INSTRUCTORS
 

STACY HOWLAND opened ASPIRE PILATES & WELLNESS, LLC. to fulfill a passion for teaching pilates and bring awareness of holistic health to Chicago. She began practicing Yoga and Pilates close to 10 years ago and completed the Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Certification through Body Arts and Science International™ (BASI), an internationally recognized leader in pilates education.

After spending 11 years in Advertising, she decided to make a transition from the corporate world to the health and wellness industry. It was through her own personal health experiences years ago, that she began a new, integrative lifestyle focusing on restoring, rebalancing and rejuvenating her own mind and body. Pilates was a practice that contributed, and still continues to be critical, to her overall well-being. Stacy has a deep understanding as to how pilates can benefit individuals in pursuit of a healthy, balanced lifestyle, including those suffering from chronic health conditions such as weight gain, hormonal imbalance, autoimmune disorders, fatigue and back pain. She also has personal and instructional pre/post-natal training experience.  
 

WENDY DELURY earned a BS in Education from Ball State University. After moving to Chicago in 2006, she chose to leave the stress of a teaching career behind her and focus on leading a less stressful and more balanced lifestyle. It was then that she began practicing pilates which, not only helped her meet personal health goals, but was crucial in the rehabilitation of a personal shoulder injury.

Having once been active in the fitness industry and working for several years as an aerobic fitness instructor in New York, Wendy decided to once again pursue a career in fitness. After two years of personal practice, she began the certification process and completed the Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Certification through Body Arts and Science International™ (BASI).  
 

KRISTINA WOLFE began working in Real Estate and Cash Management after earning a BS from Illinois State University. After years of working at a desk, she started having low back pain and neck tension with debilitating headaches. Kristina discovered pilates upon moving to Chicago years ago. After experiencing the benefits of this amazing practice, she became dedicated to it and knew pilates was something she wanted to share with others. Kristina has completed Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Certification through Body Arts and Science International™ (BASI) and enjoys instructing a wide range of clients whose fitness levels vary. With an emphasis on body awareness and alignment, Kristina gears her sessions towards each client’s individual needs to achieve their ultimate goals. 
 

JACKIE MYERS Certified Pilates and Barre Instructor, first was introduced to Pilates as a form of conditioning during years of dancing. After attending college at the University of Illinois, Jackie worked for Eli Lilly and Company in their Neuroscience Division, and specialized in neuropathic pain conditions. Her interest in movement as it relates to body, mind and health has grown greatly in this field. Jackie believes that Pilates is not only an excellent conditioning and alignment workout, but also helps the rest of the body and mind function in everyday activities. She has received her Pilates training through Balanced Body University, and loves teaching Group Exercise Classes, as well as Private Pilates Lessons and Equipment Classes. 
 

AILEEN MAY received her Pilates Certification through Pilates Chicago. Aileen was first introduced to Pilates in 2004, shorty before graduating from Calvin College. She quickly gravitated towards its transformative power and principles. Aileen studied ballet and jazz from ages 7 to 22 and continues to dance today, in both theater and performance art settings throughout Chicago. Aileen has special training in working with with a diverse clientele, including those with scoliosis, chronic back pain and pre/post natal. She has witnessed again and again the remarkable transformative power of Pilates, including in her own body. She is a passionate believer in the powerful "centeredness" that Pilates can create in one's life. 

 

MELISSA KUSACK earned degrees in Finance and Marketing from DePaul University. While working in the Finance Industry Melissa would head straight to the gym after work to relieve the stress and tension from sitting behind a desk all day. She had always been very active, but loved the way Pilates challenged both her body and mind, and enhanced her other fitness pursuits. Melissa enjoys working with clients of all levels and is passionate about sharing her knowledge of Pilates and fitness. As a Marathon runner and Personal Trainer you will be sure to get a challenging class. She has been practicing Pilates for several years and completed the Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Certification through Body Arts and Science International™ (BASI). 

 

JESSICA GROCOTT has been practicing Pilates since 2005. At that time she was studying dance at the University of Minnesota. In 2009, Jessica sustained a major hip injury and through Pilates and physical therapy, she was rehabilitated back to top dancing form, allowing her to continue performing and teaching Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop and Zumba. It was then that she decided to pursue her career in Pilates training. The personal experience of using Pilates to help her own rehabilitation coupled with her STOTT training has helped many of her clients reach their personal fitness goals. Jessica is STOTT Pilates Certified.