Our instructors
Discover our international team of highly qualified Pilates instructors with a wealth of experience.
PRISCILLA SWEE
FOUNDER
Priscilla is a fully-certified Merrithew Stott Pilates trainer for Reformer, Cadillac, Barrels, Chair, Mat, Injuries and Special Populations – Level 1 and Level 2. She is also a certified Stott Pilates Instructor Trainer for IMP, IR, AM and AR teacher training courses. On top of Zenga and Fascial Training, she has completed the Norwegian RedCord Active Suspension Training System.
Priscilla was an Associate Creative Director with O&M Asia Pacific until piercing back pain after the birth of her first child led her to Stott Pilates. A certified instructor while pregnant with her second, she taught till she gave birth, remaining pain-free and active post-natal. Her personal experience and 12 years of work with clients with injuries motivate her to share this intelligent, rehabilitative workout with everyone. A Singaporean, Priscilla speaks English, Chinese, Cantonese and some Bahasa Indonesia.
LAN NGUYEN
Lan comes from a background in dance and has more than 9 years of experience teaching pilates. She believes in absorbing the best from different pilates methodology and fusing them with her own experience. Calm and patient, she has developed a close relationship with many of her clients – some have been with her from day one. Since 2013, Lan has also taught TRX and weight training. In 2019, she was certified in Stott Pilates Barre Intensity. She has also completed Stott Pilates Level 1 teacher training. Lan is fluent in Vietnamese and English.
ERIK NIKOFF
Erik was a Personal Trainer at the gym before he discovered Pilates. He was converted by his own transformation – a stronger core which led to greater endurance, strength and flexibility, a return to alignment of his posture, a better sense of balance and stronger joints. He has a passion for fitness and a love for Pilates that is as infectious as his smile. He has been teaching Pilates for more than 3 years. Erik has also completed Stott Pilates Level 1 teacher training.
SAYAKA SUMII
Sayaka is a Stott Pilates certified Level 1 instructor who has been teaching for almost 2 years at Birr. Inspired by Joseph Pilates’s amazing achievement and the effect that Pilates has on different body types, she embarked on her own Pilates journey in 2015. The more she practiced, the better she felt despite having rheumatoid arthritis. Her own experience reaffirms her belief that constant movement can heal both mind and body and motivates her to help others. Sayaka teaches in Japanese and English.
SAWANO NEWELL
Sawano is a Fletcher Pilates Certified instructor since 2009, PMA-Pilates Method Alliance US Certified Instructor for a decade, and Yoga Alliance Certified instructor since 2018. She has 14 years teaching experience with Pilates on mat as well as equipment. A fitness enthusiast all her life, Sawano believes Pilates facilitates an active and healthy life so people can live life to its fullest. She’s excited to share her passion, knowledge and experience with others. Her mission and goal are simple – to help clients condition their body, mind and spirit for optimal health. She’s fluent in Japanese and English.
WOO NAN HEE
Hailing from Korea, Nan Hee discovered pilates as studios were opening up from COVID lockdowns. After several months practicing, she discovered that the chronic shoulder pain and back problems that had plagued her most of her adult life began to subside and eventually went away. She developed strong posture, balance, and a notable improvement in her golf swing. Moving to Ho Chi Minh city, she undertook training to become an instructor at BIRR to pass on the benefits of Pliates to others. Nan Hee has completed Stott Pilates Level 1 training and Advanced Mat. Fluent in Korean and English, she teaches at both the Thao Dien and D7 branches.
IVY YIN
Ivy started her pilates journey in early 2000 but never truly related to its benefits until she went for post-natal therapy in 2016. At the age of 35, she was fascinated by how pilates helped her body transformation back to its original strength. She hopes to share the importance of body coordination and flexibility – how the utilisation of deeper muscle groups could sharpen the body’s instinctive response to its physical surroundings once we have good awareness. Ivy has completed Stott Pilates Level 1 training and Advanced Mat. She teaches in Mandarin Chinese and English.
ANGIE K
For almost 2 years now, Angie is part of the BIRR family, holding her Level 1 certificate from STOTT Merrithew. She was one of 12 participants of the very 1st STOTT MERRITHEW Pilates instructor training courses, conducted in Vietnam at BIRR studio.
For many years, Angie had suffered from severe lower back pains, which couldn’t be cured by regular swimming, yoga and/or several visits to multiple physiotherapist, and other health practitioners. Then finally one suggested to start regular Pilates exercises to enhance core strength, which she took on and persued. Within 6 months the back pains eased. Angie wanted to share her amazing experience with fellow sufferers and began her Pilates instructor journey, which to the day she enjoys doing, when she witnesses clients’ improvements on so many levels.
MARIA LUIZA
From the paradise of Brazil, Maria Luiza is a creative fashion designer who has practiced Pilates for over 10 years. She is a Stott Pilates Level 1 trained instructor. As a keen runner, Pilates greatly supported her in completing two half marathons and training for a full cross-country marathon. Pilates allows you to develop a deep understanding of every part of your body. She will help you strengthen, lengthen and tone your muscles, whilst being gentle on your joints. Through this conscious movement-based practice, you will become stronger and more flexible with a balanced posture.
Maria Luiza is passionate about sharing her love of Pilates and discovering how improving breathing patterns and mobility can enhance athletic performance and everyday life. Known as Malu outside the Studio, she speaks fluent English and Portuguese.
BUI LE NGOC HUYEN
Huyen has been practicing yoga for almost 8 years before discovering pilates. In this transition, she merges the discipline in matwork with the benefits of pilates machines to embrace greater possibilities in her movement practice. She loves the meticulousness and concentration in every movement. For Huyen, practicing Pilates is both fun and a tool towards better health. She hopes to be able to share this joy to her clients.