Meet the Family

Learn from Australia’s best.

Our power is in our people. Pilates ITC Educators are subject matter experts (Method and multidisciplinary), adept communicators, and fair and equitable teachers. Pilates is an intelligent discipline and we have some of the most accomplished minds nurturing our country’s future generations of Instructors!

What makes our team work?

Our shared respect and affection for traditional Pilates values that prioritise quality learning (for life!), community and care. A culture like this begins and ends with love: for the Method and helping people!

The Pilates ITC family will bend over backward, figuratively and literally (if you ask nicely), to help you get where you want to go. After all: we go further together! Scroll down to get to know your State or Territory crew.

The Specs

All Pilates ITC Educators are qualified at 10838NAT Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction-level as a minimum; with many holding an 10839NAT Advanced Diploma of the Pilates Method.

Many of our Educators hold other complementary qualifications or specialities drawn from backgrounds including: professional dance, physical therapy, professional and semi-professional sports, athletic performance and elite conditioning.

All Educators hold a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to ensure quality and consistency in assessment and learning outcomes, in line with course accreditation requirements.

Meet the Family

Learn from Australia’s best.

We will bend over backwards, figuratively and literally (if you ask nicely), to help you find your purpose with Pilates.

Frances Cahill

Director Pilates ITC and Senior Educator (WA)

One part of the duo Director team driving this training organisation into the future. Frances is a Pilates Practitioner (91490NSW) and co-Director of Pilates Fitness Institute (PFI) in Perth. She has worked in the industry and Pilates education for over 10 years and is passionate about the role Pilates ITC is playing in reimagining “Pilates learning” in formalised and continuing education contexts. She is mentored by Sally Anderson and has trained with industry Masters at home and abroad including: Deborah Lessen, Blossom Leilani Crawford, Karen Clippinger, Rael Isacowitz and Brooke Siler. Frances has presented at the PAA Conference, is active in Continuing Education delivery around Australia. She has also served on the board of the industry’s peak body, Pilates Alliance Australasia (PAA).

Suzanne Newby

Director Pilates ITC and Senior Educator (WA)

The other half of the dynamic Director team delivering Pilates ITC Courses and Pathways in Australia today. Suzanne is a Pilates Practitioner (91490NSW) and co-Director of Pilates Fitness Institute (PFI) in Perth. She has over 10 years of combined industry and education experience and works hard to elevate the standard of education and grow a positive culture around lifelong learning in the Pilates industry. Suzanne is particularly excited by holistic biomechanical movement and has been strongly influenced by Karen Clippinger. She is also mentored by Sally Anderson, has presented at the PAA Conference, and delivers Continuing Education around Australia. She too has served on the board of the industry’s peak body, Pilates Alliance Australasia (PAA).

Maryann Taraborrelli

Senior Educator (WA) and Student Liaison

Maryann is a Pilates Practitioner (10538NAT) and has over 10 years of experience in the Pilates industry. A born educator and skilled communicator, she has a Graduate Diploma in Education, specialising in Japanese and Economics. A natural at “teaching the teacher”, she is passionate about elevating the standard of education in the Pilates industry.

Megan Clements

Senior Educator (WA + SA)

Megan is a Pilates Practitioner (Advanced Diploma in the Pilates Method), has extensive experience working with a diverse range of clients, and has taught in some of the most prestigious Pilates studios in Western Australia and internationally. She has also worked at the STOTT Pilates Training Centre in Dubai and is committed to broadening her Pilates knowledge and seeking out qualifications that enhance and advance her scope of delivery and self-mastery. Megan also holds a Graduate Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Education from Murdoch University; an Advanced Certificate in Prenatal and Postnatal Pilates with Ashley Ritchie of BASi Pilates in Prato, Italy; and a Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher Trainer course via The Yoga Social. She believes movement-based healing promotes a deeper sense of awareness and creates a more holistic, centred and functional wellness. Megan loves giving back to the industry and helping to nurture future generations of Pilates Professionals.

Shannon Langley

Senior Educator (WA)

Shannon holds the Advanced Diploma of the Pilates Method (10537NAT) and has over 15 years of experience in the industry; instructing and in education roles. She started her career in Western Australia and has worked in Victoria with Pilates ITC’s sister training organisation, National Pilates Training – before returning home to WA. She has worked in clinic settings alongside Allied Health and is experienced with the role Pilates can play and value within the health setting. Shannon is a nimble and effective communicator, and enjoys sharing her love and knowledge of the Method with Students and clients alike.

Rachel Dekuyer

Educator (WA)

Rachel has a Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction (10537NAT) and has been active in the industry for over 10 years, finding her way into the Pilates world during her professional dancing career. Rachel also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance (Honours) from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and a Bachelor of Dance from the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA). She brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge of biomechanics and elite level conditioning. She’s a skilled, beautiful mover, efficient communicator, and enjoys working with Students to help unlock their potential with the Pilates Method.

Taryn Johnston

Educator and Training Manager (WA)

Taryn wears two hats at Pilates ITC both as part of the academic team and also leading the HQ administrative team as Training Manager. She holds her Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction and Certificate IV TAE and has been active in the Pilates industry for over 11 years. Taryn found her love of Pilates while living in London and upon her return home decided to exit her 19 year long Corporate Career to pursue her love of teaching and she has never looked back! She is a dedicated mum to two kids and operates her own Pilates Studio from home called The Studio Space Pilates.

Brittany King

Senior Educator (NZ)

Originally from Perth, Western Australia, Brittany brings over a decade of experience, having taught Pilates since 2012. She holds an Australian government-accredited Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction from Pilates ITC and also has a background in Pathology, with several years spent in a hospital setting specialising in Immunology.

Brittany is a keen advocate that Pilates is for everyone, having worked with elderly and junior clients alike. Her mantra, ‘longevity is the key! “I want my clients to be climbing mountains in their 90s!”

She has a particular interest in the effects that foot alignment has on postural patterns and muscular imbalances, and also loves working closely with clients in pain management.

Meaghan Barnaby

Educator (WA)

American expat (go Flyers!) but long time Australian transplant and citizen, Meaghan has a Bachelor of Communications and added a Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction to her career-mix, combining her love of interpersonal communication and helping people feel and be their very best. With over 10 years of experience in the Studio, Meaghan has an eye for detail and a knack for helping Clients and Students learn how to make the Method work for their bodies. A skilled communicator, and natural, nurturing educator, she is proud to be helping develop the next generation of Pilates professionals.

Justine Karini

Associate Educator (WA)

Justine holds the Diploma in Professional Pilates Instruction (10838NAT) and is a highly skilled Instructor, regularly teaching a range of group classes and 1:1 Studio clients. Justine has a special interest in working with clients with neuropathy, disorders such as ADHD and anxiety as well as pelvic and hip health, and is passionate about using the Method as a tool to help clients improve their quality of life.

Andrew Aroustian

Senior Educator (NSW)

Andrew is a Pilates Practitioner (10538NAT) with over 10 years of experience in the industry. He was attracted to the Method after a long career as a touring, international dancer and teacher. A skilled mover, communicator and wonderful teacher, Andrew has also worked with several important Pilates lineages, including esteemed second generation lines: Eve, Kathy, Romana and Ron. He has specialisations in pre- and post-natal training from the Centre for Women’s Fitness, astute biomechanical knowledge, and a keen interest in classical and evolved Pilates work. This wealth of experience makes Andrew an informed, professional and dynamic Educator, mentor and presenter.

Helen Stamatakos

Educator (NSW)

Helen holds a Diploma of Pilates Studio & Rehabilitation and as well as tertiary qualifications in Education, having worked as a High School Teacher prior to her Pilates career. Ever committed to her own Continuing Education, she loves to attend all of the short courses, workshops and conferences as she can fit into her busy schedule. Integrating her background as a teacher into her role as an Educator, Helen has developed a distinct skillset in delivering clear and engaging learning experiences.

Marisa Traino

Senior Educator (NSW)

Marisa is a multi-disciplinary health professional – Physiotherapist, hand therapist, parent educator (antenatal physiotherapy) and Pilates Instructor. She has over 18 years of clinical experience in public and private hospitals, as well as private practice. Marisa is a firm believer in empowering people to take an active role in their own health and wellness journey. She is generous with sharing her expertise and knowledge (train-the-trainers) and developing materials for continuous learning.

Marisa also works part-time at Reach Movement HQ developing movement health training programs and workshops, and still finds time to cook up Italian feasts in her fave home kitchen! Her robust blend of clinical experience and knowledge of functional movement makes Marisa an inspiring, powerful and fun Educator.

Lisa Peresan

Senior Educator (NSW)

Lisa has had a lifelong involvement and passion for movement. She originally trained RAD and worked as a professional dancer in Europe and Asia in the 1980s and in Australia in the early 1990s.She has taught dance for the Sydney Dance Company, Sydney University Women’s Sports Association, Aboriginal Dance Theatre at Redfern, and Dance Camps for the NSW Government.

She began teaching Pilates in 1991 at Body Control Studios in Bondi Junction. She completed her Diploma of Professional Pilates Practice in 2008 and her Advanced Diploma of Professional Pilates Practice in 2010. Lisa has completed specialist training in conditioning for dance as well as a mentorship program with Karen Clippenger MSPE, Professor at Long Beach University.

Lisa is passionate about the benefits of movement for the body and spirit. She believes you can always improve in what you do and continues to study to improve her knowledge, skills, and qualifications as a teacher of Dance and Pilates. She is currently studying a Bachelor of High-Performance Sport at Australian Catholic University and regularly attends professional development courses in Pilates.

Victoria Becka

Educator (NSW)

Victoria has a Diploma in Professional Pilates Instruction (10537NAT) and a keen interest in fitness, health and everything in between. Like many in the Pilates industry, she connected with the Method as part of a conditioning mix throughout her international career in dance and ballet. Victoria has been a ‘Top 10’ finalist in the Pilates Anytime competition two years running, and is a regular presenter at Australian industry events, such as Pilates On Tour and the PAA Conference. A highly skilled movement professional, Victoria teaches prolifically in addition to her role as Educator and has a wealth of experience to share with Students.

Olya Kudryavtseva

Educator (NSW)

Olya is a certified movement lover, working in the health & fitness industry for 15 years while running her own yoga business and managing studios. Olya loves the precision, depth and focus that Pilates brings her, and loves to share the expertise she has gained from both the technical and strategic elements of her career with Students.

Melanie Harvey

Associate Educator (NSW)

Melanie has always been physically active, loved the outdoors, played lots of team sports, danced and enjoyed anything to do with the ocean. In her late teens, she became a professional dancer and had the opportunity to travel the world doing what she loved. At the age of 28, she hung up her dancing shoes and went on a quest to find her next passion. After taking her very first Pilates class, that was it, her next calling. After completing her Diploma in Professional Pilates Instruction she has been teaching and managing Pilates studios full time ever since. Over the last 6 years of teaching, Melanie has developed another love for all things health and wellbeing. In 2020, she additionally completed her Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) course and is also part way through her journey to become a Breathwork facilitator to add to her already broad skill set within the health and movement space.

Leah Aggebrink-Jones

Educator (BALLINA)

Leah has always been interested in the wonders of the human body, that interest deepened after a spinal injury in her late teens lead her to Pilates as a form of rehabilitation. Leah has a Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction and is continually educating herself in the field to ensure clients get the best of each class. Leah had her own studio in the UK, has taught Pilates around the world and is now settled in the Northern Rivers. Leah is also studying Exercise Physiology and loves supporting students on their journey to becoming a comprehensively trained Pilates teacher through Pilates ITC.

Catherine Neal

Senior Educator (QLD)

Catherine holds a Diploma in Professional Pilates Instruction (10537NAT) and a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. She is co-Director of Movement Principle Pilates in Brisbane and first discovered Pilates as a dancer. From here she was inspired to learn more about anatomy and health sciences at University. Catherine is always seeking out ways to further her understanding and application of the Method. She has a keen interest in rehab and injury management, and in addition to her many professional roles also works as Pilates Instructor for the Queensland Ballet.

Darren Vizer

Senior Educator (QLD)

Darren is a Principal Trainer under the Pilates Alliance Australasia and holds his Advanced Diploma in Pilates Practice through Pilates ITC and has a Masters Degree in Choreography through the University of Melbourne.

A former professional dancer, choreographer, gymnast, national champion trampolinist and horse rider, Darren has been teaching movement for over 35 years. As a Pilates practitioner, he is drawn to teaching the Pilates Method as a means of keeping his own body conditioned for his performance career, leading him to study Pilates.

In 2006 he was inspired to establish his studio Mr Pilates in Sydney and Melbourne and is still serving those clients online. He has also trained regularly with Marda Wiley, a second-generation classical Pilates educator certified with NY and Romana’s Pilates. Darren also spent time on the PAA Pilates Alliance of Australasia as Board Member and has been a previous conference presenter at the Mind Body Conference.

At the end of 2022 Darren decided to move back to his home town Brisbane in and took over Core Pilates which is a long standing and respected Pilates studio where he is now passionate to mentor student teachers and serve the community and Pilates industry.

Mana Ogawa

Educator (QLD)

Mana holds an Advanced Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction, and has over a decade of Pilates experience. Mana discovered the Method during her professional dance training, continuing her practice throughout her career as a professional dancer. Mana is a passionate Instructor and Educator with a particular interests athletic conditioning, injury prevention and rehabilitation as well as Pilates for bone health.

Elaine Simpson

Associate Educator (QLD)

Elaine Simpson is the founder and lead instructor at Kensho Boutique Pilates in Brisbane holds a Diploma in Pilates Instruction 10838NAT and has over 6 years of experience dedicated to helping others achieve health and vitality. Originally from Scotland and now based in Brisbane, Elaine combines her passion for fitness with a deep understanding of the unique needs of women over 40. Having transitioned from high-impact exercise to Pilates to address her own injuries, she knows firsthand the importance of a mindful, body-friendly approach to wellness. Elaine offers a welcoming, community-focused environment and finds great joy in mentoring the next generation of Pilates Instructors, guiding them through the challenges of learning and teaching and sharing her passion for this body-friendly, transformative practice.

Moira Mitchell

Educator (QLD)

Moira discovered Pilates in 2008 while living in London, drawn to its benefits as she managed the physical toll gardening had on her body. She quickly fell in love with the sense of freedom and internal strength that Pilates provided. This passion led her to complete a Diploma of Pilates Instruction 10838 NAT through Pilates ITC in 2015 in Sydney.

Moira deeply values guiding clients to experience those “ah-ha” moments where movement and body awareness align, enabling them to move beyond being at the mercy of their bodies and reclaim control and strength. Her continuous pursuit of knowledge includes Buff Bones training and participating in Lisa Jackson’s mentorship program in 2022.

Driven by the belief that “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled,” Moira embodies a commitment to lifelong learning and growth. She finds fulfillment in seeing individuals harness the transformative power of Pilates, fostering confidence and resilience in every step of their journey.

Joshua Minden

Senior Educator (VIC + SA)

Josh is an Pilates Practitioner (10538NAT) and has over 10 years in the health and fitness industry, and a distinctly multidisciplinary knowledge base. He specialises in sports conditioning, functional strength, dynamic postural and biomechanical correction, and lifestyle coaching. Josh is excited to be part of the industry’s evolution: witnessing and contributing to changing ideas in exercise science and philosophy.

Aimee Speak

Educator (SA)

Aimee has been a dancer all her life and previously lived in Darwin where she owned and operated a dance school. Upon returning to her Adelaide home city after teaching dance for 17 years, she embarked on becoming a comprehensively trained Pilates teacher gaining her qualification with Polestar. Since this time she has worked full time teaching group and Studio Pilates for 5 years and also currently manages one of Adelaides most respected Pilates studios, Inner Strength Pilates and Barre. Aimee loves guiding and mentoring student teachers and is passionate about the Pilates ITC curriculum and training. She is passionate about improving every day life for those suffering with chronic pain as well as advanced clients who are working toward specific fitness goals.

Melanie Allen

Associate Educator (SA)

Melanie’s interest in Pilates has been a life-long venture. Her first introduction to the Pilates technique was at dance college in London where the practice helped her maintain a strong and balanced body throughout her dance career. After 8 years of touring and performing Melanie retired from professional dancing and made her way into teaching Pilates. Melanie holds a Diploma of Pilates Instruction and Bachelor of Health Science (Myotherapy). She has a keen interest in biomechanics and anatomy and loves to problem solve and get creative with movement in the studio. She has over 10 years of Pilates teaching and loves to share her knowledge and delve into the how’s and why’s of movement.

Ella Wong

Educator (TAS)

Ella is currently completing the Advanced Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction and over a decade of experience in the Pilates Industry. She was drawn to Pilates after a life-altering moment which drove her to improve her health and well-being and has never looked back. Ella specialises in working with clients with illnesses, high performance athletes and pre/post natal clients, and is dedicated to sharing her expertise with Pilates ITC Students.

 

 

Henry Rheinberger

Associate Educator (TAS)

Henry has a passion for supporting his clients on their individual journey’s to finding what intuitive, life enhancing movement means to them. Henry began Pilates to support his dancing and then found it invaluable to rehab a serious injury. Following this, Henry completed a Certificate IV in Contemporary Pilates and Teaching Methodology. Before the age of 19 he had completed a Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction, a group fitness certificate and a host of professional development. In 2020 Henry received the Tasmanian VET in Schools Student of the Year award. He has continued on to work in almost every aspect of the fitness and Pilates industry from gyms to Physiotherapy practices and fully equipped Pilates studios. Henry has a keen interest in women’s health and as someone with lived experience of mental illness, Henry adopts an inclusive, trauma-informed and Health at Every Size (HAES) approach to movement. After pursuing performing arts professionally Henry is now based in Nipaluna (Hobart), where he is undertaking further study, teaching Pilates and educating the next generation of Pilates instructors.

Jodie Orford

Training Manager

Jodie has an extensive background in Risk Management and Compliance. She is also a Pilates Instructor in training, and a lover of everything wellness and food!

Luca Paganetti

Student Support Team

A yoga teacher and intrepid traveller in his free time, Luca is passionate about supporting Students through to graduation (and beyond!). Get in touch with the Student Support Team for all enquiries relating to Coursework, Course Dates and Graduations.

Katie Sykes

Brand and Business Development Manager

Katie works with the Pilates ITC Director team and compliance to develop and deliver the most cutting edge, responsive Pilates education products on the market today. An athlete and artist at heart, Katie is also responsible for creative art direction for the Pilates ITC brand. She is also a Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction 10838NAT Graduate herself and teaches at the PITC headquarters!

Carly Wise

Brand Manager and PR Consultant

Carly is Pilates ITC’s resident wordsmith and communications strategist. She has over 10 years of experience in Public Relations and Comms consulting for corporate and small business, and has a deep affection for Pilates – making this role a marriage made in heaven. Ever committed to the brand and development, she is also a Pilates ITC qualified Matwork Instructor! Contact Carly direct for media or sponsorship enquiries.