Instructors

Tara had been an instructor at Harmony for over 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 the studio she called home 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 at The University of Michigan. 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. 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!

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