Sasha first came to Thrive following the birth of her second child five years ago. The pregnancy and delivery left her with serious injuries to her core and pelvic core and an overall weakness she had never experienced before. Doctors said she would require invasive surgery and that she would likely never regain her previous strength. As a lifelong fitness enthusiast and former competitive athlete and dancer, Sasha was used to being able to use her body any way she wished and the inability to do so was devastating. She felt and looked unrecognizable to herself.

That’s when she discovered Thrive and Dailey Method Barre. The Method’s focus on starting with the building blocks of movement (foundation, alignment, and engagement) and meeting students where they are, allowed Sasha to begin to return to exercise safely. In combination with physio therapy, Sasha slowly rebuilt her strength. Flash forward to present day: Sasha feels stronger today than ever and she no longer requires surgery to rebuild her core! She fully credits barre with her rehabilitation and is a true believer in the Dailey Method. She is so excited to now share what she has learned on her journey, by introducing new students to the beauty of barre, and helping experienced students deepen their practice.

As a former competitive soccer and volleyball player, Sasha loves the team feel, energy and encouragement of group fitness; and, as a former FIS circuit alpine ski racer, Sasha connects to the inward focus and self-discipline a challenging barre class requires. Her background in coaching individual sport lends itself to the “personal training in a group setting” approach encouraged at Thrive, and her dance background allows her to combine music and movement in a way that is motivational and fun!

Born and raised just over the bridge in Old Ottawa South (where she now lives with her own family) and a Glebe Collegiate Alumni, Sasha loves seeing so many friendly and familiar faces every day at Thrive and making new connections in her neighborhood and beyond. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to the community she has called home for so many years!