The Pilatesfocus Team
Pilatesfocus was established by Physiotherapist, Pilates Practitioner and Polestar Mentor Carolyn Cole (nee Livanes).
At Pilatesfocus we combine Pilates informed exercises, hands-on physiotherapy and the latest research in rehabilitative exercise.
At PilatesFocus, we have a particular interest in the management of complex low back pain, Sacro-Iliac joint dysfunction, scoliosis, Spondylolisthesis/pars defect, Labral hip tears, post hip arthroscopy hip, shoulder and neck pain. We also focus on correcting poor posture that can lead to pain and dysfunction.
Our experienced team of physiotherapists bring with them a broad array of skills to our practice. We keep up-to-date with the latest research and techniques with our regular in-service program and attend workshops and courses.
Carolyn Cole, Principal Physiotherapist, Owner
Qualifications
1994 Bachelor of Applied Science and Physiotherapy
Cumberland College Health Sciences, Sydney University
1999 Pilates Instructors Certificate (Level 1)
Australian Pilates Method Association
2007 Rehabilitation Series
Polestar Pilates Australia
2018 Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) Physiotherapist training
One of the Physiotherapists involved in the Restore Trial using CFT for Persistent Low Back Pain
2023 Scoliosis-Pilates Instructor training
Carolyn established PilatesFocus in 2002 after working in both Australia and London as a physiotherapist and Pilates practitioner.
While practising as a physiotherapist, Carolyn came across Pilates in 1995 and knew she was onto a good thing. With a background in movement as a gymnast + coach + judge, Pilates was a perfect fit for her, combining both movement and rehabilitative exercise.
After her own significant back injury, she found that Pilates was an invaluable tool for her own recovery. She decided to bring this understanding and the benefits of Pilates into her own practice, sharing it with her clients.
Between 2000 and 2005, Carolyn lectured at the University of Technology (Graduate Certificate in Pilates) and became involved with Polestar Pilates Australia as an ongoing mentor and occasionally educator to emerging practitioners.
In 2002 Carolyn opened her studio in Sutherland, southern Sydney. At PilatesFocus, Carolyn and her staff combine the health benefits of physiotherapy with the rehabilitative movement and strengthening of Pilates. Her years of practice proved to her that hands-on treatment alone was not always enough to rehabilitate an injury. Still, when combined with Pilates informed exercise, long-lasting and sustainable results could be achieved.
Continuing education is a priority for Carolyn and the staff at PilatesFocus. Skills are kept up to date by attending various courses and researching the latest techniques in health and rehabilitation. All staff members share information with their colleagues via regular staff in-services held in-house.
Donna Featherstone, Senior Physiotherapist
Qualifications
1987 Bachelor of Applied Science and Physiotherapy
Cumberland College Health Sciences, Sydney University
2015 CranioSacral Therapy 1
Upledger Institute
2015 CranioSacral Therapy 2
Upledger Institute
2015 SomatoEmotional Release 1
Upledger Institute
2017 CranioSacral Therapy and the Immune Response
Upledger Institute
2018 - Craniosacral Therapy and Working with Chronic Depletion
2019 - Clinical Applications for Craniosacral Therapy
2021 - Clinical Applications of Craniosacral Therapy and Somato-emotional Release
2022 - Craniosacral Therapy-Beyond the Cranial Base
The Brain Speaks 1
2024 - Craniosacral Therapy for the Cranial Nerves
Donna started working at PilatesFocus in 2010, bringing her broad experience from working in hospitals and private practice. She has worked with sports injuries, neural and orthopaedic rehabilitation.
Donna specialises in rehabilitating neck, knee and pelvic injuries.
Donna has also been studying Craniosacral Therapy over the past 10 years. This treatment can help to settle neural irritation for clients with long-standing and complex pain. She has achieved great results for many of our clients with these techniques, and Donna will be completing more studies in Cranialsacral Therapy.
Karen Gock, Pilates Instructor
Qualifications
1993 Bachelor of Applied Science (Applied Chemistry)
2008 NSW Certificate IV in Pilates Instruction
2016 Certificate IV in Polestar Pilates Matwork Instruction
2018 Diploma of Polestar Pilates Studio and Rehabilitation Method
2019 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy
2023 Scoliosis-Pilates Instructor training
Karen has been a part of the PilatesFocus team since 2007 and works alongside our Physiotherapists. She has a keen eye for detail and a very good understanding of injury rehabilitation and how your body should move.
With a hunger for knowledge, Karen is continuously expanding her knowledge base by attending workshops and conferences. In the last few years, she has been studying Craniosacral Therapy (Upledger) and is currently working towards certification.
Susie Lewis-Jones, Physiotherapist & Pilates Instructor
Qualifications
BAppSc Physiotherapy
University of Sydney
Polestar and DMA Clinical Pilates instructor
Susie has over 40 years of experience as a Physiotherapist, working 12 years in hospitals and aged care, since then in private practices with a focus on rehabilitation, musculoskeletal issues and sports injuries.
In 2009 Susie established Bundeena Physiotherapy and as the only physiotherapist within 30km Susie treated all manner of acute and chronic pains, complex or persistent muscle and/or joint issues; balance, postural and movement pattern issues.
Susie has a passion for identifying the cause behind the pain and working together on an individual program that trains underlying areas needed to regain control, strength and function.
Susie has developed programs to address ongoing pain and issues in the neck, back, shoulder, thumb, knee and foot. Susie’s skills also address nerve pain and irritability, vertigo, thoracic rib ring dysfunctions and balance problems. Susie has integrated the Feldenkrais method in her treatment approach. All treatment is directed towards functional training to use gained improvements in everyday tasks and activities, aiming to retain new patterns for the long term.
Susie’s own health issues led her to add another dimension to her already wide-ranging post graduate musculoskeletal, rehabilitation and neurological training and in 2021 gained Pilates qualifications with Polestar and DMA Clinical Pilates.
Returning from her own injury, Susie has a broader understanding of how an injury can impact on your life and how vital movement and strength are to recovery.
Susie is committed to making a difference to the whole well-being of her clients with their pain and dysfunction assisting them to regain their flexibility, strength and activity level; to retrain poor compensatory movement patterns and postural habits with motor learning strategies; and to retain their new found joy and freedom of movement.
Lauren Marshall, Pilates Instructor/Reception
Qualifications
2019 Certificate 4 Pilates
Breathe Education
Lauren is passionate about Pilates and getting clients moving well. Lauren stumbled across Pilates a few years ago when recovering from a lower back injury. Lauren practiced Pilates 3-4 times per week for years, before she took the plunge to become an instructor. Her focus is helping clients build their strength and mobility, which will help them move better – and enjoy their day-to-day life. Lauren is a big believer in fearless movement and encouraging her clients to move with confidence.
Lauren joined the team at Pilates Focus in 2021 and assists the Physiotherapists in studio sessions and leads some of our Mat Pilates Classes. You can also catch Lauren behind the desk, as she helps to keep our clinic running smoothly.
Ready to start ‘standing taller and moving better’?
Talk to us about your physiotherapy, rehabilitation or Workcover needs.