Meet Our Experienced Team
Michelle Gebrian-Lawton
Principal Physiotherapist & Director
30+ years of physiotherapy & sports medicine experience
20+ years of teaching Pilates + Clinical Exercise
Originally from the United States, Michelle has been practicing in Melbourne since 2003, and has worked in over 20 countries and six continents around the globe. Michelle is a former physiotherapist on the International WTA Tour and personal physiotherapist to Serena & Venus Williams and Lindsay Davenport, working in professional tennis for more than a decade.
“I strongly believe in the holistic treatment of injuries. My expertise lies in preventing and managing musculoskeletal and sports injuries with functional physiotherapy, enabling you to perform at your best.”
-
Master of Physical Therapy degree from Shenandoah University, Virginia, USA, 1998
Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences & Athletic Training from Grand Valley State University, Michigan, USA, 1994
Board-certified Athletic Trainer from National Athletic Trainers’ Association (sports medicine qualification, USA) since 1994
Registered physical therapist with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Allied Health Professions, USA since 1998
Registered physiotherapist with the Physiotherapists Registration Board of Victoria since 2009
Extensive training in Osteopathic Manual Therapy from the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University, 1999-2003
Rehabilitation Pilates training from Polestar Pilates International, 2002-2003
-
Women’s Tennis Association (WTA Tour), full-time Primary Health Care Provider for five years, providing physiotherapy to elite athletes and travelling to professional tennis tournaments all over the globe, including Wimbledon, French Open, US Open and Australian Open Championships
Coordinator of the WTA Tour Therapeutic Exercise Program, overseeing the rehabilitation exercise programs of professional tennis players from 2003-2004
Private physiotherapist for Lindsay Davenport from 2005-2006, accompanying her to tournaments around the world, while ranked #1 WTA Tour player
Private physiotherapist for Serena and Venus Williams at the 2009 Australian Open Championships
Sports Medicine Services Consultant at Tennis Australia from 2003-2009, managing physiotherapists at national men’s, women’s and junior tournaments around Australia
Australian Federation Cup Team Physiotherapist, 2005
Educator at Tennis Australia’s High-Performance Coaches Course, Injury Prevention Unit from 2004-2008
Health and Fitness Columnist for Australian Tennis Magazine, 2004-2006
Atlanta Paralympics, Medical Team, 1996
Chris Minto
Senior Physiotherapist & Registered Acupuncturist
30+ years of physiotherapy experience
30+ years of practicing accupuncture
10+ years of teaching Pilates + Clinical Exercise
Dual-trained physiotherapist and registered acupuncturist, Chris has over 30 years of experience in helping people of all ages and conditions. She aims to provide a fresh approach with outstanding results for every client.
Chris offers creative solutions for clients experiencing roadblocks in their recovery, those feeling overwhelmed after an acute injury, or clients experiencing persistent pain.
-
Chris graduated from The University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy and completed an Advanced Diploma of Applied Science in Acupuncture in 1993. She’s worked with people from all stages of life with extensive experience in rehabilitation, orthopaedics, maternal health, paediatrics and hand injuries. Chris has conducted a variety of group exercise classes over the years, including cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, balance and hydrotherapy sessions.
Chris currently practices as a performing arts physiotherapist, working with performers in professional musical theatre, dance, opera, musicians, actors, comediennes and students. She is an experienced vocal physiotherapist, treating vocal disorders and providing performance enhancement.
Chris also completed her Level 1 Clinical Pilates Certificate at Dance Medicine Australia (DMA) in 2013. She incorporates mat-based Pilates into her physiotherapy sessions and teaches Clinical Pilates group and individual sessions to assist clients in learning effective self-management strategies and helping individuals achieve their personal goals.
By blending both Western and Eastern modalities of acupuncture, exercise prescription and self-management strategies, Chris ensures your physiotherapy consultations are designed specifically and holistically for you.
She’s also a mum of two sons and enjoys gardening, hiking and playing stringed instruments. Plus, Chris is an active member of the Monash City Council LGBT, QAI+ committee who celebrates and welcomes diversity.
Tessa Mosely
Pilates Instructor
-
As well as Pilates, Tessa has also helped children and adults get active as a swimming instructor.
Already dedicated to movement and sport, Tessa’s passion for Pilates only grew as she saw the many physical and mental benefits it brought her and others.
In 2017, she became a Certified Polestar International Mat & Reformer Pilates Instructor and has been teaching Mat & Reformer Pilates since.
As well as Pilates, Tessa’s also been helping children and adults get active through working as a swimming instructor, kids fitness instructor, and sports coach. A big believer in leading by example, she’s also stayed active by doing Pilates, triathlons, boxing, tennis, softball, yoga, surfing, ballet and swimming.
Through Pilates Tessa wants to help your body find its voice while getting the movement and strength it deserves. She understands how important it is to find a moment in your day where you can focus on yourself, to nurture yourself and your mental health.
“I’m always moving & keeping active and I love spending time with my family and Italian greyhound, Biaco.”
Sally Potter
Pilates Instructor
-
Sally practised as a physiotherapist for more than 30 years before pursuing her Pilates Cerification through APPI. She has a wealth of experience with retraining movement and has worked extensively with balance disorders and disabilities across all ages.
She has a holistic approach to her teaching and her classes aim to be both challenging and fun, with a strong focus on alignment and posture. She individually tailors exercises to suit the needs of each client, so you know you'll receive the personalised guidance you need to get the most out of each exercise.
Outside of teaching Sally has three adult children and a sausage dog. She’s also a keen golfer, tennis player and loves being out in the sunshine.
“We all need the amazing benefits of exercise and movement to ensure strength, mobility and balance in our bodies throughout our lifetime.”
Sofia Dimasi
Pilates & Yoga Instructor
-
A Certified Polestar International Mat Pilates Instructor and Certified Yoga Instructor, Sofia is also a professional contemporary dancer.
Her passion for movement and body awareness led her on a journey of exploring and mastering various disciplines. Sofia’s venture into Pilates began in her early teens, driven by her aspiration of becoming a professional contemporary dancer. In those early years, she faced injuries that marked a turning point in her career. These challenges introduced her to Pilates, not just as a means of recovery, but as a source of strength and the key to maintaining the mobility essential for a dancer's life.
Today, Sofia gracefully balances her roles as a professional dancer and a dedicated Pilates Instructor. This dual expertise allows her to offer a holistic experience.
With 13 years of practice, she’s a firm believer that Pilates is more than just a form of exercise, it’s a pathway to overall wellness.
During her classes, you’ll feel inspired to slow down and embrace mindfulness in your daily life. She brings in calming techniques like deep breathing and meditation, inspired by her yoga training, to create a well-rounded experience for you.
Sofia’s commitment to personalised Pilates sessions means she utilises props and adjusts her approach continuously to meet your individual needs.
Catherine Martin
Yoga Instructor
-
A warm, nurturing and experienced teacher, Catherine has been practising yoga for more than thirty years and taught yoga for more than a decade.
Catherine completed a 350-hour Advanced Diploma Yoga Teacher Training at Australian Yoga Academy and studied Yin Yoga with Jennifer Crescenzo and Bernie Clarke.
She’s constantly evolving as a teacher and undertakes continuous learning in the field of yoga and mindfulness. As a devoted practitioner of Transcendental Meditation, she’s currently studying scientifically based breath techniques with Pateuickj McKweon author of The Oxygen Advantage.
Combining ancient wisdom and modern science, Catherine integrates the most up-to-date positive psychology and neuroscience with slow-flow yoga. You’ll learn simple techniques to use every day for nourishing your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual self.
Vanessa Hollo
Yoga Instructor
-
Vanessa has been practising yoga since 1990 which she discovered during her travels in Varanasi, India.
She’s taught a variety of yoga disciplines since 2013 and over the years, her studies have evolved to include Yin and other complementary sciences from teachers all over the world.
Vanessa loves exploration, from travelling around the globe to pondering the inner world of the Body-Mind or “Soma”.
In her classes, you’ll be invited to explore your inner life, let go and reset your body and mind. Each class offers intelligent asanas for the body, pranayama and breathing practices designed to enhance well-being and clarity of mind, self-inquiry and include a deep relaxation practice.