Meet the team

EVIE POAROS

Marketing and Events & Guest Teacher

I am a guest teacher at Ismini Phillips Studios, and I am also responsible for the studio’s marketing and taking care of events.

I love my work at the studio and I enjoy seeing people develop physically, emotionally and mentally as they progress with their classes and activities. I really believe that movement can help with mental health and throughout my career, I have seen people becoming aware of those mental changes, as well as enjoying the physical benefits of activity.

When I’m not working and teaching at the studio, I am a professional dancer based in the UK and Germany. I have a BA degree in Classical Ballet and Contemporary Ballet. I continue to study, and I will receive an MSc in Psychology at the end of September 2019.

I am a naturally chatty and bubbly person, something that I always bring into my classes. I love the social element of working at Ismini Philips Studios, so if you see me around, let’s grab a coffee and have a chat!

EMILIA

Pilates Teacher

I started teaching group mat Pilates classes at Ismini Philips Studios after the studio re-opened just after the last lockdown on 17th May. I live in Orpington. I’m Level 3 Body Control Mat Pilates Pilates Teacher and am BackCare qualified. I started this industry by attending my local Pilates classes with Ismini to improve my posture and help my frequent back pains. Pilates changed the way I felt – living with balance and wellness and the astonishing results inspired me to train professionally. I believe that our body is a powerful tool which can heal itself with the help of nutrition, movement and mindfulness. I always try to spread this message to others to benefit from it.

I love working with our clients, being able to enhance people’s lives and make them feel better.

Out of the studio I enjoy hiking, walking my dog, running and reading. In the evening depending how much time I have left in the day, I like preparing quick but healthy meals, reading, gardening and relaxing to allow my mind to fully switch off by bedtime.

EMMA GRIST

Pilates Instructor

I teach the Monday morning mat Pilates class at 10.45am. I teach mostly in the mornings for a few hours, either classes or working with clients on a 1 to 1 basis. I joined Ismini Philips Studios on the 17th May following the opening of the studios after the last lockdown.

I love to help my clients and see improvements in their everyday life, be that by improving posture, keeping niggles at bay or improving sports performance.

I first trained as a fitness instructor and an aerobics instructor. I’ve even qualified to teach hula hooping! But for the last 5 years my focus has turned more exclusively to Pilates. I hold an OCR level 3 qualification in Pilates teaching. I have trained further to be able to teach pre/post-natal clients, Small Equipment Pilates, Barre Pilates and Reformer Pilates. I believe it is important to continue with my personal development. I am an associate of JPilates, which is a training body.

I make sure that all of my training sessions are tailored to meet my client’s needs. I offer variety each week and a positive approach to make the time I spend teaching as beneficial as possible, as well as enjoyable. If you don’t enjoy the exercise you do it is hard to commit to it.

I live locally in Tonbridge and when I’m not working I try to find time for my own practice and keeping up with admin.
I run 10k twice a week, walk Reggie the cocker poo and do a lot of household chores.

CLAIRE LUCY-SUMMERS

Pilates Teacher

I started teaching mixed level Pilates classes at Ismini Phillips Studios in 2021 on a Tuesday morning and Thursday evening. I am a Level 3 Body Control Mat Pilates teacher who loves helping clients to discover the benefits of Pilates, building a rapport with them, and playing a role in their movement journey.

I first started attending Pilates classes in 2012 and quickly fell in love with the way it makes me feel. During a career break following the birth of my 2^nd son I seized the opportunity to train as a teacher, allowing me to share my enthusiasm with others. I understand that Pilates is very personal, and I strive to make sure that all my clients feel safe and comfortable, as well as suitably challenged. I know what it’s like to be a client struggling with various issues and so I make sure that all my teaching is conducted with understanding, patience, and kindness.

I live in Tunbridge Wells and, when I’m not enjoying Pilates, I love to spend time outside with my family and friends. I have two young sons, so a lot of my time is spent running about after them!