OUR TEAM
Kristen Wolf FOUNDER + INSTRUCTOR
Kristen Wolf, the visionary behind Superior Pilates, established the studio in May 2007, located initially at 405 W. Superior Street in Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood. Following a strategic relocation, the studio has found a new home on the North Shore, continuing to offer its unique blend of Pilates instruction. Kristen's journey into Pilates began in New York City, where she trained under the esteemed Romana Kryzanowska, a direct disciple of Joseph Pilates himself. This lineage ensures that Kristen’s teaching is deeply rooted in the authentic Pilates method, preserved and enriched through decades of knowledge and practice.
Kristen's expertise extends beyond the mat; she is a former professional tennis player who deeply understands the mechanics of sports injuries and recovery. Leveraging her extensive knowledge, she has developed specialized Pilates programs tailored for athletes, and rehabilitation patients. These programs focus on enhancing strength, flexibility, and control, helping clients not only recover from injuries but also improve their overall physical performance and health.
Her personal experience as a mother of three within four years profoundly shapes her approach to pre- and post-natal Pilates, making her classes especially beneficial for mothers-to-be. Kristen’s hands-on experience ensures that her Pilates training supports women throughout their pregnancy and aids in a quicker postpartum recovery.
Kristen from being a professional athlete has a passion to work with them. She has worked with tennis and hockey players and Chicago Bears such as Matt Forte, Teven Jenkins, Sam Mustipher, Elijah Hicks, Khalil Herbert, Josh Blackwell, Greg Storman, Dominique Robinson, Super Bowl Winner Khari Blasingame, Tyrone Wheatley, Pat Odonnel, Pat Scales, Andy Dalton, Braxton jones, JT Carter, Homer Travis, Tyson Bagent, Charles Leno, Jay Jones. She thrives off of their discipline, dedication and sense of humor.
Colleen Breternitz STUDIO MANAGER + INSTRUCTOR
I first came to Superior Pilates in the fall of 2019 as a student looking to be a healthier version of myself after struggling with health, hormone and fertility issues. I took my very first session with Kristen where her passion for her craft truly inspired me and I never looked back! Pilates helped me change my entire life, lose over 80 pounds and become a happier and healthier version of myself than I have ever been or imagined I could be! I soon made the decision to leave my job of 12 years and combine my love of Pilates with my passion for people and the body.
I began my Pilates certification journey at Superior where my love and loyalty to Classical Pilates and the Gratz equipment flourished. As an instructor I am passionate about building skills while increasing mobility and flexibility to help you feel stronger and more confident in your everyday life and especially after injuries and surgery. Classic Pilates will change your life, so let's do it together.
Lauren Westhoff
My journey with Pilates began after back and knee injuries put a stop to my long-time love of running. From my very first session, I fell in love with how Pilates made me feel—both physically and mentally. I quickly noticed the positive changes it brought to my body and mindset. I truly believe that a consistent Pilates practice can enhance posture, strength, flexibility, and even spark creativity.
At home, I’m a mom to twin boys, and we prioritize healthy living. We focus on clean, whole foods, and cooking is a big part of our daily routine. We’re an active family, always on the go, and I love traveling to warm, beautiful destinations.
Before pursuing my passion for wellness, I worked in fashion and design as a design liaison for one of the largest luxury event planning businesses in Chicago. That creative background influences my approach to Pilates, bringing a unique perspective to my teaching style.
I’m truly passionate about wellness and believe that with the right guidance and tools, the body has an incredible ability to heal itself. I’m excited to be on this journey with you and to help you discover the transformative power of Pilates!
Ellen Krafft
Ellen Krafft brings decades of expertise and a wealth of knowledge to her Pilates instruction. As a former professional ballet dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, Ellen performed on stages across the United States, Europe, and Japan for ten years. She discovered Pilates in 1982 while recovering from a ballet injury, training under the esteemed Romana Kryzanowska at the Pilates New York Studio. Pilates not only aided her recovery but also enhanced her strength, flexibility, and performance throughout her ballet career. Inspired by its benefits, Ellen became a certified Pilates instructor with Romana's Pilates in 1996.
Ellen has taught Pilates at numerous renowned studios, including the Pilates Studio of the Midwest, The Winnetka Community House, her home studio, Chicago Ballet Arts, The Pilates Loft of Chicago, Northwestern University fitness, and Superior Pilates in Chicago. She is currently teaching at Superior Pilates of the North Shore and at her home studio. In addition to her Pilates expertise, Ellen has an extensive background in teaching ballet. She has shared her knowledge at Hubbard Street Dance Theatre, The Nashville Ballet School, Chicago Ballet Arts, Noyes Cultural Center and the Evanston School of Ballet. Additionally, she has coached two of her daughters on their path to becoming professional dancers as well.
Pilates has played a pivotal role in Ellen's personal wellness journey, helping her recover from three hip replacement surgeries, stay in shape during and after the birth of her six children, and manage and prevent injuries throughout her career and life. Her approach combines classical Pilates principles with a focus on alignment and anatomy, making her sessions ideal for injury prevention, recovery, cross-training and maintaining overall fitness. Ellen's perspective as a professional dancer, Pilates instructor, and a mother enables her to connect with clients of all backgrounds, empowering them to achieve their fitness goals through the transformative power of Pilates.
Zoey TWIG KLEIMAN
I was born in Madison, WI and raised in Israel, where I first discovered Pilates after a spinal injury during my service in the Israeli Defense Force. Pilates was the key to my recovery and it completely changed the way I saw movement and healing. What started as a tool for rehabilitation quickly became my passion, and I knew I wanted to share it with others.
I trained at Siim Campus in Tel Aviv, where I became classically certified in both Mat and equipment Pilates, and I am also NPCP certified. I began teaching in Israel and then moved to the Chicago area with my husband, where I continued teaching as a lead instructor before joining Superior Pilates.
My teaching is about focus, precision, and consistency. I believe Pilates is for everybody and every body. My goal is to help people discover what their body is capable of, to challenge them in ways that feel supportive, and to make each session both rewarding and fun. Every class is an opportunity to build strength, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for what your body can do. My favorite Pilates exercise is the semi-circle on the reformer or Cadillac because it always reminds me how powerful and restorative the work can be.
Outside of the studio I enjoy drawing anime and spending time with my husband, son, and dog.
Inbar maximov
Originally from Tel Aviv, Israel, Inbar discovered Pilates after stepping away from her dance career due to knee and lower back challenges. She has been practicing for eight years and teaching for two, bringing both personal experience and professional training to her classes. Certified at Fit House Academy in Tel Aviv in the classical method, she values precision and the foundational principles of Pilates, weaving them into every session.
Inbar has taught in both Israel and the United States, working with a wide range of clients to help them experience how Pilates can support strength, awareness, and balance in movement as well as in daily life. Her teaching emphasizes consistency, mindful movement, and creating a supportive environment where clients feel both challenged and cared for.
Her favorite Pilates exercise is the Shoulder Roll Down on the Cadillac, which she loves for its restorative and grounding qualities.
Michelle hill
My journey to becoming a Pilates instructor began through my own experience of healing. As a clinical massage therapist of 25 years, I’ve always been passionate about helping others find relief and balance in their bodies. However, after undergoing rotator cuff surgery, I found myself on the other side—struggling through the challenges of recovery. It was through this process that I discovered a new passion to share with my clients, the transformative power of Pilates.
Pilates not only helped me regain strength and mobility but also deepened my understanding of movement, alignment, and rehabilitation. Now, I’m dedicated to guiding others on their own wellness journeys, combining my expertise in therapeutic touch with mindful movement. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, looking to build strength, or simply seeking a deeper connection with your body, I’m here to support you with a holistic approach to movement and healing.