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 a second Bachelor's 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 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 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.
Lisa Blackstock
Instructor
Starting her Pilates journey in 2005 and coming from Bootcamp workouts, Lisa was skeptical, but after a month, she was hooked. Lisa could not believe the strength and mobility she had achieved in such a short amount of time. After four years of practice, she was inspired to become an instructor herself. In 2009, she was certified through BASI and has since taught at many studios throughout southern Orange County, and even opened her own small boutique studio in 2014 in Tustin. Two years later, she decided to sell her studio to focus on her two small children. Since then, Lisa has continued to teach, including serving as a lead instructor and mentor to teachers across OC. Lisa likes to keep you moving the whole time you are in her classes— she likes to say she gives you a break when you walk to your car after class! :)
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 and 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 mature clients 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 focused on raising her girls. Fitness has always been important to Staci, and she frequented group classes at the neighborhood gym. Eventually, Staci decided that fitness would be a profession as well and earned certifications 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, having recently completed the legacy program, which includes Mentor, Master I, and Master II. She has also completed numerous workshops, including Power of Aging, creating Pilates methods for the Aging Population, Shoulder Complex Workshop, Pilates for Rehabilitation, and holds a Prenatal and Postnatal certification.
Nicki Matthews
Instructor
Nicki's journey with Pilates began a little over four years ago after she watched her dad go through an intense cervical fusion. Knowing she had some of the same degenerative disc issues as her dad and wanting to avoid a similar surgery at all costs, Nicki invited movement back into her life by way of Pilates and fell in love. As a former competitive gymnast and cheerleader, Pilates offered the discipline and control she had been accustomed to with the bonus of mind-body connection and breath-to-movement - something not practiced as a young athlete. Those intangibles have served to heal Nicki beyond just the stronger core, flexibility, and mobility her Pilates practice has offered. As a high-school English teacher, it was natural for her to want to share her passion and knowledge with others and you will often hear her say she "nerds out" on certain aspects of her practice. Nicki strives to be creative with her flows, competent in her cues, and challenging at all levels. Nicki has been married for 27 years and has two daughters, ages 24 and 18.
Romy Wei-Ten
Instructor
Romy grew up in Paris, where she studied law at the Sorbonne and later Oxford. She took her first mat Pilates studio class in London in 2002, and began her journey on the reformer and equipment in 2018. Starting as a client at Co-Op Pilates in 2022, her experience inspired her to complete the 500-hour instructor training in January 2025. Romy is thrilled to share her passion for Pilates and helping people move in a positive environment. Romy is an avid traveler (especially for shopping and food) and going to live concerts with husband and three daughters. See you at the 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 as she did. Kady holds her Comprehensive Pilates certification through Orange Coast College and 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 began her fitness instructor journey in 2012, teaching water aerobics, and has since expanded to Pilates and pole dance. Most recently, she graduated in May as a speech-language pathologist. With over a decade of teaching experience, Kaycie brings a deep love of movement, communication, and connection to every class.
She’s passionate about making fitness accessible and joyful, always aiming to create classes that feel challenging but fun, with playlists you can sing and dance to. She’s grateful to be part of such a supportive and kind-hearted community at Co-Op Pilates, where laughs are shared and everyone grows stronger together.
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!
Kaitlin Lueke
Instructor
Kaitlin’s love for Pilates started with mat work for strengthening and conditioning for ballet. After an injury led her to physical therapy, she discovered how supportive and healing Pilates could be, and decided to become an instructor. She loves how Pilates can be adapted to each person’s needs, making movement accessible, empowering, and just the right amount of challenging.
Kaitlin holds a BA in Psychological Sciences from UCI. When she’s not in the studio, you can find her hiking the local trails, lost in a book, or playing with her dog, Leia.
Mariam al Moubasher
Studio Associate
Mariam is currently a graduate student and researcher at UC Irvine. Her array of hobbies includes Pilates (of course), crafting, crocheting, cooking, baking, going to the beach, exploring new coffee shops, going to concerts, traveling with friends, and family.
Amy Love- Molina
Studio Associate
Amy was born and raised in LA County but moved to Orange County 6 years ago to be closer to the beach. Her love for movement started early—she danced from the age of four through college, training in jazz, tap, hip-hop, and ballet, and cheered in high school. As an adult, she continues to stay active through hiking, yoga, and Pilates.
Outside the studio, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband and one-year-old daughter, cooking new recipes, thrifting for hidden gems, and exploring local coffee shops. She’s excited to be part of the team and help create a welcoming space for everyone who walks through the doors!
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.