"We strive for excellence, not perfection."

Sarah's lifelong love and study of movement began as a student of classical ballet in Toledo, Ohio.  While studying at the University of Utah, Sarah majored in ballet performance.  After a back injury sidelined her professional career she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toledo.  In 2004 she moved to Chicago where she continued to attend ballet classes and turned to Pilates to help increase her strength, stamina, balance, and flexibility. Sarah quickly fell in love with the Classical Pilates method and completed the Power Pilates Teacher Training Program in 2006.  After a move to the suburbs and the birth of her two daughters Sarah struggled to get her body back on an even keel and was also diagnosed with arthritis in her spine. It took several years and not a few tears, but with the guidance of the Pilates Center of Chicago she was able to rebuild her body through weekly sessions with Barbara Katz (they completed their training program together) and the support of the studio. She is thrilled to be back teaching and is excited to continue to share the joy of movement with others through her teaching, and to help them heal, achieve, and maintain healthy lifestyles.

Allison was born and raised in north Atlanta, where she grew up being an advocate for health and wellness. She’s always been interested in how the body functions to heal itself and always wanted to be involved in the fitness industry. It wasn’t until discovering contemporary pilates in 2016, that she grew eager to learn more. After graduating later that year, she traveled in Up with People, international non-profit, in their study abroad program and on staff, where she completed over 400 hours of volunteer service hours over two years. One of her favorite things about the program was the ability to be with 100 people from 15-20 different countries each semester, while learning more about being a global citizen. She’s had the opportunity to perform on various stages and work with students all around the world. Shortly after arriving back from her journey, she landed a job at the front desk of a pilates studio and was inspired to pursue receiving her certification. Unfortunately with the pandemic, her training had to be delayed, but that didn’t stop her! She was connected with Joel Crosby, owner of Vitality Method in Georgia, and she began her comprehensive training in August of 2020. Fortunately enough, she was able to learn to teach in both English and Spanish. Allison completed her 600-hr classical training, finally earning her certification in October of 2021. She loves pilates for the relief it provides the mind and body, helping her mental and physical wellness overall! It brings her a lot of joy and fulfillment in helping individuals discover their love for pilates, and seeing their progress over time. She’s honored to be welcomed to the PCC team and work alongside such incredible people!

Wade Schaaf (they/them) received their Pilates certification through Power Pilates after studying with Liv Berger and Linda Spriggs at the Body Endeavors studio in Chicago in 2009. Wade’s teaching style is movement focused specializing in anatomy and body mechanics. Outside of the Pilates studio Wade teaches ballet and pointe at various dance studios in and out of Chicago and is the founding artistic director of Chicago Repertory Ballet. Wade brings their knowledge of Dance, Pilates, Injury Recovery, Meditation, Anti-Racism, Queer Theory and Magik to their work with clients to create a focused, challenging and supportive working environment. 

Jordan Andrews received her comprehensive Pilates certification through Power Pilates after studying with Stormi Trusedell and Andree Khalaf in Metairie, Louisiana 2019.  Pilates opened her world to the process of healing chronic misalignment and pain through intentional movement.  Despite a background in athletics, including power lifting and track, Pilates was Jordan’s first exposure to a preventive and restorative movement practice. Inspired by healing through a mind and body connection, Jordan wanted to bring this method to the mass population.  Thus, she decided to pursue a career in physical therapy and is currently enrolled in a DPT program with plans to graduate in 2024. 

Growing up in the Kansas City area, Joseph Webster is a recent graduate of Texas Christian University receiving his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Ballet. Through TCU’s School for Classical and Contemporary Dance he received his Pilates Teacher Training Certificate under the direction of Susan Douglas-Roberts, Sarah Newton, and Laura West-Strawser. Being introduced to Pilates changed Joseph’s life forever and for the better. Having been diagnosed with spondylolythesis while in college, the connection to the Dance and Pilates program just made perfect sense to Joseph’s health. Since graduation in May 2022, Joseph had been teaching Group classes and Private sessions at Club Pilates in Fort Worth, TX as well as dancing for the Sh’ma Project, a video based Choreo-Drama about the events leading to the Jewish Holocaust. Recently transplanted to Chicago, Joseph hopes to use his passion for Pilates and Physical Health to help everyBody feel better on the inside and out. 

You’ll see Daumante working the front desk at PCC Monday through Friday . She found her way to the studio through instructor Allison Santa. 

Although Daumante doesn’t have a history in Pilates (yet!), she did work in the fitness world at Orangetheory for a couple of years. In her time here at PCC, Daumante has already experienced the magic and benefits of Pilates, and what wonderful things it brings to both the clients and instructors here. “It’s wonderful what the human body can recover from, and I admire Pilates for how it can help the most intricate of injuries or complications by addressing the body as a whole.” 

Don’t hesitate to chat with Daumante the next time you see her at the front!

Gina Marie Tunzi began her movement journey at a young age, doing dance and gymnastics since childhood. After suffering an injury that presented a road block to her dancing career, she rediscovered yoga during the pandemic, finding it to be a tool of rehabilitation — both physically and emotionally. After receiving her 200 Hour Yoga Teacher certification from Zen Yoga Garage, she aims to help provide accessible movement for all. She believes that mindful movement and body awareness is a necessity for healing oneself and the best way to bring a community together.