Pilates Certified with Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute (APPI)

After completing her studies in Physiotherapy at the University of Queensland, Dijana moved to the United Kingdom and worked as a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist at the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute in London. Here she found her calling and passion: combining Clinical Pilates and Physiotherapy to deliver a holistic approach to wellbeing. She was inspired to one day package up this unique service and deliver it in a stylish and boutique setting in Brisbane.

Over the past 10 years, using the APPI Pilates method, she has enjoyed seeing the great results in clients with injury as well as healthy individuals wanting to achieve their diverse goals. Dijana is fully Mat Certified and has completed all her APPI Equipment Pilates training. She has also completed courses in Dry Needling, Ante and Post Natal Pilates, Pilates for Scoliosis and is currently one of APPI’s Clinical Pilates Presenters.

As our clinic director and owner of Forge, Dijana is responsible for the business oversight and works to ensure the smooth running of the practice by managing the clinic staff and over-seeing day-to-day management operations.

With the use of her Physiotherapy and Manual Therapy knowledge alongside Clinical Pilates, Dijana enjoys educating her clients on correct and safe movement patterns to assist in injury recovery as well as injury prevention in clients of all ages. She particularly enjoys working with kids and teenagers helping them learn from a young age the correct posture and movement patterns.

She is skilled in the following:

Fully Registered with the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA).

Fernanda is an overseas qualified Physiotherapist with over 14 years of experience treating musculoskeletal and neurological disorders. She is currently in the process of obtaining the recognition of her degree as a Physiotherapist here in Australia.

She has dedicated the last three years of her life treating people through Remedial Massage in Australia and it has become a true passion of hers. Based on her background she has developed her own specific technique incorporating the relaxation of massage and the benefits of rehabilitation which has shown extraordinary results.

CLICK THE LINK TO MEET FERNANDA

Fully Certified Breathe Education Clinical Pilates Instructor.

Sarah graduated from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, and prior to this certified as a clinical Pilates Instructor.

Growing up as a dancer, Sarah has always been passionate about movement. After introducing Pilates to her dance training her interests grew in this area. Now aspiring to deliver a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, Sarah enjoys integrating clinical Pilates into injury management and rehabilitation.

Sarah appreciates that every individual has their own story and is committed to building a strong rapport with her community. She understands the importance of delivering patient-centred and evidence-informed care.

Her special interests include:

· Clinical Pilates

· Chronic Pain

· Low Back Pain

· Physiotherapy for Dancers

· Pre and Post-Operative Rehabilitation

CLICK THE LINK TO MEET SARAH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvCUx4qWlOw

Jessica graduated from Griffith University with a Masters in Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Exercise Science. 

Following graduation Jessica moved up to Brisbane and pursued her career as a physiotherapist within a local private clinic. Here, she developed her passion for sporting and lower limb injuries. Jessica is a firm believer in treating the present injury while also addressing the underlying cause with a focus on injury management and prevention. 

Jessica ensures to provide the best treatment to each patient she sees, including education, independent management strategies and a specific treatment plan for their rehabilitation journey. 

Jessica is no stranger to managing injuries through competitive sport and has gained valuable strategies to minimise disruption to training schedules through the rehab process. Away from the clinic you will find Jessica running local footpaths, relaxing at the beach, and enjoying a coffee with friends. 

She is skilled in the following: 

• Lower limb injuries 
• Dry needling 
• Running injuries and load management 
• Musculoskeletal rehabilitation 
• Pre and post-operative rehabilitation

CLICK THE LINK TO MEET JESS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28XR2AAVaaE

(Ebony is currently travelling and working overseas in Canada. She will be returning for Forge in 2025)

Ebony is one of our enthusiastic Exercise Physiologists, with a love of exercise and a dedication to providing her clients with the best possible care. She graduated from QUT in 2018 with a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology, while also training full-time in her chosen sport of swimming. She believes that creating a positive and trusting relationship between the client and clinician is of the utmost importance, and her number one priority is helping her clients live their best life.

When she’s not at work, you can find Ebony at Yeronga Pool training hard for her next competition. In between training and work, Ebony enjoys going to the beach and hanging out with her family and friends.

She is skilled in the following:

●  Neurological conditions (e.g. MS, Parkinsons)

●  Women’s Health (e.g. endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain)

●  Pregnancy and post-pregnancy

●  NDIS clients

CLICK THE LINK TO MEET EBONY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwZuqMx0TcM

Ash graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences prior to pursuing her career in Physiotherapy, where she completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree at Griffith University soon after.

While continuously advocating for active lifestyles, Ash understands the importance of high-quality injury management and rehabilitation towards achieving optimal participation in life. Hence, Ash’s passion lies within treating a wide range of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as injury prevention and assisting with sporting populations.

Ash is also passionate about providing patient-centred care to all, allowing individuals to access care in a friendly and supportive environment. Ash prides herself on lifelong learning by always staying up to date with current research, ensuring her clients are provided with the best available evidence-based care. By taking time to listen and understand each client’s goals, Ash achieves best outcomes through providing a patient-focused approach inclusive of manual therapy, exercise, and education.

Growing up on the Sunshine Coast, Ash’s involvement in swimming, surf-life saving and waterpolo sparked her love for sport and overall ambition to help people achieve their goals. In her spare time, Ash loves to hang out at the beach with her family, friends, and her dog.

Make sure you come and say hi to Ash when you’re next here at Forge West End!

CLICK THE LINK TO MEET ASHLEIGH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOZMkUsNGqA

Dana is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and completed her studies at the University of the Sunshine Coast. She has a passion for assisting all individuals to regain and maintain their independence through health and wellness. She appreciates a wholistic approach and has always strived to assist others to achieve their full potential.

Dana focuses on utilising exercise as medicine and specialises in:

– Chronic disease prevention and management

– Musculoskeletal rehabilitation

– Women’s health

– Resistance based training for Osteoporosis

Dana has had varied experience across private practices and hospital-based settings where she has come to appreciate the importance on educating and facilitating individuals’ health and fitness journey. She understands how making time for self-care is of upmost importance and takes the time to develop a plan that sets you up to succeed.

On the weekends you’ll find Dana working as a sports trainer at various sporting events, exploring the great outdoors, or taking her dogs on adventures.

Ha attended the Vietnam Ballet College of Dance in Hanoi at the age of 10 years old. After 7 years of training, she decided to travel around the world which led her to join Vietnam Airlines as a flight attendant. Ha continued practicing Dance, Yoga and Pilates as part of her daily fitness routine and it was through this practice that Ha discovered her love and passion in Pilates. After 14 years of providing customer service within the Airline Industry at Senior Leadership level, Ha decided to became a Pilates Instructor.

Ha has been teaching Pilates including Matwork and Reformer since 2014 in Dubai, UAE. In early 2020 Ha and her family relocated back to Australia.

Ha teaches Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac/Tower, Wunda Chair and Barrels. Ha is a Balanced Body Comprehensive Certified Pilates Instructor, certified Pilates Matwork and Reformer instructor with Pilates Moves Sydney, Australia. Certified Pilates Prenatal & Postnatal, Balanced Body MOTR trained and is a certified BootyBarre (Tracey Mallet) and a Total Barre (Marrithew) instructor. Certified level 1 Active Isolated Stretch (AIS) Arron Mattes method and other training Workshops including Scoliosis Course.

An avid Ballerina, Ha now enjoys teaching people how to transform their bodies through Pilates and sharing her fitness passion. With her knowledge, qualifications and experience, Ha will help you to achieve your goals whether you are recovering from an injury, are pregnant or want to improve your posture and fitness level. Ha also experienced to work with both private One On One/ Duet and group classes.

CLICK THE LINK TO MEET HA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MhjhS1SdwY

Aaliyah is in her 4th year of Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of Queensland, and has been practicing Pilates since she was 15 years old. She is APPI trained equipment Pilates instructor in India and currently experienced in reformer, tower, arch and barrel, chair, and motor equipment. After gaining experience instructing at a studio in India, she realised her passion for working with people within the health industry and helping them achieve their fitness goals.  She also loves to combine Pilates with her interests outside of work by using the exercises to improve her own flexibility and core strength while dancing and swimming competitively.

Nathan is currently in his 4th year of a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of Queensland. Nathan runs our Strength & Conditioning classes at Forge and you will also see him on the admin desk. He is passionate about one day returning to his community on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait to promote exercise in hopes of improving the quality of life of Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples in his community. His interest to become an Exercise Physiologist stemmed for his love for sport and exercise growing up as well as his involvement in Rugby League.

Whenever he gets the chance, Nathan will be out at the beach, camping out in the bush or out on the water fishing. Otherwise, you’ll find him on the field playing Rugby League, or in the gym training.

Ness completed a Bachelor of Human Nutrition in 2018, however an old injury lead her down a new path and she recently graduated from Polestar Pilates with a Mat Pilates Certificate. Pilates helped Ness through her injury and she is now furthering her Pilates study by completing a Diploma of Pilates through Polestar Pilates in the hope to help others fall in love with Pilates and all of its benefits.

In her off time you’ll find Ness out and about in the sunshine or teaching a Pilates Class.

Nathan is currently in his 4th year of a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of Queensland. Nathan runs our Strength & Conditioning classes at Forge and you will also see him on the admin desk. He is passionate about one day returning to his community on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait to promote exercise in hopes of improving the quality of life of Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples in his community. His interest to become an Exercise Physiologist stemmed for his love for sport and exercise growing up as well as his involvement in Rugby League.

Whenever he gets the chance, Nathan will be out at the beach, camping out in the bush or out on the water fishing. Otherwise, you’ll find him on the field playing Rugby League, or in the gym training.

Bella is currently studying a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Design (Architecture) at QUT. She grew up and finished her schooling in Toowoomba, and moved to Brisbane in 2020.

Bella enjoys living and promoting an active lifestyle, with hobbies such as netball, gym and running. She also loves anything creative, from casual drawing to creating mixed media artworks. As an enthusiastic socialiser, Bella is always up for a chat and looks forward to building friendships with anyone who walks through the Forge front door!