PMAr Certified Pilates Teachers

Debbie Harris

Debbie is a PMA-CPTr (Pilates Method Alliance nationally Certified Pilates Teacher) and owner of TriPilates, LLC. With over twelve years experience with Pilates, she is fully trained by Frog Temple Pilates Center in Chicago, The Pilates Center in Boulder Masters Program, and Rebecca Leone Pilates Excel. WIth a focus on classical technique based on the original teachings of Joseph Pilates, Debbie brings her enthusiasm for balanced body, mind, and spirit to her studio. Her training includes expertise on all Pilates equipment: the Mat, Reformer, Tower System, Barrels, Cadillac, Low Chair, and Pilates props. She also has over 25 years of yoga practice, mainly Ashtanga and Forrest Yoga through Turbodog Yoga in Chicago.

Debbie is committed to keeping both her teaching and her practice of Pilates precise and in accordance with the original Classical Pilates Method and standards set by the PMA. Debbie is an experienced mentor and consultant, offering workshops and
lectures for individuals and private groups.

Yoly Nowak

I completed the Pilates apprenticeship program through TriPilates in 2009 and am a PMA® Certified Pilates Teacher. I began personally studying Pilates about 15 years ago and was immediately hooked. I had read an article about Pilates in a magazines a couple of years prior to that and was immediately intruiged by the story of Joseph Pilates and the idea of the Pilates method itself, years before I had even a single lesson. From my very first lesson, I knew this was the exercise for me. I just feel so good after doing Pilates! Like a massage, any small aches and pains just disappeared. I also knew right away that I wanted to get my certification to teach. I really should have done it before getting married, having kids and buying a house! Therefore, I was so excited when I found TriPilates so close to home in Park Ridge, I just knew it was finally the right time. Since completing the program and now teaching part-time at the studio I have come to realize how much I truly do enjoy teaching and sharing Pilates with others. Over the years, the instructors that most stuck in my mind were those that shared more than just the mechanics of the exercises. In turn, I try to pass along my knowledge of the principles of Pilates method and any anecdotes that have been shared with me over the years. I read an article once that quoted a master instructor as saying that Pilates is for the unexpected moments in life. I truly believe in that statement. Pilates keeps our bodies strong and engaged so that when we need to leap, our bodies will do as we ask!

Beth Norman

Beth is a lifelong resident of Park Ridge and has always been involved in community activities. She is a teacher in the local school district. After 15 years of dance experience, she began practicing yoga. This transitioned to Pilates about four years ago. Beth is a PMA® Certified Pilates Teacher. and has been teaching for the last year and a half. She is a lifelong learner and is always looking to broaden her understanding of the Pilates method through teaching and helping others.

Sandy Ziembo

Sandy is currently a PMA® Certified Pilates Teacher at TriPilates studio in Park Ridge. She has always had a love of sports, athletics, and movement, and finds consistent Pilates practice enhances her game. This combination of mind, body, and spirit practice also flows into everyday activities!

Ed Blackwell (Captain Ed)

Ed Blackwell (“Captain Ed“) is a Balanced Body Certified Pilates Instructor, ACSM Health/Fitness Specialist and ACE group fitness professional who is the current Mind/Body Coordinator for Federal Occupational Health. Ed has studied Shiatsu at the Ohashiatsu Institute, and is featured in the book “Invisible Acts of Power“ by Caroline Myss, Ph.D.

Ebony Smith

Originally from Fort Wayne Indiana, Ebony graduated from the Dance Department of Columbia College in 1998. Her desire to learn more about mind-body fitness led her to complete a basic level teacher-training in the Pilates Method in 2000. Through Pilates, Ebony discovered Hot Yoga and has been a dedicated practitioner of that discipline, completing yoga teacher training in 2008. Ebony chose to re-embark on the path of Pilates because it is a beautiful way to gain awareness of all the things your body can do today, while laying a foundation that allows you to discover what more your body will achieve tomorrow. The private lessons and small group classes that Pilates offers are a huge component of its power. As an apprentice with TriPilates, Ebony is humbled, yet very excited to step back onto the path of Pilates and to reach her personal goal of becoming a PMA certified instructor.