Meet our team
Meet our team
True Pilates offers a quieter alternative to large fitness environments. Our instructors combine decades of experience, internationally recognised qualifications, and a shared commitment to personalised teaching. United by a passion for movement and lifelong learning, we help our clients build strength, confidence and lasting wellbeing through the Authentic Pilates Method.
Our Grey Lynn studio is a calm and welcoming sanctuary. Filled with natural light, it is a tranquil space to slow down, focus and reconnect with your body. For those seeking greater privacy, our fully equipped private room offers a quiet, exclusive space dedicated entirely to you and your instructor.
Helen Leahy
Founder & Director
A lifelong appreciation for movement began with a childhood practising ballet, where Helen developed the discipline, precision and grace that would later draw her to the Authentic Pilates Method. While living in the United States, Pilates became a personal pursuit that evolved into a professional calling.
In 2006, Helen completed her Authentic Pilates Instructor Apprenticeship in New York under renowned Master Teachers Romana Kryzanowska and Sari Mejia Santo, becoming a fully certified instructor in the original method. She founded True Pilates in 2007 and has since earned a reputation as one of Auckland’s most respected Pilates teachers, known for her meticulous eye, technical excellence and ability to tailor every session to the individual.
Helen’s sessions are thoughtfully designed to challenge, inspire, and help each client achieve their full potential, delivered with a depth of knowledge and encouraging style.
Therese James
Certified Instructor
Therese’s journey into teaching Pilates began with experiencing first-hand the strength, balance, and body awareness Pilates can create.
Inspired to share those benefits with others, Therese brings qualifications from the Pilates International Training Centre (Australia), the Centre for Women’s Fitness (USA), and the Australian Institute of Personal Trainers.
Therese has taken on further studies into women’s health, including pre- and post-natal Pilates, as well as supporting healthy ageing through movement. She believes Pilates is for everybody and every stage of life, and finds great joy in helping clients build confidence, strength, and capability through consistent practice.
Alex Pustovoitova
Certified Instructor
Trained as an engineer in Russia, Alex discovered Pilates through her own recovery from persistent back pain. What began as a personal solution soon became a passion, leading her to qualify as a Polestar Pilates Instructor in 2023.
Bringing international teaching experience and a thoughtful, analytical approach to movement, Alex has continued to deepen her expertise through specialised training in Authentic Pilates.
Alex’s teaching is grounded in precision, intelligent movement, and respect for the traditional repertoire. She is passionate about helping her clients improve their posture, recover from injury, and move with greater ease and confidence.
Melina Baumgarten
Certified Instructor
Originally from Brazil, Melina possesses a rare blend of scientific expertise, artistic expression, and infectious enthusiasm.
Before pursuing Pilates professionally, she enjoyed a distinguished career spanning both science and the performing arts. Holding a PhD in Biology, Melina worked as a university lecturer and researcher while also spending more than a decade teaching, choreographing and directing Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance. This unique combination has given her a profound understanding of movement, human performance, and the body’s remarkable capacity to adapt and thrive.
Melina became a fully certified Polestar Pilates Instructor in 2021 and has taught in Brazil, Sydney, and Auckland. Her sessions are energetic, engaging, and highly personalised, combining evidence-based knowledge with a genuine passion for helping others.
Mabel & Rocky
Chief Happiness Officers
No visit to True Pilates is complete without a warm welcome from our resident Chief Happiness Officers, Mabel and Rocky. These two lovable Boxers are very much part of the True Pilates family. Rocky is the quieter of the pair, preferring to observe from a comfortable distance, while Mabel is always happy to charm visitors with her friendly gentle affection
Most days you’ll find them peacefully snoozing, adding to the studio’s relaxed and welcoming ambience.