Our Team
Diane Archer, NCPT
Diane Archer is a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher and the studio owner of Compassionate Body Pilates. She took her first pilates class in Toronto in 2003 and quickly developed a keen interest in understanding more about how bodies move. She discovered that pilates could contribute to her own mental and physical well being, and reduce her own chronic pain. In the UK in 2012, she took her first pilates teacher training and opened her initial studio. Then she pursued further training in both the UK and Canada on post- rehab protocols for hips and knees, shoulders, and the spine, and also updated her skills with a comprehensive training course on all the pilates equipment. She considers herself a movement re-educator who enjoys adapting the pilates method to design specific programs for individuals, and also to create programs for classes to achieve fitness in a fun and supportive environment. Her studio provides a full spectrum of equipment and teaching to meet the needs of people at all levels, to educate them about their bodies, and empower them to move with ease in everyday life. Diane is a mother of two young children and very much enjoys hiking and camping.
Training
2012: Level 3 Diploma in Mat Pilates Instruction from Health and Fitness Education
2014: Pilates for Common Orthopaedic Conditions at Future Fit
2014: Small Equipment Workshop at Future Fit
2015: Hip and Knee Post Rehab Protocols at Body Harmonics
2016: Shoulder Post Rehab Protocols at Body Harmonics
2016: Spine Post Rehab Protocols at Body Harmonics
2018: Intro to Fascia with Stott Pilates
2018: Pilates Matwork with a Fascial Focus with Stott Pilates
2022: Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training with Allison Kares Movement Education
2024: The Magic of Touch, The Art of Progression Workshops with Authentic Pilates Canada
2025: Trauma Informed Pilates Certification, Trifecta Pilates
2026: Diastasis Recti and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction workshop with Shari Berkowitz, The Vertical Workshop
Doug Douma
Doug Douma has always led an active life and had a keen interest in inspiring others through sport. As a teen he became involved in coaching soccer for his younger brother, and later for his own children coaching soccer, baseball and hockey. In his early 20’s he enjoyed weight lifting at a local gym called Cardillo’s, and started his 33 year career with Ontario Hydro.
His interest in Pilates began after a work related injury in 2002, upon discovering that many pilates exercises were similar to his physiotherapy routine. For years he self-practiced the method at home, reading books and watching videos to learn. In January of 2024 he attended his first Pilates class at Russell Ave Community Centre with Diane. A keen student, he asked her so many questions after class that she took notice. After trying an arc barrel class and loving it, he ended up deciding to take a short series of private sessions to learn how to use one at home. To Diane’s delight, these 4 private sessions led Doug to deepen his practice by joining further classes in the studio and expanding his home equipment. She was amazed when he told her he was building a springboard in his basement, after teaching him only a few exercises on the Cadillac.
His discovery at the difference a teacher made to his personal practice became his inspiration to take the jump into teacher training himself. In 2025 he attended the 510hr Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Course in Fonthill with Allison Kares. His enthusiasm for the method, interest in helping others, and life experience brings a fresh approach to the team at Compassionate Body Pilates.
He has 2 children and 2 grandchildren and very much enjoys being a grandpa. His hobbies include playing the guitar, woodworking and bowling.
Training
2025: Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training with Allison Kares