After a career in Museum fundraising, Synthia Malina returned to her roots in movement and began teaching Pilates in 2013. Studying dance from age four through her twenties, Pilates was a consistent element of her training. Synthia reconnected with Pilates while navigating a career in museum development and raising two children with her husband in San Diego, CA. 

When she discovered spondololisthesis in her lumbar spine, Pilates provided fertile ground for a deeper understanding of stabilization and balance. A shoulder injury allowed Synthia to couple insights gained in physical therapy with Pilates to re-establish range of motion. 

She has studied Pilates with many seasoned instructors including Bret Caslavka, founder of Youth to the Core (PPSD), Amy Lange (Pacific Pilates), and Krisna Hanks and Robert Surenbroek (Romana’s Pilates/True Pilates, Pasadena). She has also taught Pilates to children in PPSD's Youth program. 

Synthia relocated to the East Bay in July 2016 and is proud to be part of the HEAL: Pilates team. Synthia received her Bachelor of Arts from Smith College where she studied English Literature. A PMA®-CPT (Pilates Method Alliance Certified instructor), Synthia enhances her Pilates education with ongoing classes and workshops in Anatomy and Kinesiology.