Meet the Team

Christina Flynn is owner and founder of BOLD Pilates. Christina has nearly 20 years of experience teaching Pilates and working with bodies of all ages, shapes and abilities to feel stronger and more limber. Christina has an education in clinical Pilates and specializes in working with men and women 40+, pre and post-rehab, chronic pain (especially back and hip pain), Pilates for chronic diseases, pre and post-natal, as well as strength conditioning for athletes.

Christina is fully-certified by BASI (Body Arts and Science International) where she studied directly under world-renowned master teacher Rael Isacowitz. She is also very proud to be certified by Breathe Education, an international evidence and science-based Pilates program, where she is also certified as a mentor affiliate, qualified to mentor new teachers. She is currently completing the Breathe Education Clinical Specialist diploma course which covers pain science, rehabilitation, anatomy, biomechanics and exercise physiology. This is an intensive course of study taking over a year and a half to complete.

Christina has also earned continuing education certifications in BASI Pilates for Injuries and Pathologies, Pilates for Chronic Pain Syndromes, Pilates for Athletes from a Physio Perspective, Pilates for the Mature Client, Pilates for Scoliosis, Pilates for Men, Pilates Modifications and Assists, and the BASI Mentor Program.

Christina has a unique ability to connect with and relate to clients due to her diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 19. Christina went from being fit and active to crippled and disabled, living with constant pain. Christina stopped exercising because it caused more pain. It was during this time that Christina found Pilates. For the first time since being diagnosed she was able to exercise without feeling pain. Pilates was adaptable enough that when she was having a flare up she could still do Pilates exercises that felt good. Through Pilates Christina began to feel stronger and had more energy again and it became her passion to share what she had experienced with others! Thanks to Pilates, Christina is stronger and more fit than she has ever been in her entire life and has energy and stamina to chase around, pick up and play with her very active 2 year old daughter!

When Christina is not at the studio she enjoys outdoor hikes with her husband and daughter, traveling and spending time with her mustang horse, Dolly.

Certifications:

• Breathe Education Mentor Affiliate
• Breathe Education Clinical Specialist (Currently working on)
• Body Arts and Science International (BASI Pilates)

Certificates:

• BASI Pilates for Injuries and Pathologies (taught by Samantha Wood, MPT)
• Pilates for Chronic Pain Syndromes (taught by Samantha Wood, MPT)
• Pilates for Athletes from a Physio Perspective (taught by Samantha Wood, MPT)
• Pilates for the Mature Client
• Pilates for Scoliosis
• Pilates for Men
• Pilates Modifications and Assists
• BASI Mentor Program (Taught by Rael Isacowitz)

Daphne Davis is a certified Pilates instructor with specialized training in mat work and Reformer through the comprehensive Breathe Education instructor program. As a lifelong fitness enthusiast, Daphne brings a rich and diverse background to her teaching, with over nine years of dedicated Pilates study under the mentorship of Christina Flynn.

Before discovering Pilates, Daphne spent years immersed in various movement disciplines, including cardio and strength training, yoga, and martial arts. Her journey to Pilates included earning a Black Belt in Karate in her 40s — a testament to her determination and love of movement. Along the way, like many active people, she experienced injuries and chronic discomfort. Seeking relief and recovery, Daphne turned to Pilates, targeted prolotherapy, physical therapy, and massage. Thanks to this holistic approach and especially the consistent practice of Pilates, she has experienced significant healing and restored strength.

Today, Pilates is Daphne’s favorite form of movement, which she balances with regular walking and hiking. This personal journey informs her approachable, well-rounded teaching style. Daphne focuses on helping clients build strength, improve mobility, and boost movement confidence — whether they’re managing injuries, returning to fitness, or seeking a fun and effective workout.

Daphne believes Pilates is for every body and strives to create a welcoming, supportive environment where clients feel empowered to move with confidence and joy.

Outside the studio, Daphne is gradually winding down her career as a tax accountant and embracing more of what she loves. Her personal interests include traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family and beloved French Bulldog, Romeo.

Ashley Thornton is a certified Reformer Pilates instructor. A lifelong athlete and fitness enthusiast, Ashley draws inspiration from a variety of movement styles, including free weight training, yoga, and Pilates. Her approach combines strength-focused exercises with controlled movement to create balanced, effective classes that support full-body fitness.

Ashley began Pilates as a way to complement her existing workout routine, but the strength, control, and body awareness she gained made it a key part of her life. Motivated by her own progress, she is committed to designing classes that are both challenging and accessible for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Today, Ashley includes Pilates in her weekly fitness schedule and prioritizes regular walking as her favorite form of cardio. When she’s not teaching or working from home in Encinitas, she’s often on the Rail Trail with her husband and their dog, Brady.

Ashley believes that strength is for everyone. She focuses on creating a welcoming environment where clients feel encouraged, motivated, and successful.

Brent Desserich is the co-owner of BOLD Pilates, where he manages the studio’s back-end administrative tasks, ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes. As Christina’s husband, Brent plays a crucial role in supporting the studio’s growth and success, handling everything from finances to logistics so that clients and instructors can focus on their practice. His keen attention to detail and organizational skills help maintain the studio’s high standards, making BOLD Pilates a thriving business.

When he’s not managing studio operations, Brent takes to the skies as a Boeing 747 Captain for a major U.S. cargo airline. With years of aviation experience, he balances the precision and discipline of flying with the dynamic world of business ownership. Whether piloting a jumbo jet full of freight or overseeing the day-to-day workings of BOLD Pilates, Brent’s commitment to customer service is evident in everything he does.