Jennifer Golden Zumann CPT
has been a Pilates Instructor since 1997. She co-owns Pilates Chicago with her husband, Matthew. and facilitates Pilates Chicago’s apprenticeship-based Instructor Training Program. Curious about the various interpretations of the work, Jennifer has spent the last decade “putting together the Pilates puzzle” by taking courses in many methods to develop a comprehensive understanding of Mr. Pilates’ mission. Her expertise has been recognized nationwide and Jennifer has been featured in Pilates Style Magazine, IDEA Fitness, Yoga Journal and Disney Family.com. As an enthusiastic presenter, Jennifer has shared her passion as a regular conference presenter for Pilates Method Alliance and Pilates on Tour. She uses her schooling as an Herbalist, Aromatherapist and Acupressurist to offer a holistic, customized approach to her clientele. Jennifer is a an American Council on Exercise (ACE) faculty member, PMA Continuing Ed provider, and certified by the Pilates Method Alliance. As a mother of 4 energetic boys, Jennifer is grateful for the physical and emotional strength and flexibility Pilates has helped her achieve.
“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
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. Erin completed the instructor training at Pilates Chicago Instructor in July of 2010. Erin is constantly pursuing new learning opportunities to expand her knowledge of Pilates and the human body. She regularly attends conferences and workshops to keep learning.
“I believe that life is a learning process. I focus on body awareness with my clients. It gives me great joy when I can teach someone how to become tuned in to their body. What appeals to me most about Pilates is the focus on the power of our minds to control our bodies. When you teach someone how to do that, you are really empowering them to take control of their own health. Through Pilates, anyone can attain a revitalization of mind, body, and spirit.”
Ame Kaplan
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.
Jovanka JoAnn Milivojevic
My goal is to help you feel better in your body. Consider Pilates your play time. Yes, it’s a workout but discovering the joy of new movement and creating a more powerful flexible body can be quite fun. It’s also very energizing – my clients leave with more energy, not less!
As for me, Pilates helped rid me of nagging sciatica, which caused a shooting pain from my low back all the way down my leg. I was undergoing chiropractic treatments twice a week in attempt to treat the issue. At the same time, I started taking Pilates. Within a few months, my sciatica was relieved. Now, ten years later, I almost never feel that pain! I work with people of all ages and am especially adept at helping new exercisers and those with back issues. As a wellness coach, I help people lose weight, stress less, and exercise more. I am the author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Back Pain, and The Essential Guide to Healthy and Healing Foods. I have been helping people feel better, stronger, and more flexible since 2002.
Stacy Wolfson
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 quickly got certified in McEntire Pilates, under the direction of Trent McEntire (PMA Board President), after discovering how much stronger her body felt and how that related to everyday life. She is trained in mat work, as well as reformer, cadillac, chair, ladder barrel, small props, injury modification, and pre/post natal work. She loves helping clients discover what their bodies are capable of. Through breathing properly and moving as efficiently as possible, one can balance their body and mind and feel better about themselves and their wellbeing. When she is not teaching Pilates, you can find her in a dance studio with her company The Space/Movement Project, or chasing after her 2 little girls!
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!
