Our Team
Meet the Elossa Team
Lilliana Barone
Founder
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Tell us a bit about yourself
I was lucky enough to move to the Illawarra nearly 25 years ago and I feel very privileged to be living in such a beautiful area. I grew up in country NSW, moved to Sydney to study and completed a Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics at Sydney University. I have worked as a Dietitian for over 30 years and am a specialist clinical lead in aged care. My husband (David) and I recently became ‘empty nesters’ when our third and last child moved to Sydney to study and, being Italian, I miss the chaos of my family around the dinner table.
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Outside the gym, what are you favourite ways to exercise?
We are spoiled for choice here in the Illawarra. I enjoy walking with friends, family and my dog through the bush or on the beach and of course having a coffee afterwards! I enjoy mountain biking – there are lots of great bush tracks and I am a new convert to the e-bike! I also enjoy splashing around in the ocean, although I am a bit of a wimp, so I only do this in summer!
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Fun Fact
Every Saturday we do The Goodweekend Quiz – The Kids vs David and I…. unfortunately the kids always beat us!
Dean Towers
Exercise Physiologist & Manager
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Tell us a bit about yourself
I grew up in country Victoria, completed my schooling in Colac while playing every sport my parents would agree to drive me to. After a gap year spent on the tools (plumbing), I moved to Ballarat to take up my university studies in 2010. 11 years later I finally graduated from UNSW with honours. There was a 6 season stint playing AFL with the Sydney Swans that slowed me down from graduating any earlier. My wife (Jess) and I have now settled in Mount Ousley and have fallen in love with the Illawarra.
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What made you want to work at Elossa? What do you love about working at Elossa?
2 main reasons:
1. I love working with people and helping them achieve their goals, but I also didn’t want to be restricted to seeing a handful of 1 on 1 clients a day. Elossa gives me the ability to see and help hundreds of people a week.
2. The best benefits of strength, fitness, and balance training are seen in the long term, I was always excited to work at Elossa as it gave me the opportunity to help set up members for long term lifestyle change. This long term approach fits in well with my values as an Exercise Physiologist, and as added perk it allows me to build stronger relationships with members which I love. -
Outside the gym, what are you favourite ways to exercise?
Outside of trying to get my minimum 2 x circuits a week in at Elossa, I love taking my dog (Annie - red/tan Kelpie) on runs down at Fairy Meadow dog beach and Puckeys Estate. The ocean walkways are great for runs followed by a swim at the many ocean pools, and I’m looking for a local tennis team to join for some regular games.
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Fun Fact
I’m a keen home-brewer.
Hannah Kuschel
Exercise Physiologist
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Tell us a bit about yourself
I grew up in the Southern Highlands before moving to the Illawarra for uni. After graduating with a Masters of Science (Nutrition, Dietetics & Exercise Rehabilitation) in 2013 I worked as a Dietitian and Exercise Physiologist for a number of years, then later as a Rehabilitation Consultant. My husband and I love living in Wollongong where we are spoilt with the beach, mountains and plenty of coffee.
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What made you want to work at Elossa? What do you love about working at Elossa?
I really enjoy working as an Exercise Physiologist in the community where you get the opportunity of being a part of people’s journey to better health. The older we get, the more noticeable the impact of exercise on everyday life can be and a core value of Elossa is to create a space where people can exercise safely to Do More of what they love. I’ve loved working with a team who celebrates members successes and being a part of a community of members who have been so warm and genuine.
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Outside the gym, what are you favourite ways to exercise?
I enjoy walks along Wollongong Harbour or when I get the chance a bush walk on one of our local tracks. I also love bike riding and the Illawarra offers some of the most enjoyable trips I could ask for. Last summer I took up paddle boarding which has been a fun way to enjoy the water.
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Fun Fact
While I have always enjoyed fitness I am hopeless at catching or throwing! I was always picked last for team sports and I don’t blame them.
Joanna Devey
Exercise Scientist
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Tell us a bit about yourself
I grew up and went to school in a small town outside of Canberra before attending the University of Canberra to do a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science. After finishing my degree and spending lots of time studying at home throughout lockdown, I was keen to move to the beach with my partner and dog. We settled on Wollongong and are enjoying the warmer weather and landscape that the Illawarra has to offer. I plan to continue studying here at UOW.
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What made you want to work at Elossa? What do you love about working at Elossa?
I wanted to work at Elossa because I love helping people integrate exercise into their daily lives. I’m especially interested in how regular exercise can help improve our mental health and love seeing everyone smiling, laughing, and chatting in our classes.
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Outside the gym, what are you favourite ways to exercise?
Having a border collie means I’m out walking a lot. We enjoy exploring new parts of the neighbourhood and walking along the beach. Now that the weather has cleared up I’ve been going on more hikes to the amazing waterfalls in the Kangaroo Valley and surrounds. My partner and I are converting our bikes into e-bikes, which I’m hoping will mean that we use them more.
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Fun Fact
I’m learning how to sew on a 1978 Bernina machine.
Ryan Davis
Exercise Physiologist
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Tell us a bit about yourself
I grew up in the Wollondilly and Camden areas and went to school at St Gregorys college in Campbelltown. I have been involved with many sports throughout my life however football (soccer) has been my passion. I moved to Wollongong in 2020 to be closer to university where I completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science. I am currently studying a Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Charles Sturt University in which I will graduate in July 2024. Moving to Wollongong has been one of the best things I’ve done as I love being so close to the beach and hope to stay for as long as I can.
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What made you want to work at Elossa? What do you love about working at Elossa?
I wanted to work at Elossa as I wanted to get experience in the exercise and health field. Elossa also enables you to form good relationships with the members and track progress regularly. What I love about working at Elossa is the bonds you form with the members, which makes it a fun environment to come to work to.
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Outside the gym, what are your favourite ways to exercise?
Outside of Elossa, I play soccer every weekend during winter, and play Oztag during summer. I also enjoy going for runs on the bike tracks of Wollongong and surfing when the swell is good. I have recently tried bouldering which has been great.
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Fun Fact
I'm also a DJ in a group with my best mate. We're called 'The Fins.'
Jayda Forbes
Exercise Scientist
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Tell us a bit about yourself
I completed my studies at the University of Wollongong with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science in 2022. I grew up in Sydney and moved down to the South Coast halfway through my studies, to enjoy the beautiful beaches and scenery.
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What made you want to work at Elossa? What do you love about working at Elossa?
I wanted to work at Elossa because I enjoy helping people achieve their goals while maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle. I really enjoy the social aspects of our classes and the many friendships that have been made at Elossa.
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Outside the gym, what are your favourite ways to exercise?
Since moving to the Illawarra region there are many bush walks and rainfalls my partner and I have enjoyed exploring. Being outside on a morning walk in Kiama or an at home workout are always my favourite ways to exercise outside the gym.
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Fun Fact
I am also completing my Master of Teaching.