Meet the Team
Meet the incredible team behind Thrive Petone — a group of passionate, experienced instructors who are here to guide, support, and inspire you on your movement journey. Click on each name below to learn more about the friendly faces leading your favourite classes.
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TRAINING: BASI
I’m Fi and I’m the proud owner of THRIVE Petone!
I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Theatre Dance for London Studio Centre before embarking on an international stage career, performing for over a decade in various shows as a dancer/singer.
The discipline of Pilates fundamentally influenced my approach to body conditioning & injury rehabilitation throughout my career as a professional performer. I obtained a comprehensive Pilates teaching qualification for Body Arts and Science International (BASI) Pilates method.
I apply a holistic approach to assisting clients to improve body conditioning, movement and overall wellbeing. My teaching style is enthusiastic, animated and encouraging with a keen eye for detail that adapts to the needs of each individual.
I enjoy working with ALL clients - whether you want to improve your strength, flexibility and movement or you simply want to experience the magic of Pilates!
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TRAINING: BASI , Stott, Polestar
https://www.bepilates.co.nz/stott-pilates
https://polestarpilates.co.nz/
I’ve been teaching Pilates for over 25 years, beginning with my introduction to it during dance school, where it enhanced our technique and performance. I graduated from the Royal Ballet School with a diploma in teaching ballet and began my career teaching ballet, tap, and jazz in Hong Kong. It was there that I earned my Pilates certification and transitioned into a full-time Pilates instructor role. Since then, I’ve helped establish Pilates studios in Paris, Bahrain, Jakarta, and New Zealand.
My teaching blends classical Joseph Pilates techniques with contemporary methods like Stott, Polestar, and BASI. I focus on flow, efficiency, and progressions, empowering clients to work at their own level while building strength and endurance.
Pilates is more than exercise—it’s an investment in lifelong wellness. It keeps the body agile, improves mood, and helps us age with grace and strength. For me, Pilates is a magical practice that fosters personal growth through movement and is the perfect antidote to stiffness and discomfort—after all, motion is lotion!
Pilates is a transformative and healing practice that I’m deeply passionate about. One of my greatest joys is watching clients take ownership of their workouts, discovering movements that align with their bodies. By engaging every joint, Pilates enhances agility and mobility, while also boosting mood and supporting overall well-being. It’s truly an investment in a healthier, more resilient future, especially as we age.
What’s not to love about Pilates?
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TRAINING: STOTT
https://www.bepilates.co.nz/stott-pilates
I started teaching Pilates in 2019 and haven’t looked back! While I’d always had a love for fitness (I was a fitness instructor before), an injury that neither my osteo or physio was able to fix led me to discover Reformer Pilates and helped me journey to a full recovery.
I love teaching group and private classes but also have a particular passion for Pregnancy Pilates. There’s something really special about helping women feel powerful and strong as they approach birth and motherhood.
My favourite thing about Thrive Wellington has to be the clients. We have a wonderful community of loyal clients who come time and time again because they see the benefits. When new clients start at Thrive, they’re immediately welcomed into that community. I’ve seen some really great friendships form between our clients after many lessons together. It’s a joy to watch!
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TRAINING: BASI
I’ve always loved teaching (I hold a Masters in Education) and now love that I get to apply that to teaching Reformer Pilates
Pilates helped me recover from surgery and that made me want to share the wellness it gave me with others. I love the way the practice of Pilates meets the body where it is on any given day - building strength, encouraging flexibility and supporting fitness.
Pilates practice allows people to go out and comfortably do all the daily stuff in their lives - rushing around after the kids, hunching over a computer, competing in sports etc.
Small Group Reformer Classes are my fave to teach. There's something great about the energy in the space when sharing something I delight in with others who delight in it too. It's a privilege to have the opportunity to share this practice with others. I feel extremely lucky
Thrive was the first studio I ever went to as a client. It's been incredible first attending as a client, then being supported by Thrive to train as an instructor and now having the opportunity to teach in the studio where my Pilates journey started.
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My love affair with Pilates began when a friend recommended she give it a try after welcoming her 3rd child. It wasn’t long before I was hooked, feeling stronger, more flexible, and full of energy. The mind-body connection and the focus on quality movement spoke directly to her background in dance and psychology—it was a perfect match!
After practicing for a number of year, I decided it was time to share my passion with others. I dove into comprehensive training with Polestar Pilates, where I deepened her understanding of the body and how it works its magic.
Today, I lights up seeing my clients transform, experiencing the incredible health and wellness benefits that Pilates brings. I’m here to guide you on a journey to a stronger, happier you!
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TRAINING: Classical Pilates
https://www.dynamicpilates.co.nz/
Being a Pilates instructor has been an incredibly fulfilling journey. Each class has allowed me to grow and connect with my clients in meaningful ways.
After sustaining a back injury, I discovered Pilates through physiotherapy. As I dedicated myself to weekly sessions for a full year, I not only fully recovered but developed a deep love for the practice. Pilates became an integral part of my life, and three years later, my passion for it remains as strong as it was from the very first session.
I love learning new things, and in Pilates, there’s always a new exercise or progression to master, which keeps me constantly engaged and inspired. I also love the ongoing refinement of breathwork, which is so essential for movement and mindfulness.
I love teaching small group classes and private one-on-one sessions. The personalised attention allows me to tailor the practice to each individual. Whether it’s refining technique, focusing on rehabilitation, or introducing progression, guiding my clients on their Pilates journey is something I truly enjoy.
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TRAINING: Body Balance
Originally from Italy and now a long-time Wellingtonian, I have been practicing Pilates since 2007.
I fell in love with how Pilates transformed my wellbeing—building strength, improving posture, reducing stress, and boosting mood.
Certified in Pilates Mat and apparatus through Balanced Body in 2015, I recently completed a diploma in Clinical Pilates and Rehabilitation in 2024. I bring a wealth of experience working with clients of all ages and abilities, including athletes, pre- and post-natal clients, and those recovering from surgery.
My teaching style is welcoming, supportive, and detail-focused, helping clients achieve their best alignment and movement. My dynamic, flowing classes are designed to challenge every level, from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners.
Join me to experience a positive energy and discover the transformative benefits of Pilates.
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TRAINING: Polestar
https://polestarpilates.co.nz/
Racheal is one of our most knowledgeable teachers!
Former owner of "Up Fitness" Xtend Barre studio on Jackson Street.
Racheal discovered Xtend Barre in 2012—a ballet-based workout that combines elements of dance, music, and Pilates to improve strength, coordination, and rhythm.
Incorporating her passion for movement and expertise in Pilates, Racheal is known for her ability to tailor exercises for clients of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. With her deep understanding of functional movement, she empowers clients to achieve strength and mobility while maintaining the principles of safety and balance.
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TRAINING: ITC
I’m Britt and I’m the proud owner of THRIVE Wellington.
I started my Pilates journey as a client over a decade ago and quickly became hooked!
Back in 2012, I completed my teacher training, and let’s be real: the first few years of teaching were a learning curve filled with anxiety about public speaking and imposter syndrome. Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else!
I’m super passionate about helping people understand that Pilates isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress, growth, and finding joy in the journey.
I thrive on the enthusiasm of clients who are eager to push their limits, but I also deeply value the clinical side of Pilates. Having watched my mother battle arthritis from a young age, I’m driven to help others find relief through movement. It’s incredibly fulfilling to guide people in managing pain and overcoming injuries, restoring their sense of well-being. Pilates truly is for everyone... and I mean everyone!
I pinch myself every day that I get to come to work at Thrive, in a space with such a vibrant community.