Meet the team
Shannon
Catalina
-
I retired from professional rugby league in 2009 after 10 years in the NRL and more than 170 games. With 10 surgeries and countless soft tissue injuries behind me, my body was struggling—and my condition continued to worsen.
I relied on the training and rehabilitation methods I had learned throughout my career, but they offered little lasting relief. After entering the fitness industry, I explored other therapies and approaches, yet chronic discomfort, lower back flare-ups and sciatica still regularly left me bedridden for days.
While owning and running a High Intensity Training (HIT) gym, I struggled to find a sustainable solution for myself or my clients. The cycle of training, pain, treatment and medication continued, and the “just push through it” mindset was doing me more harm than good.
In 2016, I discovered Functional Patterns through Naudi Aguilar’s book, The Power of Posture, and his YouTube videos. This led me to enrol in a Human Foundations course, where I finally found an approach that worked for me.
Since then, consistently improving my biomechanics through FP has transformed how I move and feel. Alongside greater physical comfort, I have experienced better sleep, reduced anxiety, improved stress management, healthier eating habits and better digestion. I feel as though I move with a body 20 years younger.
Opening FP Sydney is the next step in that journey. We are excited to share our knowledge and experience with people seeking sustainable progress. Whether you are new to exercise, have limited training abilities or are a professional athlete, Functional Patterns Sydney offers a programme to support you.
-
Human Biomechanics Specialist Level 3
Personal TrainerMy journey to becoming a Functional Patterns Practitioner began with a need to care for my own health.
Years of working in healthcare had taken a toll on my body. Multiple work-related injuries, including an annular tear in my lumbar spine in 2016, left me determined to get stronger and feel better.
Like many people, I turned to traditional exercise. I combined walking and running with weight training, spin and cardio classes, believing that getting fitter would help. Although I lost weight, my pain worsened. TMJ, TOS, plantar fasciitis, sciatica and frequent migraines became part of my life. By my late 30s, I felt trapped in a frustrating cycle of training, injury and recovery.
I discovered Functional Patterns in 2017 but initially continued with other forms of exercise alongside it. The turning point came when I committed to FP alone.
Since then, my back feels stronger than ever, and my aches and pains are minimal. My TMJ and TOS have resolved, plantar fasciitis no longer troubles me, and occasional migraines don’t linger. Just as importantly, FP has given me the tools to address discomfort when it arises.
My progress continues to take patience and consistent effort, but I now feel better equipped to care for my body as I age. The benefits extend beyond my physical health: I feel more resilient mentally and believe I am a better mother because of it.
At the end of 2021, I decided to leave midwifery and become a full-time Functional Patterns Practitioner. I have completed certifications as a personal trainer and a Human Biomechanics Specialist Level 3.
My years in healthcare taught me to listen carefully, understand individual needs and support people with compassion. Helping others has always been at the heart of my work, and I bring that same commitment to my clients today.
For me, FP is more than a training system—it’s a way of life. I look forward to supporting people who are motivated to improve their health and wellbeing. Seeing my clients grow in confidence, make progress and achieve the results they’ve been working towards is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
-
Human Biomechanics Specialist Level 4
Vector Trainer Certified
Personal TrainerMy exercise history started in my early days of childhood where I played football until the age of 24. I then wanted to test my body in different sports and training modalities, so I began participating in Muay Thai, Kickboxing and Oz Tag. When I transferred over to these sports I found that the same injuries I had playing football were reoccurring. The extent of these injuries ranged from chronic knee and hip pain, to lower back stiffness and groin tears.
Despite these injuries, I was able to compete in NPL football and accumulate 3 amateur Muay Thai kickboxing fights. However, my body was no longer able to recover from these chronic injuries and after several failed rehabilitation programs I was still in chronic pain. It was when I found FP in 2016 and completed the level 1 course that I started to understand the source of my chronic pain and movement dysfunctions. In starting FP, I immediately felt relief from the chronic pain symptoms, prompting me to study full time and become a Functional Patterns practitioner.
Fast forward to 2026, having completed several functional patterns courses overseas (HBS1, 2, 3, 4 & the vector course) I no longer have any chronic pain and am able to participate in sport free of pain. My goal is to use my knowledge to help people with chronic pain and movement dysfunctions get themselves to an optimal state of being.
Steven
Joao
Chapman
Jason
-
Human Biomechanics Specialist level 1
Personal Trainer
My journey with fitness has been a quest for functional movement, from park workouts and Capoeira in my youth to skateboarding and surfing.
Yet, pain was a constant companion. Years of seeking temporary solutions for knee, back, and shoulder pain left me frustrated. A 2017 snowboarding incident culminating in chronic lower back pain underscored the limitations of conventional methods.
It wasn't until mid-2023, when I encountered Functional Patterns (FP), that I found a true path to change. Investing in FP 1-on-1 sessions was a revelation. FP offered more than physical training; it provided a profound shift in perspective, forcing me to confront reality in a way I hadn't before.
This transformative experience has fueled my commitment to helping others unlock their potential through FP.
If you're searching for real change, start your journey today, in person or online. Looking forward to connecting.
-
Human Biomechanics Specialist Level 2
Registered PhysiotherapistSport and training have always been a big part of my life. Growing up, I was involved in a variety of sports including canoeing, windsurfing and racket sports, before developing a strong interest in basketball, which I continue to play today. Alongside sport, much of my training revolved around traditional weight training.
Although I became stronger, over time I began experiencing recurring lower back discomfort and persistent tightness around my hips.
I was introduced to Functional Patterns several years ago, but it wasn't until mid-2024 that I decided to fully commit to the methodology. As I became more consistent with FP, I noticed a significant reduction in my lower back discomfort and hip tightness. More importantly for me, I began to feel a noticeable difference in my athletic movement. On the basketball court, I felt more coordinated, fluid and explosive, which changed the way I looked at training and its relationship with human movement.
Alongside my FP journey, I completed a Master of Physiotherapy at the University of Canberra and became a registered physiotherapist. My background in anatomy, physiology, rehabilitation and human movement has helped me better understand the concepts behind Functional Patterns and apply the methodology when working with different individuals.
I have since completed Human Foundations and Human Biomechanics Specialist Level 2. My goal as an FP practitioner is to continue developing my understanding of biomechanics and help people move with less discomfort, improve their physical capabilities and build movement that transfers into everyday life and sport.
-
Human Biomechanics Specialist Level 1
Personal Trainer
I am a Functional Patterns Certified Human Biomechanics Specialist Level 1 and an AUSACTIVE registered professional, dedicated to taking the guesswork out of taking care of your body.
Having trained in the Functional Patterns system since 2020, I have completed both the Human Foundations and Human Biomechanics Specialist Level 1 courses. My methodology bypasses typical fitness fads, focusing entirely on the biological blueprint of human movement: standing, walking, running, and throwing.
My Approach
At 54, I know firsthand that physical limitations and chronic joint pain do not have to dictate how you live your life. My goal is to help you break the standard train-pain-rehab cycle by identifying the root cause of your movement imbalances.
Together at Functional Patterns Sydney, we will build an integrated, pain-free foundation that genuinely returns strength, mobility, and confidence to your everyday lifestyle.
Rob
Alana
Judah
-
Human Biomechanics Specialist level 3
Personal Trainer
I started FP in early 2020 after trainings in other methodologies for several years which left my body hyper-mobile, extremely anxious and with chronic lower back pain every morning. After spraining my ankle from just walking down stairs, I decided to fully commit to the FP path and started working on FP at home via the Power of Posture book.
My first in person exposure to FP was the Sydney Human Foundations course in October 2020. Here, I met the senior pracs Shannon, Steve N, and Mark. Working with a practitioner in person was a completely different experience versus figuring it out by myself in terms of the precision of the cueing.
Following this, I started 1-1 sessions with Mark twice a week. It was a slow process, with many uncomfortable moments, and not every session was a "success". However, after a "good" session I felt much better tension and lower anxiety in my body lasting a few days, so I trusted the process. After about a year of training with Mark I started noticing less hyper-mobile tendencies and lower anxiety starting to stick. The chronic back pain disappeared after 1.5 years of training. From here my movement quality slowly improved and I continued working with Mark up to about 2023. During this period, I was balancing FP with working as a professional engineer for 50+ hours a week.
In mid 2023, I attended the next level of FP education, the Human Biomechanics Specialist (HBS) 1 Course in Las Vegas. 6 months later I quit my engineering job to pursue a full time career as a FP practitioner, relocating closer to FP Sydney. I have since attended HBS level 3 in November 2025.
From 2024, I've been working full time as a FP practitioner. The problem solving and working with colleagues plus clients aspects have been really enjoyable and challenging at times. I'm fully committed to the FP journey.
-
Human Biomechanics Specialist level 2
Personal Trainer
I have been doing boxing for 8 years and competed as an amateur boxer for about 4 years of that. In 2022 I won the Australian title and then represented Australia in the World Championships. During this time I had many injuries that my body was struggling to recover from. I tried several rehabilitation programs and none of them helped.
At this point I had poor mental health and poor behaviours and that’s when I discovered functional patterns in 2023. It took me a year to fully commit and slowly change all aspects of my life like the way I train, eat, sleep etc but after completing the human foundations course in Brisbane in November of 2023 I decided to go all in. Since then, I've noticed considerable monthly enhancements in my biomechanics, how I manage my anxieties and stomach health.
I have since attended the Human Biomechanics Specialist (HBS) course in Nov 2024 and May 2026
My goal is to use my knowledge to help all of my clients whether they need help in just everyday lifestyle activity or a professional athlete. In addition, I am committed to further enhancing my mental and physical well-being to live a more intentional life rather than habitually.
-
Human Biomechanics Specialist level 1
Personal Trainer
From a young age, I became obsessed with bodybuilding, and over time that obsession contributed to a series of injuries and chronic pain issues. The most debilitating of these was chronic lower back pain, which began around the age of 23 and persisted for years. At one stage, I even worked briefly as a personal trainer—something I had spent years building towards—but eventually stepped away from the profession. If the methods I had been teaching had ultimately left me in chronic pain, how could I continue recommending them to others?
Before Functional Patterns, I had spent years trying to resolve my pain. Alongside chronic lower back pain, I dealt with ongoing neck and shoulder pain from a rugby injury, knee and ankle issues following a bike accident, and several significant muscle strains and tears. My body was a mess, and my mental state reflected it. Day-to-day life felt unnecessarily difficult.
Over the years, I explored countless approaches in search of a solution. I worked with physiotherapists and chiropractors, practised Pilates and yoga (eventually completing a yoga teacher certification myself), and experimented with numerous fitness methodologies. While some provided temporary relief, none addressed the underlying issues I was experiencing. The pain would inevitably return, often worse than before.
In June 2025, desperate to resolve my chronic lower back pain, I moved from England to Sydney to complete the Human Foundations course at FP Sydney and train under gym owner Shannon Hegarty.
It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Twelve months later, my lower back pain is almost entirely resolved, my other aches and pains have significantly improved, and I feel more athletic than ever. In fact, I feel so much better that I am planning a return to competitive sport.
When I left England, my intention was to spend six months in Sydney before continuing to travel elsewhere. However, after completing the Human Foundations course and beginning my training with Shannon, those plans quickly changed.
I was deeply impressed by the FP methodology and the training I was receiving. It was light-years ahead of anything I had experienced before. For the first time, I felt I had found an approach that addressed the root causes of my issues rather than simply managing symptoms.
There was no way I was going to leave—I wanted to be a part of FP Sydney.
To make that a reality, over the last 12 months I have diligently studied biomechanics and dedicated myself to my own training. I have participated in almost every class available at the gym and trained consistently under the guidance of both Shannon and Catalina. In December 2025, I left my previous job so that I could pursue this path full-time and devote my full attention to becoming an FP practitioner. In June 2026, I completed my HBS1 certification and am now ready and raring to begin that journey.
My goal as a practitioner is to help people improve their quality of life, just as I have improved mine. Whether that means helping someone overcome persistent aches and pains, supporting healthy movement as they age, keeping active individuals performing at a high level, or helping athletes gain a competitive edge and ultimately compete at the pinnacle of their sport, the objective remains the same: better movement, less pain, and a better experience of life.
André
ROSS
-
Human Biomechanics Specialist Level 1
Personal Trainer
I spent about eight years practicing and teaching Pilates and exploring different movement & wellness systems, but after a bout of vertigo in 2022, I realised my posture needed a serious reset.
That’s when I discovered Functional Patterns. I attended the Human Foundations course in Melbourne March of 2025 and have been training twice a week ever since, whether it’s in the Posture and Movement classes or the RG Bar classes.
It’s been a transformative journey, one I hadn’t experienced before, and I’m grateful to be part of such an experienced and supportive team here at Functional Patterns Sydney.
I’m also gearing up to head to Vegas for HBS1 in January 2026, and I’m looking forward to keep learning and helping others find their own transformation.
-
Human Biomechanics Specialist level 1
Personal Trainer
I started my Functional Patterns journey with chronic hip pain (labral tear) from playing soccer and running myself into the ground . Every time I ran, I’d feel a sharp pain that never seemed to go away. I tried so many different methods — Knees Over Toes, traditional physios, and specialists and the last route was surgery .
That changed when I started Functional Patterns and began working with HBS4 Tom Meade. I’m now pain-free, moving better, and feeling more athletic than ever.
On top of that, I’ve gained more confidence and reduced my anxiety - both in training and everyday life.
Looking forward to helping people achieve similar goals at FP Sydney!
-
Human Biomechanics Specialist Level 1
Personal Trainer
Health Science Graduate
In 2020, I sustained a severe spinal injury that left me bed bound for six weeks due to excruciating sciatica and nerve pain. Surgery was presented as the only option, but I believed there had to be another way. This experience became the catalyst for my journey into holistic health and movement.
I had always been curious about the body’s interconnected systems, which led me to study a Diploma of Health Science with Endeavour. There, I deepened my understanding of nutrition, human biology, gut health, and complementary medicine.
Throughout this time, I was still dealing with pain, flare-ups, and discomfort. After engaging with FP Sydney as a client, I quickly learned that biomechanics is foundational to overall health and how the body functions.
I went on to complete my Human Foundations Course here at FP Sydney and HBS1 specialist training in the USA, and I look forward to continuing my education and gaining further certification with FP.
I’m dedicated to helping others elevate their health and move with freedom. Whether you’re managing chronic pain or striving to perform at a higher level, my goal is to give you the foundations for a body that feels as good as it looks. I’ve learned that training and conditioning our bodies is a commitment to a better life - there is no quick fix. It’s about small, consistent actions and adjustments every day. I’m on that same journey, continually learning how to move my body better.
I’m here to help you stop “managing” pain and start thriving. Let’s train your body the way it was designed to move.description

