Christa Gurka MSPT, NCPT
Promoting Pilates & Wellbeing in Our Community
Christa Gurka’s reputation is renowned in the South Florida market. An orthopedic physical therapist specializing in Pilates-based fitness, rehabilitation and injury prevention, she is highly respected and recognized among the Pilates and physical therapy communities. With a contagious energy and palpable passion, she has gained her a clientele of both local fitness enthusiasts and high-profile athletes, including Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra and fellow NBA players such as Duncan Robinson, Bam Adebayo, Victor Oladipo and D-Angelo Russel, WNBA veteran Ruth Riley, pro volleyball player Kelly Schumacher, and pro golfers Cristie Kerr and Natalie Gulbis.
Education
Christa’s mission to help others live their best lives began after she received a Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami in 1999. As the director of a private physical therapy practice specializing in orthopedic PT, she discovered and fell in love with Pilates and the remarkable benefits it has on the body and mind. Christa went on to receive her Pilates training through Polestar Education and is a Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) Certified Pilates Practitioner. An active member of the PMA since 2015, she is credentialed as a PMA-approved continuing education provider and has presented at the PMA National Conference.
Always seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and expand the scope of her studios’ services, Christa has pursued several advanced continuing education certifications in the areas of functional movement screening, corrective exercise, manual therapy and myofascial release techniques. She is a Level 2 SFMA practitioner, John F. Barnes Myofascial Release therapist and Level 1 Kinesiotaping specialist. Additionally, with her extensive knowledge of sports programming, Christa is certified in golf-specific training and has served as staff physical therapist for numerous PGA and LPGA golf tournaments.
In 2019 Christa extended her mission to include mentoring fellow female Fitness and Wellness Entrepreneurs and began the Beyond the Movement mentorship programs. She serves to be an example to other women that they too can choose family + business. Learn more about Christa's mentorship programs by visiting www.christagurka.com
In the Studios
Christa owns, operates, and teaches at Pilates in the Grove, which serves the Coconut Grove and South Miami communities with two premier South Florida locations. Her studios set the benchmark in Pilates instruction and physical therapy interventions, with most of the instructors holding advanced degrees and boasting well-rounded backgrounds in physical therapy, occupational therapy, dance movement therapy and nutrition. The studios also adhere to a low student-teacher ratio, and the services the studios offer put them well ahead of fitness trends including Physical Therapy, Pilates for Rehabilitation, Pilates for Athletes and NeuroMuscular Reprogramming and Re-education.
In the Community
Outside of the studio, Christa, a wife and mom to two boys, donates her time and talent to a number of non-profit groups, including the Barnyard of Coconut Grove Cares, Breakthrough Miami and the GirlKind Project, which inspires and empowers young women. She also provides Pilates-based strengthening and injury prevention programming to elementary schools, high school sports teams and local athletic events.
Dr. Kelly Vara, DPT, NCPT
Pilates instructor and physical therapist Director of Teacher Training
Kelly Montgomery received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA and is a board-certified Physical Therapist. Kelly has experience working in inpatient rehabilitation, acute care, and outpatient clinics. She treats a variety of injuries including hip, knee, shoulder, spine, ankle, and polytrauma. She is most passionate about geriatrics, young athletes, orthopedics, and people with disabilities. Kelly has completed extensive continuing education in orthopedic conditions and management. She is a Level 1 Kinesiotaping specialist.
Kelly was born and raised in Birmingham, Michigan. She pursued a double major in Psychology and Communication Studies at The University of Michigan. Kelly spent her summers in Traverse City, Michigan, volunteering for camps for young adults with Down Syndrome and other disabilities. Kelly was introduced to Pilates for the first time by her sister (also a Pilates instructor!) during her last semester in college. She fell in love with the teachers, atmosphere, movement and mobility, and the Pilates method. She has been dedicated to her own Pilates practice ever since. Kelly is enrolled in the Core Advancement Teacher Training program at Pilates In The Grove.
When Kelly is away from Pilates In The Grove she enjoys practicing Yoga and Pilates. She loves using her crockpot to cook new, but easy, gluten-free recipes. She enjoys the occasional binge watch of Friends. She loves spending time with friends and family, especially in Traverse City.
Dr. Marvin Hayag, DPT, OCS, NCPT
Physical therapist and pilates instructor
Marvin is an orthopedic physical therapist whose focus centers on Pilates-based rehabilitation. His entrance into physical therapy came by non-traditional means, as he originally completed his undergraduate studies in Finance & Risk Management from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. While working in operations management for health clubs in South Florida, Marvin’s desire to work more intimately with people to achieve their health goals and rehabilitate from common orthopedic sports injuries led him to a career change.
Marvin soon returned to school where he earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL. While progressing through the school’s curriculum, Marvin was introduced to Pilates for the first time and immediately fell in love with the practice. It helped him achieve his own health goals as well as introduced a new world of movement he could provide for his patients. By the time he graduated from PT school, Marvin also completed a Pilates for Rehabilitation curriculum.
After graduation, Marvin completed an orthopedic residency program in Jacksonville, NC where he treated mainly active-duty/retired personnel and their dependents around the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. He then returned to sunny Miami where he was able to return to Pilates-based rehabilitation.
Today, Marvin continues to practice Pilates-based physical therapy and private Pilates sessions at Pilates in the Grove. Empowerment and education are an important part of Marvin’s practice in helping his patients and clients achieve their individual health/activity goals.
Outside of work, Marvin enjoys traveling, FSU sports, paddleboarding, and food!
Dr. Sabine Gempel, DPT, NCPT
Physical Therapist, Pilates instructor
A board certified physical therapist and Pilates Method Alliance certified Pilates instructor, Sabine Gempel is a highly educated fitness expert with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Through her unique background of medicine and dance, coupled with her passion for health, fitness and sports, she continues to provide her clients with a positive and safe movement experience.
Born and raised in West Palm Beach, Sabine moved to North Carolina to pursue a double major in Dance and Exercise Sports Science at Elon University. She taught dance and exercise classes for eight years before attending the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she earned her Doctorate.
Sabine remains affiliated with UMMSM as a physical therapy lab assistant in the areas of musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, anatomy, and clinical skills. And her research, “the association of foot arch posture and prior history of shoulder or elbow surgery in elite-level baseball pitchers,” has been presented and published in respected industry publications. In addition, Sabine has pursued continued education in the discipline of Myofascial release, and served as a physical therapy volunteer at the ING Miami Marathon.
When she is not teaching at Pilates in the Grove, you can find Sabine enjoying yoga, dance, stand-up paddleboarding and vegan cooking.
Dr. Lisa Fernandez, DPT, NCPT
Physical Therapist, Pilates instructor
Dr. Lisa Fernandez has over 25 years of experience in fitness, health, and rehabilitation. She received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology in 1995 and her Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 1998, both from Central Michigan University. After many years of clinical practice, Lisa completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Lisa’s clinical experience includes orthopedic, post-surgical, neurological, and vestibular rehabilitation and she has worked with patients of all ages and abilities, from sports therapy to geriatric rehabilitation. She strives to provide high quality care that utilizes manual therapy and therapeutic exercise along with patient education and improving biomechanics and posture in order to facilitate her patients’ return to function. As an APTA certified clinical instructor, she has mentored many students from physical therapy schools around the country. She has owned and operated a boutique Fitness studio, and worked as a fitness instructor at the White House Athletic Center in Washington, D.C. She has also worked as a spokesperson for major fitness and nutrition companies and has been featured in publications such as Muscle & Fitness, Fitness Rx, and Oxygen magazines.
Lisa is currently completing her certification in Dry Needling through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy as well as earning her Pilates training certification through Pilates in the Grove.
Born and raised in Harbor Beach, Michigan, Lisa moved to South Florida in 2002. She is dedicated mother to her 14-year-old son and is a huge sports fan. Outside of work, Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband and family, being outdoors, traveling, and attending concerts.
Teri Seier Moore, NCPT
Pilates Instructor, Lead Pilates teacher training instructor
Teri Seier Moore began her career as a classical ballet dancer, discovering the priceless benefit of Pilates early on while working toward her dance major at Point Park University. Teri continued her dance training at Harkness Foundation School of Dance, American Ballet Theatre School and the Alvin Ailey School. Eventually she became an accomplished choreographer of stage, film and industrials.
A decision to change careers to Pilates seemed the most natural evolution in her life. After much research to find the most comprehensive program, Teri began studying in 2008 under Pilates Master Kim Kuznitz at Bent Pilates Studio in New York City. Bent’s philosophy complemented Teri’s lifelong values on living in a sound body.
Teri’s years of Pilates training includes mat and all apparatus. Her enthusiasm and passion keeps her focus on continuing education. She also completed a Pre and Post Natal Pilates Program with Bridgette Arle “Little Bridge Pilates” in New York City. In addition, Teri conducted a lecture demo for the Ehlers Danlos Foundation, educating clients on the benefits of Pilates as a form of specialized rehabilitation.
Teri’s career in Pilates also includes a year of teaching for the clients at Pilates Reforming New York. During her years at Bent Pilates she created and founded BARRE SET GO that combines Pilates and ballet. This unique and challenging workout welcomes dancers and non-dancers alike.
She recently moved from New York City, making Miami her permanent home and is excited to continue her career in such a wonderful and beautiful environment.
Teri is a true believer, encouraging all her clients to know that you can change your entire outlook on life with a disciplined and consistent Pilates program.
Claudia Villarreal, NCPT
Pilates Instructor
Claudia Villarreal received a Bachelors in Social Work and has postgrad studies in PR and Marketing. In her native Mexico, she worked in the education sector and automotive industry for many years.
Claudia started practicing Pilates to recover from her pregnancy 15 years ago and immediately fell in love with the method.
Through the years she has been an avid fitness enthusiast practicing cross-fit, running, kick boxing and Pilates was always there to complement and help recover from the more high impact activities.
After becoming an advance Pilates student, she enrolled in the Core Advancement Teacher Training Program at Pilates in the Grove to enhance her own practice. Throughout the program she discovered a passion for teaching and is now equally passionate to help others accomplish their fitness goals.
Claudia is a firm believer that Pilates is for everyone. She uses the Pilates method to complement her 15 year old son’s basketball training, as well, she teaches Pilates to her 86 year old mom to keep her flexible and strong.
Claudia has a passion for traveling and exploring new cultures. She enjoys cooking and entertaining. She loves long walks, biking and paddle boarding.
After 450 hours of training and an apprenticeship with Marilyn Mardini and Christa Gurka, Claudia is very happy to become part of the Pilates in the Grove team and do what she loves every day.
Xiomara Campo NCPT
Pilates instructor, Massage therapist
Xiomara was born in Miami, Florida and began her movement journey with contemporary dance and gymnastics. As a teenager, Xiomara competed in the NCA regionals and received superiors with her squad at Hammocks middle school. At 22 “Z”, as the locals call her, became an AFAA certified personal trainer and started coaching for private clients & group classes.
Gifted a package of Pilates classes in 2004, Xiomara took her first class and was comprehensively certified through Polestar Pilates education by 2005. Until 2017, Xiomara taught private & group classes while providing mentorship to potential teacher candidates and the DPT immersion program of University of Miami for Polestar Pilates education. Xiomara continues her education with therapeutic modalities including GYROTONIC EXPANSION METHOD and shiatsu massage.
Marcia Gonzalez
Marcia is a Miami native with a deep interest in community and movement.
With 15 years of Classical Ballet practice, she considers any kind of movement to be medicine for the body, mind, and soul. After experiencing a minor back surgery, she discovered Pilates as part of her rehabilitation. She is a firm believer in Pilates to enhance quality of life.
Marcia spends her free time closely observing nature and finding answers in the silence. She claims that the symbiotic relationship of body and mind is the Ultimate Healer. You, Yourself!
Imani Ogobuiro
Imani was born and raised in Michigan and grew up dancing competitively in a variety of styles as well as playing sports. With a bachelors degree in clinical exercise science, she enjoys functional fitness and the movement of the body. Imani has an MBA degree in healthcare leadership and works in healthcare management by day but has been teaching group fitness since 2019 with a background in barre and HIIT training.
She moved to Miami and added Pilates to her repertoire as she fell in love with the similarities to dance as well as the versatility and discipline of the practice. Imani loves to teach and share her knowledge and is happy to be a part of the PITG community.
Tiffani Perez
Tiffani is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and certified in Zumba Fitness for Adults & Children. With a background in hospitality; Tiffani loves helping others and her passions are dancing and spending time with her family.
Mareshah Morton
Originally from Maryland, I am not a Miami native but I have been here for 6 years after I refused to leave this beautiful city after graduating from the University of Miami. GO CANES! I have a love for fitness and healthy living. Currently I am training to run my first half marathon this year! And fun fact: I can plank 5 plates, that's 225 lbs, for 1 minute. Outside of that I love reading, designing and sewing clothing, and my yorkie -poo, Nori. I am excited to join the Pilates in the Grove team at the front desk in South Miami. I look forward to meeting everyone and becoming a part of this strong and beautiful community!
Chrysetta Stevens
Chrysetta Stevens has been working in the fitness industry since 2011 in New York City and has recently moved to the magic city, Miami! Chrysetta grew up as a dancer and gymnast in Wisconsin, then continued her movement journey at the University of Minnesota where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance. Chrysetta is a postnatal exercise specialist (PECS) through Core Exercise Solutions, an anatomy enthusiast and is certified through the Kane School of Core Integration in both Pilates comprehensive mat and apparatus. Chrysetta also works in collaboration with Beyond Basics physical therapy in NYC with pelvic pain management through movement. Chrysetta has found a regular Pilates practice to be a vital element in heath and she is passionate about teaching her clients strategies to move their best!
Jasmin Ismael
Jasmin was born and raised in Miami, FL and has always had a passion for wellness, beginning her journey with pilates and movement in 2022. She graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management from FIU and has an extensive background in the hospitality industry. In addition to pilates, Jasmin loves spending time in nature and being active outdoors whether it be walking, playing golf or swimming.