YOUR INSTRUCTORS

FELICIA DARBYSHIRE-PIRIE

I first experienced Pilates while undergoing my massage training and it was love at first breath!

 

I have always participated in some form of exercise, horse riding, gym/weights training, running, triathlon, spin classes, swimming, hiking – but once I started Pilates, some 20 years ago, it has been the one thing I have continued with regardless of all the other activities I have done.

 

During the final year of my Bachelors in Coaching Science (Sports Science) I commenced my Pilates Method training (Certificate IV in Matwork) in the Pilates ITC method. I was absolutely hooked with this particular style of Pilates and went on the complete my Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction and the Advanced Diploma of the Pilates Method.

 

In 2010, I was fortunate enough to open my first Pilates studio and have been collecting amazing instructors and clients with me all along the way to rebranding as The Pilates Centre.

 

For me, Pilates is an amazingly intuitive modality of exercise to deliver to clients, and the PilatesITC method (what we teach in studio) has such scientific approach that everything simply makes sense. There is no such thing as do it, just because.

 

It’s a combination of intuition and science that has provided me with the ability thoroughly enjoy helping people achieve goals, from 2 weeks post spinal surgery all the way through to high performing advanced clients.

 

Pilates is a personal and professional obsession for me and I feel privileged to be able to guide and work in an environment with like-minded instructors and our wonderful clients every day!

 

  • Diploma in Massage Therapy (2001)
  • Certificate IV in Matwork (2007)
  • B Coaching Science (Sports Science) (2007)
  • Diploma in Professional Pilates Instruction (2008)
  • Advanced Diploma of The Pilates Method (2012)
  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (2014)
  • Buff Bones Certified (2015)

 

 

KAREN STUART

While working in the fitness industry, Pilates was recommended to me by my massage therapist. It wasn't long before I found a passion for Pilates and wanted to learn more, so I enrolled in the Certificate IV in Pilates Matwork Instruction.

 

Since that time I have continued my studies, completing the Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction, and then finally the Advanced Diploma of the Pilates Method.

 

I am still very passionate about Pilates and love sharing this passion with my clients, watching them achieve their goals.  I constantly continue my education by attending all the workshops I can and thoroughly enjoy working with all levels of clients from rehabilitation all the way through to the advanced client. 

 

  • Certificate IV in Matwork (2008)
  • Diploma in Professional Pilates Instruction (2012)
  • Advanced Diploma of The Pilates Method (2015)
  • Buff Bones Certified

 

 

CHLOE STUART

My introduction to Pilates was in my early teens when I started matwork. I loved the strength that I was gaining through Pilates and at a young age could feel the benefits it was having on my body. After finishing high school I started working in admin at the Erindale studio and then went on to undertake the Certificate IV in Pilates Matwork Instruction and Booty Barre Accreditation to become an instructor myself. 

 

I loved teaching matwork and reformer classes, so decided to upgrade to Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction so I could teach in the studio. I love to challenge clients and to see their progression. I also really enjoy teaching rehabilitation clients as helping them to be pain free or being able to move again is incredibly rewarding.

 

  • Certificate IV in Matwork (2014)
  • Diploma in Professional Pilates Instruction (2015)
  • Booty Barre Accreditation
  • B Applied Science – Nutrition (2017)

 

 

JENI WILLIAMS

I have always been fit and open to trying anything new. Following an extensive career in nursing and midwifery, specialising in Neonatal Intensive Care, I decided to have a change in direction.

 

After practicing Pilates for a number of years, and the desire for a further understanding of the method, I undertook the Certificate IV in Pilates Matwork Instruction through the Pilates International Training Centre in Sydney and then went on to complete the Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction and Buff Bones Accreditation.

 

I enjoy working with all clients and assisting them to achieve their goals, from mat, reformer and studio work, with a special interest in bone health and programs for clients who require more stability and balance.

 

  • Pilates for me is stimulating and invigorating and my body certainly appreciates it.
  • Certificate IV Mat work (2015)
  • Diploma in Professional Pilates Instruction (2015)
  • Buff Bones Certified (2016)

 

 

NATALIE SOUTHWELL

After discovering the benefits of Pilates as part of the solution to correct serious back pain and poor posture, I knew Pilates was always going to be a significant part of my health and well-being.   So I embarked on my Pilates education with the Certificate IV in Pilates Matwork Instruction, very quickly I increased my certification to include Reformer teaching.

 

I then decided to complete the Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction and also specialised in Buff Bones as I wanted to continue learning and sharing a movement system that is great for every body.

 

I enjoy teaching a range of clients across both matwork and reformer classes, and in the Pilates studio. Pilates inspires me: it focuses the mind and body to create movement that is functional, challenging and restorative. I love sharing with clients the journey on which Pilates takes the individual.

 

  • Certificate IV in Pilates Matwork Instruction
  • Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction
  • Buff Bones Certified

 

LAURA BOCKING

I started doing Pilates after the birth of my first child, which had left my body a bit worse for wear. I noticed the difference immediately, and fell in love with the way the exercises were challenging but gentle. It helped not only with post-natal recovery, but also with a number of other injuries I had sustained during years of dance and gymnastics.

 

I decided I wanted to keep learning more about Pilates and undertook the Cert IV in matwork, and then continued on to do the Diploma to also teach on the studio equipment.

 

I love seeing the progression in my clients through their own practice. From when they walk in with discomfort or pain, the transition to regaining functional and freedom of movement is very rewarding. Pilates will always be part of my life.

 

  • Certificate IV in Matwork (2009)
  • Diploma in Professional Pilates Instruction (2012)

NIA SOUTHWELL

I discovered Pilates in my early teens and have been practicing it ever since.  Pilates has helped to improve my core strength, flexibility, and posture therefore complementing my sporting ventures.

 

Prior to starting my degree in Physiotherapy, I completed the Certificate IV in Pilates Matwork Instruction and Booty Barre Accreditation. Now working as a physiotherapist I use knowledge of the human body and physical activity to ensure each client gets the most out of each session.

When not working, I can be found being creative at the gym and pushing my fitness boundaries.  On weekends I referee football at an elite level and maintain that Pilates has helped reduce any injuries in both of these endeavours.

 

I love being aware of clients’ other activities so I can tweak the movement, exercises and stretches for each individual. I also love to focus on continually challenging clients whilst keeping sessions light hearted and fun.

 

  • Certificate IV in Matwork (2014)

 

 

LEHARNE FOUNTAIN

I began practicing Pilates in 1999, some years after sustaining a lower back disc injury from which I was suffering with a lot of pain and limited mobility. I discovered that Pilates was the only thing that helped to me to manage the injury effectively.

 

Following some big life changes, I took my interest in Pilates to another level to become a qualified instructor (Certificate IV in Pilates Matwork Instruction) and have been an instructor with Pilates Canberra ever since. 

 

I thoroughly enjoy the interaction with clients and the energy that comes from a room full of people ‘loving’ a class together!

 

  • Certificate IV in Matwork (2014)

 

 

MICHELLE GREEN

I have been a dancer since childhood and discovered Pilates after suffering an injury. I was a huge fan right from the start and found that the strength, flexibility and discipline of Pilates was the perfect complement to my dance training. After several years of my own practice I decided that I wanted to be able to share that with others and decided to become an instructor.

 

Doing Pilates makes me feel healthier, stronger and taller. Having clients tell me that they also feel this way after their classes is very satisfying and I love being able to share that experience with them. 

 

  • Certificate IV in Matwork (2014)
  • Booty Barre Accreditation