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Teacher Training Team

Meet our expert instructors

We pride ourselves on being the best, so with that said we’ve collected, trained and formed a team that has years of experience and an abundance of knowledge to deliver the most comprehensive Pilates courses world wide.

Emma Seibold

Founder & CEO

Emma Seibold is the founder and creator of Barre Body and its suite of brands, recognised as one of Australia’s leading health and wellness professionals. Since launching the first studio in Melbourne over ten years ago, she has built Barre Body into an international hub for barre and Pilates. With 15 years of teaching experience, extensive certifications in Yoga, Pilates, and meditation, and deep expertise in studio ownership and business, Emma has designed world-class teacher training programs that have empowered tens of thousands of instructors worldwide to thrive in their careers.

Liana Hudson

Head of Training & Senior Trainer

Liana oversees all face-to-face and online training for Pilates Mat, Barre, Reformer Pilates and short courses at Barre Body. Her journey in the fitness industry began in 2014, driven by a deep desire to share knowledge and support others in becoming confident, authentic instructors. With roots in gymnastics and ballet, and extensive qualifications across Pilates, Barre and Training & Assessment, Liana brings both passion and precision to her role. A valued member of the Barre Body family since 2016, she is committed to inclusive, body-neutral movement and ensures all courses remain aligned with current research and best practice.

Sophie Bredenkamp

Senior Trainer & Training Manager

Sophie is the Training Manager at Barre Body and a long-standing member of the Barre Body family since 2017. Having worked as Head Teacher and Studio Manager across Barre Body studios in Sydney and Melbourne, she brings extensive experience teaching Pilates Mat, Reformer and Barre. In her current role, Sophie oversees online courses, assessments, administration teams and student support. With a background in professional performance and formal qualifications in training and assessment, she has been a valued member of the Barre Body Teacher Training team since 2020, where she is known for her nurturing, organised and people-first approach to teacher development.

Rebecca Lockyer

Head of Online & Senior Trainer

Rebecca’s Pilates journey began at 17, when she was told she’d only be accepted into full-time ballet school in New Zealand if she improved her posture through Pilates. What started as a requirement quickly became something she couldn’t live without. After an international dance career performing in places like Tokyo and Macau, Rebecca completed her Pilates Mat and Reformer training in 2011, followed by her Yoga teacher training and extensive ongoing education. Today, she is the Head of Online and Bende at Barre Body and has been deeply involved in mentoring and training teachers since 2018.

Sam Sales

Head Teacher at Bende & Senior Trainer

Sam is the Head Teacher at Bende Byron Bay and a key educator within the Barre Body Teacher Training team. Her Pilates journey began at 14 through dance rehabilitation, leading to her first Mat Pilates qualification at 19 and a global teaching career alongside professional dance. With nearly two decades of experience across Reformer, Mat Pilates and Yoga, Sam is known for her intelligent, feel-good approach to movement – prioritising mobility, longevity and joy. Since joining Bende in 2020, she has played an integral role in shaping instructors and cultivating a strong, values-led teaching community.

Teresa Valentini

Senior Trainer

Teresa Valentini is a Pilates and Barre instructor, Physiotherapist, and experienced teacher trainer with over 17 years of teaching and 10 years mentoring instructors. She discovered Pilates in 2004 while recovering from a dance injury and has since trained extensively in classical and contemporary methods, including the Fletcher 600-hour program, STOTT, Yogaworks, and Club Pilates. With a Doctorate of Physiotherapy and a deep understanding of injury rehabilitation, Teresa has worked with the Barre Body Group since 2013, sharing her expertise with trainees and helping them build safe, effective, and empowering teaching practices.

Emily Merrin

Online Programs Manager & Teacher Trainer

Emily is the Online Programs Manager at Barre Body, with a career in fitness spanning almost a decade. Drawing on her experience as a personal trainer and Pilates instructor, she creates engaging and accessible online programs while mentoring new trainers to unlock their potential. Passionate about helping people thrive in fitness and teaching, Emily blends expertise and enthusiasm to inspire learning and growth in every program she develops.

Courtney Webb

Teacher Training Admin & Teacher Trainer

Courtney joined the Barre Body family in 2016 after completing her Barre training in Melbourne. What began as a side gig alongside her film and television career quickly became a passion for teaching and mentoring. Certified in Pilates Mat, Reformer, and Yoga, Courtney eventually began teaching full-time and now supports trainees as part of the teacher training admin team. She is passionate about creating an inclusive, supportive environment and guiding new instructors to discover their own teaching style and confidence.

Sophia Zeniou

Teacher Training Admin & Teacher Trainer

Sophia has loved movement since her early teens, using Pilates to support years of dance training, performing, and teaching. A Bachelor of Dance Studies graduate, she began teaching Pilates at 20 and has spent nearly 15 years guiding students and instructors alike. Joining the Barre Body Teacher Training Support Team in 2025, Sophia now helps aspiring instructors navigate their teaching journey with empathy, insight, and encouragement, ensuring they grow in confidence and enjoy the process of discovering their own teaching style.

Caitlin Quinn

Teacher Trainer

Caitlin’s love for Pilates and mindful movement grew out of her career as a performer, where conditioning, core strength, and injury rehabilitation were essential. A certified Pilates instructor since 2017, she has been teaching at Bende in Byron Bay and now facilitates on the Barre Body Teacher Training team. Known for her focus on breath, alignment, and intentional movement, Caitlin creates a safe and fun space for students and trainees to explore, connect, and grow. She is passionate about supporting new instructors to uncover their own teaching style and thrive with confidence and clarity.

Sara Heilpern

Teacher Trainer

Sara discovered her passion for Pilates and Barre through her own practice of self-care, which inspired her to change careers. After completing her training in 2019, she began teaching and has continued to develop her skills through short courses and hands-on experience. Joining the Barre Body training team in 2023, Sara loves sharing her knowledge and supporting new instructors, helping them navigate the exciting-and sometimes daunting-journey of beginning their teaching careers.

Nicki Sargent

Teacher Trainer

Nicki’s love for wellness and movement has grown over 12 years of teaching across Pilates, Barre, Yoga, and breathwork. Since joining the Barre Body family in 2017, she has managed Bende Byron Bay, worked on teacher training sales and assessments, and taught in Sydney studios. She is passionate about mentoring clients and trainees alike, guiding them on journeys of self-discovery, mindfulness, and confidence. Nicki has shared her expertise globally through retreats, workshops, corporate sessions, and clinics, and now supports new instructors to unlock their potential and thrive in their teaching careers.

Georgie Walker – Powell

Teacher Trainer

Georgie is inspired by the strength, mindfulness, and precision of Pilates, and its ability to support clients on physical and personal levels. A dedicated member of the Bende teaching team and Barre Body teacher trainer, she loves connecting with clients and trainees, sharing her knowledge, and cheering them on every step of the way. Georgie’s teaching is grounded in research, community, and the joy of helping others grow with confidence and connection.