Remedial Massage Therapist,
Pilates Instructor
Diploma of Remedial Massage and Advanced Rehab & Sport Program
Polestar Pilates Studio/Rehab Comprehensive Instructor
Skills: Rigid and kinesio taping, manual lymphatic drainage, myofascial cupping, pregnancy massage, Swedish massage, table Thai massage, reflexology, stretching techniques, and remedial exercise prescription
Main interests: Everyday athletes and active individuals at all stages of life.
Special Interest in Weight lifting · Runners, Ultramarathon & Ironman Athletes · Swimming · Postural pain
Sarah’s Story:
I grew up in a small town in the UK called Holmfirth, in West Yorkshire – surrounded by rolling green countryside, cobbled streets, historic stone cottages and cozy pubs. I was raised by parents with strong work ethics: my mum, a senior university lecturer teaching Business, Economics and Strategy, and my dad, an engineer specialising in aerospace, electromagnetics and management. From a young age, I was encouraged to work hard, think independently and pursue things that genuinely interested me.
As the youngest in my year, I was faced at 15 with the decision of choosing subjects that would shape a future university pathway – despite not having a clear career in mind. Rather than pushing me toward a predetermined outcome, my parents supported me in choosing subjects I enjoyed: Law, Sociology, Photography and Media. More importantly, they taught me that commitment, curiosity and consistency mattered more than having everything figured out early.
While at college, I decided that when I turned 18, I would take a gap year and travel. My parents were incredibly supportive of this choice, encouraging me to explore the world, develop independence and trust my ability to adapt. What was meant to be a single year away turned into a 15-year chapter abroad, and Australia (now the Gold Coast) has become home.
Those early years in Australia were formative, teaching me resilience and confidence in unfamiliar environments. I learned to problem-solve, connect with people from all backgrounds, and develop perseverance and a proactive mindset. During this time, I met my partner Darren (now my fiancé), and together we completed regional farm work to secure a second-year visa.
Professionally, I initially built my career in the renewable energy sector in 2013 after working various jobs to support myself while travelling. I started in Melbourne as an Executive Assistant and Project Manager, which later led to sponsorship for permanent residency. After five years in Melbourne, I relocated to Sydney to further develop my career in renewable technology, working for a large US company as a Sales Analyst. In this role, I prepared tenders for multi-million-dollar solar farms across Australia and Southeast Asia. These roles strengthened my organisational skills, attention to detail, communication and ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. While the work was both demanding and rewarding, I gradually realised my passion lay elsewhere.
During our time in Sydney, Darren and I reached another major milestone – becoming Australian citizens. In 2019, we attended our citizenship ceremony, marking the end of years of visas, immigration lawyers and uncertainty.
I have always been an active person. Growing up, I participated in many sports, particularly swimming and running, often training alongside my dad at the local run club. During COVID, I returned to running and sustained an injury. Experiencing firsthand what it felt like to go from being active to struggling with basic movement, including walking, was both physically and mentally challenging. This journey sparked a genuine interest in movement, anatomy and rehabilitation, and ultimately led me to reassess my career direction.
After relocating to the Gold Coast in 2021, I enrolled in a comprehensive Polestar Pilates teacher training course, using my own rehabilitation journey as the foundation for learning. Using my own body as a case study helped bridge the gap between theory and application and played a significant role in getting me to where I am today.
Teaching Pilates gave me a strong sense of purpose and confirmed my desire to work in a hands-on, client-focused health environment. Wanting to continue expanding my skills, I later enrolled at QAcademy to become a qualified remedial massage therapist. Along my recovery journey, my GP referred me to a sports physician at Gold Coast Physio & Sports Health. Experiencing the high standard of care, professionalism and collaborative team approach firsthand left a lasting impression, and I knew it was an environment I wanted to be part of once I completed my training.
