PhD, PT, OCS President Polestar Education

• Brent is a leading authority in performing arts medicine and Pilates-evolved techniques for rehabilitation. A licensed Physical Therapist and Orthopedic Certified Specialist, Brent is a frequent speaker at national and international scientific and professional conferences. He currently serves as President of Polestar Pilates Education. Brent Anderson consults with professional dance companies, schools and conservatories throughout the world. He served as President of the American Physical Therapy Association's Performing Arts Special Interest Group and is a member of the Research Committee, International Association of Dance Medicine and Science. In 2005, Brent completed his doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Miami, Division of Physical Therapy. Brent lives in Miami, Florida with his wife and three children.

DPT, EdD, MS, FAPTA) Professor University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Dept of Physical Therapy

Dr. Davis received her undergraduate degree in biology from Lycoming College, an M.S. in physical therapy from Case Western Reserve University, and a Doctorate in Humanistic Studies (psychology and philosophy) in the School of Education at Boston University and a clinical doctorate in physical therapy from Mass General Institute of Health Professions. As a faculty member at the University of Miami School of Medicine, Dr. Davis has served as Clinical Assistant Professor with Family and Internal Medicine from 1983-1985, where she coordinated the Fellowship in Clinical Geriatrics, and from 1987 to now serves as Professor and Assistant Chair of Physical Therapy. Additionally, she has held the positions of clinical staff and clinical instructor at Massachusetts General Hospital, Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, and Assistant Professor and Co-Chair ad interim of physical therapy at Sargent College of Boston University. She is an internationally recognized speaker and consultant in teaching and developing curriculum in attitudes and values, ethics, geriatrics, and complementary therapies in rehabilitation. Dr. Davis authored this book, Patient Practitioner Interaction/ an Experiential Manual for Developing the Art of Health Care, now in its fourth edition, is the editor of Complementary Therapies in Rehabilitation/Holistic Approaches for Prevention and Wellness, now in its second edition, and with Dr. Christine Williams, she co-authored the text Therapeutic Interaction in Nursing, all published by SLACK, Inc. Today, Dr. Davis is an active researcher, teacher, and practicing physical therapist in Miami, Florida. She conducts research in complementary therapies, clinical geriatrics, and ethics; teaches entry level Doctoral students and PhD students in physical therapy; and treats patients. She has studied Myofascial Release since 1989 and uses it regularly as a complement to her physical therapy treatments. In 2003 she was awarded the Catherine Worthingham Fellow award for a lifetime of outstanding service to the profession by the American Physical Therapy Association.

Deborah Lessen is an acknowledged leader in the Pilates field. A former professional dancer and teacher, she was trained to teach the Pilates method by Joseph Pilates’ first protégé, Carola Trier. Ms. Lessen founded the Greene Street Studio in 1983, which nurtures a broad base of clients in the Pilates method for general conditioning, performance specific training, injury prevention and post-rehabilitation. She offered on-site comprehensive teacher training from 1994 to 2004. As co-defendant in the federal trademark infringement action for use of the name “Pilates,” she rallied the community to oppose the action. The Pilates name was made generic in a sweeping victory in November 1999. The victory party in New York City was the launch of the Pilates Method Alliance. Ms. Lessen is a founding member and Immediate-Past President of the Pilates Method Alliance, serving on the Board of Directors since its inception. She was instrumental in the creation and execution of the PMA Pilates Certification Exam, facilitating a broad spectrum of tenured Pilates teachers to work together toward a common goal. She is editor and a contributor to the PMA Pilates Certification Exam Study Guide and now Acting Chairperson of the PMA Certification Steering Committee. Now focusing on her first love, Deborah is a regular international presenter, conducting a roster of continuing education workshops and seminars for Pilates teachers.

Physiotherapist and Polestar Education

• Audrey graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physiotherapy at Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia in 1992. She worked as a Physical Therapist in the United States for eight years becoming a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist & completing her first Pilates Method Instructor's course with the Physical Mind Institute in 1998. Audrey returned to Australia & began training with Polestar Pilates Education, establishing Performance Pilates & Physiotherapy Pty Ltd in Subiaco, Western Australia in 2003 after the birth of her second son. Audrey is a Mentor & Principal Educator For Polestar Pilates Australia, teaching the certification courses & presenting workshops throughout Australia & Asia. She is also a Master Trainer for PowerPlate Australia. Audrey currently consults at Northbridge Physiotherapy Clinic in West Perth WA & Unity Pilates, Neutral Bay NSW. Her interests include posture & the effect of gravity & load, efficiency of movement & developing Pilates & PowerPlate programs for Rehabilitation & improving functional & athletic performance. Her clients include Australian Rhythmic Gymnastics Team & Perth Glory Football Club.

Physiotherapist and Polestar Educator

Darren has over fifteen years experience as a physiotherapist and eleven years working with Pilates. He is a principal educator for Polestar Pilates and Director of Dynamic Stability Physiotherapy and Pilates Studios in Melbourne. Having been an 800m national level competitive runner for ten years Darren was well prepared to work as touring physiotherapist for the Kenyan Olympic team over an extensive period. Darren combines his practical experience, his time working with and treating Olympic athletes and his physio and pilates understanding to bring a unique and practical insight to pilates for elite runners.

Physiotherapist and Polestar Educator

Dav was first introduced to Pilates exercise in 1992 while working in Los Angeles, California as a fitness instructor and personal trainer. His interest in the movement sciences and rehabilitation led him to pursue a Master of Science Degree in Physiotherapy, which he received from the University of Miami in 1998. Since then Dav has worked teaching Pilates in a variety of fitness and rehabilitation settings, including Orthopaedic Physiotherapy clinics, fitness centers and health clubs. He has been a Principal Educator and Examiner with Polestar Education since 1997 and Director of Curriculum since 2006, helping to ensure the quality of Polestar’s teacher training programs worldwide. Dav is an avid snowboarder, surfer and mountain biker and currently lives near Manly and teaches at PowerNouse Pilates.

Polestar Pilates Licensee Asia and Polestar Educator

Dawnna Wayburne has been closely involved in the area of physical training for most of her life and, since early childhood, was trained in Ballet, one of the most technical and demanding of physical disciplines. Dawnna is a Registered teacher of the Royal Academy of Dancing as well as an Associate Diploma holder of the Imperial Society of Dancing. Since 1973 Dawnna has trained intensively in the Pilates field and has, over the years, worked with Master teachers of universal repute some of whom worked with Joseph Pilates himself. Dawnna was the first to set up a combined Gyrotonic® / Pilates exercise studio in Asia. Dawnna is the Education Director of Polestar Pilates Asia Inc.,the Asian Licensee and a Principal Educator for the Polestar Pilates® Education LLC. She spends a considerable part of her time conducting in-house and external instructor training programmes in Hong Kong and other cities in Asia. A true movement and training specialist, Dawnna attends seminars and courses in the fields of Pilates, Gyrotonic® (she is one of a handful of Authorized Master Trainers-authorized by Juliu Horvath to conduct Level 1 final Certifications) and other mind-body exercise methods on a regular basis all over the world.

Polestar Educator

Ingrid Lamb certified Polestar teacher, mentor and Educator. 12 Years experience teaching and inspiring others to perform at their best. Ingrid has a unique approach to the Pilates work integrating other bodywork, Feldenkrais and Franklin Method included. Director of Studio Body Logic in Melbourne Australia and mother to three beautiful girls.

D.O., F.S.O. ,Grad Dip Animal Chiropractic

Jeff graduated as an Osteopath in 1985 and as an Animal Chiropractor in 1999. Since then he has successfully married a busy diverse human practise with a high end, international horse practise. Teaching to undergraduate Osteopathic students and postgraduate Veterinarians both in Australia and overseas he has a reputation of sometimes confusing species. Introduced to Pilates in the early ninties Jeff has admired the growth and direction of this powerful modality and has a personal interest in the well being of Pilates instructors.

Polestar Pilates Mentor

Jo has over 10years experience in the Pilates. He is a dancer with a strong background in movement re-education as well as dance for body challenged people. A gifted instructor, Jo conducts classes for beginners, experienced and professionals of movement, improving skills and outcomes from wherever they are at. He had been assisting the Polestar Teaching Training for several years and currently teaches Mat and Studio in Melbourne. He initially graduated in Scenic Arts and then in Contemporary Dance. Joao's continuing education includes courses such as Movement Re-education and Muscle Chains Method.

Polestar Pilates Educator

Jo has a dance background and was a high school teacher before becoming a Pilates instructor. She has been a devotee of the method since 1996. Having certified with Polestar Pilates in 2002, she is an integral part of the Polestar New Zealand team as both educator and mentor.

Polestar Pilates Educator

As a dancer Kimberly was introduced to Pilates in 1987 and although she understood the benefits, found the workout limited and wanted to be able to move more. She then studied human movement and worked in the Fitness Industry as a motivational speaker and personal trainer. She was then re-introduced in 1998 gaining her mat certification and in 2003 completed the Polestar studio with Polestar. Kimberley has a deep passion for movement and a love for pilates. She continues do to complimentary courses such as bioenergetics, yoga, dance teaching studies, personality profiling, chi gong and many more. Kimberley is an educator for Polestar and has a successful studio in Sydney. Her goal is to create a positive movement experience for all clientele. Kimberley’s workouts will have the participant leaving full of life, hope and energy.

Chi-Ball Educator

Lynley is a dynamic teacher, educator and remedial therapist who has been working in the fitness industry for 17 years with a strong focus on mind-body fitness. She is a graduate of the Victorian College of The Arts and holds a Bachelor of Education, Dip. Remedial Massage, Dip. Arts Dance, and Reg Fitness Leader qualifications. Lynley is a World Master Trainer for the ChiBall Method™ based in Australia and travels around the world training teachers. She is a popular and inspiring national and international presenter having presented at both national and international conventions for the past 14 years.

Osteopath

Rosalba is a highly experienced clinician, researcher and writer. She has been in practice for 30 years as Osteopath, Naturopath and TCM practitioner. She has lectured and published widely in these fields. Her current research focus and PhD thesis is on assessment, treatment and clinical relevance of dysfunctional breathing.

Pilates Educator

Sally is the director of Pilates International Pty Ltd, incorporating the registered training organization Pilates International Training Centre (RTO No.90901) as well as the Pilates International Studios (licensed). Sally holds an Advanced Diploma of The Pilates Method, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, is Gold Certified by the Pilates Method Alliance (USA), and is currently studying Nutritional Medicine. Having started pilates under Rael Isacowitz before formal training came to the industry, Sally became a faculty member for Body Arts & Science and delivered instructor training extensively throughout the world for that organisation. On returning to Australia in the late 1990’s she developed the Pilates International Certification Program which was upgraded to become the accredited qualifications that PilatesITC now deliver, which include Cert VI, Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications. Sally is President of the Pilates Alliance Australasia.

Polestar Pilates Educator

Sam began her career studying dance and performance arts in her native Sydney, Australia. She quickly adapted her classical training to the fitness industry, which brought her to seek new challenges in Hong Kong via Sydney and London. Sam studied Polestar Pilates under the guidance of Master Trainer Dawnna Wayburne and now teaches the Polestar certifications around Asia as well as continuing to work with clients at Isofit Studio, Hong Kong. She also holds an Msc. in Exercise and Nutrition and presents at health and fitness conventions around the world, most recently Polestar International Brasil.

Polestar Pilates Educator

Shelly Power is the Director of Fitness and co-founder of Polestar Pilates Center Miami, Florida. She is a Polestar Principal Educator, and has taught for it since its inception in 1992. Shelly is certified in GYROTONIC® and has completed the first year of Franklin-Method® training with Eric Franklin. She has been a member of International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) since 1996, and is a member of the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA). Shelly danced professionally for 12 years with the Sacramento-based modern dance company Dale Scholl Dance/Art. She received her BS degree in Dance from California State University, Sacramento, where she served on the faculty from 1992-1998. She studied Pilates and worked as a physical therapy aide with Polestar President Brent Anderson at his clinic in Sacramento for 7 years, and later moved with Polestar to Miami in 1998. Shelly teaches nationally and internationally for Polestar Pilates Education and also administers exams, conducts Pilates workshops and Polestar Mentor and Educator trainings worldwide and brings a unique and fresh approach to the work of Joseph Pilates.

Yoga Teacher

Tanya stepped into her first yoga class 10 years ago and began a lifelong journey of discovery. She has explored many aspects of yoga, practicing and learning with teachers from different lineages and traditions, including Ashtanga, Anusara, Jivamukti, Kundalini and Traditional Hatha. In 2007, Tanya completed her teacher training at the Samadhi Centre for Yoga in Denver, Colorado. She has continued her studies in the US and Australia, further developing her understanding of Yogic history, philosophy, anatomy, physiology and teaching methodologies. While she revels in the outdoors, enjoys many sports and loves music, Tanya has found yoga is the one thing that can always restore stillness and calm in her life. She hopes to share all she has learned from her teachers, to help others understand the wonders and diversity of this ancient tradition.

Pilates Educator

Zanzi Mann has been a certified Pilates instructor of the Pilates Method since 2001. After years of working in different fields she began learning the Pilates method, which inspired her to pursue it as a career. Zanzi was trained in the Pilates Method with Cythnia Lochard in Sydney and attended the International Guild conference in Los Angelese, where she successfully completed her 600 hours and exam with Sari Pace Santo. In 2008 she also completed the Certificate III in Fitness. She has been an instructor at the Pilates Method Studio in Surry Hills since 2001 and she continues to bring inspiration and integrity tot he method and her clients.