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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).
What are clients saying?
"I am so grateful for Danielle's expert teaching and guidance! She has helped me progress in my practice so much and is so encouraging. Each class is challenging, unique, and always fun. I leave her classes feeling stronger and more confident!" - Christi
Courtney Flickinger, Studio Manager
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 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 since 2022. 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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What are clients saying?
"Laurel's classes are like stepping into a studio of sunshine at the end of a Monday. Her classes are engaging and challenging, but she has the special sense of when to push and when to hold back. I relish the opportunity to take her classes and look forward to them every week." - Nichole​
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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What are clients saying?
"It has been such a gift to work with Marta over the past few years. Her knowledge of body mechanics is unparalleled. I consistently learn and grow in her class, and I can apply what I learn for personal growth, as well as in my job as a yoga therapist." - Nancy​
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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What are clients saying?
"Julie is very experienced and fitness is her profession and passion. She gets to know you and helps you progress your practice and continues to make class interesting and challenging. Every class is unique and continues to build strength and skill." - Ashlie
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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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What are clients saying?
"Karin is great about being calming, while encouraging you to challenge your limits." - Megan
Jill Hughes, Instructor
Jill began her Pilates journey at SUNY Purchase as a pre-professional dance student and trained in the classical technique with "the Elders," instructors who trained directly with Joe Pilates. She carried mat concepts into her own warm-up for theatre and dance, and into her classes as a ballet instructor. In early 2017, she entered a comprehensive training program and became fully certified on the reformer and other Pilates apparatus. She has been teaching ever since and credits Pilates for keeping her toned, flexible and out of knee pain from a chronic dance injury.
Jill is also a certified plant-based nutrition coach and PCRM Food for Life Instructor. She will soon be teaching cooking classes for Wellness Loudoun! ​
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What do you love most about Pilates?
I love that it can be accessible and challenging for most people, from the serious athlete to people just beginning to exercise and those with disabilities. It’s great for posture and maintaining height as we age. Lastly, it’s a wonderful community for social interaction and building confidence.
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What is your favorite Pilates exercise?
I love tendon stretch. It is like pike on the chair but requires a certain cognitive understanding to engage the correct muscles. It’s not easy to do or to cue!
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Where are you most likely to be spotted outside of the studio?
Right now, I am loving the Reservoir Park! I feel it is Loudoun’s treasure, and I can be there in 5 minutes for a hike after dinner!
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What are clients saying?
"Almost ten years ago, Jill was one of my first Pilates Instructors and I just couldn't resist her positive attitude and enthusiasm. Through her help and guidance, I have seen an amazing improvement in my strength, flexibility, and body awareness. I've been hooked on Pilates ever since and I am happy to consider Jill as both a trusted teacher and treasured friend." - Robert
Kim Walton, 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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What are clients saying?
"Kim is great at addressing the needs of the class participants and is always kind, patient, and encouraging." - Katie
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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.
What are clients saying?
"I recently took a class with James and it was soooo good!!! He's very thorough, but tough!!" - Bailey
Claire Son, Instructor
Claire’s Pilates journey began in South Korea where she grew up having trained, performed, and competed in classical ballet, contemporary dance, and traditional Korean dance. Her extensive dance background naturally led her to Pilates, and she soon developed a deep appreciation for its emphasis on strength, control, and purposeful movement. Inspired by the positive impact Pilates had on her own movement practice, she decided to pursue instructor training.
With her Comprehensive Body Arts and Sciences (BASI) Pilates Certification, Claire hopes to help clients not only build strength and improve mobility, but also develop greater confidence in their everyday lives. She is passionate about creating a supportive environment where clients can move with intention, discover what their bodies are capable of, and feel empowered both inside and outside the studio.
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What do you love most about Pilates?
What I love most about Pilates is seeing how much it can help people grow and build confidence as they realize just how strong and capable their bodies can be. I think Pilates is truly for everyone, and I love being able to play a part in helping guide others on their own journeys. I believe Pilates creates positive changes not only for the body but equally for the mind. It is so rewarding to see how much people can improve their posture, strength, flexibility, and mobility and just how much of a positive and meaningful impact this can have on their lives and happiness.
What is your favorite Pilates exercise?
My favorite Pilates exercise is the Jackknife because I think it beautifully combines strength, control, spinal articulation, precision, and full integrated movement. It’s something that is both fun and cool to do!
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Where are you most likely to be spotted outside of the studio?
Most likely you can find me running or walking with my husband and dog along the W&OD Trail, exploring a new trail out in nature, or working out at a local gym. I love staying active, taking on new fitness challenges, and enjoying the energy and balance that movement brings to everyday life.​
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Shelby Tsu, Personal Trainer
Shelby is a NASM-certified Personal Trainer, ACE-certified Group Fitness Instructor, Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach, and CPR/First Aid certified. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and an associate’s degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant. With experience teaching group fitness, personal training, and semi-private strength training clients, Shelby specializes in injury prevention and recovery, active adult strength training, and women’s fitness.
Shelby fell in love with fitness at an early age through swimming and running track, later she began adding strength training when she started competing in triathlons. This lifelong passion for movement and performance inspired her to build a career helping others improve their strength, confidence, and quality of life through exercise. She hopes to inspire the same love of fitness in everyone she meets and wants to set a good example for her daughters.
What do you love about Strength Training?
I love how strength training empowers people. It builds more than just muscle — it improves posture, balance, energy, and confidence, and gives people the ability to do everyday activities with ease.
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What is your favorite exercise?
My favorite exercise is the single leg Romanian deadlift because it’s such a functional, full-body movement that challenges strength and balance.
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Where are you most likely to be spotted outside of the studio?
When I’m not training or teaching, you’ll most likely find me curled up with a good book, out on a walk, or cheering my girls on at their activities.
Book class with your favorite instructors!
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