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.

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 has joined Evado Studios Nelson Bay after recently graduating with Honours from the University of Newcastle.

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

During her studies, she 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, gaining experience in managing acute sports injuries and developing injury prevention programs.

Natasha loves to collaborate with her clients to develop targeted goals and formulate treatment programs to help them overcome injury.

Natasha is also an experienced Pilates Instructor and enjoys assisting others to improve their fitness and health.
Having previously taught group reformer classes and specialty pre/post-natal classes, she will also be taking regular Fitness Pilates classes at Evado Studios. Keep an eye out for her on our fitness timetable!

Outside of work, Natasha enjoys doing a Pilates class, going to the beach and spending time with family.

Lachlan Mullen

APA Physiotherapist

Bachelor Physiotherapy

Lachlan is a very personable and driven physiotherapist who has joined Evado Studios Nelson Bay after recently graduating from the University of Newcastle.

Throughout his studies Lachlan has gained experience in variety of settings including orthopaedics, sports and musculoskeletal private practice and spent 6 months working with the Newcastle Knights.

His clinical interests encompass all musculoskeletal and sporting injuries, though he has a particular interest in rugby league; assisting athletes to re-achieve optimal performance when affected by injury.

He has a passion for educating clients on their diagnosis to improve treatment outcomes, in combination with a hands-on approach and exercise therapy to support their rehabilitative journey.

Lachlan grew up in the hunter valley and outside of work enjoys remaining as active as possible, with a vision of completing a triathlon and returning to the rugby field in the future.

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.

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.

Eden Houston

Administration Assistant

Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (currently studying)
Certificate 3 in Fitness (currently studying)

Eden is the main administration assistant at Evado Studios. You will find her working hard at reception and greeting everyone with a smile.

Eden is currently studying a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology and once graduated, she hopes to work with athletes and sporting teams to help them achieve their highest potential. She is also completing a Certificate 3 in Fitness and will soon be joining the fitness team to take small group classes. 

She has a passion for health and fitness and enjoys a range of sports including League Tag and Tennis. She also volunteers with the local Rugby League club Northern Hawks.

Karen Hall

Administration Assistant

Karen is a warm and friendly administration assistant with a passion for keeping fit and healthy. Having been a fitness client of Evado Studios when we first opened our doors, she can point you in the right direction to the services that will suit you. 

Her hobbies include dreaded cardio, running, hiking and cooking healthy meals. She also makes amazing chocolate!