like the stretch I get from mermaid.
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Where are you most likely to be spotted outside of the studio?
I usually either playing tabletop games with friends at Creative Pursuits in Leesburg, playing with my dogs, or you might see me at Trader Joe’s.
Lydia Estep, Substitute Instructor
Lydia’s Pilates journey began in 2017. She was looking for a summer job while home from college and landed a position working at the front desk of a Pilates studio. It was there that Lydia had the opportunity to take classes. One class soon turned into back-to-back-to-back-to-back classes. Fast forward a few years and Lydia had enrolled and then graduated from BASI Pilates’ Comprehensive Teacher Training Program.
Today, Lydia teaches at a couple studios in Northern Virginia (alongside her 9-5 in marketing).
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What do you love most about Pilates?
My favorite thing about Pilates is that it places high importance on intention and anatomy (this is where my love for detail comes in). Moving correctly and effectively is so important in order to living a long, healthy life. Pilates is as much of a body workout as it is a mind workout (we call it a mind-body connection).
What is your favorite Pilates exercise?
My favorite exercise might have to be Climb-a-Tree, part of the short box series on the reformer. I love it because it focuses on lengthening AND strengthening. The portion where you extend over the box is an AMAZING stretch.
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Where are you most likely to be spotted outside of the studio?
Monday through Friday I am at the office #GirlBossing in Marketing. On the weekends, I’m probably at Trader Joes or the bookstore (non-fiction all the way).
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