More Than Just Movement: Exercise Physiology That Changes Lives
At The Active Studio, we believe in the power of movement to heal, strengthen and transform. Since 2018, we've supported our community with personalised, evidence-based care—combining clinical expertise with real human connection. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, recovering from surgery, or simply want to feel confident in your body again, we’re here to help you take that first step—without judgement, pressure or guesswork.
From One Client to a Thriving Community
The Active Studio began in 2018 with a simple goal—to provide expert, compassionate care that truly makes a difference. After years working with elite and adolescent athletes, Nicola realised her heart was in clinical work, especially supporting older adults and people managing long-term health conditions.
When the clinic she worked at closed its doors, a group of loyal clients asked to keep training with her—and that was the sign she needed. With a passion for evidence-based care and a desire to offer something more personal, Nicola took the leap and opened The Active Studio.
It wasn’t always easy—especially hiring her first full-time team member just before the 2020 lockdowns hit—but through every challenge, the vision stayed clear: to offer high-quality, affordable, and accessible care that puts people first.
Today, The Active Studio is home to a growing team of dedicated professionals, all driven by the same mission—to help people move better, feel stronger, and live with confidence.
OUR MISSION & VALUES
Empower Your Journey. Prioritise Your Health. Live Fully.
Our mission is to guide you towards a life of resilience, strength and balance. We are here to help you embrace growth, rediscover confidence and move forward with optimism and purpose.
OUR VALUES
Our Compass for Care
To create a supportive space where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to take control of their health through clinical exercise. We're redefining what it means to feel strong—in body, mind, and life.
✔ Evidence-Based Care
Every session is grounded in science. We use proven methods to deliver safe, tailored exercise that creates lasting change.
✔ Compassion & Connection
We build real relationships—because people do better when they feel supported, understood, and truly cared for.
✔ Progress & Empowerment
We meet you where you're at and move at your pace. No pushing. No pressure. Just support, strategy, and encouragement.
OUR VALUES
Our Compass for Care
You’re not here for a quick fix or a generic gym program. You’re here because you want to move better, feel stronger, and be supported by people who truly understand your body and your goals.
At The Active Studio, we offer more than just exercise—we offer expert care, real connection, and long-term results.
We're not personal trainers—we're allied health professionals with the knowledge to support complex conditions, injury rehab, and long-term change. If you're looking for real, sustainable progress, you're in the right place. Our team listens first, plans second, and adapts always.
When you choose The Active Studio, you’re choosing a team that understands your journey, meets you where you’re at, and helps you move forward—literally. With a focus on exercise medicine, collaborative care, and ongoing support, we’re your partner in health.
We take the time to get to know you. Your goals, your fears, your lifestyle—it all matters.
MEET THE TEAM
Our Trusted Exercise Physiologists
Nicola Begley (Pithers)
Owner & Director & Senior Exercise Physiologist
The powerhouse behind The Active Studio.
As the owner and director of The Active Studio, Nicola isn’t just leading the way—she’s driven to redefine what it means to deliver expert, compassionate care in exercise physiology.
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist with a Master’s in Exercise Medicine (Oncology), Nicola’s passion lies in using exercise as medicine to help people move better, feel stronger, and live healthier—no matter their age or stage of life.
With a deep commitment to exercise across the lifespan, Nicola empowers individuals to stay active well into older age.
Nicola has done extensive training in exercise oncology, chronic fatigue, osteoporosis and bone health as well as women's health (pregnancy, menopause, endometriosis...and so much more). She spent her early career working with adolescents and elite athletes and holds a full studio pilates certification.
Beyond the clinic, Nicola’s love for movement runs deep—she’s a former NSW and Australian representative in aerobic gymnastics.
Nicola doesn’t just lead—she lifts everyone around her. Whether it’s mentoring her team, supporting her clients, or pushing the boundaries of allied health , she brings an energy that is impossible to ignore.
When she’s not in the clinic, you’ll find her strength training , playing netball, chasing an adventure outdoors or travelling the world with a margarita in hand.
Aaron Jullien
Clinical Manager & Senior Exercise Physiologist
As Senior Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Clinical Manager at The Active Studio, Aaron is dedicated to helping people move well, recover strong, and stay active for life.
He has developed a special interest in musculoskeletal and orthopaedic rehabilitation, working extensively with clients recovering from joint replacement surgeries for knees, hips, and shoulders.
Aaron is also passionate about cardiovascular health, having led hospital-based cardiac rehab programs to support individuals recovering from heart surgery.
His experience in both musculoskeletal and cardiac rehab allows him to design safe, effective, and individualised programs that help clients regain confidence in their movement and overall health.
With a background in powerlifting and strength & conditioning for sprinters, Aaron brings a strong foundation in resistance training, weightlifting, and Pilates-based movement to his clinical approach.
He tailors his programs to suit each individual, whether they’re rebuilding strength after surgery, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to improve their overall fitness.
Outside of the clinic, Aaron is kept on his toes by his two young boys, spending his free time chasing them around the beach and skateparks.
When he’s not running after his kids, you’ll find him lifting weights, running, or embracing any activity that keeps him moving.
Aaron’s philosophy? Exercise isn’t just about rehab—it’s a lifelong endeavour for strength, health, and longevity.
Amanda King
Senior Exercise Physiologist
Amanda has been part of The Active Studio family since the beginning.
You may remember her when she was a client participating in classes daily and a few years ago she agreed to join the family officially as one of our senior clinicians.
Amanda has a strong interest and vast experience in musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain rehabilitation.
She is our resident pilates queen and loves teaching both matwork and reformer classes as well as 1on1 pilates.
She is a certified level 3 Parkinson's Disease Warrior Instructor and has further education in Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Real time Ultrasound and most recently management of whiplash disorders.
What can't this girl do! When she's not at work, Amanda loves being outdoors walking or running , at the beach and surrounded by food and dogs
Courtney Yelds
Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Courtney is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist originally from the beautiful coastal town of Merimbula, on the far south coast of NSW. Her journey into the world of exercise physiology began in 2019 with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science at RMIT University, followed by a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Deakin University, completed in 2023.
With over six years of experience in the health and fitness industry, Courtney has worked as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, exercise scientist, and allied health assistant. Her background is grounded in strength training and pilates, allowing her to draw from a broad skill set to support clients across all stages of health and fitness. Courtney has also completed further education in pilates rehabilitation and women’s health, enhancing her ability to provide tailored support through various life stages, including pregnancy and postpartum.
Passionate about movement as medicine, Courtney takes a client-centred approach—offering personalised guidance and encouraging long-term behaviour change. She brings a warm, empathetic energy to every session and deeply values the opportunity to walk alongside each client on their journey to better health and improved quality of life.
Outside of working at the studio Court enjoys being by the beach, spending time with family/friends & practicing what she preaches through engaging in a variety of activities including: strength training, pilates, running, touch footy & tennis.
Jessie Langford
Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Jessie is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, graduating with Distinction from UNSW in 2022. With a lifelong passion for movement and the human body, she brings both clinical knowledge and personal experience to every session she delivers.
Jessie’s background in competitive gymnastics and acrobatics spans 13 years, including six consecutive years representing NSW at the National Championships. It was through her own experiences with overuse injuries that she developed a strong passion for musculoskeletal rehabilitation and body mechanics.
Having felt overlooked as a young athlete navigating injuries, Jessie is now deeply committed to ensuring her clients feel heard, understood, and empowered in their own health journey. She loves helping people understand how and why their body moves the way it does and how to move better, for longer.
Whether it’s restoring strength, improving mobility, or managing injury, Jessie is all about tailored, evidence-based exercise that meets her clients where they’re at. She’s passionate about creating a space that’s welcoming, fun, and empowering.
When she’s not in the clinic, you’ll find Jessie training in the gym or running laps with her dad, spending time with her family, soaking up the sun at the beach or cheering at the footy
With her positive energy, elite movement background, and genuine care, Jessie brings something special to The Active Studio team. She is always happy to chat and teach a handstand or two!
Jessica Raiti
Accredited Exercise Physiologist
With over six years of experience in the health and fitness industry, Jess is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist who is passionate about helping people move, feel, and live better.
With a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology, Jess is currently undertaking research at the University of Sydney, with a focus on autoimmune and metabolic conditions.
Jess brings a deep commitment to supporting individuals with complex needs—particularly those navigating metabolic or neurological health challenges.
She combines clinical expertise with the latest research to deliver personalised, evidence-based care that empowers her clients to achieve long-term health outcomes.
Driven by her own passion for physical and mental resilience, Jess actively competes in bodybuilding and embraces new challenges as opportunities for growth.
Her empathetic, motivating approach makes her a trusted and inspiring presence at The Active Studio.
Maddison Stojanovski
Accredited Exercise Pysiologist
Maddy is a passionate Exercise Physiologist who thrives on helping clients improve their health and lead active, balanced lives.
Alongside her clinical work, Maddy has spent the last eight years teaching dance - an extension of her lifelong love of dance and creative expression.
Growing up dancing from the age of 6, Maddy has always loved staying active and sharing the love of movement and exercise with her clients and peers.
Having recently graduated from the University of Sydney, Maddy is keen to apply new knowledge, research and strategies to manage complex health conditions and support people in making meaningful lifestyle changes.
Known for her warm, approachable nature, Maddy loves building strong rapport with clients and tailoring personalised programs to achieve their unique goals and positive health outcomes.
Harper Kelso
Accredited Exercise Pysiologist
Harper brings energy, creativity and a genuine love of movement to The Active Studio team. Growing up in Byron Bay, he developed an early connection to sport, the outdoors and staying active before moving to Brisbane in 2021 to study Exercise Physiology at The University of Queensland.
With a diverse background spanning circus coaching, group Pilates instruction, paediatrics and general exercise physiology, Harper has worked with a wide range of clients across different ages and abilities. This breadth of experience has shaped his adaptable, people-first approach to care and his ability to meet clients exactly where they are.
Harper has a particular passion for musculoskeletal rehabilitation, helping clients rebuild strength, restore confidence and better understand how their bodies move. He truly believes that exercise participation is one of the most empowering and productive things a person can do, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. His sessions are thoughtful, tailored and grounded in helping people feel capable and in control of their own health journey.
Outside the clinic, Harper spends his time with his partner, reading and writing, doing improv, or playing what feels like every team sport imaginable - rugby, soccer, touch and netball included. Despite growing up in Byron Bay, he’ll happily admit that swimming isn’t his thing. Harper brings enthusiasm, warmth and a strong clinical foundation to every session, and we’re so lucky to have him as part of The Active Studio team!