Training Teachers is Our Passion.

The Lab Explained

At The Lab, we honor the classical foundations of traditional Pilates as envisioned by Joseph Pilates and his philosophy of Contrology, while integrating modern rehabilitation research and evolving movement science. Our training is the bridge where Classical meets Contemporary—grounded in history, informed by science, and designed for today’s bodies.

Our mission has always been to cultivate confident, knowledgeable, and adaptable Pilates professionals through comprehensive training, rigorous education, immersive studio experience, and lifelong mentorship building not just certified instructors, but leaders in the movement industry.

Meet Our Team

  • Holly Swanson

    CO-FOUNDER

    Owner CORE CHICAGO PILATES & FIZIO FIX

    Holly brings a lifelong background in movement, beginning as a competitive gymnast and ballet dancer, and later completing certifications through Stott Pilates and the PhysicalMind Institute, including specialized training in breast cancer rehabilitation through the Pink Ribbon Program. A PMA-CPT® certified instructor, she opened the Core Chicago Instructor Training Center in 2015 and co-created The Lab training program in 2018 to share her extensive experience and passion for developing exceptional teachers.

  • Jacquelyn Brennan

    CO-FOUNDER

    Owner of PILATES + COFFEE

    Jacquelyn has worked in the wellness industry since age 16, drawing from her athletic background as a runner and marathoner to build a career rooted in strength, balance, and injury prevention; in 2017, she co-opened Pilates+Coffee in Chicago as a community-centered space to share her passion for movement. A PMA-CPT, Perinatal Corrective Exercise Specialist, Yoga teacher, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (currently pursuing certification as a Perimenopausal and Menopause Coach), she co-created The Lab in 2018, bringing together over 35 years of combined teaching experience to develop a comprehensive and mentorship-driven training program.

  • Signe Knutson

    CHICAGO FACILITATOR

    CORE CHICAGO PILATES

    Signe was first introduced to Pilates while studying dance at UW–Stevens Point and, after graduating and moving to Chicago, pursued her instructor training through The Lab to reconnect with the movement she loved. Rooted in her dance background, she brings creativity and precision to her teaching while honoring classical alignment, with a special interest in corrective exercise supported by advanced training including Dr. Sarah Duvall’s Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (PCES) program and The Human Matrix by Zac Cupples.

  • Karen Debrowski

    CHICAGO FACILITATOR

    PILATES + COFFEE

    Karin is a Pilates instructor and Lab Facilitator, and a movement professional since 2008 who graduated from the Ron Fletcher Program of Study in 2011. With over a decade of experience, she serves a diverse clientele through foundational cueing, personalized programming, and compassionate feedback, integrating Thai bodywork and breathwork to support functional strength, postpartum recovery, and graceful aging; she is a Chicago native who lives on the city’s South Side with her family.

  • Sage Miller

    CHICAGO FACILITATOR

    CORE CHICAGO PILATES

    Sage has over a decade of experience in movement, holding a BFA in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts and performing professionally while teaching dance. Pilates, a cornerstone of her training, supported her strength, longevity, and injury resilience, eventually inspiring her to transition fully into the practice. Certified through The Lab, she blends classical Pilates principles with contemporary movement science, emphasizing precision, thoughtful progression, and meeting each body where it is.

  • Madeline Sommers

    CHICAGO FACILITATOR

    PILATES + COFFEE

    Madeline, a University of Illinois graduate in Romance Languages, has been passionate about movement and fitness since childhood. She began teaching Aerial Fitness after college and later discovered Pilates, earning certifications including Perinatal Corrective Exercise Specialist and Functional Range Conditioning Specialist. With over six years at Pilates + Coffee, she emphasizes mindful movement and breathwork to support optimal body function.

  • “The combination of comprehensive training and continuous mentorship makes The Lab program second to none for anyone looking to deepen their Pilates practice and pursue a career in teaching.”

    — Cindy Snyder, owner of Engage Pilates

  • “With the program being half instruction, and half practical, it reinforced the learning of each and every exercise for every student. I think for me personally it was one of the best things I have done for myself and I have learned a tremendous amount, all while meeting some really great people.”

    — Ritu Shah, Chicago Training Graduate & Pilates + Coffee Instructor.

  • “What truly sets this program apart is the continued mentorship. I jumped from teacher training right into opening my own studio. I have had support every step of the way as a teacher and a studio owner”.

    — Cindy Snyder of of Engage Pilates

  • "I’m beyond grateful for the knowledge, encouragement, and mentorship I’ve received through The Lab Pilates program. It’s truly helped me grow as a pilates student, instructor and a business owner, and I couldn’t recommend it more!"

    — Ellen Gleason, owner of Move Pilates