Dr Siona Fernandes OLY
Interdisciplinary Professional
Olympian • PhD (Sport, Exercise & Health) • Accredited Exercise Professional
I work at the intersection of sport, exercise, and health
This is a space where the fragments of my journey are progressively being pieced together under one platform. My work integrates research, practice, and lived experience to advance health and wellbeing, shaped by my experiences as a professional Bharatanatyam artist (BA Performing Arts), elite Olympic boxer, and academic scholar in India (MSc Psychology), New Zealand (MSc Sport & Exercise), and Australia.
MY JOURNEY
My ‘journey’ starts in India, through New Zealand, and into Australia. Built around themes of sport, classical Indian dance, and elite Olympic participation, I briefly capture that journey at each transition, and embed some media highlights at the end for those who may be interested. An image gallery is a likely future addition.
RESEARCH PROJECTS: INDIAN MIGRANT HEALTH, SPORT & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
On this website I share publications from my original research projects on sport, physical activity and sedentary behaviour, specifically focused on the Indian population. I make journal articles, reports, and related outputs easily available and in accessible formats to fellow academics, policymakers, and those promoting migrant health and sport engagement in New Zealand and Australia.
COACHING SERVICES
Serving as an accredited exercise practitioner, for nearly 15 years, remains my most fulfilling contribution to the health and wellbeing of people and places. I offer Individual exercise and health coaching for adults and youth. I work directly with adults and youth, women and men from all backgrounds, including beginners, recreational movers, and sporting individuals. This is one way I bridge theoretical evidence with practical solutions to support and help you cultivate positive health and wellbeing behaviours – something I am passionate about. I share testimonials to reflect some of these experiences across New Zealand and Australia.
Featured by AUSActive (2025): Australia’s peak body for the exercise and active health sector: View Feature
WRITINGS
From time to time, I share reflections from the in‑between places: the transitions, the questions, the lessons that come from (re)building a life across continents and countries shaped by years in sport, study, and the ongoing work of becoming myself. I write slowly, but with intention, and everything shared in this space comes from a place of learning, failing, growing; the lived experience. Some pieces appear as blog posts, others as interview transcripts, and accompanying images help tell the story. Posting comments allows my readers to share their journeys and experiences and stay connected through new articles.
News
I’m honoured to be part of the judging panel for the 2026 AUSactive Awards.
There are incredible people and businesses in our industry who are making a real impact, often without even realising it.
If you have created positive change, supported your community, grown your business, inspired others or achieved something you are proud of this year, consider entering. Your story deserves to be recognised and celebrated.
Entries are now open and close on 1 May.
You can enter here: https://ausactive.awardsplatform.com/
Please share this with others in the industry who should be recognised
Work with me
If my work resonates with you, I welcome opportunities to connect and collaborate. I engage in:
- Research collaboration in sport, exercise, health, and migrant wellbeing
- Individualised 1:1 functional movement and fitness coaching
Use the contact button below to connect
Thank you for stopping by to discover some of my work.