2026 PAA Committee

It has been an honour to serve as Interim President since April 2026, representing a profession that I have been fortunate to be part of since 1997. I fell in love with Pilates then, and I continue to fall in love with our profession because I believe deeply in its greatness, its people and its future.

I am pleased to continue as President because I believe we have an opportunity to strengthen the identity of Pilates as a profession: to know who we are, understand where we have come from, and have the courage and foresight to determine where we are going.

I am passionate about sharing my experience while also creating space for the experiences and stories of others. Together, these stories give our profession its tone, fibre and strength. I want the PAA to provide professional leadership and moral support for our members, while being a strong and considered voice for the wider Pilates industry and, importantly, for the people who entrust us with their movement and wellbeing.

Something I recently encountered in my current studies resonated strongly with me: Pilates is called to intervene when a perturbing force or potential disturbance manifests itself in a motion disorder. I see a parallel with the role of the PAA. When our profession encounters challenge, disruption or uncertainty, our Association should be there: informed, prepared and capable of responding with reason, understanding and leadership.

I want us to foster inclusion without dilution – welcoming the evolution of our profession while protecting the standards, values and professional identity that gives Pilates meaning.

I am here to be your voice. I will strive to be brave enough to stand strong when situations are difficult, to listen when perspectives differ, and to be a pillar of support rather than one that crumbles under pressure. I will advocate strategically for our members and our industry and work to create continuous momentum.

Our reality tomorrow will depend on the actions we take today. I believe our profession deserves leadership that respects its past, stands firmly in the present and prepares courageously for its future.

I am honoured to continue that work as your President.

What skills do I bring to this role?

Perhaps the most important thing I bring is that I have been you.

I have been the student, the Mat teacher, the Reformer teacher, the studio teacher, the educator, the education provider, the studio owner, the presenter, the facilitator and the mentor. And now, I have the privilege of being your President.

I have walked in the shoes worn by our members, and this gives me a broad understanding of the opportunities, pressures and responsibilities that exist throughout our profession.

My education is equally varied, spanning Human Movement, Pilates qualifications and diplomas, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, bioenergetics and my current studies in pathokinesiology. My love of learning encourages me to remain curious and to consider different perspectives rather than assuming there is only one answer.

Through my many roles within Pilates, I have also developed a broad international network of extraordinary people. I am comfortable reaching out, asking questions and bringing knowledgeable people to the table when their expertise is needed. I am smart enough to know what I don’t know. Leadership is not about having every answer; it is about knowing when to listen, when to seek expertise, when to collaborate and when to stand firm.

I bring energy, positivity, insight, strategic thinking and enthusiasm. I believe there is no problem that cannot be approached with curiosity and a commitment to finding a solution. I will listen to differing perspectives because I understand that just because you are right does not necessarily mean I am wrong. Different perspectives can coexist, and through respectful collaboration we can develop stronger solutions.

I also bring a deep respect for the genealogy and history of Pilates. As we move confidently into the future, I will continue to raise the flag of our founder, Joseph Pilates, and honour the foundations upon which our profession has been built. Progress does not require us to forget where we came from.

I want our membership numbers to count – not simply as a statistic, but as a collective professional voice capable of making a difference.

Above all, I will lead by example. I will approach this role with an altruistic attitude, professional responsibility, courage and integrity. I want to help others rise, create opportunities for collaboration and make decisions grounded in our fiduciary responsibilities and the long-term interests of the Association.

One action can create another, and another. My hope is that through strong, thoughtful leadership we create our own butterfly effect – building momentum that strengthens our members, our Association and the Pilates profession for generations to come.

I was a member of the PAA committee 2008 – 2018, with 2012-2018 being President.

Having spent some time on other Boards, I am pleased to return to the PAA Board, where we can build the presence of our profession, work toward National regulation, advocate for our own and further develop education pathways in this space.

I am a clinical Physiotherapist running a Musculoskeletal clinic in South Australia, as well as an Educator Examiner for Polestar Pilates.

Skills I bring to the role:

I have completed my training with Australian Institute of Company Directors, maintained continuing education through AESSA The Association of Independent Schools of South Australia.

Previous Boards I have held position on are Australian Physiotherapy Association (SA Branch) and Ausdance SA.

Current Boards I hold position on are Smart Health Board, Wilderness School Council of Governors, Wilderness School Foundation Board.

I am pleased to continue as Treasurer of Pilates Association Australia because I believe I can make a useful contribution to the Association’s financial management and governance. I am committed to the ongoing development of the PAA and want to help ensure that its resources are managed responsibly and used effectively to support members and the future of the Association.

Skills I bring to the role

My professional background as an actuary has given me strong financial, analytical and risk-management skills. I also bring considerable governance experience, having previously served as both Treasurer and President of the PAA, as well as serving as Treasurer on a number of other boards.

As a Pilates instructor and studio owner, I also have a practical understanding of the issues and challenges facing PAA members and the broader Pilates industry. Combined with my previous involvement with the PAA, this gives me a strong understanding of the Association’s operations, priorities and financial commitments.

As an Ordinary Council Member of the Pilates Association Australia (PAA), I look forward to contributing my experience, knowledge and passion to the continued growth and development of our profession.

Having been involved in Pilates since 1996, initially training as an apprentice, I have had the opportunity to experience and contribute to the industry from many perspectives. Over the years, I have developed a strong understanding of the importance of maintaining high professional standards, supporting quality education and fostering a strong and connected Pilates community.

My experience as a Pilates educator, including teaching the APMA Level 2 course, together with many years working as an RTO educator, has given me extensive experience in education, mentoring and supporting the development of future Pilates professionals. This has also provided me with a strong understanding of the importance of quality education, consistent assessment standards and ongoing professional development within our industry.

My continued investment in structured Pilates education and professional development reflects my commitment to maintaining and advancing my skills throughout my career. I have actively pursued further Pilates qualifications and training, ensuring that my knowledge and practice continue to evolve alongside the profession. I believe this commitment to lifelong learning is essential to maintaining high professional standards and setting a positive example for the wider Pilates community.

I have also had the opportunity to serve on various committees, including the APMA Council. More recently, I have been involved with the PAA Therapeutic Pilates Special Interest Group, served on the PAA Health Fund Sub-Group, and assisted with the PAA’s case study submissions for the NTREAP. These experiences have provided me with valuable insight into professional association governance, collaborative decision-making and the importance of representing the interests and perspectives of members. They have strengthened my ability to work constructively with others, contribute thoughtfully to discussions, consider different perspectives and contribute to decisions that support the broader needs and interests of the profession.

I bring to the PAA Council extensive industry experience, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and a collaborative approach. My background in Pilates education, training and assessing, combined with my qualifications in sports injury therapies and my experience in professional association governance, has given me a broad perspective on movement, education, professional standards and client care.

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the PAA at a broader level, support the ongoing professional development of its members, and help strengthen the recognition, integrity and reputation of Pilates as a respected profession. I am passionate about the future of Pilates and am honoured to contribute my time, experience and perspective as an Ordinary Council Member.

Sharon wants to contribute to the continued growth and strength of the Pilates profession while helping ensure we remain connected to the original work of Joseph Pilates. She believes there should always be a light on in the original lane of Contrology, while respecting the many pathways that exist within the industry.
Sharon brings over 10 years of experience running her own studio, training and mentoring teachers, employing and leading a team of 10 staff, and more than 10,000 hours of teaching real bodies. She continues to practise, study and deepen her understanding of the method.
She brings strong communication and people skills, a practical understanding of the industry, and a genuine passion for the original work. She hopes to contribute with an open mind, respect for different perspectives, and a willingness to listen, collaborate and help shape a strong future for Pilates in Australia.

I am continuing in my role to progress ongoing projects and support the PAA in providing standards and assistance for the Pilates industry in Australia. One of my main focuses has always been on ensuring client safety when doing Pilates, in addition to education for Pilates instructors around therapeutic style of Pilates.

I am pleased to continue my role as an Ordinary member of the Pilates Association, building on my previous three years of service as Education Officer. My broad experience in teacher training, mentoring and continuing education within the Pilates profession has given me a strong understanding of the needs of Pilates teachers at different stages of their careers, from those entering the profession through to experienced instructors seeking to develop their knowledge and skills. I bring to the committee a considered, practical and education focused perspective, along with a genuine commitment to supporting educational opportunities for our members.

I am passionate about maintaining high standards within the Pilates profession and believe the Association has an important role to play in promoting quality, integrity and excellence in Pilates education. As the Pilates industry continues to grow and the market becomes increasingly crowded, I believe it is more important than ever to advocate for well trained, knowledgeable and responsible instructors and to ensure our members receive as much support as possible.

Having already contributed to the Association I understand the responsibilities and time that come with serving on the committee. I value the opportunity to continue contributing my experience, energy and perspective, while working collaboratively with fellow committee members to support the Association and its members.

Donna comes to the PAA committee with an interest in sharing her experience across many industry issues and promoting a therapeutic model of the work that would be recognised by the public, private health funds, NDIS, and Workers’ Insurance.