Meet the team
At Align Functional Fitness, we've partnered with other health professionals to form a fully integrated, multidisciplinary team that surrounds our clients, giving them support all round.
We are passionate about being able to provide a high quality of personalised coaching and support services.
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Our carefully designed studio provides a space for clients seeking a semi-private and quiet gym alternative.​ We pride ourselves on the methodical, scientifically-backed and functional approach we adopt when designing programs for each individual client. Laying a solid foundation to the way our clients move and helping them gain awareness and trust in their own movements before building upon balance, flexibility, strength, endurance and power. ​
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If you want to experience moving better, feeling stronger and living healthier, we'd love to talk to you!
Brianna Wehner
Founder | Exercise Oncology Instructor | Corrective Exercise Specialist | Personal Trainer | BSc - Biochemistry
Brianna is passionate about helping improve functional movements to those who may be limited by movement restrictions or feel hesitant about exercise. She has extensive experience with exercise modification and being able to adapt sessions to provide maximum benefit for clients and their unique movement profiles.
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Brianna is also proudly affiliated with Maple Tree Cancer Alliance, as an Exercise Oncology Instructor and Educator - inspired by her mum's own exercise journey through cancer treatment. “We are proud to be the international provider of Exercise Oncology programs here in New Zealand for Maple Tree Cancer Alliance and continue to advocate for exercise to be recognised as a standard practice of care for Cancer Patients.”
Tom Bywater
Physiotherapist & Neurophysiotherapist
Tom is a physiotherapist with over 8 years’ experience working in both New Zealand and Australia. Tom has a passion for improving client outcomes in the community and helping improve people’s autonomy when it comes to their health and rehabilitation. Tom spent the past 5 years of his career specialising in the area of neuro-rehab where he worked in community neurological rehabilitation clinics working with clients with spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis and Motor Neuron Disease.
Caitlin Milne
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Caitlin graduated from Otago University in 2016 with a Bachelor's degree in Science, majoring in Exercise Physiology with Honours. She has extensive experience working with patients with chronic health conditions and illnesses including cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue, long covid, mental health, osteoarthritis and auto immune conditions.
Caitlin is a strong advocate of 'knowledge is power'. She goes above and beyond to empower clients and ensure they have complete understanding of the what, why and how. She also has an in depth understanding of the role an engaging and integrative health model can have on the long-term health outcomes for anyone.
Kate Kempthorne
Personal Trainer | Rehabilitation Coach (Active Plus)
Kate graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise specializing in Exercise Prescription and Training, and brings a diverse background in health and fitness.
From therapeutic horseback riding, coaching netball teams and teaching children to swim, to training individuals with chronic conditions including Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Parkinsons Disease, Kate's experience spans varied disciplines. Her military background includes optimizing soldiers' fitness and assisting with team bonding through resilience and adventure training.
At Align, she is dedicated to promoting physical and mental wellness. "Where there's a will for physical and mental fitness there's a way, I'm here to help you find one that's uniquely yours".
Laura Berkett
Personal Trainer | Empowered Group Programme Lead
Laura is dedicated to helping people from all walks of life achieve their fitness goals, whether it's recovering from injuries, managing disabilities, or enhancing sports performance. Having lived a life immersed in sports and personally navigating her own injury and rehabilitation process, Laura deeply understands the physical and mental challenges that come with illness and injury.
She works closely with each person to ensure they receive the support and guidance necessary to improve their strength, mobility, and overall well-being. Laura’s focus on inclusivity and a holistic approach to fitness makes her a trusted ally for anyone ready to take control of their health journey. She firmly believes that physical fitness should be accessible to all, regardless of ability.
Jono Schepers
Personal Trainer | Strength & Rehabilitation Coach
Jono is a specialized personal trainer with over 5 years of experience in the fitness industry. He possesses a deep understanding of human movement and specializes in injury rehabilitation, focusing on both muscular and performance-based recovery. With a background in high-performance rugby, injury exercise rehabilitation and conditioning, Jono brings a unique perspective and expertise to his training programs, ensuring clients achieve their fitness and rehabilitation goals.
Whether you're an aspiring athlete seeking to improve their sport performance, aiming to increase their strength and muscular stability, or someone recovering from a musculoskeletal injury, Jono can provide expert guidance and support.
Morgan Spittal
Holistic Health Practitioner | Registered Nurse
Morgan has a background as a Registered Nurse, however she followed her passion for health and wellness and studied Integrative Nutrition, and currently Lifestyle Medicine.
Morgan says "It is my purpose to motivate and guide individuals to feel their best and most healthy, by addressing not just nutrition and exercise, but incorporating a whole body approach."
Ellie Mitchell
Administrator
Meet Ellie, an invaluable member of our administrative team. With her keen attention to detail and organisational prowess, Ellie ensures that our operations run smoothly day in and day out. Her friendly approach and willingness to go the extra mile helps us fulfill our commitment to providing unparalleled service and support to our valued clients.
Andrea Wehner
Administrator
Andrea is an integral member of our team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a creative flare to her role.
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In addition to her administrative role on Tuesday and Thursdays, Andrea is also on her own adventure to prioritise exercise and a healthy lifestyle while being able to still balance all other areas of life. As someone who has experienced the challenges of cancer rehab first-hand, she understands the importance of self-care and the impact it can have on overall wellbeing.
Andrea's personable and supportive nature make her a valuable member to the team and our Align community as a whole.