CLINICAL LEADERSHIP & LINEAGE
At The Movement Refinery, your care is never handed off to generic trainers or guided by speculative templates. We bridge the critical space between hospital-grade clinical rehabilitation and lifelong physical agency. Our clinical director unites post-graduate exercise physiology, objective biomechanical testing, and complete classical apparatus mastery to deliver unhurried, evidence-based movement care.
FOUNDING DIRECTOR & LEAD CLINICIAN
Clinical Focus Areas:
Neurological Rehabilitation (Parkinson's, MS, Stroke, FND)
Exercise Oncology & Survivorship Support
High-Intensity Bone Loading & Joint Care (Onero™ & GLA:D®)
Complex Musculoskeletal & Spinal Rehabilitation
Cardiometabolic care
For Referring Medical Practitioners:
Nicholas accepts Medicare CDM/EPC referrals, DVA, and NDIS plans. Secure clinical reports and VALD diagnostic tracking are provided following initial and discharge assessments.
Direct correspondence: studio@themovementrefinery.com.au
Nicholas Psarros
"Movement is the most honest conversation you can have with your body. My role is to help you navigate it with confidence, clarity, and care."
I’ve spent over two decades exploring how movement heals, restores, and empowers. My career began in vocational dance and classical Pilates, teaching full-time since 2002 and later founding The Movement Refinery in 2005; my dedication to understanding the human body led me into Clinical Exercise Physiology.
Today, as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, my practice sits at the intersection of cutting-edge exercise science and deep, compassionate listening. My clinical perspective has been shaped by extraordinary mentorship across some of Victoria’s most demanding healthcare environments—including cancer rehabilitation with Moving Beyond Cancer, complex neurological and acquired brain injury rehabilitation at Epworth Healthcare Richmond, and metabolic, cardiac and orthopaedic recovery at The Royal Melbourne Hospital.
For four years I worked alongside Elizabeth Hewett at The Australian Ballet School and as the Strength and Conditioning coach, supporting the future of dance amongst a magnificent team of health professionals. These years were deeply rewarding and exciting and I love seeing former students light up the stage.
Whether you are navigating oncology treatment, managing a chronic condition, recovering from complex injury, or simply feeling like your body needs a reset, I don’t believe in rushed appointments or generic exercise sheets. Clinical rehabilitation takes time. I take the time to hear your story, decode what your body is experiencing, and build a precise, evidence-informed prescription tailored specifically to your life.
You won’t just be guided through exercises—you’ll gain an understanding of how your body works so you can reclaim autonomy, rebuild resilience, and feel comfortable in your skin again.
M.Clin.Ex.Phys | B.App.Sc (Ex & Sp Sci) | AEP, AES, ESSAM | GLA:D® & Onero™ Certified
Dip. Professional Pilates Instruction, APEI Classical Pilates certified, Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis certified.
Chris Kelly
Senior Associate: Teacher, collaborator - commenced at the studio in 2019
Welcome!
I draw on my experiences in health and movement therapy to passionately educate and empower my clients to understand their bodies. Ultimately, our shared goal is to develop a connection and sensitivity to the body so that clients can move freely and feel better in their daily lives.
Although I am now deeply rooted in the Pilates sphere, I initially began my teacher training process as a bit of a side-hustle while I completed my Chinese Medicine (TCM) degree. At the time, my rationale was to have tools to help clients with their musculoskeletal concerns as a complement to the internal medicine of TCM. The narrative then flipped as I continually witnessed the healing power of intentional movement. Clients improved in their quality of life internally and externally thanks to effective exercise, so I channelled my professional career accordingly.
As a Pilates Teacher, I remain curious and have had formal training through both classical (TMRACADEMY) and contemporary (Polestar Pilates) lineages. Did you know that I was inspired by the classical method after attending classes at The Movement Refinery as a client? The effects and playful memories have snowballed to shape the teacher I am today.
Have you heard of The Franklin MethodⓇ? I’m a Level 1 Educator and there are only a few of us in Australia. This body of work is at the forefront of practical neuroplasticity. It is an over-arching innovative system and view of the body/movement which helps clients by pulling in tools like imagery and anatomical embodiment. These tools run in tandem with my Pilates offering to create long-term change for the body and mind. As part of my qualification, I also enjoy facilitating workshops for both professional development and to the public.
I’d like to see broader uptake of considered exercise programmes and anatomical embodiment in our health system, which is why I am completed an Exercise and Sports Science degree at Deakin University in 2024 and have embarked on a Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology at ACU and due to graduate in December 2026.
I am a child of the Antipodes having grown up between Bangkok, Auckland and later Australia as a young adult. My clients would describe me as gentle, patient and always ready to guide them through a work-out or a work-in. Our studio is a haven for all.
You’re one step closer to feeling better
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You’re one step closer to feeling better *
Vanessa Killen
Pilates Teacher and educator
I first fell in love with the Pilates Method in the early 90s when I was a fresh-faced dancer studying for my Bachelor of Dance at the Victorian College of the Arts. It wasn’t just the conditioning and injury reducing benefits it provided, working on the Reformer was like moving meditation for me, a purposeful connection of mind, body and soul that left me feeling great after my sessions. And just like any great love, it has grown, evolved and become richer over the years. Even as my life changed and I explored other career paths (radio, copywriting and comedy), as well as becoming a parent and Pilates teacher, Pilates has continued to benefit my day-to-day life through these different stages.
It really is a wonderful experience sharing this with other people and seeing clients have their own discovery moments, whether that’s in their actual Pilates practice, or in their daily lives with ease of movement, less niggles or pains, or the strength, support and balance to do things that they may have lost confidence in doing.
I have Diploma level qualification across the full apparatus and have studied both contemporary style Pilates and the Classical Method (TMRACADEMY amongst others), and am continually working to expand my knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the work in my own body, as well as for my clients.
I would like all clients to feel welcome in my sessions. We all have different backgrounds, histories, bodies & reasons for attending, but a regular Pilates practice can offer us all so much (if you know, you know!). I’m a fairly calm and grounded personality, so in my sessions you can expect a relaxed and welcoming environment where you can enjoy exploring how you move and connect with your body – finding deeper connections and control within the details and nuance of the Pilates exercises. I hope you’ll then leave the studio with the satisfied smile and sigh of a lifted mood and enlivened body that keeps you coming back for more.