About Hilltop Pilates Studio
Drea's Story
Hilltop Pilates in Aptos is Drea’s second home-based studio. Here’s her story, in her own words:
“I opened my first Pilates studio in Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz, called Pilates Two-Six. With the help of another talented instructor, I ran the business successfully from 2015 until March 2020, when the pandemic forced us to close.
That closure ended up opening the door to a new chapter. In summer 2021, I naturally transitioned to Aptos, setting up a studio in the Rio Del Mar neighborhood. My goal has been to create a fresh, comfortable space where clients feel supported while working toward their Pilates goals.”
Meet Drea
Drea discovered Pilates in 2003 while earning her Dance Minor at the University of Washington in Seattle. She became fully certified in Romana’s Classical Pilates Method in 2005, training under Master Teacher Dorothee VandeWalle at Metropolitan Pilates.
Her approach starts with the Classical method as a foundation, then brings in flexibility and creativity to adapt the work to each individual.
Over the years, Drea has worked with a wide range of clients—from athletes to pre- and post-natal individuals, and those recovering from injury—always with a focus on proper form, alignment, and functional movement. Her dance background brings a sharp eye for technique and a deep understanding of movement quality.
After a sabbatical to raise her two young daughters, Drea returned to dance and now regularly practices ballet and contemporary styles locally. Her lifelong love of ballet has also led her to study ballet barre technique, which she now thoughtfully incorporates into her Pilates teaching.
Credentials
Drea holds a Masters degree in Special Education from Notre Dame de Namur in Belmont, California, a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, and a Minor in Dance from the University of Washington in Seattle.
Interested in joining Hilltop Pilates sessions?
Schedule a class with Drea today.
Phone:
(831) 325-3407
Email:
drea@hilltoppilates.com
Address:
Rio Del Mar Neighborhood in Aptos, California