Instructors

Tara had been an instructor at Harmony for 10 years before purchasing the studio in July of 2013. She had always thought about having her own studio, but the thought of anyone else owning Harmony was a driving factor in her decision to become a business owner. She is passionate about people having an inviting, non-competitive atmosphere to work out. She is also resolute in her insistence that instructors know more than just the choreography, but also have a deep understanding of the body. The attention to detail and ability to work with clients ranging from healthy to dealing with chronic pain is what sets Harmony apart and she is very proud of her and her instructors for this distinction.

She was introduced to the Stott Pilates® method while studying dance as an undergraduate student. With a background in dance, theater and sports, Tara brings strong physicality, a keen eye and creative spirit to her sessions. No stranger to injury, Tara credits Pilates for keeping her active and managing what could be chronic pain from years of athletic misuse to her body. Tara earned her Bachelor of Theatre Arts degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Certifications: Stott Pilates®, bellicon Master Trainer, CORE™, Total Barre™, ZEN•GA™, & TRX®

Three words that describe Tara’s teaching style: Detailed, varied, challenging.

Top dream travel destinations: Patagonia, South Africa, New Zealand.

Tara is also passionate about: Supporting Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Chicago Storefront Theater. Volunteering for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, running, taking dance classes, football Saturdays, and her staff – she loves them a lot!

Sarah was first introduced to STOTT PILATES® while studying at Columbia College Chicago for Musical Theater. Dance was always a fundamental component of her program but she struggled with balance and core stability. After a few sessions she was already able to reap the benefits. After obtaining her BFA in Musical Theater, Sarah traveled throughout Europe and rediscovered a passion for fitness. Upon her return to the United States, she took STOTT courses and became certified. Sarah trains a variety of clients but specializes in athletic conditioning and post rehabilitation. Pilates has always been a way to explore the mind and body connection. In addition to teaching, Sarah explores fitness endeavors by training for triathlons, studying ballet, and continually expanding her fitness education. Another aspect of Sarah’s life is her love for music and performing original material around the city. Sarah utilizes elements of music throughout her training sessions and believes that if you motivate the mind the body will follow. Certifications: Stott Pilates®, Total Barre™, bellicon Move, bellicon Bounce, bellicon Circle.

Three words that describe Sarah’s teaching style: Challenging, Personalized, and Rejuvenating

Top dream travel destinations: Argentina, China, and Vietnam

Sarah is also passionate about: Songwriting, trying new restaurants, and supporting the arts

Ellen began her personal practice in Pilates in 1996
and embarked upon her career as an instructor as a member of the Group
Fitness team at Equinox (NYC) in 1998 teaching group mat classes. Upon
subsequently completing her equipment certification, she joined the
staff of Pilates on Fifth (NYC) teaching private sessions and small
group classes, and earned a position as a teacher-trainer for the
Pilates Academy International (PAI) system in 2006. Ellen is excited to
and be in Chicago and become a member of the staff at Harmony. Certifications: PAI Pilates Instructor and Teacher Trainer, Stott Pilates®

Three words that describe Ellen’s teaching style:

Top dream travel destinations:

Ellen is also passionate about:

Bonnie Christine Willis (Christie) graduated from Illinois State University in 2011 with a BA in Dance Performance. She moved to Chicago in the fall of 2011 and began working as an independent dancer and choreographer, starting as a founding member of Salty Lark Dance.

Christie started her Pilates studies after a tear in her meniscus caused her to have to take time off from dancing. She trained at Sixpax Chicago in the Pilates Academy International syllabus. She joined the Sixpax team in early 2014 and is excited to join the family here at Harmony!
Certifications: Pilates, Pilates Academy International, bellicon Move, bellicon Bounce, bellicon Circle.

Originally from West Chester, PA, Katie grew up riding horses and walking her dogs through the woods, but hated gym class and never liked “exercising.” That all changed when she discovered Pilates as a young musical theatre student and loved how it helped her posture and breath support – she was hooked! Well over a decade and a variety of trainings and continuing education workshops later, Katie has built a loyal following working with clients of all ages. Having used Pilates and GYROTONIC to rehabilitate her own shoulder injury and several bumps and bruises over the years, Katie especially enjoys training clients with illnesses and injuries, and implements cues and modifications to ensure everyone can have a safe and productive workout regardless of ability. She strives to create meaningful, impactful workouts tailored to the needs of each individual. Beyond just giving choreography, Katie stresses the importance of form and knowing the “why” behind an exercise. Katie loves helping clients set and attain goals whether they have a chronic condition, are preparing for a baby, marathon, or other major event, or just need some space to breathe and de-stress. She wants everyone to feel better when they walk out than when they walked in – both physically and mentally.
Katie holds a BFA in Drama from Syracuse University and an MA in Applied Theatre from London’s Royal Central School for Speech and Drama. She stays involved in creative world as the Founder and Artistic Director of Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations (A.B.L.E.) creating theatre and film projects with individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental differences.

Three Words to Describe Katie’s Teaching Style: motivating, detailed, hands-on

Dream Travel Destinations: The Galapagos Islands to see the sea turtles, Gombe to see Jane Goodall’s chimpanzees

Katie is also passionate about: Traveling, photography, and cooking tasty vegan food (especially involving chocolate). She and her husband, Lawrence, are also active in the animal rescue community, and frequently serve as foster parents for dogs searching for their forever homes.

Certifications: STOTT Pilates®, CORE™, Total Barre™, TRX®, Cardiolates®, GYROTONIC® – Level 1

Alison studied Kinesiology and Exercise Science at Michigan State University. She then went on to get her doctorate in physical therapy from Oakland University. Growing up dancing, she has always been interested fitness. Once she began Pilates she fell in love right away. She became a certified STOTT Pilates instructor and started teaching in Michigan.

Now she has moved to Chicago and can’t wait to get started working a new group! Alison loves helping people change their bodies and achieving their goals. Educating others to improve their alignment and achieve muscle balance is a challenge she loves.

When she’s not teaching Pilates, you can find her working as a physical therapist for infants and children in the Chicagoland area. She has a background in physical therapy in orthopedic manual therapy, sport specific training, pediatrics, myofascial release and post-operative rehabilitation. Certifications: Stott Pilates®, Cardiolates®, TRX®

Three words that describe Alison’s teaching style: Intuitive, Individualized, and energetic

Top dream travel destinations: Spain, Chile, Monaco

Alison is also passionate about: Her family and friends that keep her smiling including her dog Peanut, her work as a physical therapist helping children and their families maximize their potential, and helping others stay healthy and aligned.

Katie was an avid Pilates student while working in the corporate world. Feeling unfulfilled, she decided a career in Pilates would be a much better fit. She completed her Stott Pilates certification in 2003 and has never looked back! With Katie’s dance background and love for all things fitness, she feels truly blessed to have found her niche. Katie’s passion for Pilates is matched with an energy to share her knowledge with her clients. Katie earned her master’s degree in Accounting Information Systems from Michigan State University.Certifications: Stott Pilates®, Cardiolates® Instructor Trainer, pre- and postnatal certification, Yoga Sculpt

Three words that describe Katie’s teaching style: Patient, precise, challenging.

Top dream travel destinations: Greek islands, Africa, and Australia.

Katie is also passionate about: Her family, especially her two children, working out, delicious food, and travel.