Meet the Team
At Essence Pilates, our approach is what makes us the "go to" Pilates Studio in the Chicago Northshore area, and we have proudly continued that philosophy since 2004. We asked ourselves what is vitally important to our clients, and we arrived at a method that is efficient and effective. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to this or are just ready to take it to the next level. At Essence Pilates, we will help you get where you want to go.
Marilee P.
Owner/Founder
Located on the North Shore of Chicago in Deerfield, IL, Essence Pilates was founded July 2004 in Chicago" northside. Marilee started her classical Pilates training at The Pilates Center in Boulder, Colorado and finished her instructor certification from The Physical Mind Institute based in New York, New York along with completing the PMA certification in 2006. In 2009 Marilee completed the Certified Master's Program from The Pilates Center of Boulder Colorado. Mother of two boys, Marilee has been a fitness instructor since 1995 and Personal Trainer since 1999.
Marilee is an avid cyclist and runner and has competed in 100s races across the country. She has taught at many well-known health clubs in Chicago, IL and Boulder, CO. Marilee believes that if you have the will to go that extra mile there is a way and coaches those with the desire to run their first marathon. For 15 years, before a career change into Pilates, Marilee worked in the financial industry selling money management for large institutions. Pilates became a way of life for Marilee after trying to manage the aches and pains from her hobbies of cycling and running.
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Marilee has completed 20+ marathons along with the Boston Marathon, six 70.3 Ironman's and the 70.3 Ironman World Championships in Las Vegas in 2013. Marilee is a Holistic Health Practitioner, which focuses on the bridge between western medicine and holistic medicine.
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Owner, Founder of Essence Pilates Studios
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Owner, Founder of Support Our Soldiers Freedom, Inc.
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Owner, Founder of EssenceRX
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PMA®Certified Pilates Trainer
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Holistic Health Practitioner
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Certified Cupping Therapist
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YUR® Back Certified
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TPC Master Instructor
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Certified Homeopathic Consultant
Jackie G.
Senior Instructor
After 25 years as a dental hygienist Jackie began to develop back pain and after many consults with doctors and specialists failed to alleviate the pain Jackie decided to try pilates. When Jackie realized the pilates was the only thing that alleviated her pain she decided to become an instructor so she could help others get the same relief she experienced. Jackie hopes to help her clients improve their overall health and achieve the lifestyle they desire.
Jackie completed the Apprentice Program at Essence Pilates and earned her earned Pilates Method Alliance Certification in 2011. She has continued her Pilates education taking many workshops specializing in the spine and pelvis.
PMA® Certified Pilates Teacher
Senior Certified Instructor
Certified Health Coach
Bodhi Certified Instructor
YUR Back Certified Instructor
Trigger Point Relief Therapy Apprenticeship
Brittney M.
Senior Instructor
Jen G.
Senior Instructor
While pursuing a degree in Organizational Leadership Jen took a Mat Class at Essence Pilates and was hooked. Jen is very active participating in marathons, tennis, biking, swimming and horseback riding. Her interest grew when she saw improvements in these activities due to pilates. Jen is excited to combine her gregarious personality and passion for teaching and exercise to help clients achieve their goals.
Jen completed the Apprentice Program at Essence Pilates and earned her Pilates Method Alliance Certification in 2015 .
PMA® Certified Pilates Teacher
Senior Certified Instructor
Brittney’s interest in pilates started after many unsuccessful attempts to correct the abuse her body took from 20 plus years of sports left her unable to run or workout like she was used to. After much prodding Brittney decided, with great reservation, to try pilates to help with long term back issues. After all of the other failed attempts pilates got her back to running and working out at a higher level. Brittney wants her clients to leave their session standing taller, feeling stronger and more relaxed.
After earning a B.A. in Physical Education and teaching and coaching for 8 years Brittney moved into the fitness world. She has been a Certified Personal Trainer for 18 years and after going through the Apprentice Program at Essence Pilates and earned her Pilates Method Alliance Certification in 2018.
PMA® Certified Pilates Teacher
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
ACE Certified Therapeutic Exercise Specialist
Certified Senior Fitness Instructor
Stretch Certified
Myofascial Cupping Certified
Emily P.
Certified Instructor
After graduating from college, Emily found herself uncertain about which path to take in her career. Unsure of what she truly wanted to pursue, she decided to give Pilates a try. Having been active her entire life, playing sports since she was five, Emily had already shown resilience, even recovering from ACL and meniscus surgeries during high school to get back to sports and fitness. Initially thinking Pilates would be easy, Emily was quickly surprised by how different the movement felt after just one session. Inspired and guided by her mother-in-law, she chose to pursue a Pilates apprenticeship at Essence Pilates.
Emily completed the apprenticeship program at Essence Pilates in 2025 and became an NPCP Certified Pilates Teacher. She is excited to continue her journey of learning about the human body and helping others achieve their goals, supporting them in becoming the best versions of themselves.
Deanna N.
Senior Instructor
Deanna practiced pilates casually over the years, but it wasn’t until she was faced with a c-section and diastasis recti recovery from her pregnancy that she joined Essence Pilates and experienced the rehabilitative benefits that Pilates has to offer. A former healthcare professional, Deanna re-discovered her appreciation for complete wellness—both physical wellness and the mind-body connection—and joined the teacher training program. Whether clients are new to pilates or have years of experience, Deanna teaches them to find greater awareness, alignment, and strength.
Deanna completed the Apprentice Program at Essence Pilates in 2023 and is a NPCP Certified Pilates Teacher. She lives in Deerfield with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.