MEET THE TEAM

THE ALTERNATIVE TEAM

RAE

CO-FOUNDER & HEAD COACH

Rae (They/Them) has worked in the fitness industry for 10 years. They have formerly been a manager at the UK’s flagship Pure Gym and delivered mobility and recovery sessions for the Stockport County Ladies FC first team.
After running their own successful PT business for several years, Rae decided to team up and open The Alternative, where their unique approach could really come to life.
In addition to this, to achieve their mission of helping people have access to high-quality trainers, Rae currently teaches future personal trainers on the Fit Asylum courses.
Rae is passionate about people being able to prioritise their fitness without judgement and specialises in both injury rehabilitation and working with people who identify as Trans+ and Non-Binary.
- Level 4 Sports Massage Therapy
- Level 3 Pre and Post Natal Programming
- Level 3 Personal Training
- Level 2 Instructing Fitness and Exercise
- NLP Sports Nutrition
- Future Fit Core Training
- BTN Foundation Academy
Loves trainers, coriander, soft-close cupboards, and hates social obligations.

PAIGE

CO-FOUNDER & HEAD OF EVERYTHING ELSE

Paige (She/Her) has 10 years’ experience working with wellbeing organisations.
She has a Politics degree and an MSc in Place Management, in which she specialised in environmental psychology and specifically, people’s health and wellbeing during Covid-19.
Alongside founding The Alternative and delivering services as a qualified coach, Paige is the Development Lead for Proud Changemakers – the charity sector’s LGBTQ+ organisation and runs a Business Development and Comms consultancy for charities and small business owners.
Paige is passionate about menstrual health, female identity, and works with women who want to prioritise their healing, and feel at home in their bodies.
- Level 3 Personal Training (CIMSPA)
- Certified Menstrual Practitioner - International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT)
- Certified Meditation Facilitator - International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine (IPHM)
- Accredited Practitioner in Crystal and Energy Healing - International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine (IPHM)
Loves a nap, pigeons, conspiracy theories and hates AI.

NAFEESA

PSYCHOTHERAPIST & CLINICAL SUPERVISOR

Nafeesa (She/Her) is a Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor & Corporate Trainer.
She has formerly designed and led support services for adults and children and young people across the North West and has extensive experience as a clinical practitioner.
She specialises in Muslim and South Asian identities, domestic abuse, trauma, PTSD, identity, culture, faith-based issues, and works affirmatively with the LGBTQ+ community.
As a strong Muslim woman, and a committed ally, Nafeesa works as a Supervisor and Practitioner at The Alternative on mental health and wellbeing courses and workshops.
Nafeesa also offers her experience to consult on The Alternative’s approach to inclusion, specifically in relation to race and faith.
- Psychology and Counselling BSc
- Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Professional Training)
- Certificate in Clinical Supervision
- Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling Skills (for children aged 10-18 years)
- Certificate in Children & Adolescent Studies and Therapeutic Skills (for children aged 5-18 years)
Loves taking pictures of her food, looking glam, people who take accountability, and hates her recycling bins not being in the right order.

TAYLER

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Hi! I’m Tayler (she/her), an integrative psychotherapist.

I believe healing is messy, beautiful, and absolutely possible. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you - it’s about creating space for the hard, foggy, and complicated parts of life and figuring things out together. I’m not the distant, clinical type; I’ll meet you where you are, sit with your sadness, laugh with you when it feels right, and hold space for all the emotions that don’t quite make sense yet.

I specialise in:
- Healing from abusive relationships and narcissistic abuse
- Childhood trauma and complex PTSD recovery
- Sexual trauma
- Identity, self-discovery, and life transitions
- Relationships, attachment, and healthy boundaries
- Sexuality & relationship diversity
- Neurodiversity
- Living with chronic illness/disability
- Coping with stress, overwhelm, perfectionism and burnout
- Managing shame, guilt, and self-worth
As someone with Type 1 diabetes and ADHD, I get how these experiences shape identity, relationships, and self-perception.
My practice is LGBTQIA+ affirmative, neurodiversity-affirming, and socially conscious - because healing doesn’t happen in a vacuum.

If you’re looking for a therapist who isn’t afraid to sit with the hard stuff and walk alongside you - I’ve got you.
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Counselling & Psychotherapy – University of Salford (BACP)
- Certificate in Transpersonal Psychotherapy – Integrative Transpersonal Counselling & Psychotherapy (Re-Vision)
- Certificate in Counselling Skills – Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology (COSRT & NCP)
- BSc Psychology – University of Liverpool (BPS)
Loves the Roman Empire, a diet coke, exercising her legal rights and hates loud noises.

QUINN & RU

HEAD OF OPERATIONS (JOB SHARE)

Have a total of 7 years experience between them of doing absolutely nothing.
Both lack the qualities which make most dogs work appropriate, as they are anxious and an absolute diva, respectively.
Will occasionally be seen in the studio if they’re in a good mood.
Red Brick Uni Alumni.
Both graduated with a 1st.
Interior design enthusiasts, don’t want to discuss politics at the dinner table, gifted and talented.