About

Susan VanCadsand

Susan was introduced to Pilates while dancing with the New York City Ballet. She first studied Pilates under Carola Trier, a long-time student of Joseph Pilates and master teacher of his method. She has also worked with first-generation teachers Kathleen Stanford-Grant, Eve Gentry, Romana Kryzanowska, Robert Fitzgerald and Ron Fletcher, and second-generation teachers Dianne Miller and Michele Larsson. Susan brought her love of dance and movement to her university studies, where she completed a master’s degree in human kinetics and a Ph.D. in education. Susan is a fully qualified Pilates teacher, and has developed a safe and successful regime of her own by incorporating her knowledge as a kinesiologist inter her practice.

Jessica Vitrouk

Jessica is originally from Boston, Massachusetts, but has lived most of her adult life overseas. She fell in love with Pilates in 1998 in Zurich, Switzerland. Since then, each time she and her family move to a new country, the first order of business (after housing and a favourite coffee shop is secured) is finding a Pilates studio. Jessica has been lucky to take classes from wonderful teachers in Switzerland, the UK, Russia, Luxembourg, and now Canada. Jessica started her Pilates instructor training in 2012 with Balanced Body in Brussels, Belgium. She completed her training in 2020.

Prior to moving to Victoria, she taught Pilates at studios in Russia and Luxembourg. Before becoming a Pilates instructor, Jessica earned B.A. in Russian studies from Middlebury College and worked until 2012 as a tax consultant at Ernst & Young.

Lesley Morrison

Lesley has always been fascinated by movement.  She learned early on about the relationship between movement
patterns, athletic performance and injury as a track and field athlete. Lesley’s favorite coach regularly pointed out
that “it’s physics” when providing technical corrections, which is perhaps why she went on to pursue a degree in
Applied Science at Queen’s University.
Lesley was first introduced to the Pilates method in 1996 and began her journey to becoming a Pilates instructor in
2015. In 2023, she completed her training with Balanced Body Education.  Through challenges in her own body,
Lesley has learned that the ability to move with ease and comfort though life is truly a gift and she hopes to support
others in their own movement journeys.

Julia Bridger

Julia was born in Toronto, trained at Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet School in their Professional Division, and has been dancing ballet professionally since 2014. She was first introduced to Pilates while recovering from a broken foot; when she came back from her injury stronger than before, she knew Pilates was something she wanted to pursue. Julia has been training with Stott Pilates Instructor Trainer Monique Lavoie and developing a Pilates barre program at Victoria Pilates with Susan VanCadsand. She looks forward to sharing her love of dance with students in her barre classes.

In her spare time, Julia enjoys reading, painting, crocheting, and baking.!

Kaylie Conner

Kaylie is from Vancouver BC where she began dancing. After graduating from Alberta Ballet school, Kaylie later moved to Victoria to dance professionally with Ballet Victoria in 2019. Kaylie then began working closely with Susan VanCadsand to further her personal dancing journey.  Quickly after, Kaylie became very interested in learning more about Pilates and has been training under the coaching of Susan to gain more knowledge and experience. Kaylie is very grateful for this opportunity and is excited to continue this journey.

Kennadie Friedlander

Kennadie Friedlander was born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia. She graduated from Ballet Victoria Conservatory’s Aspirant Program in 2023 and has been dancing contemporary with a local company since. Kennadie began her Pilates training early this year under the guidance of Susan VanCadsand, and she finds the values of Pilates incredibly important in maintaining physical health.

With a deep appreciation for movement and its connection to overall well-being, Kennadie is passionate about helping others discover strength, balance, and confidence through both dance and Pilates. She continues to grow as both a performer and instructor, and is excited to continue her education in Pilates.

Anastasia Gambill

Anastasia Gambill, a movement practitioner since 2000, brings a diverse background in Pilates, dance, yoga, martial arts, and somatic techniques to her teaching. With certifications in CORE Power Yoga (2008), BASI Pilates Mat (2013), and Balanced Body Reformer (2019-2021), she has taught a wide range of clients—from ballet dancers recovering from injury to athletes and individuals with chronic pain or trauma.

Anastasia’s work spans fitness studios, ballet schools, memory care centers, and private therapeutic settings. She has also contributed to dance through writing, film, and as an artist-in-residence. Currently, she’s furthering her training at Victoria Pilates and pursuing a Master’s in Kinesiology at the University of Victoria.

Nahomi Lopez

After moving to Victoria from Mexico City in 2018, Nahomi discovered the benefits of Pilates. Her foundation in classical ballet has developed into a deep passion for mindful movement. Under the direction of Susan VanCadsand, Nahomi is learning more about Pilates. She is passionate about helping others build stability and flexibility for people of all fitness levels. Nahomi is grateful for the opportunity to grow and develop in the Victoria Pilates studio.

Dagan Van Cadsand

As the son of Victoria Pilates Inc.’s founder, I’m proud to be part of a family-run business
rooted in the belief that wellness is a lifelong journey. Before joining the studio, I spent
years immersed in the restaurant and culinary world—an industry that taught me the
importance of dedication, creativity, and care in every detail.
Today, I bring that same passion to the Pilates studio, where I support our team in
delivering a high-quality, client-centered experience. Outside of the studio, I find
inspiration in visual arts, which continues to fuel my creative perspective.
My goal is to help Victoria Pilates Inc. stay true to its mission: integrating a mindful,
body-aware approach that enriches our clients’ lives every day.