| About Aligned for Life Pilates |
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Aligned for Life Pilates studios in Melbourne are staffed by fully qualified, professional staff who have all completed comprehensive pilates instructor training courses, including Certificate IV in PIlates Matwork Instruction, Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction 'Pilates by Professionals' Staff Profiles Katrina Edwards - Principle* Kath Banks - Level 3* Maggie MacGill - Principle* Marda Willey - Principle* Sara Colquhorn - Level 3* Sarah Cotchett - Level 3* Sue Yanez - Level 1* Melanie Karistianos - Level 1* Edwina Wren - Level 1* Anastasia Maximova - Level 1* Janine Basil Prue Linehan - Matwork* Felicity Bennett - Matwork* Melissa Nieto - Matwork* * denotes level of membership with either the Pilates Alliance Australasia (PAA) or Australian Pilates Method Alliance (APMA)
Katrina Edwards
Education/Qualifications Diploma in Pilates Practice (91120 NSW)) Diploma in Dance (Australian Ballet School) Body Arts & Science Pilates Certification Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training Experience Pilates method - 18 Years Current employment Owner - Aligned for Life Pilates in Melbourne- CBD, Moonee Ponds, Victorian College of the Arts National Pilates Training, Melbourne - Faculty Educator Other Achievements Co-Founder & Director of RTO National Pilates Training, Melbourne
Katrina has an extensive background in classical ballet and The Pilates Method. Katrina's involvement in Pilates started in 1988 when she undertook a teaching apprenticeship with Craig Phillips at Dance Medicine Australia, Melbourne. Since that time Katrina has continued to undertake further advanced training in The Pilates Method. Katrina was in the first group of graduates to complete a Diploma in Pilates Practice in Australia. She completed a formal accreditation with Body Arts and Science International (BASI) in 2000/2001, and her knowledge and experience in The Pilates Method has saw her move in to the role of trainer for the Pilates International Certification Program (PICP) in Melbourne and now as Director and Faculty Educator of National Pilates Training delivering the pilates instructor training course Certificate IV in Pilates Instruction in the Melbourne CBD. Katrina has also recently purchased Aligned for Life at the Victorian College of the Arts where she can combine her dance and Pilates experience. Katrina is currently completing a Romana's Classical pilates course with Cynthia Lochard in Sydney to further challenge her understanding of the Pilates Method and is consultant to the Western Bulldogs Football Club. She is also a mother of 2 gorgeous children - Isabella, 7 & Rory, 5. Education/Qualifications Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement, Hons) - RMIT, Melbourne Diploma of Professional Pilates Practise (NSW91120) - Pilates International Sydney Certificate IV in Pilates Instruction (NSW 91121) - Pilates International Training Centre, Melbourne Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training - Victoria University, Melbourne Experience 12 Years Fitness Industry - Aust &UK Current employment Aligned for Life Pilates - Moonee Ponds - Owner & Pilates Instructor National Pilates Training, Melbourne - Faculty Educator & Course Administrator Other Achievements Co-Founder of RTO National Pilates Training
Pilates was extremely beneficial during her pregnancy and birth of her first child, Charlie. It assisted her to stay fit, healthy and strong throughout and lead to a quick return to strength post pregnancy. ::Return to top:: Maggie MacGill
Education/Qualifications The Pilates Center Masters Program, The Pilates Center (Boulder) Bachelor of Social Science (Hons.) Health Major, University of Queensland Pilates Instructor Certification Life Care Pilates & Physiotherapy Experience Pilates method teacher 10 years – Aust, Can, USA Fitness industry 15 years Current employment Aligned for Life Pilates Melbourne CBD – Principal Instructor
Maggie has over ten years of international teaching experience, with an extensive background in rehabilitative Pilates and performance specific Pilates training for athletes. Maggie undertook her initial teaching apprenticeship within a year-long, clinically based teacher training program in Brisbane. Since then Maggie has taught Pilates in studios across Australia and North America, and has worked with the classical, STOTT, and Body Arts and Science systematisations of the Pilates method.
Maggie has also spent considerable time teaching clinical rehabilitation, including several years with Queensland’s premier sports medicine centre where she worked within a team of biomedical specialists to address the rehabilitation and high performance needs of a broad cross-section of athletes.
Maggie recently returned from Calgary Canada after directing a clinical Pilates program for Canada’s largest private provider of outpatient rehabilitation services. She was also the Pilates trainer for Canada’s National Sports Development high performance training program for professional winter sport athletes. In 2007, Maggie undertook the Masters Teacher Training Program at the Pilates Center of Boulder Colorado. In her role with Aligned for Life, Maggie is dedicated to teaching classical Pilates with emphasis on correct initiation local stability, uniform development and whole body health.
Marda Willey
Education/Qualifications Authentic Pilates Certified instructor Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Movement (RMIT, Melbourne) Post Graduate studies in Dance and Movement and Exercise Sports Science Experience Pilates Method – over 20 years Current employment Aligned for Life Pilates in Melbourne- CBD- matwork pilates instructor Other Achievements An accredited Exercise Physiologist (MAAESS)
Marda is an Authentic Pilates Certified instructor, an accredited Exercise Physiologist (MAAESS) and has also undertaken training in Stott Pilates. She has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Movement, Diploma of Education in Physical Education, and Certificate of Remedial and Sports Massage. With Post Graduate studies in Dance and Movement and Exercise Sports Science, Marda has the perfect blend of understanding human movement and mechanics along with traditional Pilates training. Since 1981 Marda has taught exercise, dance and movement and was one of the first in Australia to train in the NY style with Romana Kryzanowska and Cynthia Lochard. She took to direct her own Pilates studio in 1997 and has been the Vice - President of The Pilates Alliance for the past five years. Over 2008, in her role as Pilates Coordinator at UQ Sport and deliverer to special populations within the Inter Professional Clinics, Marda has continued to develop her skills in breaking down the exercises within all methods of Pilates and creating a sound basis for the ‘why do the exercise’ question. Her specialty being the biomechanics of the body within exercise and more specifically the Authentic Pilates method, given that Romana’s Pilates is her passion.
Sara Colquhorn
Education/Qualifications Certificate IV in Pilates Instruction (91121 NSW) - Pilates International Training Centre, Sydney Diploma in Dance (Performing Arts) Current employment Aligned for Life Pilates - Melbouren CBD - Studio & Matwork Pilates Instructor National Pilates Training, Melbourne - student clinic supervisor
Sara who is originally from Sydney began Pilates through her love of dance at the age of 14. Before deciding to pursue a career in dance & musical theatre Sara trained at Pilates International where she gained her Certificate IV in Pilates Instruction training with Sally Anderson. Her passion for Dance led her to Melbourne where she trained at both Dance World and The Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne. During her time training in Dance Sara has used Pilates for rehabilitation and fitness and at the same time continued working at Aligned for Life Pilates. Sarah continues to have a passion for Dance and mixes her career as a dancer with her career in Pilates. Sarah is now one of Aligned for Life's senior instructors who enjoys instructing and comunicating the benefits of the Pilates Method. Now in her 3rd year at Aligned for Life Pilates Sara is looking forward to continuing her training in Pilates by completing her Diploma of Professional Pilates Practise in the near future. Sarah is also a great mentor to all students undergoing Pilates instructor training with National Pilates Training, Melbourne.
Sarah Cotchett
Education/Qualifications Certificate IV in Pilates Instruction (91121 NSW) - National Pilates Training, Melbourne Level 1 Pilates Instructor Certificate - APMA Level 3 accred. Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy (RMIT, Melbourne) Current employment Aligned for Life Pilates - Melbourne- CBD - Studio Pilates Instructor National Pilates Training, Melbourne - Anatomy and Physiology tutorial lecturer Myotherapist - Faraday House, Carlton
Sarah's love for human movement sees her professional life divided into Pilates Instruction and the practise of Myotherapy. Sarah feels Pilates and Myotherapy complement one another and it is for this reason she is equally passionate about both disciplines. Sarah tutorials in Anatomy and Physiology of human movement for students entering the Certificate IV Pilates Instructor course with National Pilates Training. Sara is looking forward to continuing her training in Pilates by completing her Diploma of Professional Pilates Practise in the near future.
Sue Yanez
Education/Qualifications Certificate IV in Pilates Instruction (91121NSW) - National Pilates Training, Melbourne Diploma in Musical Theatre YMCA Certificate in Gym Training Experience 10 yrs Professional Dancer - London - Gym & Pilates Instructor Current employment Aligned for Life Pilates - Moonee Ponds - Studio & Matwork Pilates Instructor
Sue originally trained and worked as a dancer in London for 10 years before embarking on a career in the fitness industry. She became a gym instructor then a pilates instructor in 2002 qualifying with the Pilates Institute, London. Sue then relocated to Melbourne in 2005 after meeting her future husband, where her love of Pilates led her to study for a further 8 months. She completed the pilates instructor training course Certificate IV in Pilates, training with National Pilates Training and was one of their most gifted graduates. She is now proud to be teaching mat and studio sessions at Aligned for Life Pilates. Sue hopes to continue her journey in Pilates by completing the Diploma in Pilates Practice in the future.
Edwina Wren Education/Qualifications Pilates International Certificate IV in Pilates Instruction (91121 NSW)) Bachelor of Dramatic Art (VCA) Experience Pilates Method 8 years practice & 2 years teaching Current employment Aligned for Life Pilates in Melbourne- Moonee Ponds Studio & Matwork Pilates instructor. Melbourne Osteopathic Clinic Pilates
Edwina has an extensive background in the arts and trained as an actor and theatre-maker at the Victorian College of the Arts. She first became involved with Pilates whilst undertaking her first year of training at VCA in 2001. A half hour introductory class led to a dedicated 6 year practice resulting in Edwina deciding to undertake her Certificate IV in Pilates instruction in 2007. Since then Edwina has been balancing acting work with teaching Pilates and finds the two highly compatible; keeping her fit and strong and allowing her a continued investigation into the myriad possibilities of the body as a tool for expression. She loves working with her clients and is excited about continuing her Pilates training in the future.
Melanie Karistianos
Education/Qualifications Pilates Matwork Accreditation - National Pilates Training, Melbourne Certificate IV in Pilates Instruction (NSW91121) - National Pilates Training, Melbourne CSTD Diploma (Tap) Vic Fit (1993-1998) Experience Pilates method - 4 Years Fitness Industry - 5 years Current employment Aligned for Life Pilates - Moonee Ponds - Pilates Studio Instructor Other Achievements BA(Hons) Environmental Scientist
Melanie has a background in dance and previously worked as a fitness instructor. Her involvement in Pilates started in 2004 while living/working in the UK and it was during this time that her understanding of the Pilates developed. Since returning to Melbourne Melanie has continued her passion for Pilates by completing her Matwork Accreditation at National Pilates Training, Melbourne and is currently working towards completing her Certificate IV in Pilates Instruction. It is her aim to share her knowledge with others and provide clients with an opportunity to experience the benefits of practising the Pilates Method.
Anastasia Maximova
Education/Qualifications Completed year 12 equivalent overseas Certificate III in hairdressing Certificate IV in Pilates Instruction (NSW91121) - National Pilates Training, Melbourne Current Employment Aligned for Life Pilates - Melbourne - CBD -Pilates Studio Instructor
Anastasia started participating in pilates in the beginning of 2008, when seeking a change of career. She has found it fascinating and very rewarding and like many other was inspired by Katrina to become a pilates instructor. Being of a Russian background , Anastasia is very passionate about what she does. She finds mind/body connection very exciting and loves passing this experience onto others. From previous job experiences Anastasia loves interacting with other people, and hopes that her knowledge in Pilates will help other to have an understanding of what Pilates is all about. Anastasia is looking forward to continuing her training in Pilates by completing her Diploma of Professional Pilates Practise in the future.
Janine Basil
Education/Qualifications Pilates Matwork Accreditation - National Pilates Training, Melbourne Certificate IV in Pilates Instruction (NSW 91121) – currently completing with National Pilates Training, Melbourne. Group Fitness Pilates Accreditation – National Pilates Training -2005 Certificate III Fitness Instruction and Exercise to Music Certified Spinning and Fitball Instructor. Experience Pilates participation 6 years, 3 years teaching Matwork. 10 Years Working in the Fitness Industry Current employment Aligned for Life Pilates – Moonee Ponds Melbourne – Pilates Studio & Matwork Instructor Windy Hill Fitness Centre Essendon – Group Exercise, Indoor Cycling and Pilates Matwork Instructor.
Janine began her Pilates journey in 2003 when she was introduced to the method via her involvement in the Fitness Industry. Her passion for physical fitness and the love of training others and watching them reach their fitness goals, has driven her to develop her knowledge and understanding of the Pilates Method. With many years of experience in Group Fitness Instruction, practicing the Pilates Method has re-educated Janine on how to train the body to be strong as well as supple and flexible. The motto “Train smarter not Harder” has a whole new meaning. Having completed Matwork Accreditation in 2008 Janine is currently studying Certificate IV In Pilates Instruction with National Pilates Training and currently teaches matwork classes at the Moonee Ponds Studio.
Prue Linehan
Education/Qualifications Partial Completion of Certificate IV in Pilates Instruction (91121 NSW) Experience Pilates Method – 1 year teaching, 4 years participation Current employment Aligned for Life Pilates, Melbourne- CBD - Matwork Pilates Instructor Other Achievements Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Advertising and Marketing Communications (2nd year)
Prue studied and trained for her Pilates qualifications in Canberra before moving to Melbourne and joining the team at Aligned for Life. Her interest in instructing came after years of participation in the Pilates Method as a client and noticing the physical and mental differences that Pilates made not only to herself but the other clients. She plans to continue her Pilates journey by completing the full Certificate IV after concluding her tertiary studies next year.
What mainly interests Prue about Pilates is the principle of mind/body connection and the impact that such concentration and awareness can have on all aspects of a person’s wellbeing. She credits her enthusiastic instructing style to being part of the welcoming and friendly work and learning environment at Aligned for Life, and looks forward to many more years of involvement in the Pilates Method.
Felicity Bennett
Education/Qualifications Certificate IV in Pilates Matwork Instruction (91492NSW) - National Pilates Training, Melbourne Experience Pilates Method - 9 months teaching, 6 years participation Current employment Aligned for Life Pilates, Melbourne - CBD - Matwork Pilates Instructor Other Achievements Bachelor of Commerce & Diploma of Modern Languages (German) - The University of Melbourne
Felicity first started participating in pilates matwork classes whist in London in 2004. Upon her return to Australia she continued to participate in classes in and around Melbourne until she found Aligned for Life in 2008 where she has remained. It wasn't until beginning at Aligned for Life that Felicity really began to understand pilates and notice the benefits both in body and mind. Inspired, Felicity enrolled in the Pilates Matwork Accreditation course which she completed in May 2009 and has now upgraded to the Certificate Iv in Pilates Matwork Instruction. Felicity has been teaching Matwork classes at the CBD studio ever since and plans to continue her training under this certificate over the next few years.
Melissa Nieto
Education/Qualifications Certificate IV in Pilates Matwork Instruction (91492NSW), National Pilates Training Current employment Aligned for Life Pilates, Melbourne- CBD - Matwork Pilates Instructor Other Achievements Bachelor of Science (Computing Science) sub-majoring in Internet Commerce and Marketing Advertising Diploma in IT Professional Practice, Certification in Siebel 7.7
Melissa has been participating in Pilates for many years in Canberra and Melbourne and loved it so much that she became an instructor herself. Melissa brings an enthusiasm, energy and passion to her classes with a focus on technique, breath and flow. Melissa is passionate about the art, and wants to bring that same enthusiasm to the people she teaches. With a background in Business and IT, she understands the strains and physical demands of many of her clients and hopes that Pilates brings a balance and clearness of mind and body to the people she teaches.
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