Meet the Team
At Scoop Pilates Studio we are fully certified Romana’s Pilates Instructors.
-
Romana's Pilates Teacher Trainer and Studio Director
Laiza is a dedicated physiotherapist and experienced Pilates instructor with a wealth of expertise in movement and wellness. Her journey began in one of Brazil's leading clinics for orthopedic and sports injuries, where her passion for facilitating recovery through movement was sparked.
In 2002, Laiza earned her first Pilates instructor certification in Brazil. A major turning point in her career came in 2006, when she moved to New Zealand and joined the renowned NZ Training Centre (Pilates Unlimited Studio) in Auckland. Over the next years, she refined her practice, and in 2009, she completed the rigorous Romana's Pilates training program, becoming one of the first fully certified instructors in New Zealand.
Laiza's commitment to excellence was further acknowledged in 2013 when she achieved Level 4 recognition from Romana’s Pilates, which allowed her to take on the role of supervising and coaching apprentices. She has since played an integral part in helping aspiring instructors reach their certification while continuing to offer expert guidance to her clients.
Never one to stop learning, Laiza actively pursues ongoing professional education, constantly expanding her knowledge in holistic well-being. Her expertise spans from guiding individuals through post-surgery and injury recovery to empowering those seeking a stronger, leaner body.
In 2021, Laiza took on the challenge of running the Romana’s Pilates Training Centre in Auckland, a role she finds not only refines her skills but also allows her to pass on her extensive knowledge and help others live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Step into a transformative Pilates experience with Laiza — where movement meets expertise, and well-being is a journey shaped by a seasoned professional.
-
Romana's Pilates Instructor
Passionate about holistic well-being, Rhonda has seamlessly woven her love for Pilates into her journey. A dedicated dentist with a penchant for teaching yoga, Rhonda's commitment to fostering wellness has taken a new dimension during lockdowns.
When the world pressed pause, Rhonda saw an opportunity to deepen her connection with Pilates. Determined to share the transformative impact of the Romana's Pilates method, she embarked on a journey to become a fully certified instructor.
She believes in the profound difference Pilates can make not only in rehabilitation journeys but also in positively impacting everyday lives.
Rhonda's dedication doesn't stop at certification. Eager to expand her understanding of the Romana's Pilates method, she actively pursues ongoing education. Her mission is clear: to empower individuals to experience the significant impact of Pilates on their well-being.
Join Rhonda, discover the difference, embrace the practice, and let her guide you toward a more vibrant, balanced, and resilient you.
-
Senior Romana's Pilates Instructor and Studio Manager
My fascination with the freedom exercise brings started in childhood, and it’s no surprise that this led me to a career in the fitness industry. Over the years, I have worked as a Fitness Instructor, Physical Education and Health Secondary School teacher, and Tutor/Assessor for the National Certificate in Fitness and Personal Training. Each of these roles has deepened my understanding of how movement impacts both the body and mind.
I first encountered Pilates in 2000 when I joined a mat class at the gym. While I enjoyed the gym classes, it wasn’t until I discovered Romana’s Pilates a few years later that my journey took a transformative turn. I became a regular client at Scoop Pilates studio, and the experience was nothing short of profound. The connection I felt between body and mind was inspiring.
In 2011, driven by that same inspiration, I decided to retrain as a Romana’s Pilates Instructor. Making this method my full-time career has been incredibly rewarding—nothing compares to the feeling of truly connecting with your body or seeing others experience that transformation. Once you get the method, it becomes a lifelong practice.
-
Romana's Pilates Instructor
Before pursuing a career as a Pilates instructor, I worked as a receptionist and administrator in both a Physiotherapy and Podiatry practice. These roles gave me a deep appreciation for the importance of exercise in maintaining health and aiding recovery from injury.
My own Pilates journey began when my children were young. Struggling with shoulder and neck issues, I was recommended to Pilates as a way to improve my condition. Although I was already an avid runner and gym-goer, I quickly fell in love with the challenge and the focus that Pilates offered. I joined Scoop Pilates on a friend's recommendation and was introduced to Romana's Pilates method. At first, the approach was different, but I quickly appreciated the discipline and the way the exercises worked together to benefit my body.
The decision to do the Romana's Pilates training instructors programme was a natural next step for me. I truly enjoy helping people achieve their goals and supporting them on their own fitness journeys. It’s incredibly rewarding to see clients not only improve their strength and mobility but also feel empowered in their bodies.
Outside of Pilates, I love spending time with my family, reading, going to the movies, and gardening when I can.
“Changes happen through movement and movement heals.”
— Joseph Pilates
What our Clients Say
“Mat Pilates has made a huge difference to us, especially our core strength. After the class, we feel energised and ready for the day ahead. We feel awakened.”
— Claire and Geoff
“We first started Pilates 10 years ago and we have been going regularly ever since. Without a doubt it is one if the best things we have done for our ageing bodies. We are stronger, more flexible and it helps immensely with the sports we participate in such as skiing, golf, cycling and paddle boarding. We have better balance and a stronger core and this helps significantly with the sports we love doing.”
— Milson and Leigh
Get in touch
Phone +64 21 158 9872
Studio Ground Floor, 2, The Estuary, 21-23 Humphreys Drive, Ferrymead, Christchurch, 8023, New Zealand