Modern Pilates Instructors

At Modern Pilates we have a modern approach to selecting our trainers. We look for three key ingredients: the ability to keep clients focused on form; the ability to motivate clients to reach for the next level; and the personality to fit in well with our relaxed, no attitude environment. We are so selective we only hire about one in every six people we interview. We do not work with only one training school but instead pick the best of the best to get you to the shape you want to be in. Every instructor joins Modern Pilates with extensive knowledge of Pilates. They also are required to continually expand their repertoire of exercises and refine their skills in cueing and motivation. Our instructors never stop learning, either through several training sessions held each year at the studio, or through continuing education classes elsewhere.

Master Instructor Lisa Johnson is the founder and owner of Modern Pilates. A Harvard grad, she has been a personal trainer since 1997, and became a certified Pilates instructor in 1998. She is always expanding her knowledge base and has trained in Toronto, London, Sydney, Chicago, Phoenix, and extensively in California. Lisa is the first Pilates instructor to be accepted as an educational affiliate of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, and is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. She is the originator of the “Pro Zone” column in Pilates Style magazine. Lisa has recently launched the Modern Pilates Instructor Training program. She runs a popular fitness blog, LisaJohnsonFitness.com and is a fitness blogger for AOL Health. Lisa has a teensy little addiction to Twitter and can frequently be found at Twitter.com/LisaJohnson.

Christine has been teaching Pilates since 2004. She is Stott Certified Instructor with a background in Personal Training. She is passionate about Pilates and what it can do to enhance body awareness, improve athletic performance & assist in rehabilitation. She safely & effectively pushes her clients to the next level. Christine has been in and around the fitness industry since 1990. Her passion for fitness & exercise started early with gymnastics, now she stays active by participating in triathlons, hiking & snowboarding. Christine also serves as the General Manager of Modern Pilates.

Shelley has been teaching Pilates since 2005 and has experience in different styles of the method ranging from rehabilitative to classical. She first started practicing Pilates due to a debilitating back injury in 2003. Through Pilates she was able to speed her recovery, as well as improve her overall posture and spinal mobility. Shelley earned her Comprehensive Pilates certification from Power Pilates in New York City and worked closely with the Director of Education Bob Liekens. She has worked with professional athletes as well as clients recovering from injuries or dealing with chronic conditions. Her teaching style is challenging and stays true to the method invented by Joseph Pilates by developing the body from the inside out.

Emily is a Balanced Body University certified Pilates instructor and is currently working to finish her comprehensive certification. She began teaching Pilates while in college and has since been teaching for over 5 years. She prides herself on instilling positive energy to her classes and enjoys sharing her love of Pilates with everyone.

Jessica is trained through Core Dynamics and the Pilates Education Group, and specifically focuses on the Eve Gentry tradition. Her teaching style combines a full-body work out while attending to Pilates fundamentals. Working in modern dance and contemporary movement, Pilates complimented Jessica’s movement and dance work. Through teaching mat classes, Jessica began to understand how this kind of body work can benefit a variety of people and went on to get her complete certification. Her commitment to translate Pilates into everyday movement, provides a practical and functional studio experience.

Jo Ann is a Certified Physical Therapist in Australia and is in the process of getting her license in the US. Her Pilates training is through Polestar in Australia. She is knowledgeable in many different aspects of the method including injury rehabilitation, back pain management, postural alignment, professional athletic training and fitness, beginner to advanced levels, and women’s health. Jo Ann likes to create Pilates sessions that are challenging and fun. Her teaching style is easygoing but motivating. She enjoys helping clients understand their bodies and use them more effectively.

Lisa Tornatore (Lisa T.) is one of our own. A client of Modern Pilates since 2003, she caught the “bug” in 2007 and became an instructor in her own right. Lisa’s practical approach will allow you to learn Pilates in ways that will change the way you use your body every day. She is a skilled yet easy-going instructor who incorporates cutting-edge techniques while keeping each body’s needs in mind. You’ll be surprised at how a small adjustment to form can bring such amazing results!