LIZA BORJA, Owner and Founder of Pilates Encore since 2005
Liza started out with a career in family law and was passionate about empowering women and children as an advocate against domestic violence. Her career took a dramatic turn after she was hit by a big rig while driving to court. She found solace in Pilates as it became her only relief from months of constant pain and frustration. Pilates eventually became more than just a physical exercise to strengthen and mitigate pain; Liza discovered that the Pilates approach was an empowering tool to ultimate balance and well-being.
She was first certified in Power Pilates, a more classical style of teaching, and continued to grow while learning various styles of the work. Liza is the first and only California Pilates instructor certified from NY’s Pilates on Fifth in Cardiolates, a true cardio-Pilates workout that combines the alignment principles of Pilates with the fat-burning benefits of cardio for weight loss. A constant student, Liza takes weekly lessons from BASI International, which presents a more contemporary approach to Pilates. She is also a certified Hypnotherapist by the National Guild of Hypnotherapists and includes Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and visualization in her training.
With this innovative and holistic approach to fitness and wellness, Liza combines her extensive Pilates background with EFT, alternative healing and Hypnosis to develop a contemporary method of training, bringing out the best in her students physically, mentally and spiritually.
MICHELLE LACISTE, Pilates Teacher
Michelle started teaching Pilates during college when Pilates was “not a thing.” She completed the BASI Certification in Newport Beach. After college, she moved to New York City where she furthered her practice learning the classical method at Power Pilates. She loved the elegance and precision of the work that also provided a balance as she began a career in the advertising industry. New opportunities brought her to the tech scene in San Francisco whilst her passion for Pilates never left her. After taking a break from the San Francisco startup culture and traveling the world, she’s excited to be teaching again at Pilates Encore.
LINDA VITITTOE, Pilates Teacher
Frustrated with having arthritic pain for 20 years, Linda was on an ongoing search for relief to resolve her problem of not having mobility or coordination. Within six months of private Pilates lessons, she was able to get out of bed without problem or pain. Her balance was so incredible that one time she was wearing wedges and holding two pitchers filled with liquid and recovered from tripping without spilling a drop! Pilates not only improved her balance and pain relief, but Linda also discovered that it improved her stress levels and gave her a positive sense of well being. She has been in the restaurant business for 30 years, taking on all different roles as a manager and filling in as a server, bartender, and even cook. Now in her mid-60s, she recently completed the Fullerton College Pilates Certification Program and is now pursuing her passion for helping others relieve pain and get into shape.
LISA COPPLE, Pilates Teacher
Lisa Copple has 8 years of experience as a Pilates student. What began as a pastime, quickly evolved into a passion she has carried with her through her high school and college years. Lisa is a graduate of Chapman University where she studied Screenwriting and Women’s Studies. Shortly after, she enrolled in the Pilates Certification program at Fullerton College. Lisa sees teaching pilates as the perfect complement to writing because storytelling transcends written and spoken word. Stories are evident in our physical movement and personal growth. Her love for Pilates stems from its ability to teach mindfulness and body awareness, skills that can bring empowerment to all aspects of a client’s life no matter where they are in their journey.
SHADOW, Director of First Impressions, Motivational Coach, Stress Relief Therapist
Shadow is dedicated to helping clients reduce stress while working his charm to put a smile on your face. His goal is to inspire and motivate people to move, bringing his enthusiastic yet gentle energy to all who visit the studio. Studies have shown that having a therapist like Shadow around can lower blood pressure, improve people’s psychological well-being and self-esteem. Shadow has been described as sweet, attentive and compassionate. He is always working to encourage and challenge clients with a sensitivity to each individual. Although Shadow was born with a gift to lift spirits, his experience comes from years of providing comfort and joy to many.