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 | Practice 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 Practice Manager and co-director with her husband James of Evado Studios Nelson Bay. She is also 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.

Emily Parkes

Senior 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 and 2 Sports Physiotherapy courses.

Emily is currently a team physiotherapist for the Nelson Bay Marlins Men’s AFL team and worked closely with them throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons for sporting injury management. 

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

Tim Kendall

Senior Physiotherapist

Tim has travelled all the way from Surrey, England to join our team. He is an energetic and experienced physiotherapist who completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Hertfordshire before working in a variety of settings across the South of England over the past 8 years.

Tim’s experience includes working in the National Health System (NHS), private sports and musculoskeletal practice, and most recently for the England Military of Defence, treating soldiers and Army grading sporting athletes. This has seen Tim develop a comprehensive knowledge base across a range of musculoskeletal and sporting injuries. He is also trained by the APPI in Pilates and worked in a Pilates studio for several years. 

Tim’s move to Australia was influenced by the culture of the country and their love of physical activity and sport, and he is passionate in helping his clients to achieve their sports and activity related goals. 

Outside of work he is a keen golfer and cricketer. He is also planning to take up surfing so if you see him, please feel free to ask how that's going!

Shane Aiyer

Physiotherapist

Bachelor Physiotherapy (Honours)

Shane is a dedicated physiotherapist with diverse experience across regional NSW. He is passionate about helping his clients regain confidence in their movement and achieve their health-related goals.

In 2023, Shane completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Newcastle, which included a 12-month rural immersion program in Tamworth during his final year. As a sports trainer, he has worked with Hunter Junior Rugby, Newcastle Jets Academy, and Northern Inland Association of Sport, honing his skills in injury management and rehabilitation. Following his studies, Shane gained valuable experience working in a hospital setting on the South Coast of NSW, treating respiratory, neurological, orthopaedic, and geriatric patients. 

Shane has a particular passion for treating sporting and musculoskeletal injuries across all age groups, striving to help clients not only recover but exceed their pre-injury performance levels.

Outside of work, Shane is an avid sports enthusiast, with a love for cricket, AFL, and rock climbing. He also enjoys playing chess and unwinding with a good book by the beach.

Brendan Short

Fitness Manager | Exercise Scientist

Masters in Exercise Physiology - Current
Bachelor Exercise Science

Brendan joined the Evado studios fitness team after 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 is in his final year of a Masters degree in Exercise Physiology.

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 Denahy

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. 

Amber Demnar

Exercise Scientist | Personal Trainer

Masters in Exercise Physiology - Current
Bachelor Exercise Science

Amber is our allrounder Exercise Scientist / Fitness Instructor & Personal Trainer. Her experience ranges from instructing in an Exercise Physiology Clinic, working as an Assistant Physiotherapist in a Hospital Rehabilitation Unit and supporting our local aged and disability community as an Exercise Scientist. Amber thoroughly enjoys working amongst a multidisciplinary team to develop personalised programs for individuals to ensure positive outcomes in strength, fitness and recovery needs.

Amber commences a Masters of Physiotherapy or Exercise Physiology in 2025.

Her athletic journey began in all genres of dance at the age of 3, which further progressed into gymnastics and aerobics during high school years. This lead to becoming a National Champion in primary years as well as, later representing her high school at the National Aerobics Championships. In addition to this, Amber has volunteered as a Gymnastics Coach and represented both her primary and high schools in cricket, soccer, basketball, volleyball and netball as well as participating in local community club competitions. Her experience as an athlete in dance, gymnastics, aerobics and ball sports is a great fit with our Pilates, Fitness & Athletic Development Programs.

In her spare time, Amber enjoys participating in regular Pilates & Gym sessions as well as climbing Mt Tomaree and beyond. She also loves travelling and spending time with her partner, their dog Kaia, family & friends.

You will see Amber on the timetable taking Strength, Conditioning and Athlete Development; and in future some Fitness Pilates. Amber is also available for Personal Training.
 

Ellie Duffy

Exercise Scientist | Personal Trainer

Bachelor Exercise Science

Ellie is an enthusiastic Exercise Scientist who is thrilled to be part of the team at Evado. She is passionate about expanding her knowledge and career with plans to pursue further study of Exercise Physiology in the future.

With a lifelong love for sport and exercise, Ellie played AFL as a junior and is eager to return to the game, joining the Marlins Women's team this year. She maintains an active lifestyle, regularly going to the gym and developing a newfound passion for running, competing in the Hill to Harbour and City to Surf races in 2024.

Ellie is dedicated to helping clients improve their movement, strength, and overall well-being. She enjoys working with individuals of all fitness levels, supporting them in achieving their personal goals through evidence-based training and education.

Outside of work, Ellie loves spending time outdoors with family and friends. She has recently discovered a love for fishing and camping, thanks to her partner. Never one to sit still for long, she is always looking forward and pushing herself to new challenges. In her downtime, Ellie enjoys reading and baking.

Maddy Meeke

Administration Assistant