Meet Our Instructors
"To provide professional, innovative body conditioning exercises that connect the mind, body, breath & spirit in order to bring about a positive change to one's life."
Through fitness research, Susan discovered Joseph H. Pilates method of body conditioning. She began studying his method and saw the many benefits of his program. Years after she began studying she decided to become certified so that she could bring this method to participants and share the myriad of benefits Pilates and Mind, Body, & Breath work offer. In November 2001, Susan achieved her SCW FITNESS Pilates certification. Susan continues her education by taking classes & training with other Pilates and mind/body professionals.
Christine Zayas is a dancer, choreographer, and dance instructor. She studied both Dance and Film at Columbia College Chicago, where she had the opportunity to work with and perform for many acclaimed artists including Kirby Reed, Jimmy Payne Jr., and Malik Camara. Christine is currently a member of On My Way Dance, a company that has been a part of many Chicago dance shows and festivals such as Chicago Human Rhythm Project. She has also performed for various events around the U.S. including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, and Dance Teacher Magazine’s summer dance conference, both in New York, LableHorde Fashion Industry in Arizona, and Rockin’ the Seas cruise production based out of California. Besides her interest in dance, Christine has also studied acting and improvisation at the Second City in Chicago, and has worked in musical theater, commercials/voice over, and independent film.
Catriona Bowman began her Yoga practice with her father when she was 8 years old and started teaching Yoga with dance aerobics seven years ago. She teaches Hatha, Vinyasa and Ashtanga Yoga. Catriona is certified to teach Yoga through the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India and Mat Pilates with AAAI/ISMA and NETA.In her other life, Dr. Bowman is a college professor teaching Biology at the College of Dupage.
Piera has been in the fitness field for most of her life. She enjoys being active and has taught kickboxing, bootcamp, step aerobics, weight training, etc. She has a great sense of humor, and makes her clients feel at ease while she corrects their form on the reformer or on the mat. Piera is dedicated to her clients’ wellness, and looks at the total body fitness level, always working to get the best results. Piera joined the Pilates Plus team three years ago and is a certified mat Pilates instructor, teaching Pilates Strength and other mat Pilates classes. She is currently working on her reformer certification.
Sarah Zender is the newest addition to the Pilates Plus Team! Sarah will be providing Massage, and Holistic Methodologies that balance the total being. Sarah's approach to the human body is truly holistic. An initial evaluation is done to assess the root cause of imbalance taking place in the body using Massage Therapy, Yoga Therapy, Energy Medicine and Tui Na. The goal of this approach is to not only treat the symptom but the root cause of imbalance as well. The approach emphasizes the partnership of Massage Therapist and Client and the empowerment of the Client through education and nurturing touch. The massage table is a vessel for the Client to heal herself, the Massage Therapist a guide and facilitator for this to occur. Sarah's philosophy of yoga is what she took from the Temple of Kriya yoga, "when the student is ready, the teacher appears." She invites you to explore the potential of healing, growth, and balance waiting for you, within you.
