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. Our current Brookline instructors are Lisa, Sarah, Joelle, Christine, Daria, Adena, Lisa R., Jo Ann, Lisa T and Joanna. Our current Southborough instructor is Karin.

Lisa Johnson

 

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. Back to top.

Sarah Alabi

 

Sarah Alabi is a Pilates Instructor’s Pilates instructor. In the fitness industry since 2002, and a Pilates instructor since 2004, Sarah was chosen to be a mentor to other instructors with the BASI (Body Arts & Science International) teaching training course. Quite an honor! Sarah trained primarily in the Los Angeles area and has recently moved to Boston. Sarah also has a strong dance background performing professional in New York City and in Ohio. Back to top.

Joelle Garfi

 

Joelle Garfi is a gifted teacher. A dedicated dance student, Joelle turned to Pilates a few years ago to maintain her strength and fluidity. A Stott instructor since 2008, Joelle teaches tough and centered classes on Sundays. A Brookline resident, you can often see her in and around Coolidge Corner. Back to top.

Christine Streeter

 

Christine Streeter has a degree from SUNY in Recreation & Leisure Studies and has been in and around the fitness industry for 17 years. Christine is an accomplished Pilates instructor with five years experience and confidently pushes her clients to the next level. She is particularly good at working with weekend warriors so they excel at their given sports. Christine is passionate about her two dogs, skiing and her newfound sport, running road races. Christine is also the manager of our Brookline studio. Back to top.

Daria Wright

 

Daria Wright comes to us with a history of gymnastics from her native Russia. She continued her fitness training upon arriving in the US in the 1990s. Daria has taught Step, Indoor Cycling, Boxing, Muscle Conditioning, and Cardio Kickboxing, but finally found her calling in 2002. It is the study of Pilates that allowed her to gain a true appreciation of the human body and its complexity and finesse, and prompted her to dive passionately into the discipline. Daria is a certified STOTT Pilates instructor and holds a BA from Harvard University. Daria's clients' needs range from athletic performance to post-surgery rehabilitation, and her methods and training philosophy allow her to address each client's individual demands. Daria is also a knitting fiend and is happy to swap patterns with anyone! Back to top.

Adena Atkins

 

Adena Atkins is an experienced Pilates instructor with a strong background in yoga and dance. Teaching since 2003, she has honed her cueing skills to the highest level. Her certification is through Body Arts & Science International, a respected West Coast training school led by Rael Iscovitz. Her attention to detail in a class is amazing! She has worked extensively as a Pilates instructor on the West Coast and has also worked in physical therapy settings. Adena holds a degree from Berklee College of Music in songwriting and can really belt one out! Back to top.

Lisa Roth

 

Lisa Roth (Lisa R.) has a strong background in dance, particularly ballet. She was with the Boston Ballet organization for 13 years as a student and dancer. She has been a certified Power Pilates instructor since 2005 and blends her knowledge of movement through dance with the Pilates repertoire. We are happy to have her style with us at the studio. Lisa's sly sense of humor and no-whining workouts are becoming legendary at the studio. Back to top.

Jo Ann Premela

 

Jo Ann is an experienced Pilates instructor training in Melbourne, Australia. She received her Bachelor's in Physical Therapy in Australia making her a great choice if you are recovering from an injury. She is known for her demanding workouts and excellent cueing. Originally from Chicago, Jo Ann is a world traveler and has been avidly exploring New England since she arrived at the studio. Back to top.

Lisa Tornatore

 

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 focuses on moving clients along quickly to the next level. You'll be surprised at how a small adjustment to form can bring such amazing results. Pilates is truly her passion and we are happy to have her with us. Lisa is also a vetted traveler and happy to swap stories on the road with anyone. Back to top.

Joanna Mantell

 

Joanna Mantell is a Pilates instructor with a runner's mind. With a degree in education, and a stint as a high school English teacher, Joanna found as much passion in coaching as in teaching. She has coached field hockey, cross country running, skiing and lacrosse. Joanna has been a fitness instructor since 1999; she added Pilates to her own personal repertoire to help her recover from the birth of her first son and loved it so much she quickly joined us on the other side of the Reformer. In addition to her teaching, Joanna has run three marathons. Joanna specializes in working with distance athletes and teens over 16. Back to top.

Karin Halperin

 

Karin Halperin brings her knowledge of movement through dance and gymnastics to Pilates. Her goal is to help others experience the benefits of Pilates – improved posture, core strength and sense of well-being. She is interested in how Pilates can help strengthen bone and joint health as one grows older. She enjoys incorporating Pilates principles into a cardio workout like kickboxing or the jumpboard on the Reformer. Karin his fully certified through Balanced Body University and is an AFAA certified Fitness Instructor. When not teaching Pilates, Karin enjoys biking with her husband or walking her golden retriever.Back to top.