The team
Larissa Samuelsson
Lara graduated from her studies with a Masters of Physiotherapy at Sydney University in 2013. Whilst at University, Lara completed a comprehensive Pilates Training program and began working as an Exercise Physiologist teaching Pilates.
She has been working in private practice the past 9 years to assist patients with their individual rehabilitation requirements. During this time she has been to America to undergo further education with the New York Ballet, has worked with sports teams and has completed many ongoing courses to ensure she stays up to date on best practice, including McKenzie Method for low back pain, muscle energy techniques, Lynn Watsons shoulder course, Sports Level 1 and 2 and Integrated Dry Needling.
Lara is also able to help women with pelvic floor assessment, pregnancy issues, mastitis advice/treatment and postnatal recovery.
Her dual qualification allows her to combine Physiotherapy hands on techniques with suitable exercise prescription to address underlying factors, regain strength post injury and ensure the best long term outcomes for her patients.
Laura Mercer
Laura graduated from Sydney University with a Masters of Physiotherapy after graduating from Wollongong University with a Bachelor of Exercise Science. She is a Polestar accredited Clinical Pilates instructor and has experience with pre/post natal clients. She has further training in advanced manual therapy for treatment of pelvis and lumbar spine conditions, as well as Level 1 and 2 sports training.
Laura’s dual qualification enables her to effectively apply physiotherapy treatment with exercise prescription to achieve the best outcomes for her patients.
Laura has a strong interest in fitness and sports. She is an active netball player who has fulfilled representative and coaching roles. Laura grew up a part of the Surf Club Movement travelling and competing at State and National level in beach events. She remains an active member of her local club.
Laura is a member of the APA (Australian Physiotherapy Association) and ESSA (Exercise and Sports Science Australia).
Maddi
Maddi is an ESSA accredited Exercise Physiologist. She graduated from university in 2016 and has since been working as an Exercise Physiologist and Clinical Pilates Instructor. Maddi has competed in National level gymnastics and continues her involvement as a judge, coach and mentor.
Maddi has extensive experience helping clients with musculoskeletal rehabilitation, chronic fatigue, post COVID syndrome, mental health conditions, cancer, persistent pain and neurological conditions. She enjoys working with womens health clients including pre/post natal as well as assisting the ageing population with falls prevention programs.
Maddi is registered for claiming through work cover, DVA, Medicare and health funds.
Melanie
Melanie graduated from the university of New South Wales in 2016 with a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology and she has been working as an Exercise physiologist in private practice since. Melanie develops evidence based exercise programs to improve and manage chronic diseases and conditions including arthritis, osteoporosis, musculoskeletal rehabilitation and pain management. She enjoys working with the aging population to help them maintain their independance.
Melanie has a holistic approach to her session’s: conducting health assessments, providing individuals with lifestyle modifications and designing programs focusing on functional and strength based training. Melanie enjoys helping people achieve their health and fitness goals and allowing them to make health a priority in their lives.
Melanie is an Accredited Exercise Scientist and Exercise Physiologist with ESSA.
Kathryn
Kathryn has worked over 10 years as a Physiotherapist and Pilates instructor. She has extensive experience treating back pain, neck pain, foot/ankle injuries and sporting injuries and can assist you with any musculoskeletal injury. She is a connect therapist and treats the root of the injury to prevent recurrence.
She has a particular passion for treating dancers and believes injuries acquired through dance require specific assessment and individual rehab programs to ensure the safe return to practice. By addressing the technical faults that may have contributed to the injury, Kathryn’s aim is to rehabilitate the dancer to be stronger than they were before the injury occurred, and to prevent the injury from reoccurring.
Her passion and commitment for dance has taken her around the world and seen her perform on stages in Universal Studios, Disneyland (USA and France) and on Royal Caribbean Cruise lines. She has taken classes at Internationally recognised studios including Alvin Ailey, The Juliard School (NYC), Miami City Ballet, San Fransisco Dance Centre and Pineapple Dance Studios (London). She has represented NSW and Australia through the NSW State Dance Company.
Deb
Deb has many years of teaching dance (ballet and contemporary) in both UK and Australia. She trained at the Royal Academy of dance in London and spent 10 years teaching dance and running. a very popular Mat Pilates studio whilst she was there.
Since returning to Australia in 2011 she has trained with Xtend barre and polestar Pilates gaining a diploma in Clinical Pilates and Barre. Deb uses the keen eye she developed as a dance teacher to ensure form, technique and give you a challenging workout. She has a passion for both Clinical Pilates and rehabilitation as well as running super fun and challenging reformer, mat and barre classes. She has an energy that will set the mood for a fabulous Pilates session.
Note: Deb is a Pilates instructor and therefore you are unable to claim sessions on your health fund.
Amy
Amy graduated with a Bachelor or Physiotherapy in 2014. Initially she worked at St George Hospital across variety of areas (ICU/ neuro/ortho etc) with special interest in MSK outpatients and post op exercise plans. After pregnancy and experiencing rectus diastasis/ongoing pain developed keen interest in this area. Amy has solely treated pregnant and post natal women for the past 3 years with a special interest in treating pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain, thoracic pain, carpal tunnel, De Qervain’s syndrome, rectus diastasis management and guiding return to exercise in the post partum period.
Jill
Jill is our Pilates teacher with Comprehensive training and years of experience.
Her obsession with Pilates began when she was herself a client. Within 2 weeks she was hooked and signed up to begin the Diploma in Pilates. She has now been working over 5 years and continues to be motivated by seeing the amazing transformation of her clients who have come back from injuries, increased their confidence and built strong healthy bodies. Being able to reflect on where they started and how they have progressed is the greatest reward of her job. She enjoys working with a range of clients, but particularly enjoys being able to challenge people and give them a hard workout.
When she is not teaching, Jill enjoys walking sublime point track, boxing and in Summer swimming in our beautiful ocean pools.
Note: Jill is a Pilates instructor and therefore you are unable to claim her sessions on your health fund.
Natalie
Natalie is an Exercise Physiologist who graduated from the University of Wollongong in 2009 after completing her graduate diploma in Exercise Rehabilitation. Since this time, Natalie has worked in a variety of clinical settings including private physiotherapy practice, community health and community aged care settings. Her training in clinical pilates, hydrotherapy and wellness coaching supports her clients in achieving wholistic health outcomes and a greater sense of control over their physical and mental wellbeing.
Natalie is both a keen student and teacher having supported early career exercise physiologists through her tutoring at the University of Wollongong and workplace mentorship programs as well as continuing her own further study in public health.
Outside of work, Natalie is a keen swimmer and Yoga enthusiast.
Natalie is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with ESSA (Exercise and Sport Science Australia).