The Team
Dr. Julia Shmurak, DPT, NCPT
FOUNDER & LEAD EDUCATOR
Dr. Julia Shmurak is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT), and a 3rd-Generation Master Pilates Teacher. After earning her Rehabilitation Pilates certification through Polestar Pilates in 2012, Dr. Julia founded Pandora Pilates & Physical Therapy the following year in Coconut Grove, Miami, before relocating the studio to its current Coral Gables location in 2020, combining advanced manual therapy with a contemporary approach rooted in classical Pilates to offer clinically grounded care for fitness, injury recovery, post-rehabilitation, and overall physical wellness. Pandora now serves Miami, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, South Miami, Pinecrest, and surrounding areas.
A graduate of the University of Miami with over a decade of experience, Dr. Julia specializes in Pilates-based rehabilitation, Mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates, and instruction across the full classical apparatus — Tower, Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels. She is highly experienced in postural correction, movement therapy, functional training, pre- and postnatal Pilates, and Pilates for athletes at all levels. She is recognized for her expertise in private Pilates sessions, group Reformer, Tower, and Chair classes, post-surgical rehab, sports injury recovery, chronic pain management, and functional movement training.
Dr. Julia is also the lead educator of Pandora Pilates Movement Academy, where she leads PMA ITTAP-accredited teacher training programs and provides 1:1 Pilates Mentorship for new and experienced instructors and physical therapists integrating Pilates into clinical practice. Her teaching emphasizes safety, precision, and individual client goals — whether the goal is improved fitness, mobility, flexibility, core strength, or a deeper understanding of the Pilates method itself.
Clients and students alike describe her approach as exacting but generous — demanding genuine technical precision while remaining deeply attentive to each person's specific body, goals, and history. Whether you are pursuing peak athletic performance, recovering from injury, building a teaching career, or simply looking for movement that actually works for your body, Dr. Julia Shmurak brings a depth of clinical expertise and a contemporary approach rooted in classical Pilates found at very few studios in Miami.
Learn about Physical Therapy sessions →
Explore Teacher Training →
Learn about Pilates Mentorship →
Meet 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
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
Dr. Sam Magee, DPT, NCPT
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Dr. Sam Magee is a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Miami with a specialty focus on pelvic floor rehabilitation and a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) trained at Pilates in the Grove. She provides evidence-based evaluation and treatment for women’s health, prenatal/postnatal recovery, orthopedic conditions, and movement dysfunction. Her PT approach integrates manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, and functional programming to restore strength, stability, and pain-free movement. She teaches Mat, Reformer, and full studio apparatus (Cadillac, Chair, Barrels). Her sessions feature clear, precise cues and creative but safe, challenging progressions that build core strength, improve posture, and enhance overall function.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
PILATES INSTRUCTOR
Anastasia Wagner
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Anastasia is a certified Pilates instructor with over 10 years of teaching experience and a background in dance. Certified by Balanced Body, she’s classically trained but blends in modern movement to reflect today’s Pilates style. Her classes are dynamic & precise designed to sculpt, tone, and challenge your body.
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
Mila Gamarra
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Mila is a Mat and Reformer Pilates certified and 200HR Yoga certified teacher. She holds advanced certifications in Reiki and Sound Healing as well. Her calm and healing energy can be felt through her teaching. She is committed to understanding the connection between the physical body and the spiritual mind and loves to express that in her teachings.
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
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
Luana Domingues
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Luana is a seasoned Pilates instructor and a Physical Therapist (licensed in Brazil). She earned her Polestar Pilates certification in 2017, complementing her prior Pilates certification from 2011 under Master Educator Soraya Lima in Brazil. With over a decade of experience, Luana brings a unique blend of therapeutic insight, international Pilates techniques, and compassionate instruction to every session—helping clients improve strength, mobility, and overall wellness.
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
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