‘If your practices give you a sense of expansion and joy, then they are the right practices for you.’
Internationally renowned teacher, teacher trainer and bestselling author Christina Brown teaches yoga, Pilates, barre and aerial classes. She is the author of 6 books on fitness and health. Christina created Transform as a sanctuary for people to positively shape their lives, to be nourished with love and support, to encourage them to step up where they can, or to be able to lay their hearts down to rest when they need. Each visit reminds a guest at Transform of their infinite potential and shines a light on how beautiful they are.
Christina has been practising Yoga since 1989 and teaching since 1996.
Since her first Yoga teacher trainings in 1995 and ‘96, she completed her Pilates teacher certification in 1999. In 2013 Christina obtained her Barre certification and went on to gain her aerial teaching certification. Christina adores teaching this variety of classes as it feels her creative spirit and she knows how good it is for body and soul for us to experience difference tastes and flavours in movement. Christina delights in tailoring her classes to suit the needs and ability of each student. Her students love her expert adjustments for postural correction and the chance to squeeze more juice out of their experience. Her students say her classes are both ‘like physiotherapy’ and ‘like having a day in a day spa’.
Christina has authored many books. The Classic Yoga Bible: The Definitive Guide to Yoga Postures, became a classic reference for those who appreciate quality yoga. It has been constantly in print for the past 20 years. It has sold millions and is available in more in a dozen foreign languages. Tracking the evolution of yoga in modern times, Christina wrote a companion volume, The Modern Yoga Bible: The Definitive Guide to Yoga Today. Published in 2017, this book has already been translated several times since.
Christina ran yoga teacher training courses for many years and yoga retreats led by Christina have been voted ‘Best in NSW’.
Christina is the founder and director of Transform where her classes are curated with love and her aim for each visitor is for them to appreciate their own good efforts and delight in their inner beauty. Transform has become a space where great friendships form, and that feels like a sanctuary should the outer world feel harsh.
Christina sees each person as perfect already and understands that sometimes their busy lives get in the way of clearly experiencing that feeling. Every class she teaches is an opportunity for each participant to experience that awe-inspiring sense of connection. It is this connection that will soothe your heart into peace and allow you to greet the world with wonder and joy.
“My aim is to make people feel good about themselves and their bodies. I coach in a positive, challenging way but always with kindness. My workouts are intended to make you feel good, strong & happy”
Petra Kennis owned her own Pilates and yoga studio in the Netherlands for many years. Then love struck when she and her husband visited Australia on a holiday. They fell in love with the country and people and decided to move their family to Sydney’s Northern Beaches where they have happily settled.
Petra has a unique skillset. She is phenomenal at reading bodies and she appreciates the individuality in each person. From this connection, her students deeply feel her support and love. Petra’s positivity floats around her and we are sure each of her lucky students will enjoy the experience and respect she feels as they get stronger and more supple.
Petra’s personal life motto is to embrace life, take it the way it comes and make the best of it!
“ There is no better reward than a smile from someone who is achieving their goals by getting fitter, stronger, healthier and happier with the place they are living in. Their own body.”
Elaine is a German trained physiotherapist. She believes that everyone can achieve their highest goals by getting to know, reconnecting, and strengthening their body, mind, and soul through Pilates. Her Pilates classes are well known for the great diversity of exercises. And there exists a good balance between strengthening and stretching every muscle of your body. With her background in physiotherapy, sports science, and teaching different classes, Elaine has taught everyone. From expectant mums to athletes. As such, she has a great awareness for her clients and loves tailoring the classes to exactly what her students want and need.
Elaine finds her own balance between fast, energetic team sports and her unwinding time on the Yoga mat.
‘Success is not the key to happiness, happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.’
Buddha
Katie has always had a passion for movement. She practiced ballet in Malaysia where she grew up. As a teen fell instantly in love with yoga after she moved to Australia. She journeyed to India for her Yoga Teacher Training in 2016 and completed her Barre Pilates Teacher Training in Sydney in 2018. Katie’s barre based pilates circuit classes welcome all levels — no need for any prior experience as she will guide you through her class leaving you feeling energised. In both barre and yoga she likes to focus on alignment and getting people in touch with their bodies and their potential. ‘What I love about Pilates Circuit is that is it a totally fun way to move your body in a way we aren’t used to, by fusing the best bits of different styles of exercise.
‘I love that the hammock helps you take your yoga poses further. I love how you can see and feel yourself becoming stronger and that it gives me support as well as more challenge when I need it.”
Louisa discovered aerial in 2019 and it was love at first flight. She went to every class she could possibly find before completing her first teacher training in early 2020. Louisa went on to do a more comprehensive aerial teacher training at the Aerial Fitness Institute.
Louisa appreciates the mental benefits as she found aerial calmed any natural anxieties and produced a sense of achievement.
“Yoga is thus not something we can make happen but something that happens to us. But it does not happen by accident”.
Bronwyn’s love of yoga started in high school in those times when yoga classes were still tucked away in quiet halls. Since then she completed a one year yoga teacher training devised by Christina Brown, founder of Transform and multiple other trainings, exploring all the trends and avenues of yoga
As her body has been in corporate roles for many decades, Bronwyn understands about that desk bound tightness. She also loves running and knows what stretches and moves work well to maintain healthy stride patterns. Bronwyn comes to the yoga mat with a deep understanding of how our bodies need nurturing and how our souls can thrive in the shared connections of the yoga space.
Bronwyn loves this quote by Donna Farhi who she has spent many hours with.
“Learning how to live deeply
Each moment of our daily life
Is our true practice”
– Thich Nhat Hanh
Martina loves how yoga delivers the full package of physical, mental and spiritual health.
Many years ago, Martina was an Environmental Scientist for a large engineering firm and she soon realised that the highlight of her day was her precious lunchtime yoga class, spent in conscious breathwork and movement.
Fast-forward a few years and she decided to become her first yoga teacher training, and then several course and retreats to expand her knowledge. Martina works with vinyasa yoga, a dynamic practice that connects one posture to the next using the rhythm of the breath, and also slower styles, where there is time to explore the more subtle aspects of the practice, like breathwork and meditation techniques.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world”
– Mahatma Gandhi.
Katie’s yoga classes will root you in the here and now. These feelings of being anchored will uplift your spirits simply because by becoming more mindful, you will feel naturally lighter.
Originally from Austria, Katie took her first steps into the expansive world of yoga nearly 10 years ago in South East Asia. This formed the beginning of her ongoing exploration of yoga, meditation and healing studies throughout Central America and Europe. Love brought Katie to Australia where she continued her deep dive into the physical practise of yoga.
For Katie the essence is being present in the moment. It’s about a conscious life lived mindfully and sustainably in tune with nature’s cycles. Katie’s students feel this through her calm spirit and soulful teachings which elevate them so they float happily out the door. Bliss!
“Dancing, moving, flying are not just body movements for me. Rather than just an exercise, it’s a belief, an attitude and a lifestyle for me. I plan to expand my student’s repertoire with new aerial movements, flows and tricks so we can all fly and dance together”
Chien’s bright and encouraging way of instruction, means her students can’t help but share her enthusiasm for aerial. Chien offers wonderful deep stretches and attainable strength building for beginners and she also loves to take her students on the journey to more advanced flows and flights.
“Selfcare is the foundation to taking care of ourselves, then others”.
Princess is passionate about movement and wellness and share this through teaching both Mat and Reformer Pilates. Her passion for Pilates has stemmed from working as a Diversional Therapist in the Aged care industry for over 8 years, which has inspired her to share the benefits of mobility, strength, and balance through both Pilates practices. You can expect gentle flows with some cheeky spice to burn those muscles in the best way possible! Her classes will leave you feeling energised and positive to either start, get through or finish your day!
Avid freediver Mira says, “Being in the ‘here and now’ is cultivated by asanas, pranayama, meditation and true alignment of our bodies, emotions and our mind. In that way we are also building healthy and kind connections with others and acceptance of the cycles of change.”
Mira has been meditating and studying body and breath based healing techniques for over two decades. She is a trained mental health professional, therapist and mindfulness practitioner as well as a Hatha Yoga and a Yin yoga teacher. She is also trained in sound healing and myofascial release. Mira has always been passionate about building and sharing a peaceful and open-hearted way of living with others. She brings a sense of joy and simplicity to her classes and believes yoga is for everyone, as the yogic lifestyle extends well beyond the yoga studio and leads to living life in the present moment.
“Change happens through movement, and movement heals.”
Maryna has a bachelor’s degree in fitness and recreation, plus certificates 3 and 4 in fitness. It has been the world of Pilates that truly captured Maryna’s heart so she continued her studies to certify in both Mat and Reformer techniques through the International Pilates School.
Maryna’s unique approach places a strong emphasis on technique and functional movement, culminating in a diverse array of high-quality workouts tailored to the individual needs of my clients. Her mission to kindle your curiosity for movement to forge a deeper connection with your body and improve overall wellness. Maryna’s kind and caring nature, and the delightful stretches she incorporates into her classes will help you unearth your fittest most confident self.
Charlotte discovered Aerial in 2020 and found it a safe haven from the stresses of study. She loved that it was a time to chill and relax as well as learn new skills and become more in tune with her body. Charlotte went on to complete her aerial yoga teaching certification through the Aerial Fitness Institute while also undergoing an in studio apprenticeship for 12 months.
When Charlotte is not upside down in a hammock or studying you can find her at the beach soaking up some sun and getting some positive vibes to bring into all her classes.
With 20 years Pilates Mat and Reformer teaching experience, Vivian has a passion for movement and the freedom it provides. She studied in Florida and is certified in both Polestar education and Power Pilates. With clear instruction and a warm welcoming energy, Viv is excited to educate her students in best biodynamics to bring their bodies to life.
Flor S
Flor teaches a flow and slow flow style of yoga. However even though the movement she shines the light on yoga as a space to pause and listen to your authentic self. A perfect counterbalance to the fast and busy life that so many lead. Flor experiences yoga as a beautiful act of love and compassion for the Self. To share this sense of your practice being a sacred and healing space is always Flor’s intention for each and every student in her classes.
“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” — The Bhagavad Gita
After first discovering aerial yoga as a means of recovery and relief from chronic illness, Steph pursued her passion and achieved her aerial yoga teaching certification through the Aerial Fitness Institute. Steph believes that turning up to your practice with an open mind is all takes on your personal journey to your best self. She loves the excitement and energy that her aerial students bring to the class and Steph’s fun and bubbly personality will help you feel at ease and her empathetic nature will help encourage and guide you to challenge your mind and body.
When Steph’s not in the hammock or on the mat, she enjoys exploring the outdoors and getting creative.
“Yoga is the art work of awareness on the canvas of body, mind, and soul.”
Lauren Falconer has been teaching flowing Hatha yoga for the past 15 years.
Lauren’s classes are beautifully sequenced with flowing movements in and out of postures, working to develop core strength, balance and flexibility. Focusing on conscious breath awareness throughout the class & always connecting back to your inner wisdom and guidance.
Lauren loves to encourage her students to practice according to how they feel, with the intention to serve themselves physically, mentally & emotionally.
Lauren has taught excellent mum and bubs classes for many years and is a passionate pre and postnatal specialist, birth educator, spiritual mentor & doula. She is the founder of The LifePod and Spirit Birth.
Lauren completed her an Advanced Diploma of Health and Yoga over 4 years at Nature Care College under the guidance of Mark Breadner and many other internationally renowned teachers.
Yoga and Pilates teacher Bec has been working as a fitness instructor since 1996. Inspired by her desire to live a healthier, happier life, her journey has been a continuous exploration of many different facets of wellness.
Rebecca’s passion is to help educate, guide and inspire people through their well being journey. She believes yoga and Pilates are two of the best tools to connect inwardly and expand self-awareness. Her artful fusion of yoga and Pilates with health coaching lends support, guidance and encouragement while connecting body mind and spirit.
Having studied with a number of internationally renowned teachers, Rebecca has cultivated an earnest devotion to her own spiritual practice, which she considers her primary value. She believes that without this, she would be unable to serve with the balance and integrity that she brings to her clients. Bec is also a holistic health coach. She recently spent four years working in Thailand at a wellness retreat centre helping people change their lives for the better.
Rebecca has been teaching fitness for most of her adult life. She trained as a Pilates teacher in 2008 after retiring from a professional fitness career which saw her travelling all over the world, coaching other fitness trainers.
Rebecca is classically trained, however she likes to bring an element of athleticism to her Pilates classes that will challenge students, and offer opportunities for growth. She believes balance is the key to life and this philosophy underpins her workouts, which are always balanced between the core, hips and back, plus a well-designed stretch.
Rebecca brings a wealth of teaching knowledge to her Pilates workouts, and with her meticulous instructions, you are sure to feel muscles you have never felt before. This knowledge, combined with routines set to music, make Rebecca’s classes fun and something to look forward to each week.
Vicky has been teaching in yoga since 2009 and has had the privilege of being trained by many of the worlds most renowned Yoga Teachers, always with a beginner’s mind and continuing to learn.
Her dynamic, alignment focused classes use a unique blend of styles taken from her varied background, aiming to challenge and nurture each student with a safe and sustainable practice, based on the belief there is an appropriate yoga practice for every body.
Vicky’s love of yoga and thirst for knowledge has lead to her complete more than advanced specialist yoga courses including many varied and interesting teacher trainings. She uses this knowledge to progress each student’s practice with a focus on technique and alignment in an approachable and playful way, inviting her students to move deeper with curiosity and awareness.
An aerial teacher since 2019, Nadean’s classes are dynamic and playful. Nadean has a wonderfully encouraging energy which all her students appreciate.
Nadean leads beginners to great things with her with clear step-by-step instructions. Nadean is also a master at helping her all her high flyers enjoy their journey as they progress and conquer creative moves they never thought possible.
“Anyone can do barre, not just someone from a dance background – you just have to love moving to music, and the exercise will follow.”
Heidi’s classes are full of nurturing and love and we are delighted to welcome her in leading our Sunday yin yoga class
Heidi fell in love with yoga more than fifteen years ago. Since then she has studied and practiced here in Australia, India, Guatemala and the United States, including three years spent teaching at her own studio in New York City.
She is excited to share all the love and light that yoga offers with the Transform community!
“Healthy living starts from the inside-with body and mind connected and working in harmony.
Do the inner work, and the results will reflect on the outside in how you look and feel.”
Ali understands that mobility is a vital ingredient to spinal and bodily health and loves to incorporate a range of movements into her classes to build strength and increase mobility. Ali knows how Pilates practice will keep your body moving well, which will keep your body balanced and in turn prevent injury.
Ali first discovered and fell in love with Pilates over 20 years ago. Pilates helped her recover from a frozen shoulder injury which then led her undertake her teacher training, graduating in 2012.
“If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old.
If it is completely flexible at 60, you are young.”
– Joseph Pilates