Meet Our Team

Mind Heart Body Centre specialises in many areas of Physiotherapy, Pilates and Meditation. Our team are ready to help.

Professional Staff

Pei-Jiun Cheah

Owner/Principal
Senior Physiotherapist
Polestar Pilates Mentor
Meditation Facilitator

Qualifications

Bachelor of Applied Science Physiotherapy (University of Sydney)

Certificate in Pilates for Rehabilitation (Polestar Pilates)

Mentor for Pilates Instructors-in-Training (Polestar Pilates Australia)

GRAVITY Total Gym Foundation and Post Rehab Training

Meditation Facilitator

Experience

Pei-Jiun is an experienced physiotherapist, certified Pilates Instructor for Rehabilitation, Polestar Pilates mentor and meditation facilitator who specialises her practice in movement and dance and the intricate play between flexibility and stability. Her physiotherapy working experience extends from assessing and treating post-operative clients both on land and in a hydrotherapy pool, pre and post natal clients, clients with sporting injuries, spinal issues, arthritic and osteoporotic conditions to full time ballet dancers. Her passion for treating the person as a whole comes from her own personal injury experiences. Whilst growing up, Pei-Jiun has always been very active, playing basketball, volleyball, dancing and ballet. As a result, she has had various injuries and understands the importance of treating not only the physical body, but also addressing mental and emotional states to achieve your highest performance goals.

Professional interests:

Treating back or pelvic pain
Rib, neck or hip dysfunction
Sporting and Dance injuries
Women’s Health– pre and post natal, continence
Musician related injuries
Physio and rehabilitation after surgeries such as mastectomies, gastrointestinal, urological, renal surgeries.

Interests

When Pei-Jiun is not working or attending the numerous courses she enrols in yearly, you will find her spending time with her children, horse riding, stand up paddle boarding, indoor rock climbing, dancing salsa or ballet, playing the piano or meditating.

Vicky Pan

Senior Physiotherapist
Pilates Instructor

Qualifications

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (The University of Melbourne)

Certified Rehabilitation Practitioner (Polestar Pilates)

APPI Pilates Mat Work, Level 1&2 (Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute)

Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner

APA Member (Australia Physiotherapy Association)

Experience

Vicky completed her Physiotherapy qualification from The University of Melbourne in 2007. Since graduating, she has worked in various private practices treating variety of common injuries, Pilates rehabilitation, falls and balance prevention, and women’s health issues. Coming from a young dancer background herself and her interest in wide range of outdoor activities and sports, it has led to a keen interest in sports/dance injury management and rehabilitation. After being introduced to Pilates rehabilitation herself, she fully understands the importance of incorporating the mind, body, and spirit together to allow the freedom and control of body movement. The gained ability to analyse each precise movement using the Pilates methods assists her extensively to not just rehabilitate her clients, but further build into their daily living activities and help increase postural awareness. She extends her Pilates rehabilitation practice with Polestar Pilates in 2010.

Vicky spent most of her childhood years in Taiwan, and came back to Australia for her higher educations in Melbourne. She enjoys experiencing different cultures and had various visit to different countries around the world. Her most memorable travels were to Japan for her Physio elective placement and a choir/dance performance around parts of Europe. Her easy-going and positive personality hopes to motivates people around her.

Interests

In her spare time, you will find her most likely to be outdoors in the sun spending her time with her two gorgeous girls doing lots of different activities.

Kazuko (Kaz) Iwata

Physiotherapist

Qualifications

Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy)
University of Sydney

Masters of International Public Health
University of Sydney

Experience

Since graduating, Kaz has been working in the hospital and community setting, treating clients with a varied range of conditions – medical, orthopaedic, neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiothoracic and palliative. She has a special interest in preventive healthcare and health promotion, which led her to study Masters of International Public Health and be involved in volunteer work in rural communities of Northern Peru. Practising yoga and Pilates herself, she developed a strong interest in use of Pilates in rehabilitation and is currently completing her Clinical Pilates training with Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute.

Olga Sokol

Pilates Instructor

Qualifications

Certified Stott Pilates Instructor, Level 1

Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair and Barrel Pilates.

Injured and Special Population Course.

Experience

Actress and model in the past, Olga has always been into beauty and wellness. Out of all exercising methods Olga prefers Pilates for its mindful and anatomical approach.

When in Jakarta (Indonesia) for 3 years Olga took her chance to study Stott Pilates in an internationally recognized school for physiotherapy and integrative movement – Vitruvian.

“Pilates has become a well-recognised way of improving balance, flexibility and strength for healthy people of all ages, as well as addressing issues often arising from aging, office environments, sports and other injuries. I love working with people and helping them with their health concerns.”

Olga has actively worked as an Instructor since early 2019 for group and individual classes and continues to maintain her certification through study, structured observation and attending master classes and workshops.

Interests

In her free time Olga enjoys salsa dancing and reading.

Rosie Schwartz

Pilates Instructor

Qualifications

Diploma of Athlete Support Services

Certificate 4 in Fitness, Personal Trainer

Certificate 3 In Fitness, Gym instruction, Group Fitness

Certificate In Ballet Teaching Studies
Royal Academy of Dance

Advanced 2 with Distinction
Royal Academy of Dance

Certificate 4 in Pilates Mat Instruction (Polestar)

Level 2 Accreditation
Australian Strength and Conditioning Association

Experience

Rosie Schwartz ARAD has had a lifelong appreciation of movement. Rosie trained in classical ballet from the age of 4 into adulthood, completing all examinations through the Royal Academy of Dance, as well as being involved recreationally in many sports.

Moving into the fitness industry was a natural progression. Rosie started Vocational Tertiary Education at Meadowbank TAFE in 2006 where she studied a Cert 3 in Fitness, a Cert 4 in Personal Training and a Diploma of Athlete Support Services. Alongside this, Rosie started her ballet teaching career and began working at Resolution Fitness, a commercial gym where she was contracted as a Personal Trainer for 6 years.

From the outset of her studies Rosie felt a calling to provide strength and conditioning services specifically designed for dancers. Over the following years Rosie gained qualifications and experience relevant to her vision and by 2010 had begun working with dancers in this capacity. In 2014, Rosie registered her strength and conditioning business ‘Dance Athlete’. Today, Dance Athlete clients include some of Sydney’s top ballet training institutes and dancers in elite levels of training.

Rosie’s great appreciation of Pilates continues to blossom and grow. Rosie considers her choice to study with Polestar Pilates in 2013, one of her best decisions. Pilates principles align perfectly with Rosie’s movement background and holistic training philosophy. Pilates is an invaluable study for dancers and for people in any walk of life.

Today Rosie continues to provide strength and conditioning services for dancers, RAD ballet teaching and Pilates mat instructing. Rosie is currently studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science part time at ACU.

Interests

I spend most of my free time with my daughter and family. I enjoy DIY projects, creative writing, and the occasional ballet class.

Chantal de Raemy Holzherr

Pilates Instructor

Qualifications

Certificate in Pilates for Studio and Rehabilitation (Polestar Pilates)

Certificate IV in Pilates Matwork (Polestar Pilates)

Certificate of Neuro-Linguistic Programming NLP (MindBody College)

International Diploma of Kinesiology (ICPKP)

Certificate Pilates Matwork Levels 1 & 2 (STOTT Pilates)

Certificate IV in Fitness and Personal Training

Certificate in Fitness for Older Adults

Experience

Chantal is a Swiss National who was born and grew up in Barcelona, Spain, where she was a passionate gymnast winning the Regional Junior Catalonian Championships at the age of 12.

Although Chantal spent 18 years of her life as a Cabin Crew Manager in Zurich Switzerland enjoying a lifestyle of travel and the discovery of a diversity of different cultures, she always maintained her passion for fitness and movement as an integral part of a healthy lifestyle.

Living in Australia since early 2007, she has passionately pursued a career in helping people find joy and wellness and in developing and maintaining a healthy and active body.

Chantal specialized in giving group fitness classes including Body Pump, Barre Attack, Core Training and Pilates at a multitude of fitness centres, as well as engaging in personal training and the teaching of Wellness for Older Adults for NSW Health.

Evolving naturally from this background, she became interested in and fascinated by the Pilates method for the many possibilities it offers to deepen the body experience to gain strength, mobility, movement, balance and control.

The enjoyment of and well-being that comes with dedicated Pilates practice has sparked her passion to transmit this experience to others.

Interests

As part of a balanced lifestyle, she also enjoys reading, spending time in Nature, attending cultural events and participating in further education.

Amy Jajoura

Pilates Instructor

Qualifications

Bachelor Exercise Sports Science
Specialising in Advanced Biomechanics, Sports Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation and High-Performance Nutrition in Sports
(ACU)

Experience

Amy is an enthusiastic, energetic Pilates Instructor. She has a passion for health promotion and wants her clients to reach their best potential through movement. After completing her studies at ACU, she decided to follow her passions in the fitness industry. She started in the health field – studying Diploma of Nursing at Norte Dame – which gave her invaluable experience working with stroke rehabilitation, in theatre, day surgery & recovery.

Amy is outgoing and motivated about health and the well-being of her clients. She believes in holistic health with her focus being longevity, wanting each of her clients to reach their fullest potential.

Arizona Savage

Pilates Instructor

Qualifications

Certificate in Pilates for Rehabilitation (Polestar Pilates)

Bachelor of Health Science
Majoring in Movement Science

Experience

Arizona brings a heart-centred approach to clients when teaching both group classes and studio sessions. With a background in ballet, Arizona has a deep passion for both movement and teamwork. Arizona is currently studying a Masters of Physiotherapy and finds more & more that Pilates complements it beautifully.

Interests

When Arizona isn’t working she enjoys running, doing Pilates and spending time with her friends and family.

Support Staff

Susan Ward

Receptionist

Experience

Susan started with MHBC in February 2019. She comes with a wealth of experience in administration and office management after many years working as an Executive Assistant in both public and private industry. She absolutely loves looking after clients and staff alike and the team often see her as the ‘Mum’ of the studio.

Interests

Away from work, she has an interest in gardening, yoga and essential oils. Susan lives locally and enjoys the Artarmon lifestyle.

Rosemary Towner

Receptionist

Qualifications

Graduate Certificate in Career Counselling

Graduate Diploma in Business
(Sports Administration)

Certificate IV in Training & Assessment and Mental Health First Aid Certificate.

Experience

Rosemary started at MHBC in May 2019 after a lengthy career in Sports Administration. She specialised in athlete and professional sports “off field” development programs including career and education as well as the Wellbeing of individuals. Rosemary provides Mentorship to individuals through the Australian Institute of Sport. She is also currently involved in the Artarmon Village Inc which seeks to involve and evolve the Artarmon shopping precinct.

Interests

Away from work, Rosemary has a keen interest in sport particularly Rugby Union and the Olympics.

Danna Elhassadi

Receptionist

Qualifications

Bachelor of Advanced Science
(Pre-Medicine)
University of Technology Sydney

Experience

Danna is an experienced receptionist and a current Naturopathy and Nutrition student. She began her journey in health after completing her undergraduate degree, where she found herself particularly drawn to her studies in allied health and complementary medicine. Danna’s reception experience has been exclusively within the healthcare field, which has established her ability to empathetically and professionally relate to patients and clients attending the clinic.

Interests

When Danna isn’t working or studying, she enjoys cooking, reading, engaging with nature and socialising with her friends and family.

Christine Blue

Hornsby
Senior Physiotherapist &
Pilates Instructor

Qualifications

Associate Diploma in Applied Science, Biological Techniques (Sydney University)

Bachelor of Applied Science, Physiotherapy (Sydney University)

Completing Certificate in Pilates for Rehabilitation (Polestar Pilates)

Experience

Christine began her career path in science, attaining her Associate Diploma in Applied Science. Wanting more people contact, she changed direction and completed a Physiotherapy degree.

During her 20 plus year career, she has carried out a variety of hospital based inpatient work, but the majority of her work has been outpatient musculoskeletal work, both in private practice and hospital based outpatient departments.

With recent research proving exercise-based treatments are most effective, Christine has recently chosen to incorporate Pilates into her clinical practice and wanted to support those who wanted to take a more active role in their recovery.

She is married and a mother of two children, 1 dog and 1 cat. When she is not at work/home, Christine can be found at the gym or at the nursery buying plants (and then killing them!).

If you would like to book in with Christine she is available in Hornsby on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday mornings, and Wednesday evenings.

Emma Attard

Artarmon
Physiotherapist &
Pilates Instructor

Qualifications

Master of Physiotherapy (UTS)

Bachelor of Health Science (University of Sydney)

Bachelor of Public Health (University of Wollongong)

Completing Certificate in Pilates for Rehabilitation (Polestar Pilates)

Experience

Emma was in the first cohort to graduate from the brand-new Master of Physiotherapy course at UTS in 2018. Emma enjoys treating back and neck pain but has a special interest in Women’s Health. She is passionate about helping women through pregnancy and recovery after pregnancy as well as helping women with pelvic floor and incontinence issues.

Emma is a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and Women’s Health Training Associates. Emma completed her Women’s Health Physiotherapy Introductory training in 2019. She is currently completing her Polestar Pilates studio qualification. She is also a SIRA approved allied health practitioner and can treat all clients with claims through worker’s compensation.

In her free time, Claire enjoys cooking and eating with her friends and family. She also enjoys knitting and being outdoors in the sun.

If you would like to book in with Emma she works in our Artarmon clinic on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays treating physio patients and teaching physiotherapy exercise classes.

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Location
Position

Nicole Storm

Artarmon
Physiotherapist &
Pilates Instructor

Qualifications

Bachelor of Health Science Physiotherapy (Auckland University of Technology)

Completing Certificate in Pilates for Rehabilitation (Polestar Pilates)

GRAVITY Total Gym Training

LesMills RPM Instructor

Experience

Nicole has recently moved from New Zealand where she graduated as a Physiotherapist to join the Mind Heart Body Centre. Despite living in New Zealand for many years, you will find she doesn’t have a typical Kiwi accent. It is mixed with a little bit of a South African accent as she lived in Cape Town for 13 years. Whilst studying physiotherapy in New Zealand she was working as a massage therapist and a physiotherapist assistant, treating clients and taking many of them through group exercise programs.

As a physiotherapist Nicole enjoys working with people from all different kinds of backgrounds. She has always believed in assessing and analysing the body as a connective system with the mind and the spirit. This belief lead her to seek out a position at the Mind Heart Body Centre where she is surrounded by like minded professionals.

In her free time she enjoys Paddle, Wake, Snow, and Long-Boarding as well as training for long distance running events.

Nicole is currently on maternity leave and she is hoping to be back April 2020.

Violet Simpson

Artarmon
Receptionist

Qualifications

Currently Studying degree in Medical Science

About

Violet began studying Psychology at the University of Sydney in 2018. However, since beginning her degree and working at Mind Heart Body Centre she has become more interested in other areas in the science field. Because of this she is beginning a degree in Medical Science this year to find out what area she is most suited to.

Violet loves Pilates so you will likely see her joining in on a class while you are in the studio!

Claire Curran

Artarmon & Hornsby
Pilates Instructor

Qualifications

Certificate IV in Pilates Matwork (Polestar Pilates)

Experience

Claire found Pilates after experiencing back pain and sciatica caused by the lifestyle of working in a corporate setting. Since discovering the many other benefits of Pilates and attending classes regularly for over 5 years she was inspired to take the leap into teaching mat classes hoping to help others discover those benefits.

When she isn’t practicing Pilates she enjoys sewing, cooking and enjoying the company of family and friends.

Claire teaches mat classes in Artarmon on Tuesday evenings and Hornsby on Thursday mornings.

Julie Vawdrey

Atarmon
Pilates Instructor

Qualifications

Studio & Rehabilitation Certification (Polestar Pilates Australia)

Completeting Certificate in Pilates Matwork (Polestar Pilates)

Experience

Julie (or Jules) began her love of Pilates when her youngest son Max would attend preschool on Wednesday mornings & she would race to her Pilates class. That was almost 14 years ago now & she is still racing to that Wednesday Pilates class with some of those same friends.

So what began as a personal love of Pilates quickly became a passion & a few years ago Julie decided to complete her qualifications to spread the word around! Julie is also completing her mat training certification with Polestar Pilates Australia.

What Julie loves about teaching Pilates is that it is a personal journey for everyone no matter what age or fitness you are & it becomes a progressive journey every week that you very quickly grow to love & look forward to. Whether you have an injury or a personal goal to achieve, it’s never too late to begin your Pilates journey. As Joseph Pilates used to say “physical fitness is the first prerequisite to happiness” & “change happens through movement & movement heals”.

Julie is married to Andy who is a Sports Podiatrist. She has 3 older children & 1 younger son Max who is 17 years old. Aside from Pilates & being active, Julie loves her cavoodle puppies Rosie & Charlie, cooking, eating & being with friends & family.

Julie works Friday mornings at Mind Heart Body Centre & does relief shifts from time to time.

Irina Li

Hornsby
Pilates Instructor

Qualifications

Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction (PITC)

Experience

Prior to settling in Australia Irina worked in tourism throughout Asia, where she developed a love of exercise and holistic practices including Pilates, Yoga, dance, and meditation. After moving to Sydney she decided that she would follow her passion full time, and completed her Diploma. Aside from Pilates, Irina’s primary love is meditation, and she has extensive experience in mindfulness and mind/body practice. During the past decade Irina has spent much of her spare time on retreat in Buddhist monasteries and meditation centres in Thailand, Malaysia, and Australia.

“When I worked in tourism, I experienced great happiness introducing people to the beautiful cultures and sights of Asia. Now I feel that same sense of happiness showing people the joy of mindful body movement, and the many other wonderful benefits that Pilates can offer.”

You can book in with Irina in Hornsby on Monday, Thursday and Friday mornings and Tuesday evenings.

Bree Priest

Hornsby
Pilates Instructor

Qualifications

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science

Diploma of Pilates Studio (Polestar Pilates)

Certificate IV in Pilates Matwork (Polestar Pilates)

Xtend Barre Instructor

Experience

Bree has always had a love for movement having had a dance background being trained in classical ballet from a young age.

She has completed a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science gaining a comprehensive knowledge of the human body and how it works, while always maintaining her passion for movement and fitness.

After the birth of her first baby she found her passion for Pilates and became a certified Mat and Barre Instructor.

She then went onto complete her Polestar studio course in 2017. Bree loves how Pilates can improve everybody’s quality of life and aims to improve strength, control, co-ordination and flexibility and aims to help you reach your fitness potential.

To book in with Bree she is available in Hornsby Monday evenings.

Trish Hann

Hornsby
Practice Manager

Qualifications

Certificate of Business (MBC)

About

Trish was born and raised in Sydney. After completing her Business Certificate at MBC in Sydney, she spent the majority of her career in the corporate financial sector.

In 2008, after the birth of her two children, Trish discovered the benefits of Pilates and has been a regular attendee ever since, extending her commitment to include working in an administration role on reception in the Centre in 2018.

She is enjoying a work environment that provides clients with the gift of pain relief, whilst offering them the strength and balance obtained from a mind/body connection.

Her family are of great importance to her, including a rather large wolfhound and a keen interest in learning jazz improvisation.

Connect with us:

Meet Our Team

Professional Staff

Pei-Jiun Cheah

Vicky Pan

Kazuko (Kaz) Iwata

Olga Sokol

Rosie Schwartz

Chantal de Raemy Holzherr

Amy Jajoura

Arizona Savage

Support Staff

Susan Ward

Rosemary Towner

Danna Elhassadi

Christine Blue

Emma Attard

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Nicole Storm

Violet Simpson

Claire Curran

Julie Vawdrey

Irina Li

Bree Priest

Trish Hann

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