top of page

Meet Our Founder

After retiring as a professional ballerina, Banks brought her lifelong passion for movement into the fitness world. With over a decade of experience, she is comprehensively certified in both Pilates and yoga, and has worked with a wide variety of clients in rehab facilities, athletic training environments, and boutique fitness studios.

​

Through these experiences, Banks cultivated her own method of Pilates - one that blends athletic strength training with nervous system regulation and intuitive movement. Her approach empowers clients to reconnect with their bodies, build resilience, and find joy in movement, creating lasting transformation both on and off the mat.

Your first class awaits!

Banks Cooney

IMG-0909.jpg
C0DF838A-20F7-4EAB-82C9-2D821113096F.JPG

Teaching style: Strength building, energetic, athletic

​

Pilates background: I hold multiple certifications in mat and reformer Pilates.

​

Outside the studio: you can find me in a tattoo shop, cuddling with my cat Frankie, or thrifting at any of Austin's vintage shops.

​

I love: Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Alani Nu Witches Brew in a white glass, and hiking/nature

Mikaela Harper
Lead Instructor

6993FBB0-E916-4EFD-9738-1D5BBB89EF88_4_5005_c.jpeg

Teaching Style: a blend of the core foundations of Pilates and the deep mind/body connection of yoga.

​

Pilates Background: I earned my first certification in 2019, with specialties in pre/postnatal training, 500 E-RYT hatha yoga, and breathwork.

​

I love: slow mornings outside with my dogs

​

Outside the studio: you’ll find me traveling the world with my partner, painting outback, or snuggled up with a good craft

Chloe Beaver

8519E84F-228B-4B6E-B401-3398AE3544A7.JPG

Teaching Style: Classical foundation blended with plenty of contemporary movements

 

Pilates Background: I first tried Pilates group classes in college, then got certified through the Equinox Pilates Training Institute in 2016. 

 

Outside the studio: Find me playing with my two little boys, making quilts, or enjoying the sunshine with my dogs

 

I love: Coffee, time with friends, arts and crafts, and dog walks

Melissa Panarese

DEFA84D2-2F69-4F6E-AD93-7B26507347BB_4_5005_c.jpeg

Teaching style: Athletic, synergetic, and fun!

​

Pilates Background: I’ve been teaching group fitness for 6 years.

​

I love: being a plant mom, my morning coffee, and learning new things.

​

Outside the studio: I love to walk and tap into my creative being through moving my body, knitting, and baking. 

Makenzie Mowat

Tezza-7013.JPG

Teaching Style: . Expect hip-hop, rhythm, and moments of grounding.

​

Pilates Background: My movement background began Yoga Training, shortly followed by Reformer and Mat trainings.

​

Outside the Studio: You can find me at Este for Happy Hour or playing with my Cavapoo Cosmo & Rottweiler Lady Bird

​

I love: All things wellness, good food, good coffee, shopping, & spending time with friends and family

Hannah Sullivan

0AA7DB86-2B39-48D0-A009-5B14510BDBCC_4_5005_c.jpeg

Teaching Style: Dynamic, challenging, and fun

​

Pilates background: multiple comprehensive certifications with Balanced Body and the Equinox

Pilates Training Institute

​

Outside the studio: Go to the beach with my family, or watch my kids crush a dance competition

​

I love: A good hair day, and a boujie restaurant with my husband

Anna Gammill

Tezza-2108.JPG

Teaching style: when you come to my class you feel seen, heard and leave feeling empowered!

​

Pilates background: I’ve been a fitness instructor for over 7 years!

​

Outside the studio: I am a social media coach. Having also been in the social media space for 7 years, I am so thankful to be a full-time “coach”!

​

I love: going to an occasional rave, but balancing it with a wellness weekend with my friends

Arnold Ruelas

A03F7495-D093-4DBF-B20B-263B194DD411.JPG

Teaching style: mix classical Pilates with an athletic, feel-good flow—you’ll get a full-body sculpt, a great challenge, and a playlist that keeps you moving.

​

Pilates background: Comprehensively certified through Balanced Body here in Austin.

​

Outside the studio: I’m hanging with my kids, hitting some heavy strength training or spending time out at the lake.

​

I love: wakesurfing and a nice hike. 

Lo Madigan

9516777E-3BC2-4AC0-A127-D3FBA09E1861_4_5005_c.jpeg

Teaching style: Even-keeled, intentional movement set to a great playlist.

​

Pilates Background: Comprehensive Pilates certification from Balanced Body.

​

I love: Photography, movie dates at Alamo, and cold brew with a splash of oat milk.

​

Outside the studio: Catch me cuddling up on my friends’ couches for movie marathons, watching interior design home tours on YouTube, or working on a creative project.

Josh Ferrari

Tezza-1168.JPG

Teaching style: think athletic sculpt Pilates with a big focus on the music!

​

Pilates Background: I completed Pilates training with Banks here at Haus of B to begin teaching Pilates and share my passion for fitness and building strength.

​

Outside of the studio: I love to be on the lake, snow ski, hike with my lab - just about anything active… and of course the ATX restaurant and cocktail scene!

Larson Mitchener

6E01D038-A3B2-42DF-8421-2CF5F046404F.JPG

Teaching style: has been described as “sneaky spicy”, which I think sums it up! Come play!

​

Pilates background: Comprehensively certified by Balanced Body

​

Outside the studio: I work in tech sales and love hanging out with my nieces on the weekends

​

I love: a nice wellness weekend with my husband and spending time by the ocean.

Kellie Jack

Tezza-6967.JPG

Teaching style: My classes focus on breathwork, form, and movements that challenge you—plus some elements from my yoga background!

​

Pilates background: Before obtaining my Pilates certification, I began my movement journey as a 200-hour certified yoga teacher over five years ago.

​

I love: doing anything with my friends, reading and sharing book recs, and lounging in the sun.

Sophia Futrell

17D63A6C-4E9F-4A5F-A0E8-BCD9307C493E.JPG

Teaching style: spicy, fun, and efficient flow!

 

Pilates background:  mat Pilates certified by Banks herself!

 

Outside the studio: I love swimming at Barton or playing pickleball 

Emily Shanker

6EDA00B1-1FE2-4E2E-9D7F-B9956469BE13_4_5005_c.jpeg

Teaching Style: athletic, challenging, and energetic

​

Background: NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Equinox Pilates Mat Certified

​

I love: my dog, an iced latte, and a hot sunny day on the water!

​

Outside of the studio: I love trying new restaurants with my husband, margaritas with the girls, and long walks/runs on the trail!

Emma Kraichely

4681F6D5-F74E-49C3-9C3B-D1A448DE4FBD.JPG

My background is in social media marketing and interior design—which is actually how I met Banks, helping her remodel the studio. I grew up as a competitive cheerleader, but after a back injury, I had to find movement that supported my healing. You’ll often find me around the studio, behind the scenes on socials, or answering emails—be sure to say hi!

Taylor Park
Studio Manager

bottom of page