Owner, Clinical Myotherapist, Mat Pilates Instructor, Studio Pilates Instructor
Emma has been working as a Myotherapist on the Mornington Peninsula since 2009. During this time she came to realise that the amazing results of Myotherapy were only enhanced by regular, controlled, exercise programs that helped her clients understand their own body. Emma found that Pilates was the missing link in her client care. After completing both Mat and Studio Pilates instruction qualifications, Emma has been teaching Pilates since 2014 and loves combining her Myotherapy care and Pilates knowledge to give her clients a complete solution to their soft tissue complaints.
As a mum of 3, Emma has a strong interest in all areas of women’s health and women’s rehabilitation, although she maintains a strong sports care background working in the past with the University Games and Victorian Touch Rugby, and in more recent times local football/netball clubs, runners, cyclists, and gym goers.
Emma has a friendly, personable approach and very much believes in open communication with her clients.
“Understanding your own body can be very tricky, I like to help my clients understand their pain or problem, why they have it, where it came from, what I can do to help, and what they can do to help themselves. The combination of Myotherapy and Pilates is such a life-changer because the Myotherapy treatments start the healing process by reducing pain, and increasing range of movement. The Pilates classes complete the repair by training inactive muscles and weak postures away from a life time of bad habits with no risk of injury. It’s the perfect combination for better health. I love my job!”
Qualifications
Clinical Educator and Advanced Myotherapist
A Somerville local, Shae has been practicing Myotherapy for nearly 2 decades. During this time Shae has worked in a number of multidisciplinary clinics where she has gained invaluable knowledge and experience working alongside physiotherapists, podiatrists, sports physicians, pilates instructors, and exercise physiologists. Shae has also lectured at Chisholm TAFE, and worked with the Hawthorn Football Club.
Shae has a passion for assisting people to live a more comfortable lifestyle, and focuses on a holistic approach to restore bodies back to optimal health. Through her hands-on treatment and dry needle skills, Shae carefully assess and identifies the underlying factors with compassion, and a wealth of knowledge.
Shae has represented Australia for the past 15 years at the Women’s Baseball World Cup, and has traveled and competed around the world as a trailblazer for her sport. Even being the first non-national female baseball player to play professionally in Japan!
“As any enthusiastic athlete I have suffered many injuries myself over my 20-year career. I believe that having my own struggles with my body, I have been able to grow as a therapist. I am able to relate to many different types of pain, even if the clients have trouble describing it, and I can work with a large range of people and personalities to get the best out of everyone.”
Shae has a strong interest in neck and shoulder complaints for swimmers, athletes, fitness instructors, runners, footballers, dancers and cyclists. She also enjoys caring for postural issues, injury management and general wellbeing.
Australian Business Number: 48 085 373 457
Qualifications:
Myotherapist
Graduating her Diploma of Remedial Massage from Victoria University in 2005, Gin’s vast experience stems from working across a multitude of mixed-modality clinics both here and in Sydney. Her body knowledge is enriched by her love of anatomy, yoga instruction and a keen interest in the function of fascia within our body.
After living abroad in Asia and the USA, Gin has returned home with her family. A busy mum of two active daughters and young dog they keep busy bouncing between softball, swimming and regular basketball activities, with a special love for the all water sports especially stand-up paddle boarding.
Wanting to further her career Gin went on to study an Advanced Diploma in Myotherapy, gaining qualification in 2021.
“I love having the ability to help others achieve freedom of movement in their bodies without pain or resistance.”
Australian Business Number: 63 610 500 229
Qualifications:
Myotherapist
A busy mum of two, Natasha came across infant massage to help sooth her daughters and has never looked back. Tash went on to become a Reiki Practitioner witnessing first-hand the healing powers of touch and this passion spurred her on to complete the Diploma in Remedial Massage in 2019. Wanting to expand her knowledge and skills Natasha underwent further studies, completing her Advanced Diploma in Myotherapy in 2021.
With a passion to help chronic pain sufferers and relaxation-based treatments it may surprise you to know that Tash has also worked with Melbourne Football Clubs VFL team. Due to this varied experience Tash brings both a remedial and relaxing vibe to all her treatments.
Tash is a positive advocate for all womens health and wellbeing, both mental and physical.
“I strongly believe that women (especially mums) should put themselves first. We need to make sure our cups are full, as you cannot pour from an empty cup.”
Australian Business Number: 22 856 529 591
Qualifications:
Myotherapist
Tristan’s love of Myotherapy has developed over years of supporting and participating in local sport. From Cricket and Football to winning state-level medals in Surfboat Rowing, Tristan understands the importance of maintaining a sports body for optimal performance when it counts most!
He loves nothing more than helping his clients hit their goals, from weekend-warriors and gym-lovers to new-runners and high-end sport. Tristan can help get your body back on track and keep it there.
“I like to focus on prevention and management of sporting injuries and rehabilitation, I get a kick out of getting my clients back to what they love doing as fast and safely as possible”.
Australian Business Number: 30 505 413 462
Qualifications:
Myotherapist
After 15 years as a travel agent, Emma decided the time was right for a career change. She desired to be in a position where her caring & friendly nature and passion to help people would be most suited.
This was when she began her career in Myotherapy & Remedial Massage.
She enjoys helping her clients reduce their pain, stress & tension & increase their mobility & function & improve quality of life.
Emma enjoys using a variety of techniques in her treatments including massage, mobilisation, dry needling & cupping. She prides herself in not only treating her client’s symptoms but also adding an element of education into her Myotherapy treatments such as stretching & exercises
to incorporate into their daily routine & improve their treatment outcome.
Emma can offer a tailored treatment plan for pregnancy, stress relief, pain management, chronic injuries and illness.
She is a current member of AAMT and will be undertaking further studies in Jaw Dysfunction & Mat Pilates to be able to offer even more treatment options to her clients in future.
When Emma isn’t working you’ll find her walking her fur baby, enjoying food & wine with friends, or having nerf wars with her partner & his 6 year old daughter.
Australian Business Number: 98 951 664 481
Qualifications:
Myotherapist
Minh holds an Advanced Diploma in Myotherapy and is currently undertaking the Bachelor
of Health Science in Clinical Myotherapy.
Minh is committed to ongoing professional
development, ensuring his clients receive the most effective and evidence-based treatments
available.
Minh is an experienced myotherapist with a proven track record of delivering exceptional
results with elite athletes and individuals alike.
He has worked with multiple professional sporting teams such Sydney FC, Melbourne City FC, Melbourne Victory FC, Auckland City FC and Melbourne Mavericks Netball.
Minh believes in a wholistic approach which combines manual therapy treatments with personalised exercise prescriptions.
With a warm and compassionate approach, through active listening, genuine care, Minh
fosters a collaborative therapeutic relationship, taking the time to truly understand each client’s concerns, values and aspirations.
This empathetic connection enables Minh to craft tailored treatment plans that integrate manual therapy techniques with targeted exercise
prescription.
Minh aims to empower clients to take ownership of their recovery, achieve
optimal wellness and realise their full potential.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Myotherapy) (currently undertaking)
• Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy
• Diploma of Remedial Massage
Advanced Remedial Massage Therapist
With a huge interest in all things health and fitness Daniels love for Cross-Fit sparked his passion to complete his Diploma of Remedial Massage in 2019. Dan has an interest in sports related injuries and maintenance treatments for injury prevention and flexibility. Daniel’s favourite hobby is playing his guitar and he has plans to further his studies and become a Myotherapist.
“I get a kick out of helping people reach their goals and perform at their best. I’m really excited to join the SMAPS squad as a Remedial Therapist.”
Australian Business Number: 36 254 405 618
Qualifications:
Remedial / Sports Massage Therapist
With a passion for health and fitness, Jessi started studying sports massage therapy as a mature age student in 2010. When Jessi started she had no idea what a sports therapist was, but it has been the best thing that she has ever done! It’s opened up a whole new world for her! Jessi has since become a personal trainer and ties the two qualifications together quite effectively.
Working with North Melbourne Football Club has been a highlight of Jessi’s career – “I have learnt so much from their incredible team which I’ve been able to apply to my techniques. I love taking a functional approach to my treatments, through assessment, massage and exercise! With my sports therapy I can assess, treat and provide corrective exercise which ties in perfectly with SMAPS!”
Australian Business Number: 33 996 006 581
Qualifications:
Advanced Remedial Massage Therapist
Following a career as a professional contemporary dancer Lisa knew she wanted to become a massage therapist. She was always very intrigued by the human body with anatomy being one of her favourite subjects at Uni. After suffering a myriad of injuries Lisa worked closely with her therapists to recover from and prevent further injuries, this inspired her to go back to study and complete her Diploma of Remedial Massage in 2017.
Lisa also loves to teach dance and is a Barre Pilates instructor at SMAPS. This has helped to develop the massage therapist she is today, gaining a great understanding of how the body works and providing knowledge of stretches and exercises to help correct posture and prevent injuries.
Shortly after finishing her studies Lisa welcomed a beautiful baby boy called Harvey into her family which has kept her busy! Lisa is very excited to be joining the SMAPS team as a Massage Therapist in 2019 as well as continuing as a Barre Pilates instructor.
Australian Business Number: 73 499 077 614
Qualifications:
Advanced Remedial Massage Therapist
FeiFei has a keen interest in health and wellbeing and is a strong advocate of mental health and being able to support and understand the impacts on our bodies – emotionally, physically and mentally. Having her own lived experiences with recovering from surgeries, injuries and body dysfunction, FeiFei can easily relate to how others are feeling, the struggles of chronic pain and rehabilitation. Which is why becoming a therapist to help other maintain or improve their overall health and wellbeing became a real passion for her.
Having a love of all things fitness, she currently trains in Martial Arts, strength and conditioning and takes her puppy dogs (which are not so small) on walks, hikes and beach swims. Having had experience working at a local sporting club, she really enjoyed working alongside a physiotherapist
gaining invaluable experience and gaining further insight and hands on experience in supporting
people recovering from injury, helping them avoid injury, and improving their overall sporting performance.
“I strongly believe that everybody should be able to live their best possible life and be the best version of themselves! To be able to move freely with little to no pain and understand their own mental health and wellbeing. I am passionate about sharing knowledge with others so that people can be their own advocate in change. Knowing that I can help give others a toolkit of resources to draw from to help themselves and make their life a little bit better, a little less pain free or less stressful, puts a smile on my face! Plus who doesn’t love a little bit of relax every now and then!”
Australian Business Number: 45 373 012 657
Qualifications:
Mat and Reformer Pilates Instructor
Originally from the UK, Joanna now calls the Mornington Peninsula home. A busy mum of two, Joanna originally found a passion for mat-based Pilates as a way to manage chronic hip and gluteal pain caused by hyper-mobility after her pregnancies. Joanna loves the strength, length and stability that Mat Pilates provides both her and her clients. Qualified as a level-3 Mat Pilates Instructor, Joanna furthered her knowledge gaining accreditation in Reformer Pilates and both pre and post-natal Mat Pilates. This makes her a VERY special addition to the SMAPS squad, allowing us to offer (for the first time) Mat-based pregnancy Pilates!
In the UK Joanna worked alongside a Physiotherapist teaching Mat Pilates, Chair Pilates, and private classes.
“I love that Pilates doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can do it, anyone can improve and anyone can truly see the benefits that Pilates provides within a relatively short period of time. It’s like magic”.
Australian Business Number: 21 637 922 251
Qualifications:
Mat and Reformer Pilates Instructor
Emma has always had a passion for health and fitness, starting her own Pilates journey a few years ago to help improve her core strength and posture. Emma believes that Pilates is great for people of all ages and fitness levels and is perfect for those with injuries, weakness or limitations.
Over the years Emma has enjoyed dancing, swimming, aerobics, and playing various sports – all while working as a personal trainer and fitness instructor, offering her clients expert nutritional advice. Emma blends her love for high intensity fitness with a Pilates control and concept.
“I really love helping my clients obtain strength and body balance ‘inside’ and ‘out’, I try to make each class fun yet challenging, helping each client build healthy movement patterns.”
In her spare time Emma loves to spend it with her partner, Simon, 2 boys and their British Bulldog, Bonnie. She also enjoys travelling, running, swimming and yoga to keep fit.
Australian Business Number: 58 675 749 438
Qualifications:
Studio Pilates Instructor
With more than 10 years of experience Anita loves nothing more than teaching Studio Pilates.
Following a back injury Anita discovered the amazing healing benefits of Pilates and she has never looked back. Deciding to pursue a career as a Studio Pilates instructor has been life changing for Anita and she loves passing on her knowledge and experience to her clients.
With a love of sport and fitness this Mum of two has a passion for helping people heal their bodies through guided movement while paying extra attention to each client’s individual needs. Her classes are tailored to the individual and can be adjusted to suit all body types.
“I believe continual education is the key to teaching the best Pilates class possible., I love passing my knowledge on to my clients and watching them grow.”
Australian Business Number: 22 514 096 426
Qualifications:
Mat Pilates Instructor
Laura developed a love of Pilates after personally experiencing the benefits during her first pregnancy. She hasn’t stopped practicing since! She decided to begin a career as a Pilates Instructor to help encourage others to feel amazing & take care of their bodies. Laura is committed to lifelong learning of the Pilates method to grow and challenge not only herself but also her clients.
Laura particularly loves how Pilates exercises can build on from the smallest connections of breath all the way to challenging full-body movements!
Australian Business Number: 16 357 911 686
Qualifications:
Studio Leader
Sharni fell in love with Pilates after attending regular Mums & Bubs classes at SMAPS, so she naturally she jumped at the chance to become part of the squad in late 2017. Sharni has thrived at SMAPS and has recently been promoted to Studio Leader. Sharni loves nothing more than helping new clients find their place at SMAPS, from classes to suit their body or a therapist that understands their pain, Sharni can point clients in the right direction. Being a mum herself Sharni understands the importance of ‘me-time’, and she’s here to make your visit to SMAPS is as smooth as possible.
“I just love the amazing vibe at the SMAPS studio. I feel really special that I get to be part of each client’s unique journey to health and happiness.”
Receptionist
Sally has joined the SMAPS team in 2019 after nearly 9 years of owning and running her Mornington Peninsula Beauty Salon.
A proud mum of Max and Evie, Sally has attended Pilates classes and Myotherapy treatments at SMAPS since it opened. She has loved the Mums and Bubs classes pre and postnatal and also regular treatments to keep her body in check.
Sally is a passionate Beauty Therapist and lover of all things health and well-being. She loves looking after clients and seeing them look after themselves and how a little time out can impact on so many other aspects of their lives.
When she is not spending time with her family and friends, you will find Sally in her beauty room treating, furthering her knowledge in all things skin, health, well-being and mindfulness or attending a Pilates class herself.
She loves being part of the SMAPS Squad.
