02/12/2025
Meet our founder, Dr. Julia Shmurak, DPT, NCPT—a passionate physical therapist, lead Pilates teacher, and educator of our Teacher Training Course. Coming from a family of doctors and fitness enthusiasts, Dr. Julia has always been immersed in the world of movement. As a child, she practiced rhythmic gymnastics and Capoeira, and during her college years at the University of Miami, she taught fitness classes. After graduating with her Doctorate degree, she ventured into sports rehabilitation, where she discovered her love for Pilates and became certified through Polestar Pilates. Since then, Dr. Julia has honed her expertise as a therapist specializing in Pilates, incorporating manual therapy and the McKenzie technique as her primary rehabilitative approaches. Dr. Julia had always envisioned PANDORA as a holistic, relaxed and safe space that integrates physical rehabilitation with mindful movement practices, fostering overall well-being and balance for every person who comes through our doors. 🐝