Our teachers have gone through rigorous Classical Pilates certification programs under some of the best teachers in the country, as well as numerous seminars and workshops taught by top Pilates professionals. Each instructor has completed over 700+ hours of training, observation, and teaching, plus continuing educational workshops with the best teachers trainers.

Stella Sandoval

Studio Owner, Certified Pilates Instructor, Fitness Instructor, Mentor

Stella was born and raised in the Bay Area and has always enjoyed being active. Her biggest joys were running, jumping, riding bikes, and doing backflips down the street with friends. Movement made her feel alive, energized, and happy. She learned early in life the value of physical movement so it was natural that she would gravitate towards a career in fitness. 

For more than two decades, Stella has worked as a fitness professional in the Bay Area and starred in several exercise videos that were sold nationwide. Some people still recognize her from Dancing Off the Inches, Sizzling Salsa, and many others.

In 2011, after having a full hip replacement, Stella used Pilates to help with her rehabilitation. Today, she credits the Pilates method for her full recovery and for changing her body. 

Inspired by Pilates, Stella enrolled in the Metropolitan Authentic Training (M.A.T)  Pilates Certification Program. She completed her rigorous 700+ hours of training and exams under Master Teacher Trainer Dorothee VandeWalle, earning her teaching certification in 2013. She also holds a certificate in the Complete Pilates Method Continuing Professional Education with Chris Robinson and continues to study under his close mentorship. 

Stella’s hard-fast rule when teaching clients is ensuring they understand the work and leave each session feeling challenged and invigorated. “She is often heard saying to her client’s, “Pilates is a journey with NO short cuts, or quick fixes just good hard work, commitment, and patience. “

Stella Sandoval is the owner of UPPilates Burlingame in the San Francisco Bay Area, an official training center for the M.A.T. Pilates Certification Program.  Stella is a M.A.T. Pilates mentor and prepares apprentices for full certification. 

www.stellarfit.com

Camille Santiago

Certified Pilates Instructor & Group Fitness Instructor

Camille Santiago has been a fitness enthusiast most of her life, but after an injury due to many years of high-impact workouts, she found herself looking for workouts that were less impactful and kept her safe while exercising. Shortly after, Camille took her first Mat Pilates class and loved it. She loved how it was a non-impact workout and how it made her sore in places she never felt before without feeling worn out. She continued to take Pilates while teaching Barre Fitness classes until she decided to make the move and commit to a Pilates Certification Training program with Equinox Fitness.

In 2022 Camille completed her training and earned her Pilates Certification from Equinox Pilates Comprehensive Training Program. Camille continues to by taking workshops at Metropolitan Pilates, weekly sessions with Stella and sessions & workshops with various visiting teachers. Workouts with Camille will invigorate you while teaching you how to move safely and pain-free.

www.movewithcamille.com

Gina Soberanis

Certified Pilates Instructor

Gina is a Classical Pilates instructor dedicated to helping clients feel strong, aligned, and empowered. Born and raised in San Francisco, she discovered her passion for movement during college, where yoga first ignited her fascination with the mechanics of the human body. Already an avid yogi and long distance runner, when Gina graduated from Gonzaga University in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gina used her time to prioritize her health and fitness.

While her introduction to Pilates began with a semester-long mat course in college, Gina fully immersed herself in Classical Pilates in the fall of 2022. She was captivated by how Pilates uniquely challenged her and enhanced her personal workouts in ways no other form of exercise had before.

Eager to deepen her knowledge and skills, Gina began her apprenticeship in January 2023 with Metropolitan Pilates, led by Master Trainer Dorothee Vandewalle, under the mentorship of Stella Sandoval at UPPilates in Burlingame and completed her full certification in October 2024.

Gina currently teaches at UPPilates Burlingame and Equinox Beale Street and embraces a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle. She believes Pilates is a powerful tool for fostering both personal and collective wellness. Through her teaching, Gina strives to help clients connect with themselves, move intentionally, and cultivate strength, balance, and confidence. Her goal is to contribute to a stronger, healthier world—one session at a time. Gina believes that every body is a Pilates body!

Imelda

Certified Pilates Instructor

Imelda has been teaching Pilates since 2017. She first obtained her certification in 2016 then went on to certify as an NCPT (Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher). Since then, she has done extensive continuing education and taken regular personal sessions with various local and visiting instructors in the Bay Area, both classical and contemporary. She is currently enrolled in the M.A.T. Pilates Certification Program. Her goal is that you walk away from her sessions feeling lengthened and invigorated.

To Book with Imelda, email uppilatesburlingame@gmail.com