Our Instructors
Tim Foster
Owner & Instructor
The spark for Fostering Movement Studio began at Northern Illinois University, where I first began to study what would become a lifelong passion for me—understanding physical movement. I didn't realize as I was earning my Bachelor's degree in Theatre Dance where the road would lead me. My education in body movement grew from dancing for different companies in the Midwest to festivals in Scotland. There were many highs such as great performances dancing with Jen Lande here in Chicago and a few lows like injuries which took me off stage from time to time. Each of these moments taught me invaluable lessons.
These experiences introduced me to massage therapy which initially became a way to help rehab from injury and injury prevention. It affected my outlook so much that I decided to become certified in this healing combination of science and art at the Chicago School of Massage Therapy in 1997. After that, I continued my education with courses at St.John's Neuromuscular and Ben Benjamin Advanced Techniques. My passion for massage therapy grew into a 6-year long teaching profession at Soma Institute/National School of Massage Therapy.
However, after all those years of learning and teaching Massage therapy, I had one question; how do I create a longer-lasting impact and reduce injury? Become a personal trainer and teach people how to train and move their bodies with proper form. I got my Personal Training certification at the National Academy of Sports Medicine in 2006 and Corrective Exercise Specialist certification in 2008, followed by my Pilates certification at the Body Arts Science International in 2009.
The past 24 yrs of education and real-life experience have given me a lot to pull from when helping people reduce injury and help them move better through their day.
Jen Lande
Instructor
Jen Lande began studying dance at a young age, and continued her dance training at The University of Utah. While growing up, Jen often took master classes from guest artistic directors like Chicago choreographers, the late Gus Giordano, Meribeth Kisner, and Randy Duncan. Through the influence of these experiences, Jen decided to move to Chicago, to pursue a performing career. While a part of the vibrant Chicago dance community, Jen worked with a host of wonderful teachers, directors, choreographers and dancers, including Tim Foster.
A dancer’s career can be fleeting, and for Jen, there were times of struggle with injuries. It was suggested by Jen’s massage therapist, to build more strength and balance in her body to prevent injury, and to “try” Pilates. Try indeed! Pilates became Jen’s passion, and Jen became certified in Pilates through Michele Larrson and Core Dynamics in 2001.
Jen also completed her certification in gyrokinesis in 2004. In 2009 and in 2010, Jen became a certified Balanced Body Master Instructor. Jen facilitates teacher trainings, teaching Pilates instructors in The Mat, Reformer and Apparatus equipment. In 2018, Jen completed a Pilates for Neurological Conditions Course, with focus on Pilates for MS and Parkinsons.
Incorporating Jen’s passion for teaching movement and Pilates, Jen loves connecting with people, and helping them to build more strength and balance in their bodies.