Meet The Instructors

I first started exercising after the birth of my first child in 1992. I then went on a course to teach exercise to music in 1994 and worked as a freelance instructor working in all the local leisure centres and some community halls. I then started working for Ynys Môn Council in 2001 in Canolfan Beaumaris part time. I then had a promotion in 2003 and started working as an Exercise Referral Professional 3 days per week. During this time I Trained in:

Level 4

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Postural stability instruction for the frail and elderly

Obesity and Diabetes

Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease

Back care

Osteoporosis

Level 3

Gym instructor

Exercise Referrals

Pilates and Trigger point Pilates

Aqua

Stability balls

Indoor cycling

In 2005 I started working 2 days per week on The Falls Prevention Scheme run by Ynys Môn Council and The NHS as well as my 3 days on The National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) also teaching 5 main stream classes per week for Canolfan Beaumaris.

In 2023 I left the Falls Prevention Scheme to join the Canolfan Beaumaris Staff as a Duty Officer, Fitness Manager and Marketing Manager 2 days per week and continuing my 3 day week on NERS. I am currently still in this role and enjoy my time working with the Canolfan Team and the NERS Team. I have developed a reputation for "The one that teaches older people" which I find frustrating as my favourite thing in the world is having a good workout. I also currently teach Step Aerobics, Weight Training and Pilates not just older clients.

My hobbies include, Van Life, sea-glass collecting, Sea-glass art, Mountain walks, indoor plants and succulents, aquatics, (I have 3 large fish tanks) cats and making everywhere look pretty and sparkly.

As a passionate gym-goer and surfing enthusiast, my journey as a fitness professional has been both dynamic and rewarding. My career in fitness began through my love of surfing, where I experienced firsthand the physiological benefits of training. This led me to progress from functional training to powerlifting and, ultimately, a combination of functional power-building.

My previous role as an outdoor adventure instructor aligned perfectly with Wales' scenic sporting landscape, allowing me to work in highly dynamic environments with a diverse range of individuals.

Currently, I am employed at Canolfan Beaumaris, where I have experienced significant professional growth while becoming an active part of the local community.

Working as a Fitness and Exercise Professional has complemented my Master's in Exercise Rehabilitation, pushing my expertise to new levels. Additionally, my current studies as a physiotherapy student have further enriched my practical experience.

Beyond my academic and employment commitments, I also work as a self-employed personal trainer, supporting clients with a range of goals from general fitness to exercise rehabilitation. Helping individuals achieve success in their training is both a privilege and a passion.

Key Qualifications

PGDip in Physiotherapy - year completion 2027

MSc in Exercise Rehabilitation

BA (Hons) in Outdoor Adventure Education

Foundation in Acupuncture and Dry Needling

FHT Level 4 in Sports Massage

CIMSPA Level 3 in Personal Training and Level 2 Gym Instructor

CPD in Sports and Kinesiology Taping

Paddle Sports Instructor in Kayak and SUP

I am married with one daughter and have 4 grandchildren. These days I like to walk and swim for exercise. I've been practising yoga for nearly 25 years and have a daily personal practice, my mat is my happy place.

Having worked for the NHS in the Laboratories for 40 years, I took early

retirement and I began teaching yoga 10 years ago.

Whilst still with the NHS I found the stress reduction Yoga afforded to be

invaluable and I really wanted to be able to pass on the knowledge and tools I had learnt. I qualified to teach yoga with Antara yoga School (Accredited by the Welsh Open college network with over 200 hours training before | qualified) l am a member of the British wheel of yoga and undertake my annual Continuing Professional Development with them.

I believe Yoga should be accessible to all and at Beaumaris | teach gentle

yoga ,some of which is taught on a chair, making it suitable for all. Yoga is for your body and your mind, improving your overall wellbeing whilst you build strength and flexibility. You'll learn breath control so you can learn to relax properly, bringing harmony between mind and body.

My role is to guide, support and encourage you on your yogic journey to help you find calm and inner peace as well as the physical benefits.

I have been skateboarding for 25+ years, developing a deep passion for the sport and its community. Over the years, I have had the privilege of skating and teaching skateboarding overseas as well as locally, sharing my knowledge and love for the sport with skaters of all ages. In addition to coaching, I am actively involved in facilitating spaces for skateboarding and preserving the history of skate culture through hands-on workshops.

These workshops provide young skaters with the opportunity to learn how to build skateboards using recycled parts, fostering creativity and sustainability within the sport.

As a registered coach with Skateboard GB, I work with schools across North Wales, teaching skateboarding during sports days and in after-school programs. I am passionate about the broader value that skateboarding offers beyond just riding-helping young people build self-confidence and develop a wide range of practical skills. Through skateboarding, skaters can explore filmmaking, photography, woodworking, concrete construction, and community-building, all of which

contribute to personal growth and a sense of initiative.

The skateboarding sessions at Beaumaris Canolfan are an exciting and engaging experience for all involved. The session welcomes skaters of various skill levels, from complete beginners to more experienced riders. I run sessions that follow the self exploratory nature of the sport, providing suggestions and tutorials without creating the rigid structure that young people can sometimes find challenging in other sports. I believe this approach can be hugely supportive to children with learning difficulties who may find the communication skills in team sports demanding.

Beyond technical skills, I emphasize the creative and social aspects of skateboarding. The energy throughout the session is inspiring, with skaters encouraging one another and pushing themselves to try new tricks. Seeing the determination and enthusiasm of the participants reinforces the incredible impact that skateboarding can have - both as a sport.

I love exercise and keeping fit, healthy and strong. I enjoy lots of different

activities including long distance walking, cycling, fitness classes, and

swimming. Over the years I've come to appreciate that without FLEXIBILITY I will not maintain the high performance levels I currently enjoy.

I practice YOGA and STRETCHING regularly, and it's now become an

important part of my fitness 'toolkit'. Depending on time, I may just stretch

and on other occasions indulge in a full holistic yoga practice- good for the

body, mind and soul!

My experience and qualifications

Having practiced different yoga disciplines for over 20 years, and having

coached family and friends informally, in 2018 l decided to study and

successfully gained a yoga qualification:

• Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Yoga (modules include

Anatomy & Physiology as well as Health & Safety)

• Mat based pilates instructor training

• I also have a Level 2 Coaching diploma which aids my ability to help and

encourage students.