Dr. Emilie Robinson
Dr. Emilie Robinson is a licensed physical therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT-LANA), and comprehensively trained Pilates instructor dedicated to helping individuals move with strength, ease, and dignity. Born and raised in the greater Tampa Bay Area, Emilie earned her undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida. She went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Nova Southeastern University.
Her clinical background spans outpatient rehabilitation, oncology care, lymphatic therapy, and hospice settings, where she supported individuals navigating injury, illness, and life’s later chapters. This work shaped her belief that movement is not just about recovery or performance, but about preserving autonomy, comfort, and quality of life. Pilates became a natural extension of her physical therapy practice, allowing her to blend evidence-based rehabilitation with mindful, adaptable movement. Emilie also delivered a TEDx talk on rethinking care at the end of life, reflecting her commitment to compassionate, person-centered approaches across the full continuum of health.
Emilie founded Rise Pilates and Physical Therapy to offer a space where people could move with intention and feel supported at every stage of life. She works with individuals recovering from injury or surgery, managing chronic or complex conditions, and those seeking strength and mobility that honors their body’s changing needs. Her approach is clinically grounded, thoughtfully paced, and rooted in the belief that movement should empower, not overwhelm.
Jillian Shimkin
Jillian Shimkin is a mat-certified Pilates instructor and professional soccer player with Tampa Bay Sun FC. With a background in elite athletics, Jillian brings a deep appreciation for movement quality, injury prevention, and sustainable strength to her teaching.
As a professional athlete, Jillian understands the physical and mental demands of training, competition, and recovery. Her Pilates instruction is grounded in control, alignment, and intentional movement, making her classes both accessible and effective for a wide range of bodies and experience levels.
Jillian specializes in leading Pilates sessions for community events, pop-ups, and small group experiences, as well as offering private 1:1 sessions tailored to individual goals. She teaches mat Pilates with Rise Pilates and Physical Therapy, delivering supportive, thoughtfully paced sessions that emphasize functional movement, core strength, and mindful progression. Her approach encourages participants to feel confident, capable, and connected to their bodies, whether they are new to Pilates or returning to movement after injury.