The Team
Dr. Julia Shmurak, DPT, NCPT
FOUNDER
Dr. Julia graduated from the University of Miami and has been practicing Physical Therapy since 2010. In 2013, she became certified in Rehab Pilates by Polestar Pilates. She held several respected positions in the Physical Therapy and Fitness industries before opening her concierge studio in 2015. Her unique blend of manual therapy with therapeutic Pilates helps clients reach their optimal physical wellness quickly and safely. Whether the goal is fitness, rehabilitation, or an enhanced lifestyle, Julia tackles it with precision, encouragement, and an easygoing attitude.
Our Pilates Instructors & Therapists
Eugenia “Heni” Paz, NCPT
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Heni is a certified comprehensive Pilates teacher who was trained by Beyond Basics and mentored by Dr. Julia. Her teaching style includes cues with anatomical references and effective exercises tailored to improve clients’ fitness and body awareness.
PILATES INSTRUCTOR
Christine Gagen
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Christine is an esteemed Yoga and Pilates teacher. She has been educated on the gyrotonic system and is in the process of becoming certified in Qi Gong. Her Pilates classes flow seamlessly, with an emphasis on proper form, body awareness, and creative mobility work.
PILATES INSTRUCTOR
Deneeb Ruiz Sierra
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Deneeb is an experienced Classical Pilates teacher certified through Equinox with Gratz and a certified resistance Trainer. Her teaching style embodies athleticism, precision, and control. It is also quicker-paced and, therefore, more challenging.
PILATES INSTRUCTOR
Giglia Almeida, PTA
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Giglia loves to combine movement with education, as she is an avid student! She studied Physical Therapy in Brazil (2005) and PT Assistant in the USA (2024). Her passion for Pilates led her to pursue a Double Polestar Pilates certification (Brazil and USA). Additionally, she studied Acupuncture in Brazil (2013). Besides having magical hands and a diverse skill set, her dedication to helping others shines through her work.
PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
PILATES INSTRUCTOR
Alli Rae Williams
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Alli Rae is a 500-hour certified Yoga teacher and a Mat and reformer Pilates Instructor certified through PANDORA Pilates and Polestar Pilates. Her Pilates teaching style is embellished with clear cues, creative exercises, and mobility work.
PILATES INSTRUCTOR
Cristy Isern
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Cristy is a certified 500-hour Yoga Teacher, a Pilates Reformer teacher through Polestar Pilates, and a Reiki practitioner. Cristy’s teaching style is nurturing, empowering, and inclusive. She creates a space where her students can explore their bodies, build strength, and cultivate inner awareness. With her warm presence and passion for wellness, Cristy is committed to supporting her students on their path to a healthier and more fulfilling life.
PILATES INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Adrianna Ortega, DPT, PFS
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Dr. Adrianna is a Physical Therapist and Pilates teacher who specializes in Rehab Pilates and Women’s Health. She graduated from the University of Miami in 2019 and got certified in Pilates shortly after.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
PILATES INSTRUCTOR
Sam Magee, SPT
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A Doctor of Physical Therapy Student graduating in 2025, with a special interest in pelvic floor PT. Sam is certified in Pilates by "Pilates in the Grove". Her teaching style consists of clear instruction, creative, but effective Pilates exercises that are safe but challenging!
PILATES INSTRUCTOR
Elena Victoria
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Elena is a professional Ballerina and a Pilates teacher. She practiced Pilates most of her life as part of her cross-training for ballet, and her passion for it pulled her to become a teacher herself.
Elena's teaching style consists of clear cues and a relaxed pace. She chooses interesting exercise variations inspired by dance that have a great burn!
PILATES INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Garreth “G” Bell, DPT
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Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Garreth is a dedicated neurological physical therapist with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami (Class of 2023). He is Polestar Pilates-certified, specializing in mobility and control—the core principles he emphasizes in his classes. When he's not helping clients move and feel their best, Garreth enjoys weightlifting, golfing, and watching movies. Fun fact: He was a Division 1 college baseball player!
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
PILATES INSTRUCTOR
Chelsea Eversole
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Chelsea is an experienced teacher who is certified through Polestar Pilates International. She is big on the mind-body connection, and her style resembles “Contrology”. Her classes are appropriate for all levels.
PILATES INSTRUCTOR
Venus Kainazarova
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Venus is a passionate and experienced licensed massage therapist specializing in Eastern Medicine Massage. Her journey began in 2018 when she moved to Thailand to explore the ancient healing art. Under renowned Thai massage masters, Venus developed a deep appreciation for the holistic approach of Thai massage, addressing the body's physical and energetic aspects. Trained in various traditional techniques, Venus obtained her massage license in 2023. Continuously adapting her treatments to meet individual needs, she aims to promote healing and balance in her clients' lives. Venus is also knowledgeable in treating diverse populations, including prenatal and postnatal clients.
MASSAGE THERAPIST
Dr. Jaclyn Wohn, DPT, NCS, NCPT
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Dr. Jaclyn is a Neurologic Certified Physical Therapist and Pilates teacher. She graduated from Northwestern University with her doctorate in 2021 and completed her Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency the year following. She has been practicing physical therapy since then and became a certified Rehab Pilates teacher through Polestar Pilates.
Her teaching style incorporates both traditional elements with challenging twists, with unique modifications to maximize inclusiveness in Pilates to all types of bodies.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
PILATES INSTRUCTOR
Kristina Syunskaya
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Kristina is a certified Pilates teacher from Polestar Pilates, Russia. Her specialty is prenatal and postpartum Pilates, and supports women of all ages and stages. Her focus includes postural training, pelvic floor and abdominal strengthening, Diastasis Recti recovery, and C-section recovery for postpartum.
PILATES INSTRUCTOR