Modern Pilates Instructors

At Modern Pilates we have a modern approach to selecting our trainers. We look for three key ingredients: the ability to keep clients focused on form; the ability to motivate clients to reach for the next level; and the personality to fit in well with our relaxed, no attitude environment. We are so selective we only hire about one in every six people we interview. We do not work with only one training school but instead pick the best of the best to get you to the shape you want to be in. Every instructor joins Modern Pilates with extensive knowledge of Pilates. They also are required to continually expand their repertoire of exercises and refine their skills in cueing and motivation. Our instructors never stop learning, either through several training sessions held each year at the studio, or through continuing education classes elsewhere. Our current instructors are Lisa, Daria, Christine, Adena, Sarah, Lisa R., Jo Ann, Lisa T, Joanna.

Lisa Johnson

Master Instructor Lisa Johnson is the founder and owner of Modern Pilates. A Harvard grad, she has been a personal trainer since 1997, and became a certified Pilates instructor in 1998. She is always expanding her knowledge base and has trained in Toronto, London, Sydney, Chicago, Phoenix, and extensively in California. Lisa is the first Pilates instructor to be accepted as an educational affiliate of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, and is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. She is the originator of the "Pro Zone" column in Pilates Style magazine. Lisa is a social media addict and is working on the Modern Pilates blog, ModernPilates.blogspot.com, as well as developing EcoHappyChic.com, a web site geared for the fashion aware with a green streak. ("Where Christian Dior meets Al Gore.") Back to top.

Daria Wright

Daria Wright comes to us with a history of gymnastics from her native Russia. She continued her fitness training upon arriving in the US in the 1990s. Her interest in movement led her to immerse herself in the fitness industry. Daria has taught Step, Indoor Cycling, Boxing, Muscle Conditioning, and Cardio Kickboxing, but finally found her calling in 2002. It is the study of Pilates that allowed her to gain a true appreciation of the human body and its complexity and finesse, and prompted her to dive passionately into the discipline. While she still considers herself a student of Pilates, Daria is now a certified STOTT Pilates instructor and holds a BA in Humanities from Harvard University. She finds that her understanding and appreciation of Pilates helps her invaluably with all the other aspects of functional fitness training, in both her own practice and that of her clients. Daria's clients' needs range from athletic performance to post-surgery rehabilitation, and her methods and training philosophy allow her to address each client's individual demands. Daria is also a knitting fiend and is happy to swap patterns with anyone! Back to top.

Christine Streeter

Christine Streeter has a degree from SUNY in Recreation & Leisure Studies and has been in and around the fitness industry for 16 years. Christine has become an accomplished Pilates instructor over the past four years and confidently pushes her clients to the next level. Known for getting quick results. Christine was voted one of the Best Bodies of Boston in 2008 by Stuff @ Night. Back to top.

Adena Atkins

Adena Atkins is an experienced Pilates instructor with a strong background in yoga and dance. Teaching since 2003, she has honed her cueing skills to the highest level. Her certification is through Body Arts & Science International, a respected West Coast training school led by Rael Iscovitz. Her attention to detail in a class is amazing! She has worked extensively as a Pilates instructor on the West Coast and has also worked in physical therapy settings. Adena holds a degree from Berklee College of Music in songwriting and can really belt one out! Back to top.

Sarah Carr

Sarah Carr has been in love with movement her entire life. A student of dance since a little girl, Sarah teaches everything from Modern Dance to Tap to Ballet to Cardio Funk! She has taken her formidable cueing skills and transferred them seamlessly over to Pilates. Teaching Pilates since 2005 in the STOTT Method, Sarah has developed a great repertoire of exercises to help transform your body. Sarah has also done specific training for golfers and can help you find your inner Tiger Woods or Annika Sorenstam. Sarah is a vegetarian and has developed a formidable recipe box. Back to top.

Lisa Roth

Lisa Roth (Lisa R.) has a strong background in dance, particularly ballet. She was with the Boston Ballet organization for 13 years as a student and dancer. She has been a certified Power Pilates instructor since 2005 and blends her knowledge of movement through dance with the Pilates repertoire. She has been teaching extensively in Chicago and has recently moved to Boston to join our team. We are happy to have her style with us at the studio. Lisa's sly sense of humor and no-whining workouts are becoming legendary at the studio. Back to top.

Jo Ann Premela

Jo Ann is an experienced Pilates instructor who did her training in Melbourne, Australia. She is a Chicago transplant who likes to travel. She also received her Bachelor's in Physical Therapy in Australia and is great at working with people with injuries and back problems. Back to top.

Lisa Tornatore

Lisa Tornatore (Lisa T.) is one of our own. A client of Modern Pilates since 2003 she caught the bug in 2007 and became an instructor in her own right. Lisa focuses on moving clients along quickly to the next level. You'll be surprised at how a small adjustment to form can bring such amazing results. Pilates is truly her passion and we are happy to have her with us. Lisa is also a vetted traveler and happy to swap stories on the road with anyone. Back to top.

Joanna Mantell

Joanna Mantell is a Pilates instructor with a runner's mind. With a degree in education, and a stint as a high school English teacher, Joanna found as much passion in coaching as in teaching. She has coached field hockey, cross country running, skiing and lacrosse. Joanna has been a fitness instructor since 1999; she added Pilates to her own personal repertoire to help her recover from the birth of her son and loved it so much she quickly became an advanced client. Joanna has since switched reins to become an instructor herself and her clients have taken to her quickly. In addition to her teaching, Joanna recently ran her third Marathon – the Boston Marathon – and completed her first triathlon. Joanna specializes in working with distance athletes and teens over 16. Back to top.