Centered’s Team
Sarah Cohen
Owner | Senior Instructor
“The most rewarding part of teaching Pilates is watching my clients start to move better by eliminating pain, strengthening weaknesses and improving overall performance.”
Sarah began her athletic career at a young age. As an athlete and overall fitness “nut”, she discovered Pilates as a way to stay injury free, build uniform strength and find balance. Sarah combines her knowledge of Exercise Science and biomechanics to create a Pilates program that caters to each individual client, from beginner to accomplished athlete.
Certifications: PMA National Certified Pilates Instructor, BASI Comprehensive Pilates Training program, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology; University of Dayton, ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) Certified Personal Trainer, Master of Education: Physical Ed.; Elmhurst College, Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist Certified
Extended Education: anatomy, biomechanics, kinesiology, pre- and post-natal Pilates, functional movement related to shoulder and hip, anatomy and fascia in relations to the Pilates method
Lynne Alberding
Senior Instructor
“I was first introduced to Pilates when I was a classical dancer and used the method for cross conditioning. I love the benefits Pilates can offer ANY BODY, whether you are a dancer, an athlete, rehabilitating from an injury or simply in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle"
Lynne has the ability to instruct fundamental through advanced levels, for both floor and apparatus exercises. Her strength and resistance programs for clients with osteoporosis, Pilates for amputees, and post-hip replacement have helped many. Her experience and professional guidance will maximize your physical potential and bring a harmonious mind/ body connection to your Pilates practice.
Certifications: PMA National Certified Pilates Instructor, BASI Comprehensive Pilates Training program, Bodhi Suspension training, Core Align, Level I, II & III, Thai Bodywork School of Thai Massage, Evanston, BA, Butler University, Masters of Science in Kinesiology from A.T. Still University
Balanced Body Master Faculty
Extended Education: spinal conditions, alignment, Pilates for dancers and neurological retraining
Kathrine Kitzinger
Senior Instructor
“Through my instruction, I hope to inspire, educate and guide my clients to a new, healthy and fit way of life”.
Kathrine is a dancer, personal trainer, and Pilates instructor, and has recently received a Master's of Science in Kinesiology with a focus in Corrective Exercise and Rehabilitation from A.T. Still University. She has trained as a classical and competitive dancer since the age of five.
She was first introduced to Pilates through her dance major in college and found that it improved her strength in dance technique and performance. Her recent master's program has given Kathrine a deeper understanding of the form, function, and mechanics of human movement. She is confident this degree will bring a high level of knowledge and instruction to her clients. Overall, Kathrine’s background in dance, fitness, and kinesiology allows her to understand how to work with and enjoy all types of clients, from athletes and dancers to rehab patients.
Certifications: BASI Comprehensive Pilates Training program, BA University of Iowa, Masters of Science in Kinesiology from A.T. Still University
Jeremy Brown
Senior Instructor
“I believe that all populations: older adults, elite athletes, parents, and weekend warriors can benefit from intelligent movement training and becoming more efficient in their activities.”
Jeremy comes from a background in teaching movement, primarily the martial arts and ballroom dancing. He became interested in Pilates in 2001 while focusing on a natural recovery from his own injuries. This interest led Jeremy to a professional focus in chronic pain syndromes. Jeremy lectures and presents workshops on functional movement and is compiling a full body continuing education program focusing on functional anatomy and dynamic kinesiology for Pilates instructors, strength trainers, and physical therapists.
Certifications: PMA National Certified Pilates Instructor, BASI Comprehensive Pilates Training program, Bodhi Suspension training, Core Align Master Instructor, Licensed Massage Therapist, New School for Massage, Chicago
Balanced Body Master Faculty
Extended Education: anatomy, kinesiology, biomechanics, scoliosis, spinal conditions, and shoulder, hip, and knee injuries has, sacroiliac dysfunction, and functional movement retraining
Kari Schwager
Acupuncture, Cupping & Myofascial Release Therapist | Associate Instructor
“It is my mission to educate the client and bring awareness so that each person can be their own healthcare advocate.”
An acupuncturist and health advocate specializing in orthopedic pain and chronic illness, Kari started her career as a Massage Therapist only to realize that pain is much more complicated than massaging muscles. It wasn’t until Kari herself started experiencing a chronic illness that she discovered the power of acupuncture and diet, appreciating the idea that chronic pain has many causes. An avid sports enthusiast and past professional bowler, Kari saw the importance of re-educating the body from her own compensation patterns and dysfunction. This understanding inspired her to train as a Pilates instructor. Today Kari combines all her tools to develop an individualized program for each person to identify and treat the root cause of pain and to establish optimal health.
Certifications: BASI Comprehensive Pilates Training program, Midwest College of Oriental Medicine, New School for Massage, Judy Delaney/ Neuromuscular Therapy, Barral Institute/Visceral and Neural Manipulation
Shannon Hershman
Fascial Stretch Therapist (FST) | Senior Instructor
“I have a passion for continuing education, sharing knowledge, and value an approach that treats the body from a holistic point of view.”
Shannon Hershman danced professionally from 2002-2014 with various companies including Bodiography Contemporary Ballet, River North Chicago Dance, Cerqua-Rivera Dance Theater, and Inaside Chicago Dance. In 2004, she was certified in Pilates mat through PHI Pilates then went on to complete the BASI Comprehensive Program in 2014. Shannon has completed multiple certifications including the Biomechanics Method, Trigger Point Foam Rolling, Yamuna Body Rolling, Yamuna Foot Fitness, Pilates Jumpboard, CoreAlign, Oov, and TRX. She has continuing education for Pre & Postnatal Pilates including pelvic floor disorders and diastasis recti. She is also a certified Fascial Stretch Therapist (FST) trained directly by Ann and Chris Frederick, the founders of Fascial Stretch Therapy and the Stretch to Win Institute. She attended a 3 day intensive with Esther Gokhale in the Gokhale Method. In addition to teaching Pilates, Shannon holds a plant based nutrition certificate from eCornell and has taught dance for over 20 years. Her choreography has been featured multiple times in the top 12 of the Youth America Grand Prix as well as numerous competitions throughout Chicagoland.
Certifications: B.A. in Biology & minor in Psychology from La Roche College in Pittsburgh, PA., PHI Pilates certification program, BASI Comprehensive Pilates Training program, and Fascial Stretch Therapist (FST).
Extended Education: Pre-and post-natal Pilates, pelvic floor disorders, diastasis recti and the Gokhale Method.
Amy Young
Associate Instructor
“I am passionate about movement and encourage people with a history of injury to not be deterred. Explore the many ways Pilates may inspire you!”
An occupational and certified hand therapist, Amy discovered Pilates during her own rehabilitation following an athletic injury. Pilates provided her with a positive movement experience, allowing her to build strength without aggravating previous injuries. She was thrilled to notice additional benefits: improved body awareness and self-awareness, enhanced flexibility and better balance. Amy welcomes all ability levels and will adapt and evolve exercises to fit your individual needs.
Certifications: B.S. Kinesiology, University of Michigan, M.S. Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Pilates Artistry Comprehensive Training Program