Jillian’s Pilates lineage can be traced back to Joseph Pilates himself through her teachers first generation teachers Kathy Grant, Carola Trier, and Ron Fletcher, who worked directly with Joe at his studio in New York City.  Jillian was originally trained as Ballet dancer, dancing with George Balanchine School of American Ballet.  Jillian had chronic back pain during her dance career. That’s when she was introduced to Pilates to Kathy Grant for treatment, and subsequently, she was introduced by Kathy to Carola Trier in 1980. This is when she began studying with Carola to be trained as a teacher.  .    

Jillian authored the book “Pilates Basics” and has written many articles for Pilates Style Magazine, IDEA Pilates Today, and various online publications.  She has classes online on YouTube and Pilates Anytime.

She has also trained and certified many Pilates teachers over the years.  Jillian was dance faculty at the California Institute for the Arts from 1993 to 2005.  She is a regular presenter at the annual Pilates Method Alliance.  Jillian developed her own approach to teaching Pilates  - B.E.A.M Technique.  She is a much sought-after presenter at fitness conventions in USA and around the world, as well as a contributor to many publications on Pilates.  She has also worked with celebrity clients such as Cher, Holly Hunter, Emma Thompson, and Heather Graham.