Debs Paterson (Founder of Pilates by Physio)
I graduated with a BSc (hons) Physiotherapy in 2000 and have had a varied career spanning the NHS, private sector and National sports teams. A career highlight was working for 5 years with The FA providing Physiotherapy for England Amputee and Partially sighted football teams, getting the chance to travel abroad to international tournaments.
Amputee rehabilitation was a career curveball, but one that I adored. It opened a fascination with movement control, muscle balance and rehabilitation of complex cases. Working with older patients who had lost limbs from disease, to young motor cyclists, and those injured by bomb blasts. The knowledge I gained in this role gave me the perfect foundations to build my Pilates career from.
During my (not so smooth) first pregnancy, I knew my body needed Pilates but there were no pregnancy classes on the Wirral. Since becoming a certified Pilates instructor, I have dedicated a lot of learning to pregnancy related issues and work closely with Pelvic health Physios to deliver specialist care for during and (long) after pregnancy.
I LOVE my job; Pilates by Physio has grown more than I could have imagined. I am blessed to have such an amazing team working alongside me who are equally as passionate about the benefits of Pilates. We are eternally grateful to be able to teach Pilates to our fantastic loyal clients who we really adore.
Before I introduce the team, a few random facts about me….
- I have met the queen!
- I worked on a Sheep station in Australia, I can drive a digger and herd sheep.
- I taught Pilates on a Super Yacht travelling around Italy.
Laura Black
I graduated in sport and exercise science prior to completing the MSc Pre-Registration physiotherapy degree in 2019. I currently work within the NHS as a rotational physiotherapist covering an array of areas including A&E, orthopaedics, neuro, rehabilitation and MSK outpatients. I love my job and every day brings new challenges within the NHS. My passion is helping others and working towards achieving their own goals.
Growing up I have always kept active and loved sport. I enjoy teaching others in which I almost became a PE teacher before changing my mind to undertake physiotherapy. I started my Pilates journey last year and have completed my APPI matwork levels 1-3. I am officially hooked! I love the way Pilates makes you feel both body and mindset. Ultimately you never regret a session! Pilates is a great form of exercise and especially for pre-habilitation and rehabilitation.
As a competitive individual I always strive to push myself and believe we need to look after our bodies in order to continue to do the things we that we love.
I am excited to guide others through their own Pilates journey.
Fun facts about me – I play handball and I am grateful to have played for the GB women’s handball team. I have had my right knee ACL reconstructed in 2019 following a handball injury. I love spending time with my partner, family and friends, travelling, coffee and newfoundland’s.
Michelle Bancroft
I graduated in 1995 and following rotational posts started working within the speciality of oncology and palliative care. I feel honoured and privileged to have met so many amazing people and their families. This continues to be my passion in my NHS work.
After turning 40, I wanted to re-evaluate my life- wanting balance that focused on mine, and my families’ health and well-being.
Destiny was waiting in the shape of Pilates by Physio… it was a meeting that changed my life! I trained to be a certified instructor with APPI and have been teaching Pilates now for 3 years.
I feel that Pilates allows me, and my clients, to make the connection between mind and body through breathing and flowing movements. I love that! No matter how hard the day has been, Pilates always makes you feel better! I have an integrated approach to teaching; using feedback from the clients to inform the themes for the course. We set goals together for how they want to feel by the end of the block or what they want to have achieved, whether that is being able to do higher level exercise or to do an exercise with more ease.
I feel that Pilates by Physio are an amazing group of like-minded individuals, passionate about people and exercise; supportive, knowledgeable and always there for each other and the clients.
On a personal note, I am a simple soul who loves to spend time with my family, a bit of a tree hugger and partial to a pint of Guinness!
Samantha Knowles
I have always been interested in exercise and from the age of 3, I took to the world of dancing, exploring a wide variety of genres up until the age of 19. This then took me on my journey into fitness where I became a fitness instructor and shortly after studied Health and sport BSc (Hons) graduating in 2013.
I have continued educating myself surrounding women’s health antenatally and postpartum by gaining qualifications for the Mummy MOT practitioner/natal checks, C-section recovery and created an antenatal and postnatal education course.
Pilates has always been something that I knew was powerful to women’s pregnancy, labour and postnatal period. With the other additional skills I have gained it made perfect sense to train as an APPI antenatal and postnatal Pilates instructor.
Facts about me
– Mum to two boys
– I met my husband on a working holiday in Malia.
– I’m an Essex girl!
– I volunteered in Ghana.
Brittany Harris
I have been actively involved in many sports, competing at national level in netball and regionally for swimming. This naturally led to choosing a degree in Sports Therapy, where I specialised in injury treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation, graduating with a first-class honours degree.
Through my time as a dancer and gymnast I had heard such great reports about Pilates. As a result, I wanted to pursue this as an adjunct to my Sports therapy, I have completed the APPI Matwork course. I am also embarking on training in GP referrals and Obesity and Weight Management Diploma level 4.
Over the last few years, I have worked as a Sports Therapist at several clinics across Merseyside treating musculoskeletal injuries and providing rehabilitation and pain management. Currently I work in the NHS as part of the Integrated Respiratory Service. Caring for patients with lung diseases and running rehabilitation classes. More recently supporting the rehabilitation of some Covid 19 survivors.
I am an avid adventurer….sailing the Caribbean, snorkelling in Bermuda, fishing in Bali, snowboarding in Andorra, undertaking a Jeep safari in Dubai, playing netball in Barbados.
I passionately believe life is short, and we need to exercise to look after our bodies and minds. Pilates is a game changer for so many and can be undertaken by anyone adapting to suit. My main aim for clients is to feel happier and more educated about their overall health and wellbeing!
Nicky Creighton
I started teaching exercise classes back in 1984, after becoming somewhat obsessed with exercise when I was gifted a gym membership for Christmas.
In 1997 fate led me to a job as a Physiotherapy assistant in the NHS. It was here I became particularly interested in the treatment of back pain and Physiotherapy as a career. I initially trained as a Pilates instructor, so I could use it as part of my role as an assistant and later became certified with APPI.
After many years of extra studying, I Graduated from the University of Salford with BSc (hons) Physiotherapy in 2011. This was the hardest thing I have ever done and there were times I almost gave up, although now I think it is the best thing I ever did.
It is now 20 years since I completed my first Pilates course and I can honestly say I still love teaching it. It is so satisfying watching clients gradually progress through the different levels, watching their confidence grow, and their overall enjoyment that brings them back week after week.
Some facts about me!
I have 2 children and 8 grandchildren and another on the way!
My biggest passion and inspiration is my husband Geoff, who despite having a heart attack aged 36 and more recently diagnosed with heart failure, supports me daily and never gives in to anything!
Emma Windeler
Hi, I’m Emma! I’ve been a physiotherapist since 2014, specialising in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions and working across NHS, private practice and sport settings before completing a master’s in Advanced Neuromuscular Physiotherapy. I enjoy helping people build strength and confidence, and these roles have allowed me to support people in continuing, or returning to, the activities they love. Recently, I’ve enjoyed a slightly different role as an Allied Health Professional Educator, supporting others to develop.
My appreciation of Pilates began years ago when it helped me manage back pain and a running-related knee injury, and I have seen the benefits in many clients since. I love that it can help so many different people in such a wide range of ways, whether that be improving wellbeing, feeling stronger, gaining confidence or continuing the things that they enjoy.
Life is all about balance so when I’m not going to a gym class or walking my dog Winnie, you might find me enjoying a good pint or watching some trashy TV (with Winnie)!
Vicki Pettit
I bring much knowledge and experience of teaching Pilates to our studio. Originally a medical negligence solicitor in the UK, however after becoming injured I discovered the fantastic healing ability of Pilates and loved the way it complemented my active lifestyle.
Training originally in the UK and then in Australia, I believe that movement is lotion for the body and correct posture is essential for a high quality of life. I have been lucky enough to train with the best instructors internationally both in the UK, Australia, and throughout Europe. I have also lived and worked in Dubai which has added a wealth of experience. I love applying my knowledge and personal experience to help clients improve their strength, mobility, and flexibility, working with injured people up to elite athletes.
I am also a Pinc and Steel rehabilitation specialist, pre/postnatal instructor and I have completed a specialist course in Neuro Pilates. I believe my positive attitude is a great source of motivation.
On a personal note I love to travel, Pilates, paddle boarding (preferably in the sunshine!) and spending time with my family and friends.
Melissa Clarke
Hi, I’m Melissa! I graduated with a degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Liverpool in 2014 and joined the PBP team in April 2025.
My journey into Pilates came from a deep passion for wellbeing, fitness, and promoting long-term health. I love helping people feel stronger, more confident, and energised in both body and mind—whether they’re working on recovery or simply looking to feel their best.
When I’m not in the studio, you’ll probably find me spending time with my family and friends, travelling, hitting the gym, or powering through a spin class (usually alongside Leigh!).
Maddy Barron
Physiotherapist, Advanced Clinical Practitioner & Pilates Specialist.
I’m a specialist in spinal assessment with an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice, and I’ve been teaching Pilates for nearly a decade. I’m APPI‑qualified across Matwork, Reformer, and Antenatal and Postnatal Pilates, and I love bringing clinical knowledge into every session to help people move better, feel stronger and understand their bodies.
Pilates has been a huge part of my own life for years — I’ve seen how powerful it can be for building strength, improving mobility, reducing pain and supporting long‑term wellbeing, and I’m passionate about helping others experience those benefits too. Supporting women through pregnancy and postnatal recovery is a particular area I care deeply about, and I’m committed to creating a safe, informed and empowering space for every stage of that journey.
When I’m not working or teaching, I’m at home with my three children, or out playing in a women’s football team, which brings me just as much joy and energy as being in the studio.
Leigh Mottram (Manager)
I manage the day‑to‑day operations across both of our studios. After a successful career in banking, I took early retirement at the age of 25 and spent the next twelve years raising my two boys. When they were older, I knew I wanted to put my organisation skills — very much of the ‘Monica Geller’ variety — back to good use.
Debs and I were already friends through our children, and she’d witnessed my planning and coordination skills first‑hand on countless football trips. As a keen runner, gym‑goer and all‑round fitness lover, I was delighted when she invited me to join the team. Working in an industry I’m genuinely passionate about has been a joy, and even though I’m mostly behind the scenes, I’ve learned so much from Debs and our incredible instructors.
Having previously attended Pilates at my local gym, then later joining classes at Pilates by Physio, I quickly realised that physio‑led Pilates is in a league of its own. The level of care, expertise and client focus here is exceptional. This is so much more than a business — it truly feels like a family, both staff and clients alike, and I’m proud to be part of it.
A few fun facts about me: I once danced with Shakin’ Stevens, I’ve raised over £20,000 for charity, and I even ran my own estate agency for two years.
