Joseph PilatesChange happens through movement, and movement heals
Comprehensively Certified Pilates Teacher
Founder & Owner of Heart of Movement
Movement is powerful — it can heal, energize, and transform. As the founder of Heart of Movement, I've made it my life's work to help people reconnect with their bodies, build strength, and move with purpose.
Founder of Heart of Movement, Kim took her first Pilates class in 2002 and immediately noticed the changes in her body. Having witnessed firsthand the transformative power of Pilates, she went on to receive her comprehensive certification from Peak Pilates in 2015.
A lifelong student of movement, Kim has continued to train, completing Carrie Russo's mentorship and continues to study weekly with Carrie in the Pilates Lab.
Kim has been teaching movement since 2007, when she completed her first yoga teacher training at Kula and continued to dive deeper into the practice, completing Todd Norian's Anusara-based training as well as being certified in prenatal and postnatal yoga.
Kim's greatest joy comes from seeing her students thrive. Whether you're working to improve your posture, recover from injury, or feel stronger and more vibrant, Kim meets you exactly where you are and guides you forward. With her unique ability to understand what the body in front of her needs, she believes "every body" is unique and every journey is worth celebrating.
Kim's teaching blends precision and play, challenge and compassion. She has a deep dedication and respect for the classical work and all it has to offer.
At Heart of Movement, we don't just work out, we move with intention, with heart, and with joy.
Classical Pilates Teacher Trainer | Movement Educator
With a professional foundation in dance and decades of experience studying and teaching movement, Joanne brings a deep understanding of the body to her work in Classical Pilates. Her dance training began at the age of three and led to an international career as a dancer and instructor.
Joanne discovered Pilates while studying at Ryerson University in the 1990s. Initially drawn to the method to support her recovery from injury, she soon experienced its ability to build strength, restore balance, and reconnect the body with movement. What began as a personal practice became a lifelong passion.
Joanne earned her first comprehensive Pilates certification through the PhysicalMind Institute in 2003, followed by further study with Body Harmonics Pilates in 2005. In 2012, she began her transition to Classical Pilates through the Peak Pilates program and eventually became a certified Teacher Trainer.
A lifelong student, Joanne continues to deepen her knowledge through workshops, and ongoing study with respected second-generation teachers, including Pamela Garcia, Clare Dunphy Hemani, Sandy Shimoda, Chris Robinson, Brett Howard, and Mejo Wiggin.
For Joanne, Pilates is more than a collection of exercises. It is a sophisticated, integrated system in which every movement, transition, and apparatus serves a purpose. Her teaching emphasizes precision, continuity, and intelligent movement, guiding clients toward a deeper understanding of their bodies and the method as a whole.
After decades of teaching and studying movement, what continues to inspire Joanne is the timeless nature of Pilates, the idea that there is always another layer to discover, another connection to make, and a deeper understanding of the body waiting to unfold.
Our Space
At Heart of Movement, we're proud to offer the only complete classical Pilates studio in Oakville. Our fully equipped studio features premium apparatus, allowing you to experience the Classical Pilates method as it was originally intended, comprehensive, precise, and deeply effective.
Our equipment includes a mix of Centerline by Balanced Body, Gratz and Contrology:
With this full spectrum of classical apparatus, we're able to support every body, every level, and every movement goal, whether you're building strength, improving posture, recovering from injury, or simply deepening your practice.
What Our Students Say
Christine"I have been a Pilates client of Kim's at Heart of Movement for over 11 years. Kim is a very caring, intuitive, professional Pilates instructor with a very positive and encouraging attitude. She is a patient Pilates guide and is always noticing my body imbalances. I have improved immensely over the last 11 years, especially in core strength, posture and fitness endurance. I would highly recommend Kim and Heart of Movement!"
Rob L"Kim is the most knowledgeable Pilates instructor I have ever had. As an ultramarathoner, she has helped me with my cross-training for running. I have seen great improvement in my core strength and stride length."
Elizabeth S."Kim is an expert in her field. I have Sciatica and have been in several car accidents. With Kim's advanced training and expertise, we have mobilized my spine such that I no longer have shooting pain. My core is stronger than ever and I have increased mobility in my whole body."
Julie H"In the nine years that I have practiced with Kim, I have been able to advance my Pilates practice more than I imagined was possible (and more than I was able to do in the previous 12+ years with various other instructors). Kim provides a phenomenal, tailored, challenging and fun workout every time! I am stronger than ever. I stand taller, the chronic pain in my hip and shoulder that I lived with for years is gone, and my body is transformed. I LOVE working with Kim! I wouldn't want to imagine my life without Heart of Movement!"
