OUR TEAM

Jennifer Alford

Owner and Director, Registered Physiotherapist – B.Kin., B.H.Sc. (PT), C.A.F.C.I., FCAMPT and STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor, Certified in Integrated Dry Needling, Member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, http://manippt.org/therapist-bio/?id=1513

Jennifer graduated from McMaster University’s Physiotherapy program in 2000. She has been working as a Registered Physiotherapist and Pilates Instructor since graduating. Jennifer has her STOTT PILATES® certification and is a Fellow with the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists. In 2015, she completed the Integrated Dry Needling course and is actively using dry needling in her practice to help clients with many types of orthopedic and sports injuries. Her hobbies include Crossfit, running, yoga, and spinning. She has completed 2 half-marathons and is hoping to complete another one soon. Orthopedic and sports injuries are two areas that she loves to focus on, incorporating dry needling and manual therapy techniques to get athletes of all levels back to their sport.

Laura Baillie

Registered Physiotherapist – B.Kin., M.Sc.(PT), FCAMPT, AFCI, MCPA and STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor, Certified in Integrated Dry Needling, manippt.org/directory-dashboard/profile/laura-baillie-1

Laura joined our team in 2010 and has 10 years of experience in orthopaedics. She is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapy (FCAMPT). In addition to her advanced manual training, Laura is certified in STOTT PILATES®, Integrated Dry Needling and acupuncture. She also has a special interest and experience in vestibular rehabilitation and concussion management.

Kendra Garrett

STOTT® Pilates Certified Instructor – OTA/PTA

Kendra graduated from Georgian College in 2015 as both an Occupational Physiotherapy Assistant and a Physiotherapy Assistant. After graduation, Kendra spent two years serving her small hometown community in a private physiotherapy clinic. There, she developed her personal touch and the ability to connect with her clients that she feels is key to her work.

After joining our team in early 2017, Kendra became a certified STOTT® Pilates instructor. Kendra has also completed the osteoporosis course – Osteo-Circuit and is Bone Fit trained, information which she incorporates into her Pilates classes. Always learning, Kendra is excited to continue to expand her skills to help her clients enjoy movement and do what they love.

Laurie McDonald

B.Kin, B.Ed., STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor, Clinic Manager

Laurie graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree and a minor in Business. Laurie also completed the Bachelor of Education program at Brock University. She is the clinic manager and also uses her amazing Pilates skills to teach classes and private sessions. Laurie is a STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor who has completed her training for Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and Barrel. Experience the difference that comes with having a highly-skilled Pilates teacher and leader!

Charlotte Keeting

P.T.A. Fitness Consultant, STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor

Charlotte has been with this studio since inception. She has experience working as a Physiotherapy Assistant and as a Personal Trainer since 1990. She received her P.T.A. diploma from Humber College in 1995. She has completed the certification process for Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrel, and Pilates for Golf through STOTT PILATES®. Charlotte has been teaching Pilates since 1991 and consistently works to improve her awesome teaching skills and challenge her clients.

Kelly Whelan

Administration

Kelly has been with the clinic since September 2011, bringing with her over 20 years experience working with the public. Before joining the clinic, she was previously employed as the Office Manager and Accountant for an engineering firm. Her responsibilities at the clinic include schedule management, client services, and billings. Born and raised in Hamilton, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. In her spare time she loves to bake and experiment with photography.

Kaitlyn McKay

Registered Massage Therapist

Kaitlyn McKay graduated from Humber College with an Advanced Diploma in Massage Therapy in 2017. She has been a Registered Massage Therapist since 2018.

During her 3 year program she gained experience through placements working with children; athletes; pregnancy/post-partum; neurological disorders; traumatic brain injuries; chronic illnesses and palliative care. Since she began practicing as an RMT she has worked on numerous cases of rehabilitative injuries, and overall maintenance of the soft tissues to help alleviate muscle tension; joint stiffness, and soft tissue flexibility.

She also has training in static and dynamic cupping treatments. She is looking into furthering her education to incorporate this technique into her treatments. In her spare time she enjoys painting; crocheting, and cooking.

Lisa Rice

Reiki Master

Lisa graduated from McGill University with a degree in Microbiology & Immunology.

She received Usui Holy Fire Reiki levels 1&2 and has completed Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Master training. Lisa is passionate about helping people achieve personalized full body health through stress reduction and relaxation using this energy healing technique.

As a former swimmer and highland dance teacher, Lisa is no stranger to injury recovery, and looks forward to helping clients with energy shifts around achieving their goals.

She enjoys hiking, yoga and reading.

Emily De Benetti

Registered Massage Therapist

Emily De Benetti is a graduate of Massage Therapy 2023 from the Ontario College of Health and Technology; and during the acquisition of her diploma in Massage Therapy she concurrently achieved certificates in supporting modalities such as the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Program through McMaster University and Evidence Informed Clinical Cupping through Cupping Canada. Emily believes in a multifaceted approach to manual therapy with the combination of acupuncture and static & dynamic cupping in soft tissue treatments.
Through her clinical placements, Emily has had experience working with a variety of clients ranging from maintenance, sports injury, chronic injury & illness, pregnancy, geriatric and youth and children. Emily has always enjoyed exploring the sciences and her aptitude for manual therapy drives her continued growth and refinement of skills in the realm of health sciences.
Although embarking on a new career in health care, Emily has found a way to unite her first career in Animal Science and Husbandry with health care and has completed a certificate program, Acupuncture and Animal Rehabilitation through Embodia.
Emily enjoys spending time with family and friends, sharing the joys of food, nature, travel and culture, where attitude is everything!

Katerina Pereira

Katerina, is a dedicated Pilates Instructor with a profound appreciation for the mind-body connection and holistic well-being.
Katerina’s journey in the world of fitness began in former Czechoslovakia, where she developed a lifelong love affair with physical activity, primarily through her active participation in volleyball from an early age. For Katerina, maintaining both physical and mental fitness has always been paramount.
As Katerina ventured into adulthood, her path took her across borders and cultures. It was a pivotal moment, just before the arrival of her first child, that prompted Katerina to embark on a new career path within the fitness industry. Eager to deepen her connection between mind and body, Katerina embarked on a quest that ultimately led her to discover the transformative power of the Pilates method. In 2016, in the vibrant city of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Katerina took her first steps as a Pilates instructor. There, she established her own business and had the privilege of training the talented artists of Cirque du Soleil during their world tour stop in Abu Dhabi.
Katerina’s dedication to her craft is evidenced by her various certifications, which include being a STOTT PILATES Mat & Reformer certified instructor, as well as having received specialized training in STOTT PILATES Stability chair, Total Barre, Injuries & special populations, and Prenatal & postnatal Pilates. Currently, Katerina is further honing her expertise through training in Conditioning for Athletes, with a specific focus on golfers and Advanced foot specialization. Katerina’s passion for foot health and its integral role in the body’s overall well-being is a driving force in her practice.
As an instructor, Katerina places great importance on ensuring that her clients grasp the foundational principles of Pilates and can apply them effectively to achieve the maximum benefits of this method. She takes immense joy in witnessing her new clients develop a profound affection for Pilates, much like she did.
Beyond Katerina’s dedication to Pilates, she enjoys staying active by playing beach volleyball and embarking on adventures with her husband and two children. On tranquil days, you might find Katerina gliding across serene lakes on my stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Her family and herself calls Burlington home, where they live life to the fullest.

Jacqueline Maddalena

Jacqueline Maddalena is a dedicated Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). Her journey at our clinic began in 2023 with her passion for holistic health and wellness when she joined the clinic as a Patient Experience Coordinator while completing her studies at Trios College. During her time at the clinic, Jacqueline became a familiar face, building meaningful relationships with our clients. After graduating, she began her career as an RMT at the beginning of 2024.

With extensive experience within her studies and clinical practice, Jacqueline has honed her skills in treating a diverse range of conditions. From chronic pain management to stress relief and rehabilitation, she tailors her treatments to address each client’s individual needs.

Jacqueline’s holistic approach encompasses a variety of techniques, including Swedish massage, deep tissue therapy, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy. She believes in the power of touch to promote healing and relaxation. She also emphasizes preventative care and treatment that supports the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Jacqueline has a special interest in treatment based massage such as postural imbalances, injuries, or stress related pain.

Committed to ongoing learning and professional development, Jacqueline is dedicated to keeping up with the latest evidence-based advancements in massage therapy and holistic health practices. She plans to continue to grow within her skill set as she continues to develop as a therapist. Jacqueline believes massage gives her the opportunity to help others with their pain and stress levels. Massage encompasses so much in terms of well being – it’s rewarding to see the change in her clients and help others feel better.

Born and raised in Hamilton, Jacqueline enjoys hiking and camping, taking advantage of Canada’s vast outdoor landscape. To relax, you may find Jacqueline painting, meditating, or doing yoga!

Catherine Gwinnett

Catherine was introduced to Pilates by a physiotherapist friend about 15 years ago. During this time Catherine was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and was struggling with muscle weakness, coordination and balance. Catherine instantly fell in love and remembered thinking “I want to teach pilates one day!” She recently (semi) retired from working as a business development consultant, and completed her Stott Pilates mat and reformer training. Catherine is now working towards a specialization in Pilates for Neurological conditions. She believes that there is a strong mind-body connection that happens through Pilates. Catherine promotes its effectiveness and accessibility, as Pilates is a form of exercise that is challenging, fun and therapeutic. Catherine loves working with the tools that come with Pilates, including the reformer, the arc barrel, the Pilates ball, magic circle, maple pole, and balance pads! Catherine is excited to continue her journey as a Pilates instructor at Absolute Pilates as she loves learning, trying new things and sharing her passion with others.
When Catherinw is not in the studio, you may find her spending time with her family, travelling, exploring new cities, hiking, or horseback riding