The Home Stretch Staff:

Julie Mazer, Founder

The Home Stretch was founded in 1997 by Julie Mazer. Julie is a certified pilates instructor.

Julie has a B.F.A. degree in Dance and Psychology. She studied choreography at the Laban Institute of Movement Studies in New York City. This two year certification program in movement analysis provided her with a rich understanding and sensitivity to movement and a way to describe and notate body movement in great detail.

While raising a family of three, she found a need to get back in shape through her love of dance. Unfortunately, age, timing and lower back stress inhibited her dancing capabilities. At that time she became aware of the Pilates Method and found her answer and enhancer to her life and body.

Following a year of private Pilates instruction, Julie became a certified instructor. Prior to opening her Home Stretch Studio, Julie worked for 2 years as an instructor at a private studio in the River North area.

Julie ongoingly participates in educational and training seminars to forward her growth and knowledge of Pilates and mind-body integration. Over the years, Julie has attended several workshops about Pilates in Chicago, California, Florida and New York.

 Reed Evans

Reed is a former professional dancer, fashion show choreographer, certified massage practitioner (AMMA technique), and Pilates instructor (Physical/Mind Institute certification). Reed first began practicing Pilates in New York City 17 years ago to refine her dance technique.

After retiring from dance she continued her Pilates training at St. Francis Hospital in order to rehabilitate old dance injuries and train in cycling and swimming. While returning to university to complete her academic studies, Reed worked as an AMMA Massage practitioner at the Kabuki Hot Springs and at a private orthopedic clinic, both in San Francisco.

Her years of dance experience, massage and Pilates and her transition to sports and fitness have given Reed a keen awareness of body movement and training. Last year, Reed certified in Pilates for Golf and trained with golf pro Peter Donahue. She has been teaching Pilates for 5 years. Before moving to Chicago, Reed worked in the physical therapy clinic - Sports + Orthopedic Leaders with patients with diverse injuries and problems, and taught mat classes at College of Marin.