Our Staff

Kay’s interest in all things physical and active began with her love of running, and her curiosity and pursuit of excellence led her to explore and master boxing, rowing, adventure racing, and eventually Pilates and Gyrotonic. In addition to running a successful technology consulting firm, she quietly began to build her reputation as a highly effective personal trainer during her “off-hours”. Kay sold her firm and left the corporate world in 2008 to pursue a long-term desire of operating her own studio and growing her bodywork practice.

Kay is certified by Power Pilates and in the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM®, including the specialized equipments Jumping Stretching Board, Gyrotoner, Leg Extension Unit, and Ladder. She has had training in Gyrotonic therapeutic applications for the shoulder and pelvic girdles and has also trained in Level 2 Gyrotonic.   She is also certified by the National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM) as a Personal Trainer.

When not providing high-quality instruction to her clients and managing the studio, Kay spends her time distance running, stair-climbing some of the world’s tallest buildings, and working on her own arches and curls. A native Chicagoan, Kay graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston.

Fernando was born in Mexico City. His passion for fitness started early in life as he was involved in many sports while living in Mexico. In search of more opportunities, Fernando moved to Chicago in 1996 and opened his first business, a cleaning service and then in 2001 Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating. His fitness quest pressed on, and in 2006 he was certified by the National Personal Training Institute as a Personal Trainer.

Fernando explored other methodologies and was introduced to Gyrotonic and Pilates training early in 2005. He instantly connected with the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® so he pursued his Gyrotonic certification after taking classes at CNSK with Master Trainer, Alissa Seim. Fernando began working at CNSK in 2007, while continuing his other business endeavors. He is also certified on the Jumping Stretching Board, Gyrotonic Ladder, Leg Extension Unit, Archway, and Gyrotoner.  Just recently, he participated in the Gyrotonic rehabilitation applications taught by Uwe Herbstreit for the pelvic and shoulder girdles. His other interests include language, traveling, movies, food, and sports.

Tess has been on staff at CNSK since 2003. She received her Pilates training through McEntire Pilates in all aspects of the system including McEntire’s signature Ball-work/Band-work and Advanced certifications on the Mat, Reformer, and Cadillac. She has the unique training for clients who have finished rehabilitation and need modifications because of their injuries. Tess is known for her motivational style, her passion for somatic practices, and her understanding of the value of Pilates exercise. She exemplifies the professional teacher who continues to be a student, working to always deepen and explore the possibilities of the body. Her interest in mind/body fitness arose from her serious study of physical theatrical performance.

Kelly began Pilates as a way to supplement her dance training and soon developed a desire to share it with others.  She studied Dance and Communication at Hope College in Holland, MI and became Stott Pilates certified in 2004 while living in New York City.  Kelly taught Pilates classes for three years before moving to Chicago and working with private clients.  As an instructor, Kelly strives to help her clients build strength and body awareness that makes them feel energized and agile in their daily lives. She enjoys teaching the fundamentals to beginners, challenging experienced students to reach new levels, and working with prenatal clients.  Outside the studio Kelly enjoys traveling, writing and raising her two young children.

Paula Nascimento Merritt was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She was raised in an environment rich in Brazilian festivities and grew up dancing, sparking a passion that initiated her first steps in the world of dance, which developed into her professional career. In 1999, Paula began her studies in Contemporary Dance at the Angel Vianna School in Rio. In 2002, she began her coursework in Motor Recuperation through Movement and Dance Therapy. That same year, she began to study Pilates at Espaco Pilates and in 2003 began teaching the method as a certified instructor.

In 2004, Paula decided to deepen her knowledge in the human body and began her professional certification coursework in Godelieve Denys-Struyf, a French technique commonly known as GDS at Ivaldo Bertazzo School in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In 2007, she moved to Chicago and soon after, Paula obtained her certification in Pre and Post Natal and Spinal Conditions. Most recently, Paula completed certification requirements to become a Gyrotonic Instructor.

Jeff has been on staff at Chicago Northshore Kinetics since February 2008. He teaches Pilates and Gyrotonic and enjoys utilizing each modality to help clients achieve their maximum potential. As a professional dancer, Jeff considers each system to be an imperative part of his cross-training regimen. His specialties include working with dancers and other athletes, increasing flexibility, and post-physical therapy rehabilitation.  In addition, Jeff is also an accomplished yogi, having received his 500 hour advanced level certification under the guidance of Erika Faith at Cloud Nine Yoga.

Katie is originally from Florida, but has spent the past five years dancing and spiraling in New York City. She first experienced the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® while studying dance at Florida State University under the direction of Master Trainer Anjali Austin. Upon moving to New York, she studied with Master Trainer Leda Franklin and became certified in Gyrotonic, Gyrokinesis, and the Leg Extension Unit.

Katie also received certification in the Gyrotonic Application for Pre and Post Natal clients and Breast Cancer Survivors taught by Leda. In addition, Katie has worked with a wide variety of clients that have enabled her to utilize her specialized training in Scoliosis, Osteoporosis, and Hip Replacement recovery. Katie’s love for the specialized equipment motivated her to become certified on the Jumping Stretching Board and most recently the Archway.

Katie is happy to be a new resident of Evanston and is looking forward to spiraling with clients from all walks of life.

Elyse has been with Chicago Northshore Kinetics as the Studio Manager since 2008. She is a graduate of Northwestern University, having majored in Organization Behavior with a minor in Business. She is fascinated with the world of professional sports and one day would like to work in the industry. In the meantime, she enjoys Pilates, playing tennis, and going on adventures with her friends in the city.