INSTRUCTORS

Jennifer Golden Zumann CPT has been a Pilates Instructor since 1997. She co-owns Pilates Chicago with her husband, Matthew. and facilitates an apprenticeship-based Instructor Training Program. As a mother of 3 energetic boys, Jennifer is grateful for the physical and emotional strength and flexibility Pilates has helped her achieve. She uses her schooling as an Herbalist, Aromatherapist and Acupressurist to offer a holistic, customized approach to her clientele. Jennifer has spent the last decade “putting together the Pilates puzzle” by taking courses in many methods to develop an understanding of Mr. Pilates’ mission. Jennifer is a Conference Presenter, an American Council on Exercise (ACE) faculty member and certified by the Pilates Method Alliance.

"I strive to make the infinite benefits of Mr. Pilates work accessible to persons of all ages, fitness levels, and economic classes. With a strong background in anatomy and eastern body-mind modalities, I study each individual body with a holistic perspective to create a customized experience for my students. I believe the spirit of Pilates lies in the understanding of the body rather than the exercise. I can be quoted as saying '…there is no such thing as an advanced exercise, only an advanced student."

Matthew Zumann has been a Pilates Teacher since 1998. He has never stopped learning and growing with this amazing work.

"Nothing pleases me more than to empower our clients. They bring the principles of Pilates home , out in to the real world . They come back in walking taller than they ever have in their lives, even after enduring the physical challenges of a work week."

Jennifer Alomia discovered Pilates through the recommendation of a doctor, to help ease chronic neck pain. Growing up dancing and ice-skating, she was under the misconception that injury and pain were just part of physical activities. Through Pilates, Jennifer found that exercise can be therapeutic and still very challenging. After 8 years of practicing Pilates, Jennifer was introduced to Pilates Chicago where she completed her Mat Pilates Instructor Training in 2008, and Comprehensive Instructor Training in early 2009.

“I am so thankful to be able to share what I have learned from amazing teachers in order to help people in pain, or people who just want to their health and well-being.”

Suzy Crawford I love teaching Pilates, Zumba and Aqua Fitness. I am simply a fitness devotee! I am happy to be a part of the staff here at Pilates Chicago. My training with Jennifer and Matthew has been a wonderful experience. I like to think I strike a a great balance between working hard and making the sessions interesting and even a little fun. And always remember, ask questions and be yourself! Suzy is certified with AFAA, AEA, Peyow Aqua Pilates, Zumba Fitness. Suzy is also available for privates sessions in a pool or Zumba Parties!

Erin Johnson Erin discovered the transformative power of Pilates after the birth of her daughter in 2001.  As a life-long "gym rat," she was used to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but the 40+ pounds she gained during pregnancy proved a challenge. She started Pilates and soon became hooked after dropping all the pregnancy weight. Along with running, Pilates had transformed her body into the best shape it had ever been in. An avid runner, she has completed 2 marathons and avoided injury due to Pilates. Erin also enjoys boxing, aerial arts, yoga, ice-skating, and swimming.

Ame Kaplan Ame began her pilates experience in southern California, training with and working for Julian Littleford.  She continued her Comprehensive Pilates training with  Rael Isacowitz in the  BASI (Body Arts and Science International) program, and worked with private clients at Planet Fitness of La Jolla. Since moving to Chicago in 2002, Ame has worked at a number of different studios and health clubs, as well as in-home settings with private clients.  She is delighted to be joining the Pilates Chicago community.

Ame brings with her a long history of focused movement that includes dancing professionally (as a trainee with the Joffrey Ballet and a company member of Indianapolis Ballet Theater, Jazzworks Dance Company and San Diego Ballet), practicing yoga for 10 years, and hitting the playground with her two daughters ages 3 and 7.

JoAnn Milivojevic is a Pilates instructor and freelance writer. Her articles about health and wellness appear in publications nationwide. She has been teaching fitness classes since 2002 but her history with exercise dates back to the 1970s when she discovered Lilas Yoga and You on Chicago Public TV. She is certified through AFAA as a personal trainer, holds three Pilates mat certifications and is comprehensive certified through Pilates Chicago. She teaches private clients and group classes. Pilates has transformed her body and she wants to help you feel better inside your own skin and help you gain more confidence, stability, flexibility and strength.

Lama Lobsang Palden was trained as a lama in the Gelugpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Born in Tibet, he entered a monastery as a boy after his recognition as a Nyingma tulku, or reincarnated lama of the Nyingma school. At age 18 he escaped Tibet, which was under military occupation by the People's Republic of China. He made an arduous three-month journey across the Himalayas, fulfilling his dream of meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He lived in monasteries in India for over a decade, studying Buddhist Dharma and Tibetan Medicine. He studied Tibetan Yantra Yoga in Tibet. He has traveled extensively, teaching and practicing the precious Dharma. He now considers himself a Rimepa Lama. (Rime is a non-sectarian/eclectic movement which crystallized during the 19th century in Eastern Tibet where the study and integration of all schools of Tibetan Buddhism were encouraged by the leading figures of that time.)

Susan Schwader has been a Pilates instructor since 2004, and a student of Pilates since 2000. She trained under the inspiring duo, Matthew and Jennifer Zumann. Susan is constantly growing with this work. Pilates has changed her life and she is grateful to share it with others and help them make it a part of their lives. Susan is also an actress and Pilates has been essential to the physical challenges she faces in her work as well as the focus and command of her body that is essential in performance.

Stacy Wolfson began her Pilates journey in 2003, shortly after moving to Chicago. She is originally from VA, where she earned a B.S. degree in Dance from Radford University. Stacy is certified in the McEntire Workout Method™ of Pilates, and trained in mat work, as well as reformer, Cadillac, chair, ladder barrel, small props, injury modification, and pre/post natal work. She believes that Pilates can help to not only better your body but also help relieve the stresses of everyday life. The body and mind changes from day to day, so she likes to cater her work-outs to what a specific client needs for that particular day. Through breathing properly and moving as efficiently as possible, one can balance their body and mind and feel better about themselves and their wellbeing.

Jessie Young-Novak (Cedar Rapids, IA) has been performing, teaching, and studying in Chicago since 2002, including dancing professionally with Cerqua Rivera Dance Theater, Chicago Moving Company (CMC), Jay-Son Dance Company, and The Humans. She has extensive knowledge of body form and movement for people of all ages as she has led numerous outreach programs through CMC teaching all forms of dance and movement to children and the elderly. In her spare time, Jessie currently directs the dance department at the School of Performing Arts in Naperville, IL (2005) where she also teaches and choreographs. Jessie has been practicing Pilates since 1998, completed Pilates Instructor Mat Training in 2008, and completed Pilates Instructor Comprehensive Training at Pilates Chicago in early 2009. She is enthusiastic about every new project and is excited to be part of the Pilates Chicago family!

TESTIMONIALS

Jennifer and Matthew Zumann and Pilates Chicago have, quite simply, changed my life over the past 4 1/2 years. I stand taller because of them. I feel better because of them. I’m stronger, more fit, and healthier in body and mind. I was in pretty bad shape when I started Pilates — lower back problems that kept me off my feet too often. They started slowly, tailoring a program to my individual and even daily needs, and now I can’t believe how far I’ve come. My posture has immeasurably improved and I am strong and flexible enough to do things I used to think I’d never achieve. Now I’ve seen what they’ve done for friends and coworkers I’ve referred; people can’t say enough good things about them. -Sara B.

“Working with Pilates Chicago changed my life and the lives of countless numbers of friends and coworkers. I’ve worked with Jen and Matt and Susan for more than six years and have planned my travel, business location and lifestyle around access to them on a regular basis as they have made that much of a difference to my life.” -Trish L

"In 2001 I was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. I had tingling in my arms, hands, legs and feet. My posture was poor, my neck stuck out forward and I hated looking at myself in windows as I was walking. I also had a terrible ongoing pain in my neck for which I could find no relief. The neurologist I visited sent me for physical therapy but the symptoms did not get better. I tried Yoga and Pilates but none of the instructors really knew what to do. Then I found Jen. As I improved my neurologist was amazed.

It is now 2007. I have no tingling anywhere. My posture is beautiful, my neck is cured. My husband says the best thing about working with Jen is that I could again lay down with my head on his arm! Jen knows bodies. She understands how they work. But more than that, she understands what to do to make them work better. Pilates is my friend and I can’t imagine not doing it. As I continue to age and encounter aches and pains Jen works with me to maintain my flexibility and strength. I have her to thank that I can lift my grandchildren and go bowling with them. I still play tennis, walk an hour 4-5 times a week and ride my bike.

Thank you, Jen. The quality of life I enjoy is due in great part to your helping me maintain my physical self. The conversations we have are great therapy, too! -Gail Z

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