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:

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

(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

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

Pilates Certified with APPI (Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute)

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.

Paige is a passionate pilates instructor and has been teaching clients across Australia for over 4 years. She has a strong focus on the subtle technique adjustments that enhance a clients ability to isolate, elongate and contract particular muscles to improve overall flexibility and strength.

Paige enjoys playing netball and running long distances, though pilates is her favourite form of exercise because it’s fun, it leads to a healthy and lean physique, and it can be easily modified to suit a variety of injuries, fitness levels and abilities.

Paige is encouraging and welcoming of all clients no matter their pilates experience and will work with them to achieve their individual fitness goals.

As an ex-ballerina and certified mat and reformer Pilates instructor, Chelsea is dedicated to sharing her passion for movement and wellness with clients from all walks of life. With a rich background in dance and a profound understanding of the body, Chelsea brings a unique blend of grace and strength to her teaching.

Chelsea’s journey began at the prestigious Queensland Ballet Academy, where she excelled as the first soloist of her class. Her dedication and talent in ballet provided a solid foundation for her transition into Pilates. Seeking to deepen her expertise, Chelsea trained at the renowned Virgin Active Academy in London, where she honed her skills and developed a comprehensive approach to Pilates instruction.

Chelsea believes that Pilates is for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Her classes are designed to be inclusive, challenging, and inspiring, helping clients achieve their fitness goals while promoting overall well-being. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, Chelsea is committed to guiding you on your journey to a stronger, healthier, and more balanced life.

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.

Paige is a passionate pilates instructor and has been teaching clients across Australia for over 4 years. She has a strong focus on the subtle technique adjustments that enhance a clients ability to isolate, elongate and contract particular muscles to improve overall flexibility and strength.

Paige enjoys playing netball and running long distances, though pilates is her favourite form of exercise because it’s fun, it leads to a healthy and lean physique, and it can be easily modified to suit a variety of injuries, fitness levels and abilities.

Paige is encouraging and welcoming of all clients no matter their pilates experience and will work with them to achieve their individual fitness goals.

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!