Practical Pilates Instructors
Natasha Debsieh
Natasha is the founder of Practical Pilates, and began teaching Pilates in 1998. Originally from Canada, Natasha started her practice of Pilates as part of her training in Classical Ballet. In 2006 Natasha obtained Australian certification as a Gym and Group Fitness instructor via the Fitness Institute of Australia and completed fundamental and intermediate matwork qualifications with Network Pilates.
Practical Pilates has been in existence since 2007, with a lovely, loyal clientele. In addition to living and breathing Pilates, Natasha is also a busy mum to two beautiful boys and manages an online aromatherapy shop, Organic Aromatherapy. Natasha has been focusing on expanding Practical Pilates in the Illawarra area during 2011, while ever maintaining the quality of instruction for her existing clients.
Natasha holds current registration and insurance with Fitness Australia, as well as the following relevant qualifications:
- Cert IV in Pilates (Network Pilates)
- Cert IV in Fitness (Personal Trainer)
- Cert III in Group Fitness Instructor (Freestyle)
- Diploma of Anatomy (University of Waterloo)
- Senior First Aid
Erin Sladen
Having studied ballet, tap, jazz and contemporary dance since she was a child. Erin first began her Pilates training to aid her physical rehabilitation after a knee injury. She found that Pilates allowed her to improve her strength and flexibility, as well as enhance her coordination. Erin is passionate about teaching, having been a dance teacher since she was 16, and trained as a Pilates Matwork Instructor under the guidance of Peter Sheehy from the Australian Pilates Academy.
Erin's current qualifications are:
- Intermediate Pilates Instructor Certificate (Matwork), Australian Pilates Academy
- Intermediate Teaching Certificate, Federal Association of Teachers of Dancing
- Registered Syllabus Teacher, F.A.T.D.
- Senior First Aid Certificate, St. John's Ambulance
Erin beleives that Pilates is for everyone, and strives to create a friendly, relaxed atmosphere in her classes while still providing a challenging workout for the clients
Katrina Ward
Katrina has trained extensively in dance since she was five years old, studying jazz, tap, contemporary and ballet. Through dance, Katrina discovered pilates and found the theory and practice complemented and significantly enhanced her dance training and physical strength.
Katrina trained for her fitness and pilates instructors (mat and ball) courses in 2005. Katrina is now an enthusiastic teacher of pilates as well as ballet, tap and jazz dance in her spare time. Katrina joined Practical Pilates in 2011, after returning to Australia in late 2010 from living and working in London for almost five years.
Katrina's teaching qualifications:
- Pilates Institute of Australia Aussie Pilates Mat and Swiss Ball instructor certificates
- Fitness Institute Australia Certificate III in Fitness (group exercise instructor)
- Federal Association of Teachers of Dance Elementary tap and Intermediate Jazz certificates
- Senior First Aid
Katrina firmly believes in core stability and strength to help carry you through your day - no matter what you do - and enjoys the grace and fluid movements pilates creates. Katrina aims to teach a fun and flowing and class that focuses on building core strength and challenges students of all levels of ability and experience.
Practical Pilates is a registered provider with the Teachers Federation Health Fund.