Evado StudiosNelson Bay

James Alexander

Director | APA Sports Physiotherapist

Master of Applied Science (Research)
Master of Sports Physiotherapy
Bachelor of Physiotherapy

James is an APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist and co-director with his wife Katherine of Evado Studios Nelson Bay. Since graduating with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2011, he has worked in a variety of settings including sports and musculoskeletal private practice, the Australian Defence Force, and with amateur football teams from various codes. His clinical interests cover all musculoskeletal and sporting injuries, with particular expertise and interest in the rehabilitation of running related injuries.

James’ passion for assisting people to overcome injury, return to exercise and achieve their physical activity and health related goals, led him to pursue post-graduate study with Latrobe University. In 2019 he graduated with a Master of Sport Physiotherapy and in early 2024 he completed a Research Masters. Collaborating with world leading running researchers his thesis investigated the prevention and managment of knee injuries and osteoarthritis in runners.

Outside of work, James is an avid road and trail runner. He is an active member of the Tomaree Trotters running club and enjoys starting his weekends at Fingal Bay Parkrun.

Katherine Parker

Director | Fitness Instructor

Graduate Diploma in Human Nutrition
Certificate IV in Pilates
Certificate III and IV in Fitness
ASCA Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach
AA Recreational Level II Running Coach

Katherine is the Fitness Manager and co-director with her husband James of Evado Studios Nelson Bay. She is a Personal Trainer and Pilates instructor who is dedicated to helping her clients achieve a sustainable training routine in a fun, inclusive and supportive environment.

As an enthusiastic trail runner and active member of the Tomaree Trotters, Katherine has particular expertise in strength training for recreational distance runners. In addition to instructing Evado’s fitness classes, she offers one on one and small group training programs tailored to individual needs and goals.

Katherine’s dedication to providing her clients with a well-rounded approach to health, motivated her to complete post graduate studies in nutrition.

Natasha Knight

Senior Physiotherapist | Clinical Services Coordinator

Bachelor Physiotherapy (Honours)
Reformer Pilates Certification
Ante/Post Natal Pilates Certification
Level 1 Sports Trainer (Allied Health)

Natasha is a bright and bubbly physiotherapist and Pilates instructor who graduated with honours from the University of Newcastle in 2021. 

Her honours research involved testing the use of wearable technology to monitor exercise variables during high intensity exercise.

Natasha teaches Pilates across all ages and abilities and uses Pilates to help people recover from injury as well as optimise their health and fitness. You’ll see her across the fitness pilates timetable as well!

Natasha has completed further education into managing cervical and lumbar spine pain. 

She has gained experience across both private practice and hospital settings including supervising and assisting oncology patients with specialised exercise programs. In addition, she has spent time working as a sports trainer with the Women’s Premier League in South Wallsend managing acute sports injuries and developing injury prevention programs.

Outside of work, Natasha enjoys hanging out with her kelpie and spending time with family.

Emily Parkes

APA Physiotherapist

Bachelor Physiotherapy (Honours)
Level 1 Sports Trainer

Emily is a hard-working and friendly physiotherapist who graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2022. She is passionate about working collaboratively with clients of all ages to achieve their rehabilitation and sporting goals. 

Emily has a wide variety of clinical experience in private practice and hospital settings, working with clients for acute sporting injury management, knee and hip osteoarthritis and neurological rehabilitation. She has also completed further education with the APA Level 1 Sports Physiotherapy course, with goals of completing Level 2 in 2024. 

Emily is currently a team physiotherapist for the Nelson Bay Marlins Men’s AFL team and worked closely with them through the 2023 season for sporting injury management. 

Outside of work, Emily enjoys playing soccer for Nelson Bay Football Club, cooking and baking, and is a massive Swiftie!

Zac Manning

APA Physiotherapist

Bachelor Physiotherapy (Honours)
Level 1 Sports Trainer

Zac is a kind and intuitive physiotherapist who joined Evado Studious after graduating with Honors from the University of Newcastle in 2022. His Honours research during this time focused on the innovative use of shockwave therapy for individuals with spasticity after a stroke.

Throughout his studies, Zac gained valuable experience across various healthcare settings, including private practice, hospitals, and professional sports environments. Zac’s involvement with the Hunter Wildfires Rugby Union Club in 2021 honed his skills in acute injury management and injury prevention. His expertise was further put to the test during the 2023 season when he supported the undefeated Nelson Bay Gropers Rugby Union Club. 

Zac thrives on collaboration. He partners with clients to develop personalised exercise programs and treatment strategies to ensure optimal outcomes.

With a special interest in sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, Zac completed further training through the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s Sport Physiotherapy Level 1 course. 

Outside the clinic, you’ll find Zac hitting the gym, enjoying quality time with friends and family, and catching waves at the beach. 

Brendan Short

Fitness Manager | Exercise Scientist

Masters in Exercise Physiology - Current
Bachelor Exercise Science

Brendan has joined the Evado studios fitness team after recently graduating with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science degree from the University of Newcastle.
With a passion for ongoing learning and helping others, he will also be commencing a Masters degree in Exercise Physiology this month.

Throughout his studies, Brendan has had the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients including athletes and clients recovering from surgery. Brendan is passionate about assisting his clients with performing exercises safely and effectively to achieve their goals.

Outside of work, Brendan is a soccer goalkeeper for NNSW NPL side Adamstown Rosebud and also coaches an U9 junior development soccer team at Adamstown Rosebud. He also participates in recreational athletics for fun, where he specialises in Shot Put and Javelin.

With such a passion for sport and sport-specific programming, Brendan is running our Athlete Development programs and is available for personal training.

Dani Salkeld

Fitness Pilates Instructor | Administration Assistant

Studios Pilates Matwork
Studio Pilates Reformer

Dani is a passionate Reformer Pilates Instructor and administration assistant with a love for community and customer service.

With a background in Jazz, Tap, and Ballet, Dani has been teaching group exercise for 7 years.

Dani loves how inclusive Pilates is and that it can be catered to all abilities, and after attending reformer pilates classes for 4 years, it was only natural that she became an instructor herself.

Her vibrant energy is infectious and will ensure that you get a great workout while also having fun. She loves getting to know clients and when she isn’t working, is a regular attendee of Evado’s fitness classes.

Dani has a little boy called Saxon and in her spare time enjoys going to the beach. She also loves chocolate just as much as Pilates, so she fits right in! 

Zali McDowell

Fitness Pilates Instructor | Administration Assistant

Barre Body Pilates Reformer
Certificate 3 & 4 in Fitness (currently studying)

Zali is a bubbly Reformer Pilates Instructor and also an administration assistant. 

Born & bred in Port Stephens, Zali has a bright and enthusiastic personality & most days you will see her smiling face working at reception or teaching Pilates.

Zali has always had a passion for health, fitness, and wellbeing. She loves to offer encouragement and to assist people in reaching their goals. This has lead her to start studying a Certificate 3 & 4 in Fitness.

A keen sportsperson, Zali has been involved in a wide range of sports, with her favourites being Rugby 7s and Snow Skiing. After dancing for over 10 years, she made the switch to Rugby Union. In 2021 Zali was selected for the Australian Womens National Rugby 7s Development Squad & the Newcastle Knights Tarsha Gale Squad.

Sarah-Jane Bourquin

Fitness Pilates Instructor

Sarah-Jane has been an Evado Studios client since we first opened. After falling in love with Pilates and being inspired by our current instructors, she took the plunge to qualify as an instructor herself. 

She loves how Pilates can be enjoyed by every body, from those new to exercise to the experienced. SJ is adept at providing the right level of challenge for your body. Her fun approach to her classes will ensure you’ll enjoy getting a workout. 

When not teaching or doing Pilates, SJ loves weight training, trail running and spending time with her family, friends and dog.