A Team Dedicated
to Your Success
Our Company Story
At Study Active, we believe fitness education should feel human, not corporate.
Behind every lesson, live chat, and qualification is a team of real people who care about your journey. From our expert tutors and course designers to our dedicated careers advisors, we’re here to support you from day one to the day you land your first job - and beyond.
We believe that true success is built on collaboration. By working closely with our valued partners and associations, we create strong networks that drive innovation, share expertise, and open new opportunities.
Together, we’re not just building connections—we’re building lasting impact for the industry and the communities we serve.
Meet the team
Debra Stuart
CEO
Debra Stuart is the CEO of Study Active and a seasoned leader in the health and fitness industry with over 40 years of experience. Her career spans from hands-on roles as a fitness instructor and personal trainer to senior leadership positions shaping national training and education standards. A Chartered Director and Fellow of the Institute of Directors, Debra has played a pivotal role in developing high-quality qualifications and frameworks, including during her tenure as CEO of Premier Global and Treasurer of ukactive. At Study Active, she continues her mission to raise industry standards by promoting accessible, evidence-based education and supporting clear career pathways for future professionals.
Julian Berriman
Director of Education
Julian Berriman is our Director of Education and brings over 30 years of experience in fitness education, curriculum design, and workforce development. He leads the design and delivery of training programmes that equip future fitness and wellness professionals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed in the industry. Julian also serves as Chair of EuropeActive’s Professional Standards Committee, overseeing the Sector Qualifications Framework and representing educational standards internationally. Alongside his role at Study Active, he continues to practise as an osteopath and personal trainer, maintaining his passion for health, fitness, and lifelong learning.
Carly Wallace
Managing Director
Carly began her career in health and fitness, working in business development across the UK and overseas with organisations such as Premier Training International, Active IQ, UFC Gyms and Les Mills. She later moved into senior eCommerce roles at global agencies, leading projects for major brands and specialising in growing online sales through Amazon and Shopify. At Study Active, Carly brings a wealth of commercial and digital expertise to her role as Managing Director, with a focus on enhancing the customer journey, supporting the team and driving sustainable growth for the business.
Ali Gower
Customer Experience Manager
Ali began her career in the active leisure industry in 2002, gaining experience in a range of gym roles as well as working as a tutor and assessor for training providers. She has since moved into senior leadership positions within the awarding and healthcare sectors, leading initiatives across customer experience, operations and service delivery. At Study Active, Ali uses her sector expertise and passion for continuous improvement to optimise business processes, enhance performance and deliver excellent customer experiences.
Ben Pratt
Content Expert
Ben is an international educator and consultant in the fitness, nutrition and wellness sectors, with over 20 years of experience in vocational health and fitness education. Holding an MSc in Holistic Nutrition and a BSc in Sports Science, he has authored numerous resources and developed accredited programmes in fitness coaching, personal training and nutrition. As founder of Fit2Succeed, Ben works with training providers and awarding bodies across the UK and Europe to deliver evidence-based education and e-learning. He has also contributed to the development of professional standards that continue to shape fitness education across Europe.
Cara Standley
Lead Internal Verification
Cara’s passion for the fitness industry began in the 1990s when she qualified as a studio instructor. She progressed to personal training before discovering her enthusiasm for tutoring and joining a UK training provider. Her drive to raise the standard of fitness education took her to the Middle East, where she lived and worked for ten years and introduced regulated UK qualifications to the region. Now back in the UK, Cara continues to mentor fitness professionals who aspire to become tutors and delivers specialist qualifications such as Pre and Postnatal Fitness and Menopause Support. At Study Active, she is responsible for the Internal Verification strategy and standardisation.
Charlie Reynolds
Tutor and Assessor
With over 13 years of experience in the fitness industry, Charlie has developed a career spanning education, business development and partnerships. She has worked with awarding bodies, training providers and local authorities, including the NHS, to deliver initiatives that prioritise health and wellbeing. Passionate about empowering others, Charlie combines her coaching business with her role as Tutor and Assessor at Study Active, where she supports learners to develop their skills and progress in the fitness industry.
Chris Walsh
Tutor and Assessor
Chris Walsh has been actively involved in fitness coaching for over 20 years, bringing a wealth of personal training experience to Study Active. He is a fully qualified tutor and assessor, passionate about helping students achieve both their fitness goals and career aspirations. Chris values physical movement alongside mental strength and focus, and brings a calm, friendly, and approachable style to his work. At Study Active, he regularly conducts gym and personal training assessments while providing exceptional coaching and mentoring to students.
Claire McMenamin
Careers Adviser
Claire has over 30 years of experience in education and learning, beginning her career in course development at the University of Cambridge Exam Board before moving into employee development as a learning and development adviser and facilitator. She has worked with a wide range of organisations, from a major car manufacturer to a national housing association, supporting learners from apprentices through to middle management. At Study Active, Claire uses her experience to guide and advise learners on the best course choices to achieve their career goals in the fitness industry.
Colin Archer
Tutor and Assessor
Colin Archer has been involved in the fitness industry for many years and has a genuine passion for all aspects of health and fitness. With extensive experience in personal training, he helps clients achieve their fitness goals safely and efficiently. Colin is a fully qualified assessor and draws on his wealth of knowledge to guide students in turning their aspirations into reality, supporting them as they pursue the careers they desire. He conducts gym instructing and personal training assessments, preparing students with essential coaching skills and key practical insights.
Dawn Fairey
Lead Pilates Educator
Dawn has over 40 years of experience in the fitness industry, with a background in contemporary dance and a lifelong passion for mindful movement. A specialist in Pilates, exercise to music, and children’s fitness, she has trained, assessed, and mentored thousands of aspiring fitness professionals across the UK.As a freelance tutor, assessor, and quality assurer for over two decades, Dawn delivers Level 2 and Level 3 fitness qualifications, develops accredited workshops, and supports national fitness standards. She continues to teach community Pilates classes and mentor new instructors, bringing a knowledgeable, kind, and encouraging approach to all learners.
Elise Bowles
Careers Advisor
Elise Bowles is our Career Advisor and is dedicated to supporting learners as they take their first steps towards a successful career in the fitness industry. Before joining Study Active, she spent four years at awarding organisation Active IQ, where she gained extensive experience in customer experience, fitness education, and qualification frameworks. At Study Active, Elise guides prospective students through the decision-making and enrolment process and also represents the organisation at events, where she enjoys connecting with learners and partners. Outside of work, Elise is a qualified Rebound Fit instructor and is passionate about health, movement, and inspiring others to stay active.
Hannah Feeney
Social Media & Content Manager
Hannah Feeney is our Social Media and Content Manager and has built her career around creativity, marketing, and communication. With experience across marketing, e-commerce, and content creation for brands in health, technology, and retail, she has developed expertise in social media strategy, content design, and campaign optimisation. At Study Active, Hannah manages all digital communications, ensuring the brand’s voice is professional, engaging, and informative. Outside of work, she is passionate about fitness and enjoys training for endurance events, including HYROX and half marathons.
Heather Walker
Senior Tutor and Assessor
Heather Walker is a tutor and assessor at Study Active and has been with the organisation since 2021. Fitness and movement have always been a central part of her life, from dance and gymnastics in her early years to aerial arts and pole fitness, where she has represented Great Britain three times in the World Pole Sport Championships. She holds a variety of instructor qualifications across personal training, dance, gymnastics, aerial arts, pole fitness, and bungee fitness, and owns her own aerial arts studio. Heather brings her extensive experience and passion for movement to every learner she supports.
Jessica Hall
Careers Advisor
Jessica brings experience in coaching, fitness instruction and sales to her role as Careers Adviser. With a strong passion for supporting individuals to achieve their goals, she draws on her background as a coach and instructor to motivate and mentor learners. At Study Active, Jessica provides guidance and encouragement to help learners build confidence, make informed choices and take the next steps towards their careers in the fitness industry.
Jo Green
Product Training Manager
Jo Green has spent her life immersed in health and fitness, from competing in hockey at club, county, university, and national level to building a career in exercise science and education. Holding a BSc in Physiology with Nutrition and an MSc in Sports Science from Loughborough, she has over 25 years’ experience helping individuals achieve their fitness goals and training the next generation of personal trainers. At Study Active, Jo leads on product development while also working as a tutor and assessor.
Julie Chappell
HR Lead
Julie Chappell FCIPD is the HR Lead at Study Active. A highly experienced HR professional, Julie brings over 25 years of expertise in fast-paced, multi-site environments. She has a proven ability to quickly understand organisational needs, challenges, and opportunities, providing effective, tailored HR solutions.
Kelly O'Regan
Tutor and Assessor
Kelly O’Regan has been with Study Active as a tutor and assessor since May 2023. Prior to this, she worked as a leisure club supervisor, personal trainer, and ran her own one-to-one swimming instruction business. Kelly enjoys walking, running, and maintaining a hybrid training regime, while also dedicating valuable time to her family. She is passionate about promoting and educating others on the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle and the positive impact it can have both physically and mentally.
Louise Henderson
Senior Tutor and Assessor
With nearly 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, Louise Henderson began as a gym instructor and group exercise teacher before progressing into personal training and fitness management. After returning to the UK, she worked as an assessor and later qualified as both a tutor and Internal Verifier. Alongside teaching, Louise continues to work as a personal trainer, yoga teacher, and class instructor, ensuring her skills remain current and her passion for fitness stays at the heart of her work
Lucinda Thiara
Sales Administrator
Lucinda Thiara has a career rooted in finance and accounting, where she has developed strong skills in problem solving and organisation while embracing creativity outside of work. She is a proud mother of three boys and enjoys staying active through walking and hiking, exploring trails in the UK and abroad. In her free time, Lucinda enjoys baking and painting with her youngest son, socialising with friends, and working on home improvement projects. She balances family life with a passion for discovering new experiences through nature and everyday moments.
Natalie Bond
Tutor and Assessor
With 12 years of experience in the fitness industry, Natalie is an educator, coach, and business leader. She has worked as a tutor and assessor for both Study Active and Les Mills UK, as well as running her own successful fitness education training provider. Specialising in group exercise, she brings a strong passion for coaching, mentoring, business growth, and the psychology of behaviour change.
Rebecca Ireland
Lead Tutor and Assessor
With 14 years of experience in the fitness industry, Rebecca Ireland is the Lead Tutor Assessor at Study Active. Originally beginning in group fitness classes, she became qualified to teach Group Exercise and Personal Training, and has spent the last decade sharing her knowledge and passion for fitness with others. Outside of work, Rebecca stays active by competing in Ultra Challenges, playing netball, weight training, and running outdoors with her two energetic children.
Tammy Bowles
Customer Experience Advisor
Tammy is our Customer Experience Advisor and is dedicated to ensuring every learner’s journey from receiving course materials to achieving certification is smooth and supportive. Before joining Study Active, she gained valuable experience working at an awarding body, building strong knowledge of the fitness education sector. Alongside guiding learners with expertise and encouragement, Tammy is a qualified Rebound Fit instructor and is currently studying further industry qualifications to strengthen her skills.
