APPI education board

Glenn Withers

APPI`s co-founder and current residing director Glenn is the chair of the educational board and oversees the development of the institutes curriculum. The board meets 4 times a year and reviews all aspects of the curriculum, responds to feedback from both members and presenters, and is focused on continually developing this world leading program.

Elisa Withers

APPI co-founder Elisa is vice-chair of the educational board. Elisa was rsponsible for the original curriculum and ensures that the ethos of the early programs are maintained through the additions of the latest reserch. Elisa has a strong background in both dance and physiotherapy, ensuring that the movement qualities of pilates is coherently moulded with the science of physiotherapy.

Sophie Ferris

Sophie graduated as a Physiotherapist at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia in 1999. Sophie has had vast experience working in both the public and private sector, in general musculoskeletal outpatients as well as specific Women`s Health positions. Sophies interest in exercise therapy led her to pursue Pilates training. Sophie has trained both in Melbourne and London and is a fully certified APPI matwork Instructor.

John Conteras

John graduated as a Physiotherapist from The University of Melbourne in 2001. John continued his studies in muscle physiology to complete his Bachelor of Science the following year. Being a registered Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer both in Australia and the UK, he became Master Trainer at Holmes Place Kensington. Jon currently manages Pilates Art Physiotherapy in Wimbledon and has been presenting for the APPI since 2006.

Sarah Todd

Sarah holds a Bachelor`s degree in Applied Science (Health Promotion) & has completed numerous business courses in both Entrepreneurship & Marketing. Sarah is also a fully qualified Fitness Instructor both in the U.K (REPS) and Australia (Fitness Australia) and teaches Pilates on a regular basis. Sarah’s role is to further develop and expand the APPI as it continues to grow both nationally and internationally.

Catherine Ketsimur

Catherine completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy (‘94) at the University of Queensland, where she initially developed an interest in muscle control and stability training due to the research occurring at UQ at this time. This interest led her to start working with Pilates in 1999. She has trained in equipment and matwork based Pilates, which she integrates into her daily clinical management.

Rachel Quested

Rachele Quested is a physiotherapist with a Masters in Sports Physiotherapy. She is also a certified Pilates teacher, having trained with Body Control Pilates and the APPI. She currently teaches for the APPI and has also presented at Body Control Pilates conferences. Rachele has worked with numerous sports at the elite level (triathlon, swimming, netball, rugby and ballet) and has always used Pilates as part of her rehabilitation approach. Her interest in Ante and Post natal Pilates grew from having her own two children and finding how much Pilates helped her as well as the clients she has subsequently worked with.

Fiona Kearsley

Fiona trained in Glasgow and graduated in 1981. Initially, Fiona worked at Stoke Mandeville Hospital gaining experience at the National Spinal Injuries Unit and other major specialities including orthopaedics and musculoskeletal conditions. A keen interest in sports medicine led Fiona to investigate the power of Pilates as a treatment.