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Interested in working at Studio West?

In order to be considered for an Instructor position, you must hold a Pilates certification through a comprehensive 450+ hour program. If you are actively in a certification program and interested in getting hours, trainees will be considered on a case by case basis. 

If interested, send us an email to: hello@studio-west-pilates.com.

meet the team

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Tayllor Williams

Studio Owner, Group & Private Instructor

After noticing the benefits of Pilates in her own life, Tayllor decided to pursue her certification and open her own studio space in order to share the benefits she experienced with her community.

Tayllor completed her 500 hour comprehensive Pilates training program through The Lab, created by Chicago Studio Owners Holly Swanson and Jacqueline Brennan. She is also a proud graduate from The University of Tennessee, Go Vols. 

When she is not teaching Pilates, she is planning her next trip, eating at a new restaurant, or enjoying a long walk on the 606 with her husband, Colin, and doodle, Rey. 

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Anna Tripp

Group & Private Instructor

Anna’s love for Pilates and teaching runs in her blood. She was introduced to Pilates at a very young age as her Mom was a certified mat and reformer Pilates instructor.

 

After graduating from Miami of Ohio and moving to Chicago, Anna found her own passion for Pilates and decided to pursue a career in teaching. 

Anna completed her 500 hr Pilates training program through The Lab. 

When she’s not teaching, she’s likely hopping into another instructor’s class or petting any golden retriever she can find. 

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Maddie Monat

Group Class Instructor

Maddie completed her 500 hour comprehensive Pilates training program through Club Pilates in January 2023.  She also works as a Registered Nurse at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

When she is not teaching Pilates, she enjoys hanging with her family, exploring Lincoln Park, and listening to country music year-round.

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Meagan Pagano

Group Class Instructor 

Meagan is a Chicagoland native and has lived in the city since 2014. While dealing with her own disc herniation and sciatica pain, a physical therapist recommended Pilates to assist in recovery and healing.

 

Meagan loved the fun and challenging workout and relief from back pain. She taught middle school for ten years and coached a variety of sports (swimming, water polo, track and field, cheer & poms) to students elementary through high school.

 

Becoming a Pilates instructor merged her love of teaching and sharing the benefits of Pilates with others. While not teaching, she is hanging out with her cattle dog Cowboy, doing nail art, or dancing.

Meagan completed her mat and reformer certifications through Balanced Body.

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Summer Nelson

Group Class Instructor

Summer is currently immersed in her 500-hour Pilates certification with The Lab, where she’s refining her skills to guide others toward balanced, intentional movement.

Through her Pilates journey, Summer has experienced  transformative power of mindful movement. Pilates has not only strengthened her body but has also helped her reduce stress and anxiety, boosting her confidence and enhancing her mobility.

 

She’s passionate about bringing these same benefits to others, empowering them to feel strong, centered, and resilient.

Outside of the studio, you can find Summer exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods, indulging in the latest BookTok sensation, or discovering local coffee shops and hidden gems around the city.

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Ali Kurhajec

Group Class Instructor

Ali was born and raised in Wisconsin and spent most of her life in the dance studio. She earned an AA in Dance from Troy University and later graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a BA in Advertising and Communications. After college, she made the move to Chicago and soon after, found her way to Pilates.

She’s currently working toward her 500-hour comprehensive certification through The Lab and loves helping people feel strong, grounded, and at home in their bodies.

Outside the studio, Ali is likely finding a new restaurant, binging reality TV, reading a thriller novel, or jumping into a Pilates class herself. 

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Dorothy Shu

Group Class Instructor

Bio pending...

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Suzi Calago

Group Class Instructor

Bio pending...

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Kim Chovanec

Group Class Instructor

Kim was first introduced to Pilates while she was in college at DePaul University. She became immediately obsessed with her mat and reformer classes and knew she wanted to make this a life long practice. 
 
After graduating and working full time in advertising technology, Kim met Tayllor who encouraged her to get her teaching certification. 
 
Kim is currently working towards her 500 hour Pilates training certification through The Lab. 

Outside of Pilates, she loves playing tennis, cooking new recipes, and waiting in line at Mindy’s Bakery. 

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