Meet the Team

Christina Flynn, lead teacher of BOLD Pilates Encinitas

Christina Flynn – Pilates Teacher

Christina is trained in clinical Pilates and specializes in working with adults 40+, pre- and post-rehab clients, chronic pain, pre- and post-natal clients, and athletes. She is certified by both Breathe Education and BASI.

After being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at 19, Christina turned to Pilates to rebuild strength and regain energy. Its adaptability allowed her to stay consistent through flare-ups and continues to shape how she helps clients feel stronger and more capable in everyday life.

Christina is the founder of BOLD Pilates. Outside the studio, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and time with her family and horse, Dolly.

Daphne Davis, BOLD Pilates Encinitas teacher

Daphne Davis – Pilates Teacher

Daphne is a certified Pilates instructor trained through the comprehensive Breathe Education program, with specialized experience in mat and Reformer work. A lifelong fitness enthusiast, she brings a diverse movement background, including strength training, yoga, and martial arts, where she earned a Black Belt in her 40s.

After navigating injuries and chronic discomfort, Daphne turned to Pilates as part of her recovery—finding lasting strength, mobility, and confidence through consistent practice.

Her teaching is approachable and supportive, focused on helping clients build strength, move better, and feel more confident in their bodies. Outside the studio, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and time with her family.

Ashley Thornton Pilates Teacher

Ashley Thornton – Pilates Teacher

Ashley is a certified Reformer Pilates instructor and lifelong athlete with a background in strength training, yoga, and Pilates. Her approach blends strength-focused exercises with controlled movement to create balanced, effective classes that support full-body fitness.

She discovered Pilates as a complement to her existing routine, but quickly made it a core part of her training due to the strength and body awareness it builds.

Ashley designs classes that are both challenging and accessible, helping clients of all levels feel stronger and more confident. Outside the studio, she enjoys walking, time with her husband, and their dog, Brady.

Brent Desserich – Studio Manager

Brent 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.

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.