Meet the Team

  • A photograph of Pilates teacher Emma Laybourne in then Pilates at the Coast studio in Monkseaton

    Emma Laybourne

    Emma has been teaching Pilates since 2017 and took over Pilates at the Coast in 2021. She is a certified Body Control Pilates teacher with additional qualifications in Pilates Reformer, Pilates for the Older Person, Pilates & Menopause & L3 Personal Training.

    “We have a fantastic team here at our studio. The sense of community and friendly atmosphere really do make it a lovely space. I would encourage everyone to try Pilates to get fitter, stronger and move with more ease. We look forward to welcoming you in to our Pilates community.”

  • A photograph of Pilates teacher Evonne Smith in then Pilates at the Coast studio in Monkseaton

    Evonne Smith

    Evonne has been teaching at Pilates at the Coast since 2015 and has been an accredited (APPI) Physiotherapist since 2002 specialising in matwork, modified Pilates, small equipment and antenatal/postnatal Pilates.

    “I particularly enjoy introducing new people to the joy of Pilates and watching people grow stronger and healthier in body and mind with regular practice. Combining my work in Physiotherapy with Pilates I like to work with people who have different health challenges and modify the traditional Pilates technique to fit the clients needs, I really believe Pilates is for anybody.“

  • A photograph of Pilates teacher Catherine Johnson in then Pilates at the Coast studio in Monkseaton

    Catherine Johnson

    Catherine qualified as a Physiotherapist in 2011 and in 2015 began working with women who were recovering from surgery for Breast Cancer completing training in The Pink Ribbon Programme; a Pilates - based rehabilitation programme for post-operative breast cancer patients. This ignited her love of Pilates and she went on to complete her Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute (APPI) training in 2017.

    Catherine previously taught Pilates within a private physiotherapy clinic, however she now works full time in the NHS and teaches at Pilates at the Coast in her spare time.

  • A photograph of Pilates teacher Stephanie Wallace in then Pilates at the Coast studio in Monkseaton

    Stephanie Wallace

    Stephanie began her Pilates journey as a client at our studio and has taught Pilates since 2017. She is a certified Body Control Pilates teacher and has additional qualifications to teach ‘Healthy Back’ classes for the prevention and management of lower back pain, Pilates and bone health, Reformer Pilates and L3 Personal Training. Stephanie also works with a Physio-led team supporting people living with Multiple Sclerosis.

    “Helping people to find freer movement, potentially less pain or a greater feeling of strength and confidence elevates Pilates beyond an everyday workout to something potentially life changing and that is what I love about it.”

  • A photograph of Pilates teacher Kim Peebles in then Pilates at the Coast studio in Monkseaton

    Kim Peebles

    Kim has been teaching mat based Pilates for over 10 years and joined the PATC team in 2024. Kim has worked in the fitness industry for 30 years. Prior to freelancing she worked her way up from Fitness Instructor to Studio Co-ordinator Fitness Manager then on to become a General Manager at north east based health clubs.

    Kim also teaches clients recovering from injuries at a local Physiotherapy Clinic and is qualified in ante and post natal Pilates and exercise.

    “I love teaching all exercise classes but Pilates is really special. You can really see the difference it makes and everyone can take part and feel the benefits.”

  • A photograph of Pilates teacher Rachel Rafiefar in then Pilates at the Coast studio in Monkseaton

    Rachel Rafiefar

    Rachel has taught Pilates since 1991 and trained with Alan Herdman; the first person to open a Pilates studio in Britain. Rachel has been awarded Master Pilates Teacher status for her role in developing the first Pregnancy and Postnatal Pilates Course in the UK. She is also certified in Bowen Technique and Biomechanics and was a founding member of the Pilates Foundation UK Ltd. Rachel also teaches Pilates Reformer. Rachel is also co -author for National Guidelines pregnancy for dancers with Dance UK and for horse riders with Equi-Pilates.

    “My love of teaching encourages people to think deeply about how their body works and how they can really get the most out of their Pilates Programme.”

  • A photograph of Pilates teacher Rosie Elwood in then Pilates at the Coast studio in Monkseaton

    Rosie Elwood

    Rosie began her Pilates journey as a client here at our studio and following many years of dedicated personal practice then chose to qualify as a Body Control Pilates teacher in 2025. Rosie is passionate about helping people move with greater strength, confidence and ease.

    This year, Rosie is especially looking forward to expanding her expertise by training to support clients with a breast cancer diagnosis. Her goal is to provide compassionate, knowledgeable care — offering safe, thoughtful, and empowering movement throughout every stage of treatment and recovery.