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.

Natalie Jacobs

APA Physiotherapist

Master of Physiotherapy
Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
Bachelor of Dance
Pilates Comprehensive Rehabilitation Course
Pilates Matwork Instructor Course

Natalie is an APA Physiotherapist and Clinical Pilates Instructor with a special interest in working with dancers and athletes alike.

Natalie has completed a Master of Physiotherapy,a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, a Bachelor of Dance, and has over 10 years of Pilates Rehabilitation and exercise prescription experience. Prior to becoming a physiotherapist, Natalie was a professional contemporary dancer.

She loves treating acute musculoskeletal injuries, and post-operational orthopaedic patients and has gained extensive experience as a physiotherapist working with professional classical ballet and contemporary dancers, commercial & musical theatre performers and actors. Previously, Natalie has also worked with NSWIS swimming team, junior gymnastics squads, and triathletes.

Natalie's approach to Physiotherapy is strongly focused on education and movement retraining through the integration of exercise prescription and Pilates as a key component of rehabilitation and maintenance conditioning. She is passionate about education as a large focus of her treatment, ensuring her clients are provided with the knowledge and tools they require to achieve complete recovery or manage their chronic conditions and optimise their performance.

Chris MacCabe

Personal Trainer | Fitness Instructor

Level 3 Master Kettlebell Coach
Master Functional Trainer
Cert III & IV in Fitness
Master Presenter for the Functional Training Institute

Chris is a Level 3 Fitness Professional with over 10 years experience as a Personal Trainer.
He is very passionate about helping and educating people on how to move better, so they can improve their performance in the gym, at their chosen sport and throughout their everyday life.

He is also a Master Presenter for the Functional Training Institute, delivering continual education courses for personal trainers and allied health professionals across Australia and online internationally. He has also presented education courses and workshops for ZUU fitness in Australia.

His enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge and experience with other health professionals is just one of the many reasons we are really excited to welcome him to the Evado team.

Outside of work, Chris trains to compete in Girevoy sport (kettlebell lifting) as he loves the challenge of testing himself physically and mentally.

Lucy Birss

Personal Trainer | Fitness Instructor

Cert III, IV and Diploma of Fitness
ASCA Level 1 Strength & Conditioning Coach
Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach
Arhanta Yoga Institute 200hr
Wellness Coaching Australia Level 1 and 2

Lucy is a Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor with over 16 years in the industry. She was previously based in Sydney working with a corporate clientele with a variety of goals from weight loss, to stress management, to accomplishing fun runs.

Over the years, Lucy has developed a vast skill set working with a wide range of people with differing needs, restrictions and injuries. Her passion for movement led her to completing a 200 hour Yoga teaching certificate in Holland during a four year period living and working in Europe.

Lucy has a great passion for health and wellbeing and treats everyone as an individual. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and helping people get the most out of their exercise routine. Lucy gets a buzz from looking after her health and challenging her body. Strength training, bush walking, cycling, rock climbing, skiing and snowboarding are her passions. She is an advocate of mindfulness and uses this daily to manage stress.

In addition to instructing Evado’s Strength and Circuit classes, Lucy is available for one on one and small group training, providing tailored programs to suit individual goals and abilities.

Monti Thompson

Fitness Pilates Instructor | Administration Assistant

Studio Pilates Reformer 
Studio Pilates Matwork 

Monti is an energetic Pilates instructor. Her journey began when she started Pilates during her last year of high school. After experiencing first hand the emotional and physical benefits of Pilates during this time, she knew she wanted to pursue a career instructing. Monti gained her Pilates qualifications as soon as she finished high school, and with her passion for Pilates continuing to grow, she has been happily instructing classes ever since.

Outside of Evado, Monti enjoys surfing, art, photography and travel. Her love for music has led Monti to some of the biggest music festivals in the world, and has recently inspired her to pick up ukelele.

Astrid Bennett

Fitness Pilates Instructor | Administration Assistant

Studio Pilates Reformer 
Studio Pilates Matwork 

Astrid is a vibrant Fitness Pilates instructor and administration assistant. Her passion for Pilates really ignited after she started classes here at Evado Studios soon after moving to the Bay.