ALL BODIES TEAM
Julie Stone
Personal Trainer + Founder of All Bodies Community
My passion for finding CMT friendly ways to exercise started with my own story. I have Charcot Marie Tooth, Type 2A and I’ve always loved fitness. I’ve been active throughout my life, although, in the past, I’ve struggled to find exercises that were right for my body. Because of this, I decided to learn more about fitness and CMT and then turned my hobby outward to help others with CMT find safe and effective ways to exercise. I’ve made it my mission to adapt classic exercises to work for those with CMT at whatever stage of progression they are in. I strive to build workout plans that match their energy levels and specific needs. Each individual has a unique fitness journey that is ever-evolving. My biggest goals are to have each client feeling more stable as they move through their everyday lives,and feeling stronger throughout their whole body. I believe goals are essentially to success, but fulfillment comes from learning to love your body during every step of the process. During our time together, I'll challenge you to create goals for yourself AND encourage you to love your body during every step of the process. I can't wait to start working with you!
Julie's Completed Workshops + Certifications:
Certified Personal Trainer (NASM), Certified Mat Pilates Instructor (Adita Lang), Integrated Balance Training (NASM), Essentals of Gait Development (Exercise etc.), Gait Masterclass (Anatomy Trains), Prenatal Fitness Practices (Amanda Grandberg, The bEarth Doula), Programing Around Pain Specialist (ProAP)
Shannon Johnson
Personal Trainer
My passion for inclusive and accessible fitness came from my own experiences. Growing up, the athletic aspirations I once held closely slowly became tucked away each time I found myself being teased by a teammate, peer, or coach for the tremor in my hands, slap in my gait, or my easily injured ankles and wrists. Not knowing the reason behind my clumsiness or my small calves, I struggled to find a sense of community in fitness-centered areas and avoided many forms of exercise in fear of injury and criticism. The part of me that found peace and mental clarity in movement was still there, and
and I found solace in yoga. It wasn’t until later in life that I found the answers to my lifelong limb limitations. At the age of 26, following a surgery that exacerbated my symptoms, I was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease, CMT1a. Through working with a physical therapist who taught me ways I could safely and effectively exercise, my passion for fitness reignited. I became a registered yoga teacher and obtained my CPT through the American Council on Exercise. I resolved to make the fitness industry a more inclusive place where everybody is welcomed and celebrated.
I’m excited to meet you on your journey through finding meaningful movement!
Shannon's Completed Workshops + Certifications:
Certified Personal Trainer (ACE), Registered Yoga Instructor (Yoga Alliance), Yoga for Chronic Pain (YogaFit Worldwide), Prenatal Fitness Practices (Amanda Grandberg, The bEarth Doula), Training for Hyper / Hypo Mobility (Anatomy Trains)
Larisa Sheloukhova
Personal Trainer
Ever since I was diagnosed with CMT1a, I have been looking for ways to stay active and exercise safely and efficiently while enjoying the process. At first, the diagnosis was like a verdict: I thought I would never be able to dance again - the one hobby I loved immensely as a child. With time though I realized that it is not only possible but essential to keep exercising if one has CMT. However, finding the workouts that suited me was challenging, so I modified traditional exercises and dancing routines to match my abilities. Once I started a CMT-dedicated YouTube channel, I realized that many people with CMT face the same challenges and often give up on working out altogether because they don’t know which exercises are safe and effective and/or are ashamed to join the gym/group exercises. I decided to learn more about fitness and share my workouts with the CMT community on YouTube. Although following such videos could be a good starting point, addressing the unique problems of each person with CMT or other mobility disabilities is only possible through a personalized program. Therefore, I decided to become certified as a personal trainer to provide the best approach to every person on their fitness journey. I will help you not give up on your dream whether it is to be stronger, feel less fatigued, or rock the dance floor.
Larisa's Completed Workshops + Certifications:
Certified Personal Trainer (NASM), PhD (Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan), Master’s (Sholokhov Moscow State University for Humanities, Russia), Personalized Medicine 101 (Radboud Summer School),
Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM)
After being diagnosed with CMT, Larisa pursued science and obtained her Master's and PhD in neurobiology in Moscow, Russia, and Okinawa, Japan, respectively. Larisa dedicated her PhD research to the evolution of glial cells, which, among others, include Schwann cells, important players in demyelinating types of CMT. Check out Larisa’s publications here
Matthew McCurdy
Personal Trainer
NEW TRAINER
I’m originally from West Virginia and have am an ACE (American Council on Exercise) Certified Personal Trainer with over 22 years of Training experience in New York City. I hold specialties in Pre/Post Natal & a master’s Certification in Senior Adult Fitness and Corrective Exercises for People with Disabilities. My Training programs are focused on each individual client’s goals, needs, and current fitness level.
My routines promise a fun, intense workout which clients will never find repetitive or mundane. My training philosophy centers on Core Muscle Strength, which is the foundation for a healthier mind, body, and soul. Incorporated as well are Functional and Postural training which enhances individual fitness goals as well as general everyday activities.
I became interested in Training people with disabilities when I met met girlfriend/Partner, Gretchen, who has CMT. When she asked me to start training her, I studied first and pursued my certification in Corrective Exercises for People with Disabilities. Two plus years later, Gretchen and I are still together, living with each other in South Harlem, and I continue to train her weekly.
I don’t have a disability but a passion to help those that do. I’m very excited to work for All Bodies Community. To help people get stronger and have a better quality of life.
Matthew's Completed Workshops + Certifications:
Certified Personal Trainer (ACE), Corrective Exercise for People with Disabilities (ACE),
Pre / Post Natal, Master’s Certification in Senior Adult Fitness, Certification in Functional Training, Certification in Special Olympics Inclusive Fitness Training, Certification in Corrective Exercise Specialist Program
Gretchen Autry
Administrative Assistant
I was never picked for teams in gym class or on the playground when I was growing up. I walked on my toes until I was seven years old, when I had surgery to lengthen my Achilles tendons. I didn't know I had CMT at the time; I just thought I wasn't athletic. It wasn't until my early forties that I received a CMT 4C diagnosis. After 34 years as a public school teacher, the progression of my CMT and frequent falls on hard school floors forced me to retire on disability.
I didn't start exercising until I found Julie through an internet search. She helped me understand which exercises would work for my body, and it was life-changing! I'm proud to be one of her original clients, and I'm so excited to join the All Bodies Community staff!
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Anna Kehagia
Video Editor
Every story deserves a unique way of being told, whether it’s a classic film, an avant-garde piece, a documentary, or social content. I enjoy working with raw footage, finding the right rhythm, making perfect cuts, applying effects and crafting the ideal sound design to express the silent emotions of a script. My goal is to uncover the vision behind each project, tell authentic stories, and bring ideas to life.
Collaborating with professionals in the arts and with empowering communities like the "All Bodies Community" has been an inspiring journey. I specialize in video editing and have worked on a wide range of projects, including short films, music videos, and promotional content, always blending art with technology.
Based in Greece, I’m a founding member of an independent filmmaking team and deeply passionate about experimenting with audiovisual works both as a director and an editor.
For me, artistic work is not just a profession but a profound form of communication. Living with CMT since childhood, art has helped me manage my emotions, as it provides a free space of expression that supports people in sharing their unique stories in meaningful ways.
In addition to our On Demand Library, check out Anna's other work here:
VIMEO, Exhibition: Museum of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Art , Chania. Exhibition: Center for Mediterranean Architecture