Meet the Elysium Team - Elysium Studio Pilates

Elyse MacDonald
Director & Principal Instructor | Elysium Studio Pilates

Elyse MacDonald is the Director and Principal Instructor of Elysium Studio Pilates and has been teaching Pilates and movement for over 15 years. She is recognised as a Level 4 Pilates Professional with the Pilates Alliance Australasia (PAA), one of the highest professional recognition levels within the industry, reflecting her extensive experience, qualifications, and commitment to ongoing professional development.

Elyse's passion for Pilates stems from her own journey. Following a career-ending back injury in 2011, she spent two intensive years undertaking rehabilitation through corrective exercise and Pilates. That experience shaped not only her approach to movement but also her philosophy of helping others return to doing what they love through intelligent, evidence-informed exercise.

With more than 30 years of dance experience, Elyse has performed and trained at the highest levels, including competing internationally at the Cowal Highland Gathering World Championships in Scotland and working alongside dancers from Bangarra Dance Theatre, the Australian Ballet School, and Sydney Dance Company's Graeme Murphy.

Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts (Dance) from the University of Western Sydney, a Diploma of Contemporary Pilates and Certificate IV in Mat Pilates through the Australian Pilates Method Association (APMA), a Diploma in Myofascial Slings from the Art of Motion Academy, and the internationally recognised Pre/Postnatal Pilates & Health and Exercise Specialist Certification through the Centre for Women's Fitness.

Elyse has developed particular expertise in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, shoulder and spinal conditions, strength training, pregnancy and postnatal exercise, and Myofascial Slings movement. She is passionate about helping clients restore optimal movement through carefully designed programs that build strength, confidence, and long-term function.

As an educator, Elyse brings this same philosophy into teacher training. Students learn Elysium's method of Pilates programming, developing the knowledge and confidence to safely adapt movement for a wide variety of clients and presentations. Her approach extends beyond simply teaching exercises, focusing instead on understanding movement, biomechanics, rehabilitation principles, and the art of teaching.

Health, movement, and wellbeing are at the heart of everything Elyse does. She is the embodiment of the Elysium philosophy, a name chosen not simply because it sounds beautiful, but because it represents "a place or state of perfect happiness." Elyse believes every person has the potential to experience this through purposeful movement, quality teaching, and a lifelong commitment to health.

Joleen

Pilates Instructor

Jolene embarked on her Pilates journey in 2012 following the birth of her two children, discovering a deep passion for mat Pilates that has only grown stronger over time. After a decade of practicing mat Pilates on and off, she fully committed to reformer Pilates in 2022, rarely missing a day since. This dedication led her to complete comprehensive teacher training in mat, reformer, and apparatus Pilates in early 2024. She is particularly passionate about introducing beginners to Pilates, finding joy in sparking new enthusiasts' passion for this transformative practice. She believes in the holistic benefits of Pilates, emphasizing its ability to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being in her classes, which she designs to be accessible and engaging for everyone. Outside of teaching, Jolene is an active community member both in and out of the studio. She enjoys a dynamic family life with her husband, their two teenagers, and their lively Bordoodle. Together, they often engage in outdoor activities such as bushwalking and mountain climbing around Canberra and beyond. Always eager to deepen her Pilates knowledge, Jolene continuously seeks opportunities for learning, whether through further training or exploring the fascinating history of Pilates.

Bekah

Pilates Instructor

Comprehensive Pilates Training Certification (Body Organics Eduction)

Bekah is a qualified Pilates instructor with an Advanced Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science, National Governing Body Level 2 coaching certificates, and an Advanced Diploma in Massage. She also holds a qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, which enhances her ability to deliver inclusive and educational sessions for clients of all levels. With years of experience in the sport, exercise, and health sector, Bekah has recently returned to the industry after taking time out to raise her children. She is passionate about helping others strengthen both body and mind through Pilates, with a focus on functional movement, longevity, and overall quality of life. Her approach is supportive, evidence-based, and tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs and goals.

Clayton

Pilates Matwork Instructor

Certificate IV in Polestar Pilates Matwork Instruction Method

Clayton has been a Pilates instructor since 2018. He has a background in personal training and as a strength and conditioning coach.

Clayton has also been riding and racing bicycles competitively most of his life. This has led him to race all over the world and throughout Australia, often in tough and unforgiving climates and conditions. The physical stress of competitive sports and, His experience with competitive cycling, led him to qualify as a Pilates instructor, due to his belief that Pilates can improve movement, strength and mobility – and, assist greatly with sports related injuries and conditions.

Clayton likes to see people develop maximum benefits from Pilates and will work with you to understand your background, including sports background and prior injuries, to help you derive the best results from Pilates for your individual needs. Although, no slacking off in the class – Clayton likes ensure everyone works hard to achieve best results and their best version of themselves through Pilates.

Clayton is running our Intermediate Matwork classes on Thursdays.

Heidi

Pilates Instructor

Heidi's journey into Pilates is as inspiring as her sessions. With a passion for empowering others, Heidi delights in reminding people of their worth and their incredible capabilities. Entering the Pilates world later in life, Heidi has embraced her calling with enthusiasm and dedication. She holds a deep-seated belief that it's never too late to start a journey toward wellness. As a certified Pilates instructor, Heidi is not just teaching techniques; she's inspiring a lifestyle. Her classes focus on movement that nurtures the body, enhancing well-being and encouraging a joyous approach to health. Heidi's commitment to motivating others to embrace a healthy, active lifestyle is contagious. Whether you're a beginner or looking to deepen your practice, Heidi's approachable style and insightful guidance make her classes a must-try. Join Heidi at Elysium and discover the transformative power of Pilates, where every session is an opportunity to celebrate your health and push the boundaries of what you can achieve.

Carmen

Pilates Instructor

Pilates Mat & Reformer Certification (Body Organics Education)

Carmen has been part of the fitness industry for over a decade and brings a holistic, supportive approach to movement and overall wellbeing. Her journey began as a fitness franchise owner and personal trainer, where she developed a strong understanding of how to support clients across all stages of their fitness journey. Originally a keen runner and yogi, a back injury led Carmen to explore lower-impact training methods that still offered strength, mobility and challenge. This exploration introduced her to mat Pilates and eventually reformer Pilates, where she found a sustainable and intelligent way to move, build strength and reduce injury. Carmen holds a Certificate IV in Fitness, along with mat and reformer Pilates certifications. She is passionate about helping people discover movement that feels good, builds confidence and supports long-term health. Whether someone is new to exercise, returning after injury, or looking to deepen their existing practice, Carmen’s goal is to create a welcoming and encouraging space where clients can move with purpose and feel empowered in their bodies.

Kerrie

Pilates Instructor

Certificate IV in Polestar Pilates Matwork Instruction Method
Diploma of Polestar Pilates Studio and Rehabilitation Method

Kerrie has been practicing Pilates since 1995. Her interest in assisting others to function at the best and her belief in benefits of Pilates drew her to further develop her knowledge and desire to qualify as a Pilates Instructor.

Personally she has experienced the benefits of pilates for both physical and mental wellbeing and sees pilates as an opportunity to keep your bodyfunctioning at its optimum. Being a keen skier who loves the outdoors she feels her skiing has been enhanced by pilates, including better physical strength, improved posture, and core strength.

Kerrie’s backgroun in Nursing, Massage and Kinesiology and her appreciation of holistic and alternate methods of wellbeing enhances her caring disposition which comes through when she instructs. Most importantly Kerrie will laugh with you, will make you feel welcome and help you feel renewed after joining her classes.

Jess

Pilates Instructor

Coming Soon

Elyse's Qualifications