Meet the Breathe team

Raphael Bender (Pilates)

With over 10 years' teaching experience, Raphael is a STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainer and holds APMA level 2 certification. In addition to his Pilates training, Raphael is a qualified fitness trainer and holds a black sash in Southern Praying Mantis kung fu, which he taught for 5 years. He also sporadically writes the widely acclaimed Breathing blog.

When you come to Raphael's class you'll experience an intense, whole body workout that will move you towards physical and mental balance, as well as lightening your mind. Expect to move your body in a flowing, graceful series of exercises, that will reconnect you with your body's natural rhythm, and put you "in the zone". You'll float gracefully away from each session feeling taller, stronger and more supple.

Raphael has a special passion and expertise in rehabilitation of spinal injuries through Pilates, as well as his love for teaching classes. You can check out testimonials by people who've worked with Raphael recently; you can also email Raphael.

Michelle Scott (Pilates)

Michelle is a STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainer, and one of Australia's most highly qualified STOTT PILATES teachers, having trained over 200 instructors, including physiotherapists, osteopaths and personal trainers, to international certification level in the Pilates method in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Hong Kong and the USA.

Michelle's classes are always fun and lighthearted, and she will help you experience the joy of movement, whatever your current physical (or mental) state. Look forward to a great fun, musical, safe and effective class! You can email Michelle

Pete Roberts (Yoga)

If you're looking for a perfect balance of precision, flow and vigour, then you'll love Pete's class. He trained with Pixie Lillas and Nicky Knoff (senior Iyengar and Ashtanga teachers), so you find elements of both traditions woven through his classes.

Pete trained in kung fu for 10 years before he discovered Yoga, and he has since run two Yoga studios; one in Sydney and one in Melbourne. He also holds a degree in music, and is a jazz singer, pianist and composer. He loves to practise Yoga every minute of every day - even while sleeping! He enjoys raw food preparation and Salsa dancing. Pete is also a student of Zen meditation, studying with Susan Murphy. You can email Pete.

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Melissa Papworth (Pilates & Yoga)

In Mel's class you can look forward to exploring ways to move your body with increased freedom, whilst having fun in the process. She has a BAappSci (Health) and an Associate Diploma in Fitness Leadership, and completed her Pilates training and is certified through PoleStar Pilates.

Mel grew up playing competitive sport, which led to her representing Australia in Women's cricket. At Breathe we enjoy Mel's down to earth approach, her wisdom gained from experience, and her sense of humour. You can email Mel.

Andrew Gardner (Pilates)

Andrew holds STOTT PILATES level 2 certification and is currently undertaking STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainer certification, as well as training as a remedial masseuse. Andrew danced professionally for many years including stints in Cats and with Opera Australia.

Andrew's quiet, gentle manner, and his emphasis on precision may cause you to be surprised at how UNBELIEVABLY TOUGH his classes are. After you experience Andrew's Reformer class, you'll definitely know you've worked. And worked. Get ready to rumble! You can email Andrew (to let him know how sore you are).

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Tamika Savory (Yoga)

Tamika teaches yoga with the intention that through changing your posture, you can transform your energy levels, mindset and emotions… shifting your entire awareness.

Her classes combine a precision of movement, alignment and tradition, with a sense of play and freedom in the flow of the practice. Her approach to Yoga is dynamic, with a meditative side.

Since 1999 Tamika has studied with various schools including Vivekananda Yoga, and more recently, Yoga Arts in India. She incorporates different elements of Hatha yoga in her classes, including Ashtanga and Iyengar. Other interests you may catch a glimpse of include Herbal Medicine, Shiatsu & Reiki.

Working with breath and focus, Tamika will give you the attention and direction you need to really progress in your practice, and to share her love of yoga and enjoyment in movement. You’ll leave every class feeling energised and centred.

You will also find Tamika at the reception desk on most days, so say hi and share a cup of her expertly blended tea and a chat. You can also email Tamika.

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Miriam Jones (Pilates)

Bianca Milione (Yoga)

Bianca has trained in the Iyengar and hatha Yoga traditions over the past 9 years, her main teachers being senior Iyengar Yoga teacher Nicky Knoff, and hatha Yoga master Acharya Venkatesh. As well as her dedication to Yoga practice and teaching, Bianca is a naturopath, and she is especially interested in nutritional healing.

In Bianca's classes you can expect to find emphasis on connecting to stillness in the midst of a dynamic physical practice. Developing awareness and stability both, of mind and body through sustained poses and precision movement.

Bianca is an enthusiastic traveller, especially enjoying time spent in India and other Asian countries. She is a lover of nature, fresh air, healthy food and of growing some of it herself! Her roots are in Italy, she is an Italian speaker and comes from a long line of organic farmers. You can email Bianca

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Kylie Mones (Pilates)

As well as dancing professionally, Kylie has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 1997 and has managed several fitness clubs in Melbourne. Kylie is STOTT PILATES level 1 trained, and in class you'll find her to be "mean, hard and cruel, but in a nice way". Her son Jake is following in her footseps and at age 3 already has his first set of tap shoes. Expect your classes with Kylie to be fun, challenging and safe. You can email Kylie.

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Ambika (Yoga)

Ambika discovered her passion for Yoga through her years as a professional dancer. She has studied and taught Yoga in many places including India, London and Berlin. During the past 15 years Ambika has run her own Yoga studio, explored over 20 countries and has taught and performed in Music and Fringe festivals, Hotels, Clubs and Amusement parks throughout  Europe, Asia and Australia.

Her teaching style is a mixture of the many paths of Hatha Yoga she has studied including Sivananda and Ashtanga. You'll experience her Yoga classes as a graceful, flowing vinyasa practice which can be surprisingly powerful.

Ambika also loves live music (especially rock and electro pop) and has recently discovered Go Go dancing! You can email Ambika.

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Rebecca Sheedy (Pilates)

Julie Stoll (Reception)

Julie is trained as a Naturopath and masseuse, and is mother of a young up-and-coming Pilates-ite. She loves working at Breathe because it's just like a day off(!) with the great quality company and relaxing vibes, and all that free tea. She enjoys a regular Pilates practice including weekly private sessions to help keep her strong and supple for the physically demanding role of mothering a toddler. You can email Julie.

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Anna Phipps (Reception)

Anna favours colourful neck jewellery. She loves working at Breathe because of the opportunity to interact with genuinely happy people (especially just after a Yoga class). Anna is the glue that holds Breathe, and Breathers together, with her warm, open hearted approach to life.

Anna has completed STOTT PILATES training and is studying for her exam certification, with a special interest and focus working 1-on-1 with injured clients. You can email Anna.

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James Kelly (Reception & database management)

James likes being a dad, permaculture gardens, Hemmingway, Dom Benedictine and long walks on the beach. James has taught Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu and practices both Pilates and Yoga, as well as being an expert on Trigger Point release. He's the only human alive who fully understands how the Breathe database works. You can email James.

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How we started Breathing together

One of the unique and refreshing things about Breathe is that all of our owners and staff are passionate about Yoga and Pilates. We love Yoga and Pilates so much that we want to share them with you, because we know you'll love Yoga and Pilates too.

Breathe Wellbeing began as a dream of Kate Challis’s in 1995 when, as a PhD student, she just wanted a beautiful, calm space in which to practice her Yoga. Lugging her laptop around Europe, America and Australia, she practiced in Yoga studios all around the world, but disliked the patchouli oil hanging in the air, the pouchy leggings of extreme yogis and the grubby floorboards on which she often laid her mat. Most of all she noticed how many teachers simply ignored new students until they had proven themselves worthy. In one case, it took 18 months of regular classes, before the guru-teacher acknowledged her presence, let alone gave her feedback.

In 2004 Raphael Bender entered the scene and he and Kate started comparing notes. A kung fu black belt and Pilates teacher, Raphael had similar views. “Let’s create a beautiful, sparkling place where people feel connected and welcomed, and can benefit from state of the art equipment and teaching techniques”.

So, in 2006, Kate and Raphael assembled a team of people, passionate and fascinated about wellbeing: they are our directors and staff and you’ll find more about them all here.

What you won't find at Breathe

We are a haven and sanctuary for busy people who want to take a little bit of time for themselves, away from the bright lights, noise and bustle of Melbourne city. Thus we have chosen to omit certain things...

Sorry, at Breathe Yoga and Pilates you won’t find:

• TV
• Loud Music
• Competitiveness
• Mirrors
• Weights
• Running machines
• Noise
• Show-Off Instructors (ok maybe sometimes)
• Conveyor Belts
• Sweaty Carpet
• Patchouli Oil (that's a Yoga joke)
• An "in-crowd"

If you want to understand the Patchouli Oil joke, or if you have any other questions, please feel free to call us, or you could email reception@breathewellbeing.com.au.