meet OUR TEACHERS
Grayson donachie
CO-FOUNDER / TEACHER
I’m Grayson Donachie, and I’m excited to bring my passion for Pilates to the Naperville community! With over 2000 hours of training in both classical and contemporary Pilates, I am deeply committed to blending athleticism with the integrity and precision of classical principles. My sessions are designed to help each client feel strong, connected, and confident through purposeful, safe, and tailored movement.
My introduction to Pilates began through my experience as a dancer, where I first discovered matwork as a cross-training tool. I attended The Chicago Academy for the Arts and The Kirov Academy of Ballet, furthering my training through summer intensives at renowned institutions including Joffrey Ballet NYC, Alvin Ailey, Visceral Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, River North Dance Chicago, and Ruth Page. I danced at a pre-professional level with Extensions Dance Company, and a highlight of my dance career was performing alongside members of Alvin Ailey’s professional company in their iconic Revelations. These experiences instilled in me the discipline, precision, and focus that now define my Pilates practice.
As a lifelong learner, I continue to study with exceptional mentors and teachers, consistently refining my own practice, knowledge, and understanding of the Pilates method. Continuing education is incredibly important to me and allows me to bring greater depth, intention, and quality to every class I teach. I am deeply committed to helping my clients thrive in their daily lives, regardless of their age, fitness level, or experience.
Whether you’re new to Pilates or looking to deepen your practice, I’m here to guide you toward feeling your absolute best. Together, we’ll work to build strength, confidence, and a lasting connection to your body.
Education & Continuing Study
I hold a 600-Hour Comprehensive Classical Pilates Certification through Classical Pilates Education, as well as Balanced Body Comprehensive Pilates training across the full Pilates system.
I am deeply committed to the lifelong study of the Pilates method and continue to pursue advanced classical education and mentorship. I am currently completing The Classical Syllabus with MeJo Wiggin, having completed Part I and continuing with Part II in November 2026. I also regularly participate in advanced workshops, immersions, and continuing education with respected teachers in the Pilates community, including an upcoming immersive study in November 2026 with Mariano Dolagaray and Angela Leone.
For me, education does not end with certification. Ongoing study, mentorship, and personal practice are essential to honoring the Pilates method and continually bringing greater depth, precision, and knowledge to every client I work with.
Ben donachie
CO-FOUNDER / TEACHER
My name is Ben, and I bring over ten years of experience as a High-Performance Specialist in professional soccer. My journey began in 2012, when I landed an internship with a professional soccer club in England. It was there I was introduced to Pilates and saw its ability to enhance traditional training methods, improve movement quality, and prevent injuries.
Working closely with a skilled Pilates instructor, I witnessed the profound impact it had on elite athletes, helping them recover and perform at their best. After eight rewarding years working in the Premier League in England, I moved to the USA, taking on roles as the Director of Performance for teams in both the MLS and NWSL.
As I incorporated Pilates into my own training, I experienced its benefits firsthand, it improved how I moved and felt in ways I hadn’t expected. This sparked my decision to change careers and bring Pilates to the Naperville community, where my wife Grayson and I saw an opportunity to share its benefits with others.
After earning my comprehensive certification with Balanced Body under the guidance of renowned instructor Troy McCarty in Cleveland, Ohio, I combined my Pilates training with a Master’s degree in Sport Science. My mission is to help others improve their movement, build strength, and achieve healthier, more balanced lives through Pilates.
DELAINEY GUALANDI
TEACHER
I’m Delainey a Classical Pilates instructor with a lifelong passion for movement, excited to help you discover the strength and connection Pilates can bring to your life.
Growing up, I spent a majority of my childhood and teenage years in a dance studio, prepping for our next competition. Throughout adulthood, I’ve explored many different forms of movement, from yoga, running and HIIT classes to strength training, which continues to be a part of my routine today. But when I discovered Classical Pilates, it felt like the puzzle pieces finally came together.
Pilates helped me reconnect with my body, move with intention, and build strength in a balanced and sustainable way. I knew my next step was to share my passion for this system with others, which led me to complete a 600-hour comprehensive Pilates education and become fully certified.
When I’m not in the studio teaching or taking class, you can find me bird watching with my cats, getting lost in a good book, or enjoying a great meal!
I’m so excited to grow alongside this community and support you every step of the way. See you in class!
BRITTANY PATEL
TEACHER
Hi, I'm Brittany. My path to Pilates wasn't a straight line. I tried lots of ways to move, from dance to strength training to group classes, always on the hunt for something that felt right. When I discovered classical Pilates, it clicked. It gave me strength and a sense of connection to my body I hadn't felt before. At the time, I didn't know I had PCOS. I just knew Pilates made my body feel better. I was dealing with joint pain and struggling to find movement that felt good, and Pilates gave me a way to move with less discomfort and more confidence.
When I was later diagnosed with PCOS and learned why low impact movement matters, everything made sense. That realization deepened my appreciation for the method and inspired me to teach. After completing my 600-hour comprehensive classical Pilates certification through Classical Pilates Education, I knew it was only the beginning. I'm passionate about continuing to learn and grow as an instructor, especially when it comes to working with clients living in pain and helping people move well for life. Seeing how Pilates continues to help me and people I care about manage pain is something that motivates me every day.
One of my favorite parts of teaching is answering questions and helping clients understand the why behind the movement. I love creating classes that feel challenging, yet encouraging, and accessible, whether it's your very first class or you're deepening a longstanding practice. My hope is that you leave feeling stronger, more connected, and excited to come back.
MADYSEN GROTH
TEACHER
Hi, I’m Madysen! I’m currently working toward completing my 600-hour Comprehensive Classical Pilates certification, and I’m so grateful to be able to share my love of movement with others.
My journey with Pilates began after becoming a mother. After having my daughter, I found myself struggling to reconnect with my identity outside of motherhood. As a former volleyball player and someone who had always enjoyed weight training, I was used to pushing my body—but Pilates taught me something different. It gave me a safe space to rebuild, reconnect, and truly listen to my body.
That experience became the heart of why I teach. My goal is for every client to feel comfortable, safe, and supported while discovering a connection with their body that they may have never experienced before. I believe Pilates is about so much more than physical movement. It’s an opportunity to connect the mind, body, and spirit and to leave feeling stronger, more grounded, and more at home within yourself.
Outside of Pilates, I have a daughter, who is my greatest inspiration. I love spending time with my family and friends, being outdoors, traveling, and experiencing new things.
And if you spend any amount of time around me, you’ll probably hear me say, “OH MY GOSH, CUTEEE!” at least once. I believe in celebrating the little things, finding joy wherever you can, and bringing positive energy into everything I do.
My hope is to create a space that feels wholesome, peaceful, welcoming, and full of positive energy—a place where you can show up exactly as you are, move with intention, and reconnect with yourself. Im extremely grateful to be apart of this team and full of gratitude to work with each and every one of you.
I can’t wait to move with you! ♡
KARLA GOMEZ JAMES
TEACHER
Hi, I’m Karla! I was born in Mexico. I’m a high school teacher. I am also a wife and mom of 2 little girls. I’m a cancer and the most emotional person you’ll ever meet. I love to laugh and have fun in everything I do.
I first tried Pilates at a galentines event in Feb 2025 and I fell in love! I loved how good the class made me feel. It made me feel strong, empowered, at peace, and like I could do anything. I remember thinking, “I can do this! I would love to make people feel this good too.”
I am currently working on my 600 hour comprehensive Pilates certification program from Classical Pilates Education.
My goal as an instructor is to create classes that challenge you while still making you feel supported and successful. Whether you’re brand new to Pilates or have years of experience, I want you to leave class feeling stronger than when you walked in.
SERENITY TRIEU
TEACHER
Hi, I’m Serenity! My journey with Pilates began with a love for movement, but over time, it became so much more. I’ve come to appreciate how movement can change the way we feel, not only physically, but mentally too. That connection between the mind and body is what drew me so deeply to classical Pilates.
When I first discovered the method, I was drawn to the physical challenge and precision. The more I practiced, the more I realized Pilates also gave me something I didn’t know I needed, a place to slow down, be present, and reconnect with myself. I leave feeling stronger physically, but also calmer and more grounded mentally.
Pilates has taught me the value of patience, consistency, and intentional movement. I love helping clients understand the purpose behind each exercise and watching their confidence grow as they discover what their bodies are capable of.
My goal is to create classes that are challenging but welcoming, structured but encouraging, and centered around helping you feel strong and connected in your body. Whether you come to Pilates to build strength, improve your movement, or simply take an hour for yourself, I want you to leave feeling like you gave something back to yourself.
I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the Karve community and to learn alongside such a passionate team of teachers. I can’t wait to continue growing, bring positive energy and intention to every class, and see you in the studio!