AARON SMITH
Founder, KX PIlates
Aaron Smith is the founder of KX Pilates and the driving force behind its evolution into one of APAC’s leading Pilates brands. With over 15 years of experience building and scaling the KX network, Aaron has played a pivotal role in shaping the standards of modern, performance-led Pilates.
When he launched KX Pilates in 2010, Aaron’s mission was to bring reformer Pilates into mainstream fitness while delivering a highly personalised experience that clients genuinely love. Guided by a strong people-first philosophy, Aaron believes that when you invest in people, the business naturally follows.
His passion for quality education and high standards has seen KX Pilates invest heavily in a highly skilled training department, with a strong focus on education and continuous improvement. True to the Kaizen philosophy of small, continuous improvements, Aaron has built a business committed to sustainable, long-term success.
The KX Institute was created as a natural extension of this vision, providing a clear, structured pathway for the next generation of Pilates instructors. Together, the KX Pilates network and KX Institute form an integrated ecosystem — aligning education and studio practice to elevate instructor capability, client outcomes, and the future of performance-led Pilates.
MEET OUR EDUCATORS,
MENTORS & TRAINERS
At KX Institute, our team of educators, experienced mentors and trainers are at the forefront of Pilates education. Each brings extensive industry experience, combining real-world studio expertise with a structured, performance-led approach to teaching.
Backed by the KX Pilates network, our team is deeply connected to one of Australia’s leading Pilates communities. This ensures our learners are guided by professionals who understand what it takes to perform, coach and succeed in a modern studio environment.
We don’t just teach theory, we develop confident, job-ready instructors through education grounded in precision, consistency and real-world application.
At KX Institute, our team of educators, experienced mentors and trainers are at the forefront of Pilates education. Each brings extensive industry experience, combining real-world studio expertise with a structured, performance-led approach to teaching.
Backed by the KX Pilates network, our team is deeply connected to one of Australia’s leading Pilates communities. This ensures our learners are guided by professionals who understand what it takes to perform, coach and succeed in a modern studio environment.
We don’t just teach theory, we develop confident, job-ready instructors through education grounded in precision, consistency and real-world application.
RACHAEL FRASER
Lead Educator, KX Institute
Rachael is a highly experienced Pilates educator with over a decade in the global Pilates industry, having begun teaching in the UK in 2011. She has since gone on to design and lead both Pilates and Barre instructor training programs across Australia and Singapore, educating and mentoring hundreds of instructors.
Rachael previously led the KX Academy program for KX Pilates, where she was responsible for the education and delivery of the KX Pilates Method to trainers nationwide. Building on this experience, she has played a key role in shaping the education framework at KX Institute. Over the past 3 years, she has led the development of the Institute’s curriculum, creating structured, performance-led learning that reflects real studio environments and upholds the KX standard.
Her expertise spans dynamic mat/reformer programming and pre/postnatal exercise, underpinned by a strong focus on mentoring and developing confident, job-ready instructors. Rachael continues to teach across studios in Melbourne, ensuring the curriculum remains grounded in real-world application.
JANE KINGSFORD
Education Consultant, KX Institute
Jane brings a unique blend of performance experience and clinical insight to her role as an Educator at KX Institute. Since becoming a Pilates instructor within the KX network in 2016, she has progressed through multiple roles including Trainer, Mentor, Teacher Trainer, and State Training Manager, moving into instructor education in 2020, where she developed a strong interest in mentoring and supporting instructors.
Alongside her work within KX, Jane has taught across a range of studio environments, including internationally in the UK, giving her a broad perspective on different teaching styles, client populations, and programming approaches.
Her work in instructor education focuses on structured programming, building instructor confidence, and preparing instructors for real studio environments. She has also contributed to the development of KX Institute’s curriculum. Currently in the final stages of a Masters of Physiotherapy, Jane integrates evidence-based practice to support confident, capable instructors.
STEFF DONEY
Education & Mentoring Lead - KX Institute
Steff brings over 10 years of experience across the fitness and Pilates industry, including more than six years within the KX Pilates network across education, mentoring, and product development roles.
As part of the KX Pilates Product & Innovation team and KX Institute, Steff plays a key role in building trainer education frameworks, curriculum development, and the ongoing evolution of the KX Pilates Method, while continuing to teach and support clients within the studio environment.
With a specialist interest in Pre and Postnatal training, Steff combines a diverse movement background spanning classical ballet, competitive swimming, and personal training to support confident and capable instruction.
Passionate about both education and the client experience, Steff believes great instructors are built on the foundation of making people feel genuinely seen, supported, and challenged in equal measure.
CONTRIBUTING EDUCATORS
AND SPECIALISTS
A wider circle of experienced professionals who contribute their specialist expertise to enrich the KX Institute learning experience.
A wider circle of experienced professionals who contribute their specialist expertise to enrich the KX Institute learning experience.
NATALIE LEPORE
Osteopath & Pilates Instructor
Natalie is a registered Osteopath with over 10 years of experience across private practice, clinical education, and Pilates instruction within rehabilitation and fitness environments.
Natalie has been part of the KX Pilates network for over 8 years as a trainer, mentor, and educator, helping develop confident and capable instructors through her ability to simplify complex concepts. She has also taught within the Osteopathy program at Victoria University across both academic and clinical settings.
Qualified in both fitness and Clinical Pilates, Natalie supports a diverse range of clients, including injury rehabilitation, pre & postnatal, and ageing populations. Known for clear communication, strong client rapport, and a calm, energetic, and professional approach grounded in evidence-based care.
DAWN MULLER
Pilates Instructor & Mentor
Dawn is a Pilates instructor, mentor, and founder of Silverback Studios in Melbourne’s inner west. With over a decade of teaching experience and a background in Sport, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her work with both clients and instructors.
Dawn specialises in mat Pilates, with a particular interest in Joseph Pilates’ original repertoire. Known for her strong, detail-focused classes and hands-on approach, she combines technical precision with genuine care, creating a supportive and connected experience for every client.
