MEET THE TEAM

Our fabulous team all share a genuine passion and incredible benefits for Pilates. They all teach with positivity, encouragement and infectious energy, and guarantee you’ll leave feeling stronger, more flexible and totally energised.

Leslie Avendaño

Owner and Instructor

Leslie's passion for Reformer Pilates was born out of her own experience with rehabilitation from back pain and other pregnancy-related challenges. With over five years of dedicated practice and 18 years of experience as a Physiotherapist in the US, Leslie has become a true expert in her field. Her expertise has taken her across the pond to England, where she continues to inspire and transform the lives of her clients through the power of Reformer Pilates.

Leslie brings a wealth of expertise to Elevated Pilates, having undergone rigorous training through APPI to attain certifications in Mat Pilates Level 1-3 and Reformer Pilates & Women's Health, including Pre-/ Postnatal Pilates and Pilates for Menopause.

She has a solid background in sports, health, fitness, and rehabilitation and is highly motivated to help others attain their goals. With her in-depth knowledge of the body and its movements, she is confident in her ability to guide her clients safely and effectively towards their objectives. Her long-term aspiration is to establish a studio that fosters a healthy mind, body, and spirit within the community.

*Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute

Sarah Whitney

Owner and Instructor

Sarah is our in-house Barre expert, who has been dancing since the age of 3 years old. With a deep understanding of the phrase 'movement is medicine', Sarah brings a new energy to the studio with her ballet-inspired moves. In 2021, she was introduced to Reformer Pilates, a year after gaining her level 3 Mat Pilates, Ballet fitness, and Barre qualifications. Since then, she has trained in the Lotte Berk method, a uniquely feminine technique helping empower women to truly connect with their bodies, strengthen their pelvic floor and promote their sexual well-being.

Sarah's classes are the epitome of creativity, and precision, offering a holistic approach to fitness that resonates with clients of all levels. Her infectious enthusiasm and a clear focus on technique ensure that every session at Elevated Pilates is not just a workout but a transformative journey towards optimal wellness.

Beyond the studio, Sarah embraces a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle, constantly exploring the intersection of mind-body wellness. Whether she's refining her teaching techniques, developing new programs, or discovering innovative ways to integrate movement into daily life, Sarah is steadfastly committed to elevating the fitness experience for the Elevated Pilates community.