Meet The Team
.png)
Brenda Oxford
Founder | Pilates & Functional Fitness Trainer | Helping People Move with Confidence
Hi, I’m Brenda – founder of BFF Studios and a proud Portland local. My passion is helping people feel strong, confident and comfortable in their bodies, no matter their age or fitness level.
After spending several years living in the Northern Territory, where I met and married my husband, we returned to Portland in 1998 to be closer to family. What was meant to be a short stay soon became permanent, and Portland has been home ever since.
I began my professional training in 1999, completing a Diploma in Fitness along with qualifications in Pilates, Barre, Tai Chi, Older Adults Fitness, Boxing for Fitness and more. After experiencing a back injury in 2002, I developed a strong interest in injury rehabilitation. That experience shaped the way I work today — focusing on helping people move safely, build strength and regain confidence in their bodies.
BFF Studios, originally known as Brenda’s Functional Fitness, began as a single weekly class and has grown into a welcoming studio offering small group, semi-private and personal training sessions where every client receives the support and individual attention they deserve.
At BFF Studios we create a friendly and supportive environment — especially for those over 35 — where you’re never just a number and everyone is welcome.
Hi, I’m Amelia, I first discovered Reformer Pilates at the beginning of 2022 and quickly fell in love with it. The challenge, along with the endless possibilities for stretch and movement, really captured my interest, and I enjoyed learning from several wonderful instructors along the way.
In 2023, after the birth of my son by emergency c-section, I found myself feeling sore, weaker than before and in need of some much-needed “me time.” Brenda welcomed me back to the studio with open arms, and slowly I began to rebuild my strength and feel my spark returning.
Around that time I started thinking about whether I might like to train in Reformer Pilates myself. While I had begun researching courses, I hadn’t committed to anything when Brenda mentioned after class one day that she would happily guide me in the right direction if I was interested. It felt like she had read my mind.
With Brenda’s encouragement and support, I completed my Mat and Reformer Pilates training with Positive Action Pilates. Since then I have been teaching Reformer classes at BFF Studios, continuing to grow my experience while supporting others on their own fitness journey.
I love creating classes that are supportive yet challenging — giving people time to focus on themselves while helping them feel stronger, more connected and confident in their bodies.
Amelia Mahon
Reformer Pilates Instructor | Supporting Strength, Movement & “Me Time”
Ceri Oxford
Executive Assistant | Behind-the-Scenes Organiser | BFF Family
Hi, I’m Ceri! I’m the Executive Assistant at BFF Studios, although my connection with the studio began long before it officially started — I’m also Brenda’s daughter and have always been part of the BFF family. Over the years I’ve helped behind the scenes with many BFF celebrations, including creating the annual birthday cake.
I was born in the Northern Territory and moved to Portland when I was nine, and I’ve called it home ever since. My work experience has included roles as a waitress, receptionist, birthday party coordinator, ward clerk and Community Transport and Telecare Coordinator. I also previously ran Spellbound Boutique.
Alongside my love for the BFF community, I have a real passion for animals. This led me to start my own business, The Nanny Portland, where I care for pets when their owners need to be away.
BFF Studios truly feels like a big extended family — everyone supports one another and there is never any judgement. The Nanny Portland is also a proud supporter of BFF Studios.