Founder of The Pilates Studio Blackwood and The Pilates Studio Teacher Training , Head Teacher, Teacher Trainer, Gyrotonic Expansion System® Teacher. Professional Trainer Status - Pilates Association of Australia.

Originally from New Zealand, Kim's journey into movement began with Ballet and Modern Dance. Upon relocating to Melbourne at the age of 16, she dedicated herself to full-time Ballet studies at the Christine Walsh Dance Centre. Post her intensive dance training, Kim joined the Guangzhou Ballet Company in China. Later, moving to Canada, earning her Royal Academy of Dance Teaching Certificate.

In 2006, Kim's passion for movement led her to embark in Pilates teacher training, initially under the guidance of Tracy Friesen at Integration Pilates Studio in Edmonton. Her educational journey continued with well known schools such as The Pilates Center of Boulder, Peak Pilates, and Authentic Pilates Education International's Bridging program with Olga Tamara. With a Diploma in Pilates, Kim is ongoing learning and development.

Kim's expertise extends to Pre and Post Natal fitness, being certified by The Center for Women's Fitness in the US. Complementing her skill set, she has delved into complementary therapies like Myofascial release and trigger point therapy. Since settling in Blackwood in 2013, Kim has been dedicated to bringing Classical Pilates to a diverse clientele, ranging from athletes to those recovering from injury and individuals with neurological conditions such as MS, Cerebral Palsy, and Peripheral Neuropathy.

Kim holds Principal Trainer status with the Pilates Associaton of Australia, She has been invited to teach at the Pilates Alliance Australasia Conference in 2017, 2019 and again in 2023. Holding a Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment, Kim is the creator and head teacher of The Pilates Studio Teacher Training, established in 2021. She has recently completed the 'Pilates for Neurological Conditions' course through the Neuro Studio, and is completing her Level 1 Studies in the Gyrotonic Expansion System®

Pilates Teacher

Donna-marie's introduction to Pilates came at the suggestion of her GP to help her alleviate back and shoulder pain. Falling in love with the method's transformative effects on both body and mind, Donna-marie decided to pursue a career in Pilates teaching, obtaining her first certification with Polestar Pilates.

In late 2020, Donna-marie ventured into Classical Pilates at The Pilates Studio Blackwood which ignited a newfound passion for this method. Following the completion of her Contemporary certification, she enrolled in the bridging program with The Pilates Studio Teacher Training program, solidifying her commitment to become a teacher of Classical Pilates. Donna-marie proudly holds membership with The Pilates Association of Australia.

Firm in her belief that Pilates contributes to graceful aging by nurturing both the mind and body, Donna-marie aligns with Pilates elder Romana Krysanowska's claim that Pilates engages all five facets of the mind: intelligence, imagination, will, memory, and intuition.

Outside the studio, Donna-marie is a audiobook and podcast addict. An avid traveler, she indulges her curiosity in diverse subjects, from the history of Pilates to philosophy and science. Donna-Marie lives in Glengowrie with her husband, daughter, and a lively assortment of pets.

Pilates Teacher

Jane is a Blackwood local with a background in Floristry and family business ownership. She found her way to Pilates through a lifetime of movement. As a young girl, Jane engaged in Calisthenics and Netball, which nurtured her love for staying active.

By 2018, facing multiple netball injuries and reluctant to let go of her love for the sport, Jane discovered Kim and The Pilates Studio Blackwood. Embracing the Classical System of Pilates, Jane rediscovered her joy of movement. The strength gained through Pilates has made every aspect of her life, especially on the netball court, more manageable.

In 2022, fueled by a desire to share her love of Pilates, Jane stsrted her Teacher Training with Kim. Passionate and dedicated, she loves witnessing individuals thrive in their Pilates sessions, she particularly enjoysclients progress to more challenging exercises as they build strength.

Pilates Teacher

Iris began Pilates after suffering a multitude of injuries that affected her daily movements. In search of a solution with a thoughtful philosophy and evidence-informed practice, she discovered Classical Pilates. Not only did her strength and flexibility improve, but the positive changes also extended to her mental well-being. This ignited Iris's passion for teaching and sharing the value and benefits of Classical Pilates with others.

Originally from The Netherlands, Iris pursued a career in medicine, however, Iris's life took a different path when she moved to Adelaide with her husband and two children in 2011. Choosing not to pursue medical registration in Australia, she embraced the role of stay-at-home mom. In 2022, Iris started the Pilates Teacher Training journey with Kim.

Iris loves to provide personalised support to her clients, assisting them in gaining strength to achieve their goals. Her commitment to helping others mirrors her passion deeply rooted in her previous medical profession.

Pilates Teacher

Leila is a teacher and writer. Raised in Paris, she holds a Masters in Teaching from Columbia University, as well as Masters and Doctorate degrees from the prestigious Harvard Graduate School of Education. After enduring years of immobility at a desk and the subsequent pain and lack of mobility, Leila felt the need to explore movement. It was then that she discovered Classical Pilates

Immersing herself in her Pilates practice, Leila experienced a shift in her physical well-being and a newfound connection with movement. This authentic approach resonated with her, leading to a passion for sharing the benefits of Pilates with others.

Leila's unique background, blending academic excellence with a commitment to movement, enriches her perspective as both a teacher and a writer.