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.
NARA CARMAN
Nara Carman is a certified Level 5, Romana’s Pilates instructor. A former apprentice of Rhonda Celenza and Juanita Lopez, Nara has been classically trained in traditional Pilates technique. She has continue her training by attending annual CPE’s and workshops with great master instructors such as Sari Mejia Santo, Marjorie Oron, Cynthia Lochard, Cynthia Shipley and many others.
Nara’s connection with Pilates is personal as well as professional. While a professional dancer she suffered a neck and spine injury that hampered her movement and caused her pain for many years. Pilates has restored her body and freed her from the restrictions of her injury.
Nara comes to Pilates from a career as a professional dancer. She received her dance training at the Perm State Choreographic Ballet Academy in Perm, Russia, and trained for 8 years with the most respected Russian teachers.
I have been with The Superior Pilates since 2019. It’s been a great journey to learn and grow. I am grateful and thrilled to be in the Superior team!
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!
Jordyn Hicks
Jordyn Hicks is a dedicated lifelong athlete who has earned her comprehensive classical Pilates certification through an exceptionally rigorous and extensive training program that spanned over 500 hours. She is fully certified to teach on all Pilates apparatus, including the reformer, tower, Cadillac, Wunda chair, high chair, barrel, and many other specialized pieces of equipment. Jordyn discovered her deep passion for Pilates a few years after graduating from the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, where she was a committed four-year player and an inspiring senior captain of the women's soccer team.
After enduring the challenges of two ACL injuries and undergoing three surgeries, Jordyn’s soccer career ultimately concluded at the collegiate level. However, her unwavering love for sports, staying active, and continuously challenging herself only continued to flourish and evolve over time. Shortly after completing her education, Jordyn made the important decision to pursue her certification in order to become a Pilates instructor. She is genuinely excited to share the transformative challenges and life-enhancing benefits of Pilates with her community, helping others discover the remarkable advantages of this incredible practice!
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.
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.
Kelly Duff
Kelly has a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Psychology and a Master of Education (MEd) degree in Education. After embarking on a brief career as a teacher, she made the decision to stay at home full time with her two energetic boys. However, it didn't take long for her to realize that she craved something just for herself, and her long-standing passion for fitness became a clear and fulfilling solution. One day, Kristen stopped by Kelly's studio for a single class while making her way from her own studio in River North, Chicago.
Fast forward to the present, and Kelly began taking lessons from Kristen at her studio in Lake Forest, where she also pursued training seminars under Kristen's guidance to learn the art of Classical Pilates. When she is not dedicated to teaching Pilates, Kelly keeps herself busy with her two teenage sons, her supportive husband, and their two lively dogs. Additionally, she enjoys indulging in her love for reading, going for walks, watching various sports events, and savoring her favorite cup of coffee.