Crown Point native returns to Northwest Indiana launch Leni's Pilates

Joseph S. Pete

Ellen Sistovaris lived and worked in Chicago for nearly two decades before returning home to Crown Point to pursue her passion. After working for companies like AT Kearney, United Airlines, McDonald’s and Ulta Beauty, she said she left corporate America to share her love of Pilates with the Region.

"Pilates helped me become physically and mentally stronger," said Sistovaris. "I worked in HR in corporate America and wanted to do something I was more passionate about."

She recently opened Leni’s Pilates. The name "Leni" is in honor of her two yiayias, the Greek term for grandmother. Sistovaris said the space is meant to be a welcoming environment to people of all fitness levels.

"It's a space where everyone can feel welcome, regardless of age, shape and size," she said. "W