The Committee

MEMBER RELATIONS OFFICER - SHARAN SIMMONS

Email: info@pilates.org.au
Ph: 0485 901 833
Hours: Mon – Fri 11.00 – 4.00pm

Sharan comes to the role of Member Relations officer with strong professional experience in the Pilates industry and a unique understanding of member concerns, industry challenges and issues.

Sharan is a Principal level member of PAA and teaches in Pilates studios and allied health settings as she has for over 18 years, as a teacher, mentor, studio manager and studio owner at various points in her career.

Sharan has 10 yrs experience volunteering on the PAA committee, coordinating and contributing to a wide range of projects both organisational and industry based.  Sharan was also Conference organiser for the very successful recent events, 2019 PAA conference and 2021 PAA virtual conference.

In this new role she will work to build a stronger, more engaged membership community, provide key member services and support to all membership levels and career progressions. The day to day interaction with members is very rewarding and gives a great insight into the individual, local and national challenges facing members to tailor our support and education. Sharan has a calm and confident manner seeking solutions to member challenges or concerns and finding the way forward.

For relaxation it’s time in the garden or a bushwalk with her dog Domino. She also has a passion for baking not sparked by lockdown. Cardamom, plum and pistachio cake anyone?

SYSTEMS OFFICER - KERRY HAYWOOD

Email: support@pilates.org.au
Ph: 0485 901 834
Hours: Mon – Fri 9.00am – 2.30pm

Kerry’s role as Systems Officer focuses on some of the more technical aspects of the organisation, helping the PAA to operate more efficiently and effectively as it grows. Her areas of responsibility include:

• Support of the online membership database: helping members with technical issues, assisting with online membership profiles.
• Website updates and maintenance including Studio/Instructor Search facility and forthcoming workshop listings.
• Bookkeeping, accounts and reporting.
• Newsletter production and email advertising blasts.

Kerry’s background is a unique blend of management and customer service, with a liberal sprinkling of technical skills. Some of her previous roles include Cinema Manager for Odeon (UK) and Operations/Office Manager for corporate HR and the digital graphics training sectors in Sydney.

Her support of members is fueled by a love of problem solving and making things work, her goal is for all association with the PAA to be a smooth and enjoyable experience.

SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT - NATALIE RYAN

Email: natalie@pilates.org.au

Natalie is an Osteopathy student at Southern Cross University, Gold Coast QLD; is currently undertaking her studio Pilates instructor training and is a certified Reformer Pilates instructor with Polestar.

Directly out of high school Natalie spent her time volunteering with various associations in a small town south of Perth such as the Volunteer Resource Centre. Projects there included ‘Supporting our Seniors’, creating health promotion in Leisure Centres, design work for the Airborne Forces Association and more. During this time she completed a Web Design Diploma and a Graphic Design Advanced Diploma knowing that health and fitness direction and promotion was where she wanted to take these qualifications.

In London from 2017 – 2019 she found her passion in allied health by working alongside osteopaths, physiotherapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, dieticians and many more wellness services in administrative positions. She now does casual Mindbody consulting, studies, and teaches Pilates classes.

Natalie brings a very modern outlook on Pilates, having completed teacher training in and out of lockdown with social distancing and various other restrictions. Natalie is here at the PAA to encourage the potential students and to inspire the current students! She would love to be a Pilates student mentor one day.

ROBYN RIX

Robyn is the founder and owner of Pilates Works on the lower North Shore of Sydney. She holds a Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction (91491NSW) and is a second generation Pilates instructor and trainer, having graduated from the Pilates Master Mentor Program conducted by Lolita San Miguel in Florida.

Previous to becoming a Pilates instructor, Robyn worked in the financial services industry as an actuary, gaining broad experience in many areas of business management. Then, with a complete change of direction, she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture.

Always interested in health & fitness, she was reluctant to pursue a career in this area for fear that it would turn something she loved into a chore. But, due to a series of (un)fortunate events, her love of the Pilates method turned into a career.

Her dream is to see the Pilates industry as a professional, cohesive and supportive community that brings the joys and benefits of Pilates to as many people as possible.

SUSIE BOND

Susie’s love of dance and her preference for an active career with caring service for people led her to graduate as a physiotherapist in 1987.  She discovered Pilates in the early 1990’s whilst recovering from a dance related foot injury and decided to train as a Pilates Instructor in 1996, completing a studio apprenticeship with Helen Tardent in addition to clinical Pilates courses.  Susie worked in Sydney and London as a Pilates instructor, doing physio work separately in other private practices. Since 2007 she has continued working with a mix of physio and Pilates studio exercise teaching in her Sydney studio and physio practice.

Susie enjoys education teaching, running regular anatomy and injury prevention lectures to Pilates teachers and dance degree course students. She is currently resident physio for dancers at McDonald college, Sydney. She is a founding committee member of the special Dance Network, in the Sports Australia group of the Australian Physiotherapy Association, a past committee member of the Australian Pilates Method Association and a member of the Int. Assoc. for Dance Medicine and Science. Her passion is for healing modalities, dance, performance enhancement and injury prevention.

Susie was invited to join the PAA committee after working with PAA committee members to broker the arrangement for APMA members to come across to PAA in 2023. She brings many years of experience in the Pilates and allied health industries, acknowledging that some modifications may be needed for injury prevention for clients with specific conditions and injuries. Use of therapeutic forms of Pilates is Susie’s ‘reality’ for healing and graded care in her everyday working life. However, she has a strong desire to bring these industry communities together in a common voice for respect for the full body of work and principles of Jo Pilates and each other’s talents, whilst lobbying for the need for comprehensive Pilates training and continuing education and ongoing research.

CHERYL BURGESS

Cheryl has training in both contemporary and classical Pilates methods, as well as experience as an educator and course provider for Certificate IV and Diploma qualifications, Cheryl’s passion for Pilates, as described by others, is contagious. Additionally, her role as a studio owner and equipment supplier has given her insights into the challenges faced by members, which could be instrumental in helping PAA develop and refine strategies to better serve the Pilates community.

She brings strengths in leadership, communication, analysis, teamwork, and mathematics, which are all required for the role of Treasurer.

Her experience with various organisations – including studios, gyms, and allied health practitioners – has provided her with knowledge of the diverse needs of these bodies and will help to provide a well-rounded perspective of the Pilates sector. As a member of the PAA for many years, she looks forward to working with the amazing committee to further the pursuits of the association.

KAREN GOH

Karen has been practicing Pilates since 2011 and gained her Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction in 2017. In the past she worked as a computer analyst/programmer and then in administration and disability support.

Karen believes the strategic directions set out by the PAA are all important and is eager to promote the Pilates Method within the community generally and to specific populations and health professionals. She is keen to work with the PAA to support further learning, evaluation and research into the effectiveness of the Pilates Method and is particularly interested in creating media resources suitable for members and studios to use.

Over the years Karen has joined and contributed to various university, school (as a parent), church and club committees. Together with experience in managing a small office and reception work this has strengthened her organisational and communication skills and ability to work under pressure.

DANIELA DI FABIO

Daniela has worked in both the dance and fitness industries for over 20 years as a performer, choreographer and teacher in Australia, Asia and Europe. After graduating from university, she became a member of the Company for Performing Artists, Thailand, before returning to Sydney where she worked for the Australian Institute of Sport (Active After School Care Program), teaching dance to children with mental and physical disabilities. She also worked at Fitness First gyms and choreographed for DirtyFeet and various independent and commercial events before returning to Melbourne to complete further study whilst continuing to dance professionally.

In 2006, she moved to Italy to teach classical ballet, contemporary dance and conditioning classes. In 2009, she founded and directed her own dance and fitness school in the Trentino Alto-Adige region. After returning to Adelaide in 2014, Daniela facilitated a conditioning program for the Adelaide United Youth Team. She currently teaches ballet, Pilates and yoga in Adelaide.

Community and volunteer work are a significant part of Daniela’s life; she hosts a weekly health and wellness program on Radio Italiana 531 (an Italian community radio station), and is Vice-Chairperson of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), South Australian Regional Advisory Panel.

In addition to her dance degrees – Bachelor of Dance, Post Graduate Diploma and Masters of Choreography from Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) – Daniela is a certified yoga teacher (YTT 200-hours), Pilates instructor (Mat and Studio and Rehabilitation, Polestar Education) and Personal Trainer (Certificate III & IV in Fitness). She is currently completing the final module of the Diploma in Pilates (Polestar Education).

It is Daniela’s intention to bring to the Pilates Association Australia an eclectic knowledge of the field of human movement and first-hand experience as a self-employed professional in a range of ‘fitness’ industries with the view to positively impact the continuing development of the Pilates industry.

BRUCE HILDEBRAND

Bruce has always loved sport and movement, and his interests led him to a Sports Science degree (RMIT Melbourne) during which time he discovered Pilates in 1996.  He first trained in Pilates in the UK in 1999, working with the Body Control Pilates UK (BCP-UK) group for 3 years in central London. In 2003 he was invited to manage the first BCP-UK studio in Scotland, where he worked with members of UK rock band Radiohead and members of the cast of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

Bruce has studied with classical Pilates trainers Siri Dharma, Los Angeles and Michael Miller, Colorado. From 2002, he studied with world-renowned movement and imagery expert Eric Franklin, becoming the pioneer Franklin Method® Educator in Australia in the early 2000s.

Bruce was the co-founder of Balance & Control Pilates Studio in Melbourne in 2004, growing the business to three studios across Melbourne and a team of 20 dedicated Pilates and Physiotherapy practitioners. He also served as consultant Strength Coach to the Australian Ballet School from 2005-2011, as well as training a range of elite level athletes from AFL, Sailing, Athletics, Soccer, Netball, Ballet and Music.

Bruce played state-level Australian Rules football in both Victoria and WA. He has trekked Peru’s Inca Trail to Macchu Pichu, sailed a yacht across the Atlantic Ocean, and ran the 2002 London Marathon.

Bruce is a PAA Principal Trainer and is keen to help improve the economic return for Pilates teachers and has a special interest in creating a united force for Pilates in Australia.

LISA JACKSON

Lisa is a Principal Trainer under the Pilates Association Australia and a Continuing Education Teacher and mentor. She is also the Faculty teacher for the internationally recognised Buff Bones Osteoporosis program for Australia and has been the Brisbane Pilates teacher of Cirque Du Soleil for Totem in 2015, Kooza in 2016 and Kurios in 2020.

Lisa began her Pilates journey in 2001 whilst living in Los Angeles.

In 2003, Lisa trained at the Physicalmind Institute in Los Angeles and New York. Returning to Australia in 2006, her passion for learning and a desire to further explore Joseph Pilates’ work led her to Sally Anderson, the Founder and Director of Pilates International (PilatesITC).
She has completed her Diploma and Advanced Diploma through PilatesITC and acted as the Queensland Faculty teacher for PilatesITC until 2019 when she stepped aside to follow her passion for building a deeper understanding of the biomechanics through the hip and pelvis as a key driver in providing quality movement.

Lisa has followed and studied the work of Dr. Alison Grimaldi, a leading Hip Physiotherapist, and Hip Academy Director. She is part of this academy and until COVID had spent 16 months teaching Pilates in Alison’s Brisbane clinic.

Lisa has a vibrant personality and infectious passion for Pilates and movement that resonates in all that she does. Her teaching philosophy is client-centric, emphasising correct movement patterning, posture awareness, and general well-being. She is dedicated to seeing growth and change both for her clients and any teachers she is mentoring.

A self-professed life-long learner who continues to study both nationally and internationally with distinguished Pilates and movement teachers, Lisa is passionate about teaching practical skills that building awareness through knowledge.

In 2022 Lisa relocated from QLD to regional Victoria where she continues to teach and mentor both online and in person.

ARWEN MCCUTCHEON

Arwen began her Pilates journey while completing a Bachelor of Applied Science at Canberra University, where she was introduced to the discipline by Sandy Laufenburger and her path in Pilates was set. While training and pursuing a Master of Applied Science, Arwen also studied psychotherapy and counselling, recognising the powerful synergy between these disciplines and Pilates. 

With nearly 30 years of experience in both fields, Arwen has focused on integrating mind-body approaches, particularly in relation to the ageing process. This holistic perspective aligns with the original principles of Joseph Pilates, who emphasised the connection between mental and physical health. 

Arwen, who loves her work and working day, is dedicated to shifting perceptions of Pilates from being “just exercise” to a key tool for injury recovery, trauma healing, and overall well-being. 

DONNA OLIVER

Donna began working in the Pilates space in 1995 and undertook her initial training with Vass and Shaw in Sydney. She completed the Grad Cert Pilates Method in the inaugural intake of 2001 at UTS and following graduation was invited to serve as a faculty member at UTS, a position she held for 5 years. In 2008, she graduated as an Exercise Physiologist from the University of Wollongong.

In 2002 she was elected to the board of the Australian Pilates Method Association and served a successful term as President (2003-2008). She later returned in the roles of Vice President, Advisory Consultant and Acting CEO for the Education and Training arm. She has continued to serve the industry in various board and consultancy roles, now joining the PAA committee.

Donna owns and operates Wollongong Pilates Studio (1995 to date) where she practices as a rehabilitation provider and Pilates Practitioner. She continues to mentor many young Pilates and EP students and graduates as well as other complementary and allied health professionals.

In 2022, Donna was awarded Allied Health Professional of the Year by the Australian Patients Association of which she is very proud.

Donna comes to the PAA committee with an interest in sharing her experience across many industry issues and promoting a therapeutic model of the work that would be recognised by the public, private health funds, NDIS, and Workers’ Insurance.

OLGA TAMARA

Olga began her career as a professional classical dancer with the Australian Ballet Company in 1971and first experienced the wonders of Pilates during those first precious years. She toured with the company for seven years then enjoyed a successful career performing on stage and television as an actress from 1979 until 1984. Her interest in movement didn’t waver during that time so in 1985 she became a certified fitness instructor.

Olga opened her first business “Designing Moves” in 1986. She taught body conditioning classes, movement classes to aspiring young actors and worked freelance as dance coach at McDonald School of Performing Arts as well as managing the corporate gymnasium at “Carlton United”.

Over the years Olga trained in a number of Pilates studios however it wasn’t until she experienced the essence of the Authentic Pilates Method at the Pilates Method Studio (now Cynthia Lochard’s Pilates Studio) in Surry Hills NSW that she was truly inspired. Impressed by the authenticity, quality and integrity of the NY Pilates method, Olga became a certified instructor of “The NY Pilates Method” and “Romana’s Pilates”.

Olga is founder and manager of the Authentic Pilates Studio, Lilyfield NSW and is Principal Trainer of Authentic Pilates Education International Teacher Training Program. Olga has as presented a number of workshops and training seminars nationally, NZ and London. She presents ongoing continuing Education seminars and invites International guests to present at the APEI Pilates Conference in Sydney NSW.

Olga was PAA Vice President from 2010 to 2015 and is currently on the board of the PTA (Pilates Teachers Association UK).