Meet your team

  • Brittany

    Thrive Wellington Studio Owner/Director

    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 here, in a space with such a vibrant community. I'm so grateful to all of you who put your trust in me and my team. Thank you for supporting my small business!

  • Fi

    Thrive Petone Studio Owner, Teacher

    I’m Fi, and I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Theatre Dance 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!

  • Laura

    Teacher

    I’ve been teaching Pilates for four years (gosh that’s gone by quickly). 

    I’ve always loved movement. It’s what gets me up every day! 

    Before I completed my reformer and mat work certificate, I had been teaching classes for 7 years at circus spaces in Wellington and around Aotearoa. Pushing myself through creative moment and helping others do the same is a true love of mine. 

    When Thrive first opened, I attended classes and loved the welcoming vibe of the studio. When the chance came to become an instructor, I grabbed it with both hands!

    I feel energised seeing the folks I work with make progress, build confidence and discover what their beautiful bodies are capable of. I always aim to foster a positive environment full of encouragement and space to move at your pace. 

    Working with clients one to one is also a real joy for me. Part of this is developing a relationship of trust and care, but also tailoring sessions specific to their goals and watching them flourish.

  • Melissa

    Teacher

    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!

  • Rhianna

    Teacher

    I’m Rhianna and I’m a qualified physiotherapist and reformer pilates instructor at Thrive Wellington!

    My physiotherapy studies sparked my curiosity about Pilates. I had interacted with numerous patients who always raved about Pilates, specifically reformer, either because it was a lifestyle choice, or because they had finally found a form of exercise that suited their movement goals and capabilities. I also shadowed some physiotherapists who taught Pilates as part of their practice, so this inspired me to interlink my skills as a physiotherapist and a Pilates instructor to improve patient outcomes. 

    I love the energy and atmosphere of group classes but I often find private classes to be the most rewarding, particularly with helping clients achieve specific rehabilitation goals, or with helping new clients build their confidence on the reformer before they attend group classes. 

    I’ve been teaching at Thrive Wellington since February 2024 and I am constantly wowed and grateful to work alongside the other instructors at Thrive. Each instructor brings a wealth of Pilates expertise and diverse teaching skills to the table. 

    The Thrive community is incredibly welcoming. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!

  • Celia

    Teacher

    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.

  • Taryn

    Teacher

    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.