Our Instructors
Wendy Zimmerman
Owner and Master Instructor
Wendy’s passion for health and wellness began early while caring for patients and working alongside surgeons. She wanted to help patients before, during, and after medical care to improve their daily living activities through functional, intelligent exercise. Wendy’s Pilates
training and medical background enable her to understand, empathize, and design the optimal program for each client. The Pilates method is truly a genius, continuously evolving repertoire that allows Wendy to teach in an individualized manner that best suits each client’s needs. She is passionate about educating fellow fitness professionals to continue their growth and advancement in the Pilates field and fosters an environment of learning and support at Sentirsi.
PMA-CPT, PAI Master Instructor, PINK RIBBON, GARUDA, BUFF BONES, ACSM
Fran Bouthillette
Senior Instructor
Fran was born and raised in New Jersey and has always had a strong and true connection to movement. She started dancing at five years old and hasn’t stopped. She received her BFA in Dance with an emphasis in Teaching from The Hartt School at the University of Hartford. During her time in college, she fell in love with Pilates. Fran completed her Pilates Academy International comprehensive certification at Sentirsi with Wendy and is fascinated with all of the benefits Pilates has to offer. In addition to teaching at Sentirsi, Fran teaches dance at Generations Dance Company. Her goal is to help each of her clients feel good and strong in their bodies, based on the client’s individual needs.
Kiana Rosa Fischer
Senior Instructor
Kiana is a NCPT certified Pilates teacher and has been teaching at Sentirsi since 2018. In 2015, she graduated from Polestar Pilates Teacher Training Program, a science-based contemporary Pilates School founded by Brent Anderson. In 2016, she graduated with a BFA in dance from Mason Gross School of Performing Arts. Since then, she has freelanced as a professional dance performer and choreographer. In 2020, she received NJPAC’s Jersey (New) Moves emerging choreographer’s fellowship, premiering work for the fellowship in both 2022 and 2023 under the mentorship of Carolyn Dorfman. Kiana has also recently received a 2025 Fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Kiana enjoys creating space for clients to be present and to listen to their bodies’ needs in the moment, even while following a structured, client-specific exercise routine. Kiana also teaches as a part-time dance instructor at her alma mater, MGSA, and assists Polestar educator, Frederick Curry, at Rutgers’ Polestar Pilates Teacher Training Program. When she’s not teaching or in rehearsal, she enjoys writing, drinking coffee, and spending time with her husband and 3 children.
Leigha Bartko
Instructor
Leigha, a New Jersey native, graduated with a BFA in Dance from Rutgers University. While there, she completed her comprehensive Pilates training through Polestar Pilates, mentored by Fredrick Curry and Kiana Fischer. Leigha continues to teach and enjoy Pilates, dance, and choreography and strives to provide a positive movement experience for all of her clients.
Gillian Popino
Instructor
Gillian, a Metuchen local and lifelong dancer, graduated with her BFA in Dance from Rutgers University. In 2021, she received her EdM in K-12 Dance Education and has since taught Dance for Woodbridge Township School District. During her time at Rutgers, Gillian discovered the benefits of Pilates and began her Pilates instructor training. Her comprehensive certification is from Polestar Pilates and Pilates Academy International. Gillian teaches with a love of functional movement and enthusiasm for her clients to meet their physical goals in and out of the studio.
Dena Veyas
Instructor
Dena is a New Jersey native who started dancing at the young age of three. She danced her way all the way to college where she received a BFA Dance degree from Rutgers University which led her to Pilates. She completed her Pilates certification through Polestar Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training under the teaching of both Frederick Curry and Kiana Fischer. Dena is excited to partner her dance background with her Pilates training to create enjoyable and beneficial movement experiences for clients of all ages and skill levels.
Demi Gonzalez
Instructor
Demi is a Dance and Pilates Instructor with 15+ years of experience in the fitness and performing arts industries. She holds a BA in Communications from Rutgers and is certified through the Polestar Pilates Teacher Training Program under mentors Frederick Curry and Kiana Fischer. Demi blends expressive dance with functional fitness to create dynamic, holistic movement experiences for clients of all ages and backgrounds.
Chelsea Correa
Instructor
Chelsea grew up dancing in New Jersey, which led her to Sentirsi, where she took private Pilates lessons for injury rehabilitation. Her growing understanding of and passion for kinesthetics and movement wellness inspired her to pursue a BFA in Dance with a minor in Mind-Body Studies at the University of Southern California. During her undergraduate studies, Chelsea completed her Pilates Academy International certification. Her goal is to continue her education to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy, driven by her excitement to help clients move the way they want to move.
Book an Orientation
Book a complimentary orientation session and together, we’ll determine the best plan for you.