Evado StudiosNelson Bay

James Alexander

Director | APA Sports Physiotherapist

Master of Applied Science (Research) – current
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 goals, led him to pursue further study at Latrobe University, completing a Master of Sport Physiotherapy. He is now undertaking a Research Masters at La Trobe University, in which he is collaborating with world leading running researchers to investigate best practice management of runners with knee osteoarthritis.

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 Manager

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

APA Physiotherapist | Fitness Pilates Instructor

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.

Jye Murray

APA Physiotherapist

Bachelor Physiotherapy

Jye grew up in the country NSW town of Cowra. A proud Wiradjuri Ngemba man, he is a physiotherapist passionate about closing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health gap. 

Graduating from Newcastle University in 2019 where he was placed upon the Dean’s commendation list for high academic achievement, Jye initially worked for a year at The Canberra Hospital, completing rotations in orthopaedics, neurosurgery rehabilitation, cardiothoracic, and outpatients. Following his passion for sports and exercise related injury rehabilitation, he has spent the past three years working in sports and musculoskeletal private practice.

Jye is extremely thorough in assessing his clients, and treats everyone with the same enthusiasm, care, and attention to detail whether they are an athlete or the everyday person looking to stay pain free. Jye is particularly enthusiastic about empowering his clients to take the driver’s seat in their own recovery journey via thorough education to ensure they are equipped with all the necessary tools to overcome their injury. 

Outside of work Jye keeps fit by going to the gym or running most days. He is a passionate South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter and loves playing and watching Rugby League. Being new to the Nelson Bay area, he is very much looking forward to picking up some coastal hobbies, and possibly having a crack at surfing.

As a proud First Nations man, Jye has a passion project called The Koori Physio, a social media page used to educate and promote Aboriginal Health issues to a broader community. It is well worth checking out and you can find his page at @thekooriphysio on Instagram and Tik Tok. 

Along with providing physiotherapy and clinical exercise/Pilates, Jye also instructs our strength and athlete development classes.

Emily Parkes

APA Physiotherapist

Bachelor Physiotherapy (Honours)
Level 1 Sports Trainer

Emily is a hard-working and friendly physiotherapist who has joined Evado Studios after recently graduating from the University of Newcastle.

Originally from Newcastle, Emily has grown up playing a variety of sports, competing at high levels in both soccer and rowing.

Through her studies, Emily has gained clinical experience working with a range of orthopaedic, musculoskeletal, and neurological clients in private practice and hospital settings. Emily has additionally had experience in sports training for NPLW in Newcastle.

Emily’s clinical interests are all things rehabilitation, with particular interest in working with stroke clients. She is passionate about collaborating with her clients to set meaningful therapy goals to support recovery and get the most out of life!

Emily has a goal of completing further studies into women’s and pelvic health physiotherapy in 2023.

Outside of work, Emily enjoys finding new recipes to bake, watching live music and spending quality time with family and friends.

Zac Manning

APA Physiotherapist

Bachelor Physiotherapy (Honours)
Level 1 Sports Trainer

Zac is a kind and intuitive physiotherapist who joined Evado Studios Nelson Bay after graduating with Honours from the University of Newcastle.

His Honours research involved the use of shockwave therapy for treating people with spasticity after a stroke, and improving their function.

During his studies, Zac gained experience in a variety of settings including private practice, hospitals and professional sport. Zac worked with the Hunter Wildfires Rugby Club for the 2021 Season, where he gained valuable experience in acute injury management and injury prevention. Additionally, he has worked in a number of sports trainer roles with other clubs.

Zac loves to collaborate with clients to develop an exercise program and treatment approach to optimise outcomes and help return clients to enjoying what they love most.

Zac has a goal of completing further studies in Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy.

Outside of work, Zac enjoys going to the gym, catching up with friends and family, and swimming at the beach.
 

Brendan Short

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.