Faculty

FIAFitnation instructors all hold extensive qualifications and many have over 10 years of hands-on industry experience.

A strength of FIA/Fitnation is our committed and highly experienced teaching staff. Driven by their passion for the fitness industry, our team ensures FIA/Fitnation students are amongst the most highly regarded fitness professionals in the industry. We pride ourselves on our innovative and advanced curriculum developed and delivered by our professional, qualified and committed staff. Our lecturing and administration staff are specialists in their relative fields with first-hand knowledge of their industry.

By selecting only the finest practitioners to join our staff, we can ensure students are receiving not only the highest quality, but also the most relevant education and support.

• Dr Paul Batman PhD., MSc., BSc., DipPhysEd., DipEd

  Paul has spent over 20 years lecturing in Universities throughout Australia and overseas. He has earned a reputation as one of the most experienced and sought after lecturers in the fitness industry. Paul has a Ph.D. in Exercise Science and is the author of 5 books, over 100 magazine and journal articles and has made over 1,000 public presentations on all aspects of fitness education.

• Paul Bulatao BExSc., DipEd (PHDHPE), Dip Weight Loss Practitioner, Cert IV Fitness, CIV Workplace Trainer and Assessor

  Paul has been involved in the fitness industry for 7 years having previous experience in working with a number of Australia’s leading registered training organisations as the Learning and Development Manager and has extensive knowledge with numerous health and fitness centers as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. Currently he keeps busy as the National Training Manger for Contours where he delivers corporate training, operational training support and presents fitness accreditation courses to over 150 franchisees nationally. Paul is also currently the presenter for the group exercise course, assessor for the CIII and teaches cycle for Fitness First clubs in Sydney.

• Mark Deaves M.Ost., BSc., (Osteopathy) Dip.Ex.Sc., Cert IV Fitness, Cert IV Workplace Training and Assessment

  
Mark is a practicing Osteopath at Walker St Fitness First North Sydney as well as having an extensive background as a personal trainer, fitness centre director and Navy Clearance Diver. Mark also works with elite dancers and cyclists as well as lecturing in the FIA education courses on the following topics: Group Exercise (fitness), Fitness Assessments, Posture Profiling, Exercise rehabilitation. Corrective Exercise Prescription, Resistance Training and Advanced Aerobic Conditioning. Mark was one of the first graduates of the FIA Diploma of Exercise Science and one of the first professional trainers to receive his Certificate IV in Fitness and Certificate IV Assessment and Workplace Training. He has since completed Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy) and Master of Osteopathy.

• Rob Devereux MSc (Exercise & Nutrition Science), BA Spts Studies

  Rob received the AsiaFit “Asian Fitness Professional of the Year” award in Nov 2002, he also created and implemented the in-house fitness training courses and continuing education curriculum for all fitness instructors, personal trainers, and membership consultants for California Fitness for the Asia region. Rob has presented frequent corporate seminars and written numerous articles on exercise and health related topics and has lectured for the University College Chester (UK) on the post graduate program in Exercise and Nutrition Science and continues to present at International Fitness Conferences.

• Lauren Fink BPhysio

  Lauren graduated from Latrobe University in 2005 and immediately launched her career combining her love of fitness and exercise with her extensive knowledge of the body, gained through her physio degree. She has always loved working with pregnant women, ensuring that safe exercise options don’t have to be boring, so that women are motivated to continue exercising throughout pregnancy and beyond. Lauren ensures her classes are loads of fun, and enjoys being able to share her extensive knowledge to ensure women everywhere have access to safe, correct exercise advice.

• Trent Harris AdDipRemMassag, DipRec, Cert IV Fitness

  Trent has an Advanced Diploma in Remedial Massage (Myotherapy), Diploma of Recreation and Certificate IV in Fitness.  He presents the Exercise Science and Client Screening subject for Fitnation while maintaining his industry knowledge through his myotherapy and personal training business. 

• Paul Haslam BSpSc., BPE, CSCS

  Paul has been an 'A' grade Olympic Lifter, placing second at the 1980 National titles. He has twice been Australian Heavyweight Body Building Champion(IFBB) and represented Australia in International competitions. Paul has worked in the fitness industry for over 23 years, from aerobics instructor to Fitness Centre owner. He holds a degree in Physical Education, a Sports Science degree (with Merit) and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist(NSCA/USA). Paul has worked as Strength Coach and Assistant Conditioner with the South Sydney RLFC, as well as private training of athletes at all levels of competition from juniors through to Olympians.  Paul currently conducts a popular personal training business, operating mainly from City Gym, Sydney.

• Brett Jones BAppSci

  Brett has a Bachelor of Applied Science and Graduate Diploma in Sports Coaching.  He has an impressive background in the area of coaching and disabilities and is currently the National Coach of Athletics Australia Paralympic Preparation Program. He lectures in the area of exercise programming and resistance training.

• Carolyn Knights AssDipAppSci (Sports Science), Dip Remedial Massage, Cert IV Fitness, Cert IV Workplace Trainer and Assessor

  Carolyn is a qualified and accredited massage therapist, personal trainer and weight management coach and level 2 SMA sports trainer. She has over 25 years experience in the health and fitness industry. Carolyn has a wealth of experience in both massage therapy and fitness training. She has travelled overseas and in Australia as a massage therapist /sports trainer for the NSW Veterans and Australian Veterans hockey squads over the past 9 years. Carolyn is also the sports trainer for Camden Netball Association and representative fitness trainer for Campbelltown Netball Association.

• Trent Knights B.App.Sci (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Diploma Remedial Massage, Diploma of Chi Balancing Massage (Chinese Tui Na)

  Trent is a qualified and accredited massage therapist, acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist. He has 6 years experience in the massage therapy and alternative health industry. Trent has attended various carnivals across the state as a sports trainer/ massage therapist. He has had the pleasure of training a variety of students during their massage clinical hours with great success. Trent traveled to China to complete his Chinese medicine training and developed a host of new skills training in Nanjing provincial hospitals Tui Na (Chinese remedial massage) department for a number of weeks.

• Fiona Leard MSpSc, BSpSc (ExSc), DipAppSc (Nursing)

  Fiona has over 10 years experience working with athletes in the areas of fitness testing, stability training, pilates and now specialises in Sports Specific Yoga for elite and Olympic athletes. She has a Nursing background, a Masters Degree in Sports Science and is a Certified Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga Teacher. She has previously worked with Cardiac Rehabilitation and Clinical Exercise Prescription, Corporate Health and Education Programs and currently teaches group and private classes in a variety of health and fitness settings.

• Chloe Lorback BPhysio, MWH

  Chloe graduated with Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Melbourne University in 1997and has recently completed her Masters in Women’s Health, as well as having additional qualifications in clinical pilates. 
Her physiotherapy practice, Fit to Deliver, specializes in maternal health. Chloe also lectures to the Melbourne University 4th year physio’s and presents lectures to post grad/ masters students at Melbourne University.
Chloe is a dynamic presenter in the areas of pre and post natal exercise and pilates.

• Lucy Mallia MA (Hons), BA (Hons), PGCE

  Lucy has spent over 10 years lecturing Sport and Exercise Science at Collegiate and University level. Her main teaching expertise is with exercise physiology, coaching science and fitness and health for children.  Lucy has worked as a sport specific personal trainer working with athletes on core stability training and functional fitness Pilates and has worked with a range of Special Populations including ageing, pre and post natal and cardiac rehabilitation.  Lucy also has a background in group exercise including spin, core conditioning, swiss ball training and Les Mills Body Pump. Lucy has devised and implemented training programs for teachers and lecturers and is an internal verifier assisting companies on quality assurance in the UK. 

• Marietta Mehanni

  Marietta is a qualified personal trainer and group exercise instructor and is considered one of Australia’s leading presenters and an expert in group exercise, aqua and swissball instruction. While she still instructs several classes in centres across the Melbourne metropolitan area, the demands of her work as an international presenter has meant she has had to cut back in this area. Marietta is a brilliant communicator and motivator and has an excellent understanding of the fitness industry. She lectures in group exercise and swissball exercise instruction.

• Angela Milhellis BSc (Psych)

  Unique, creative and successful describe Angela Milhellis’s approach to teaching group exercise. Her extensive teaching experience and background in aerobics, dance and competitive sport allows her to inspire FIA students. Angela is a dynamic presenter whose individual style, energy and personality ranks her among the best in the business today. Angela has a dance/aerobic background of almost 30 years, which when coupled with over ten years working experience within the industry, provides a strong grounding for technical execution and presentation.  . Angela has achieved an honours qualification in all ballet grades and has competed in and won many studio and dance company events.

• Lauren Nugent

  Lauren Nugent has been a practicing dietitian for over 6 years, working in both clinical dietetics and sports nutrition. She has experience in private practice, hospitals, nursing homes and has more recently worked in a psychology practice to further her knowledge of the psychological impact of food and nutrition. Lauren currently works for the Australian Institute of Sport as the Sports Dietitian for Sprint Canoe/Kayak and Squash. She also holds a management role as the Sports Science and Sports Medicine Coordinator for Sprint Canoe. Lauren consults on all general dietetic issues such as weight loss or gain, diabetes, cholesterol and lifestyle modification and is a keen presenter of nutrition lectures to corporate groups, athletes, coaches and the general public on a variety of nutrition topics. Lauren enjoys making presentations interactive and fun to ensure all participants go home learning something useful!

• Jane O’Brien

  Jane has over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. She has degree qualifications in Human Movement and is an exercise science specialist. Jane is an experienced and knowledgeable presenter in all areas of personal training and fitness instruction. Her outstanding communication skills have also lead to her presenting on radio sports channels. She lectures in the field of fitness evaluation and is a key assessor for our Certificate III and IV in Fitness courses.

• Sebastian Oreb DipFit., Dip., Remedial Massage, Cert IV Fitness Personal Trainer

  Sebastian is one of Australia’s leading Personal Trainers. He specialises in fat loss, rehabilitation, body building, nutritional advice and the conditioning of elite athletes, he is also currently studying for a degree in Exercise Science at ACU. Sebastian has always been into sports and strength training but was working behind a desk from 9 to 5 doing something he didn’t enjoy. A friend convinced him to come and study with FIA and he has been a personal trainer ever since. He currently assists with all practical workshops conducted in the Cert III and IV Fitness.

• Sara Pazell BAppSc(OT), MBA, Cert IV Fitness

  Sara has completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy, a Masters in Business Administration, Strength and Conditioning Specialist qualification, Certificate IV in Fitness and also has an Advanced Diploma in Yoga teaching and is certified to teach Pilates, as well as being the director of L’Amour Yoga Institute.  She is also a business course facilitator for the Australian Institute of Management.  Sara lectures in the area of business management and pre and post natal exercise.

• Jennifer Pender-Brookes BBus(Mgt/Mar)

  Jennifer has a Bachelor of Business Management and Marketing and completed studies in Communications at RMIT in Melbourne. She has eighteen years experience in event management and outdoor recreation, having owned three sports and recreation-based businesses and travelled to over sixty countries organising physical activities for some of the world’s wealthiest people. Jennifer is currently the director of Urban Survivor Group Fitness, a business that specializes in outdoor group fitness, health retreats, team-building and adventure-based events for individuals, sports groups, schools and corporate customers. She is also the director of Funseekers Australia Pty Ltd, which is the parent company of two associated businesses- Rightman Introductions and Funseekers Social, Adventure and Multi-Activity Club. Jennifer lectures in the area of Personal Training Business Essentials.

• Carolyn Preiss

  Carolyn has completed qualifications in fitness, small business management and life coaching.  She operates her own business as a consultant and trainer in health and fatigue management.  Carolyn presents the business

• James Raftos Cert IV Fitness – Personal Trainer

  The areas of fitness that I am currently working in are mainly gym floor resistance training and programming for all specific needs e.g.hypertrophy, fat loss, strength and sports specific training. The fitness industry was a passion for me as I started training at martial arts, gymnastics and power lifting at the age of 11. I have been in the industry for over 25 years. The FIA made me a professional in the industry,in which I have been working full time for 5 years and I love what I do very much. I have stopped competing now but have many clients who still compete in various sports

• Andrew Richardson MSpSc., BSpSc., AssDipAppSc., Cert.IV Assessor & Workplace Training

  Andrew is a former 10 x National Champion in the sport of Judo, representing Australia at Commonwealth, World and Olympic Games. He has also been a National Team Coach and Manager at a number of events, including the Commonwealth Game and World Titles. A former lecturer in Sports Science at the UNSW for 7 years, Andrew is a popular lecturer in all FIA Fitness Education Courses. He has a wealth of practical experience and theoretical knowledge, especially in the areas of fitness profiling, resistance training, sports conditioning and exercise program design.

• Wayne Rodgers BPhysio

  Wayne is a Sports Physiotherapist and Fitness Coach with over 20 years experience in the health and fitness industries. He has been sports physiotherapist to several national and international sports teams including the Australian Netball team and the Australian Commonwealth Games team.  Currently based at Sunshine Coast Sports Physiotherapy and Health Adventure Fitness Coaching in Sunshine Beach (Noosa), he has a special interest in functional strength training concepts and assessment and rehabilitation of the shoulder region. He is regular and popular presenter to corporate audiences, physiotherapists and personal trainers throughout Australia. With an ability to convert complex messages into simple concepts and strategies he teaches that high performance in achieved through personal empowerment

• John Schell MSc. (Hons), BSc., DipPhysEd. Senior FIA Assessor

  John has been a lecturer in Tertiary education for over 27 years, the last 10 years as a Senior Lecturer in Exercise Science at the University of NSW. John lectured in Exercise Physiology and Physical Fitness Assessment. He co-authored the textbook "Physical Fitness Assessment in Exercise and Sport Science" (2nd Ed. 1994), which is used by a number universities as their preferred course text. John is an accredited Exercise Test Technologist with the American College of Sports Medicine.

• Tim Henwood PhD, BSc (HMS-Hon1), BSc (Sp&ExSci), MAAG, MESSA, EP

  Tim has a degree in Human Movement Studies and also a PhD in Exercise Gerontology.  He lectures for Fitnation in the area of exercise for older adults.  Tim was awarded his PhD for his work investigating the benefits of long-term high-intensity resistance training in independent living adults 65 years and older. Presently, Tim Henwood is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the University of Queensland & Blue Care Research & Practice Development Centre and the Project Officer for the Queensland Hub of the ARC/NHMRC Research Network in Ageing Well. In addition to a significant research schedule investigating physical activity in residential aged care facilities, he is procative in national agenda to increase ageing awareness

• Dr. Gail Trapp  PhD., MSpSc. (Hons), BSpSc., AssDipAppSc., DipTeach.

  Gail lectures in the FIA's Fitness Leader Education Program and Continuing Education Program, specialising in gentle exercise, fitness assessment and special populations. Gail has been an aerobic/circuit instructor for fourteen years, is currently a University lecturer in Sports Science and has recently completed her Ph.D. in Exercise Science.

• Nathan Wade BAppSc (SpSci)

  Nathan completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Sports Science and Coaching.  He has 17 years experience working in the fitness industry and he is the director of Pure Fitness Training Studio that specializes in providing services for individual athletes, schools, sporting academies and corporate health.  Nathan has worked in strength and conditioning with the Brisbane Strikers and the Queensland Academy of Sport programs of soccer and tennis.  He has also worked with the Australian Paralympic squads and is currently the strength and conditioning consultant to the Kelvin Grove School of Excellence program in soccer.  He lectures for Fitnation in the areas of resistance programming and exercise for children.