AquaSummit

Tracey has over 30 years of academic experience as a lecturer and researcher in Exercise Science, Sports Nutrition and Women’s Health. She is currently a lecturer at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology in New Zealand and is a nutrition consultant for national and international athletes and coaches. Tracey completed a PhD at Auckland University of Technology on ‘The effects of an osteogenic jump-landing programme on bone health in premenopausal women,’ and her research is ongoing in this important area of Women’s health. Tracey and the OSTEO-GAINS team have created a Women’s Bone Health Phone App which is receiving incredible attention in NZ and worldwide. Tracey is the mother of two children and has previously represented New Zealand in distance running, winning several national and international marathon titles, including winning the Auckland Marathon four times.

My career has been all about creating positive connections through fitness. As a national and
international presenter and trainer, I’m committed to elevating the standard of aqua fitness and
inspiring others to grow in their craft.
Whether I’m motivating members in the pool or mentoring fellow instructors, I love creating moments that help participants and professionals feel stronger, happier, and more connected.
As a certified Aqua Fitness professional and the creator, director, and lead choreographer of Aqua Zone Fitness Ltd. I’m dedicated to helping people get fit, feel great, and discover the joy of movement in the water.

Inducted into the AusActive Role of Honour 2023, Monash ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Industry’ 2019 award winner, Australian fitness presenter of 2018 and 2016 New Zealand Educator of the Year, Marietta Mehanni is a well-known international presenter. Since the start of the Covid 19 crisis, Marietta has actively provided hundreds of free online live workouts designed for women who wanted to train with their bodies and brain without pelvic floor and joint strain. Pivoting to provide classes and education, Marietta launched her online membership and online live workshops.

She is also the international Master Trainer and Education Coordinator for Gymstick International Oy, Co-Founder of My Group Move, an online and face to face education, Marietta is passionate about educating group fitness instructors to reach their full potential to deliver exceptional group fitness classes. She is also the Co-Creator of mSwing, a fascia-based group fitness class designed to enhance and improve functional movement patterns. Always challenging the status quo and working outside the box, Marietta is an expert in developing fun exercise formats that are suitable for all ages and abilities.

Dr Sophie Heywood is a physiotherapist at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Hydro Functional Fitness, and the Melbourne Sports Medicine Centre. Sophie completed her PhD in the biomechanics of functional exercise in water for older adults and for people with knee osteoarthritis. Sophie has completed research in trauma-informed care in physiotherapy and in multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams.

Jess Adkins-Barber is a swim school owner, educator, and industry leader recognised for her work in equity, inclusion, and workforce development across the aquatic sector. She leads The Little Swim School, supporting more than 1200 swimmers and a large neurodivergent community through trauma-aware, learner-centred teaching frameworks.
Working across learn-to-swim and aqua fitness environments, Jess brings a practical lens to staffing, culture, and program design, challenging leaders to look beyond labels and consider who theirprograms are truly serving. As an active teacher, trainer, and assessor still working in the water each week, she shares real strategies drawn from lived experience, helping organisations createenvironments where both participants and staff can thrive.

Di Evans is the owner of AquaSparke. She became a qualified instructor in 2010 and has built Deep Water Running techniques that originated from the land-based training as a running coach. This allows athletes to train in the water without joint impact. Di’s curiosity with movement & the human body comes from her running background and drives her desire to assist clients to improve their strength, mobility, and running technique including body awareness. Di has experience coaching a broad range of clients from elite runners to rehabilitation clients, and clients seeking general fitness and conditioning. She has always been passionate about working with people and assisting them to reach their goals in a small class environment. The benefits clients gain from water running, including improved posture, rehabilitation from injury, core strength development and best of all an improvement in strength & mobility.

Margaret Ryall has been part of the aquatic industry since 1976 and is widely recognised for her work in deep-water training. In 1988, she founded the company, Ryall’s Water Workout Buoyancy Belt that led the way to influence deep-water running techniques and training approaches.

Margaret has worked with a wide range of elite athletes and teams including NRL clubs, the Japanese National Rugby Team, the NSW Sheffield Shield Cricket Team, the Australian Women’s Olympic Basketball Team, the Opals, the Hockeyroos, and defence forces. Margaret has also supported high-performance swimmers including Ian Thorpe and Lori Munz.

Margaret continues to run accredited deep-water workshops for aqua fitness leaders and is passionate about helping instructors develop confidence and advanced skills in deep-water settings.

Heather Bond has been a physiotherapist for 45 years, working in Aquatic Physiotherapy for over 30. She was also active in the Australian Physiotherapy Association's National Aquatic Physiotherapy Group. Heather commenced Deep Water Running with Di about 5 years ago and has since become a qualified coach in Deep Water Running. Regular training sessions are held by Di to encourage coaches to update their skills and Heather participates in these, lecturing and mentoring on relevant Aquatic theory and demonstrating practical ideas for participants at AquaSparke; a positive collaboration of allied health and the aqua industry.  It does happen! 

From preschoolers to adults, including tertiary and aqua students, JSP's teaching journey has been about meeting people where they are—adapting and making learning meaningful.

Endless ideas have been both JSP's greatest strength and biggest challenge, yet her unstructured approach somehow led to structured, easy-to-follow lesson plans—well, for her brain anyway! One of JSP's greatest joys was bringing WETS, AquaFrame, and with her co-founders, Aqua Alliance, to life—all evolving and creating impact. This journey is powered by purpose and supported by incredible people who share her love for water, education, and movement.

Many in the aqua workforce retire, but some continue, driven by the lasting value and fulfillment of this career. Now, in her third trimester of life, JSP senses a new wave coming—let’s see where this reinvention leads. Longevity takes more than passion—it requires strategy and foresight; especially as joint injuries and life shifts happen.
In her 4th decade in the industry, JSP is thrilled to be at AquaSummit sharing, learning, and connecting with you, the dedicated instructors who motivate your communities.

With over 15 years of experience as a telecommunications executive, Danise’s tree change lead to a career change and university studies in Health Science. Since 2010, Danise has led a diverse range of group exercise classes across multiple disciplines while also providing personal training for clients of all ages and abilities.
Currently based in the Southern Highlands, Danise works as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist at a multi-disciplinary health clinic, where she specialises in small group and individual clinical exercise as a tool for rehabilitation, disease management, injury recovery and longevity. Danise believes that exercise is a powerful medicine for both the body and mind, with aquatic exercise playing a vital role in holistic treatment, helping clients achieve overall well-being.

Originally educated and licensed as a physical therapist in the Netherlands, Irene later immigrated to the United States, where she founded and co-owns One Step Beyond, Inc. Physical Therapy. Her clinical work focuses on aquatic therapy, pediatrics, and individuals with developmental delays; combining evidence-based practice with the unique benefits of the aquatic environment.
As a certified professional through AEA and ATRI, Irene blends her understanding of hydrodynamics and physical therapy to create effective and engaging pool-based therapy and fitness sessions.
Irene is also the inventor and developer of the Aqua-Ω, an innovative adjustable drag-resistance device designed for aquatic exercise and rehabilitation. She has presented and demonstrated her work at national and international events including SCW Mania, FitnessFest, DCAC FitCon, as well as conferences hosted by AEA and ATRI.

Robert brings 17 years of experience in Aqua Aerobics and a strong history of mentoring new instructors. He conducts more than 30 classes each week and is recognised for structured, well-designed programs that offer variety across every session. His programming emphasises progressions and repeated sequences to build capability and confidence. Robert’s commitment to aquatic fitness has been acknowledged as an AusActive Finalist in both 2024 and 2025.

Mitchell started his career as a Les Mills Instructor and later trained as a Gym Instructor. One day, his employer asked if he’d consider training as an Aqua Instructor and, on impulse, he said yes!
He quickly discovered that his group fitness skills translated perfectly to the low-impact water environment, planning classes that are gentle on the joints but still deliver high-intensity results. His participants respond to his energy, his taste for older pop music, and how he includes functional, dynamic movements in the routines.
Over the past three years, he’s been at the Aqua Summit as a delegate, learning, watching, and picking up new skills. Now, stepping into a presenter role with the Gunyama team, he’s up for the challenge, keen to grow his technical skills, and ready to work alongside his team members.
Mitchell has also trained as a Pilates Instructor, further developing his approach to fitness. He combines curiosity, precision, and targeted intensity to support healthy aging and sustainable movement, ensuring every session is engaging, purposeful, and enjoyable.

From professional dancer in Italy to performing in New York, Valeria’s journey has always been shaped by movement, rhythm, and connection. After dancing with a ballet company in New York, she worked internationally as a choreographer, dancer, and fitness instructor across Europe and Africa before settling in Sydney eight years ago. With more than 15 years of teaching experience, Valeria brings creativity, technical skill, and unmistakable energy to every class. Her move into aqua fitness has seen her create just as much impact in the water as she once did on stage. Blending structure with flow and fun with precision, she delivers sessions that are purposeful, uplifting, and full of personality. Valeria holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise and Sports Science and a Diploma in Dance Education. She is also a qualified swim teacher with additional training in postural and flexibility programs and musical fitness. Passionate about aqua fitness, she believes in the power of movement in water to strengthen and uplift both body and spirit, while building a strong, supportive community through every class she leads.

Donna Wilmott is the 2022 AusActive Aqua Professional of the Year, based in Adelaide, Australia, and has been a leading force in the aqua fitness industry since 2011. Internationally recognised, she has presented across Australia, New Zealand, Italy, and most recently in Dubai. She is widely known for her work with Acquapole® Australia and her contribution to aquatic equipment growth throughout the region.
As a Master Trainer for Acquapole®, SAF Aqua Drums Vibes, Salti Australia, and her strong affiliation with the International Aquatic Academy, Donna is passionate about evolving the Aqua Fitness space. Known as the “Choreography Queen,” she brings a fresh, high-energy approach to Aqua Training, blending creativity, performance, and brain-based movement to enhance both physical and mental wellbeing.
Donna’s passion lies in helping educate others to harness the power of water to build strength, coordination, and confidence, championing Aqua Fitness as a dynamic, innovative training method that is reshaping the future of movement.

Roz Hammond has been an actor for three decades, appearing in hit movies Muriel’s Wedding and The Dish along with TV shows like The Librarians, Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell, Jack Irish, The Heights and Bay of Fires. Her one-woman theatre shows have toured internationally.   She is also a long-time yoga, meditation and mindfulness teacher, an acting coach and an EFT Practitioner.  Roz also facilitates Anxiety Management Workshops around the country.

Jenny has over 16 years experience in the fitness industry, including more than 10 years in Aqua fitness. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and brings a strong background in training and recruitment, which has supported her in successfully building and managing a fitness business within private lifestyle communities.
Through her business, she shares her knowledge and experience by providing training and mentoring to her staff, supporting their professional growth and confidence as instructors.
A passionate Aqua instructor, Jenny is known for bringing variety, fun, and challenge to every class. She is particularly dedicated to encouraging older adults to stay strong, active, and engaged in exercise.

Carolyn Humphreys is a passionate aqua instructor with more than 25 years’ experience in aqua fitness, transitioning into the instructor role in 2020. Drawing on her extensive experience as both participant and instructor, Carolyn leads engaging classes across major aquatic centres and private lifestyle communities, using a variety of formats and equipment to keep participants motivated, challenged, and having fun.

With a professional background working with vulnerable children and their families, she creates inclusive, welcoming sessions where participants feel confident, supported, and connected. She also draws on her expertise in training and development to mentor and upskill fellow instructors, sharing practical strategies for running safe, dynamic, and rewarding classes.

What began as a way to manage her workplace stress has become a fulfilling career built on creativity, passion, and community, helping people thrive in and out of the pool.

Tracey has over 30 years of academic experience as a lecturer and researcher in Exercise Science, Sports Nutrition and Women’s Health. She is currently a lecturer at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology in New Zealand and is a nutrition consultant for national and international athletes and coaches. Tracey completed a PhD at Auckland University of Technology on ‘The effects of an osteogenic jump-landing programme on bone health in premenopausal women,’ and her research is ongoing in this important area of Women’s health. Tracey and the OSTEO-GAINS team have created a Women’s Bone Health Phone App which is receiving incredible attention in NZ and worldwide. Tracey is the mother of two children and has previously represented New Zealand in distance running, winning several national and international marathon titles, including winning the Auckland Marathon four times.

Stacey Aldous is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, educator, and owner of Freedom Health & Wellness in Tasmania - a community-focused health hub supporting people to become fitter, stronger, and healthier at every stage of life. With over 20 years’ experience, Stacey specialises in working with older adults and those living with chronic conditions. She delivers both land- and water-based programs, with a strong focus on aqua as an accessible and effective way to improve strength, mobility, balance, and confidence.

Stacey combines evidence-based exercise physiology with practical, engaging program design to support independence and quality of life. She also lectures with the University of Tasmania, supervising students in rural placements and helping develop the future workforce. Outside of work, Stacey enjoys adventuring with her husband Tom and their two children, Sophie and Jack.

From preschoolers to adults, including tertiary and aqua students, JSP's teaching journey has been about meeting people where they are—adapting and making learning meaningful.

Endless ideas have been both JSP's greatest strength and biggest challenge, yet her unstructured approach somehow led to structured, easy-to-follow lesson plans—well, for her brain anyway! One of JSP's greatest joys was bringing WETS, AquaFrame, and with her co-founders, Aqua Alliance, to life—all evolving and creating impact. This journey is powered by purpose and supported by incredible people who share her love for water, education, and movement.

Many in the aqua workforce retire, but some continue, driven by the lasting value and fulfillment of this career. Now, in her third trimester of life, JSP senses a new wave coming—let’s see where this reinvention leads. Longevity takes more than passion—it requires strategy and foresight; especially as joint injuries and life shifts happen.
In her 4th decade in the industry, JSP is thrilled to be at AquaSummit sharing, learning, and connecting with you, the dedicated instructors who motivate your communities.

Di Evans is the owner of AquaSparke. She became a qualified instructor in 2010 and has built Deep Water Running techniques that originated from the land-based training as a running coach. This allows athletes to train in the water without joint impact. Di’s curiosity with movement & the human body comes from her running background and drives her desire to assist clients to improve their strength, mobility, and running technique including body awareness. Di has experience coaching a broad range of clients from elite runners to rehabilitation clients, and clients seeking general fitness and conditioning. She has always been passionate about working with people and assisting them to reach their goals in a small class environment. The benefits clients gain from water running, including improved posture, rehabilitation from injury, core strength development and best of all an improvement in strength & mobility.

Margaret Ryall has been part of the aquatic industry since 1976 and is widely recognised for her work in deep-water training. In 1988, she founded the company, Ryall’s Water Workout Buoyancy Belt that led the way to influence deep-water running techniques and training approaches.

Margaret has worked with a wide range of elite athletes and teams including NRL clubs, the Japanese National Rugby Team, the NSW Sheffield Shield Cricket Team, the Australian Women’s Olympic Basketball Team, the Opals, the Hockeyroos, and defence forces. Margaret has also supported high-performance swimmers including Ian Thorpe and Lori Munz.

Margaret continues to run accredited deep-water workshops for aqua fitness leaders and is passionate about helping instructors develop confidence and advanced skills in deep-water settings.

Debi Godfrey brings 31 years of experience in the fitness and aqua fitness industry, blending functional training with music-driven movement to create powerful aquatic experiences. As the creator of Primal Aqua, Debi specialises in primal movement–based programming that transforms the 7 fundamental movement patterns into rhythmic, effective and achievable water workouts. Primal Aqua: The Rhythm is a signature master class within the Primal Aqua program, showcasing Debi’s passion for musicality, choreography, and purposeful flow. Known for high-energy instruction and creative sequencing, Debi inspires instructors to harness rhythm, elevate functional training, and reimagine what aqua fitness can be.

Lisa is a highly renowned fitness professional, author and presenter. She combines physiotherapy and fitness to provide a range of health and fitness programs and has been honoured with many awards including 3 Australian Fitness Networks awards: Fitness professional, Author and Presenter of the year and the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014, Fitness Australia’s awarded Lisa “Outstanding contribution to the Australian Fitness industry”, and in 2017 She was inducted into “Fitness Australia’s Roll of Honour” for her unique and dedicated work in fitness and health.