Maria Luisa Cox, LMT
Owner, Pilates teacher
Maria Luisa was born and raised in Spain. She is a dedicated and experienced movement professional who has been helping clients improve their strength, mobility, and overall wellness for over two decades. She became a Peak Pilates® Comprehensive Certified Teacher in 2012, a certification program requiring over 500 hours of formal training across all Pilates apparatus—including Mat, Reformer, Chair,Cadillac, Tower, and Barrel.
Known for her thoughtful, personalized approach, Maria Luisa customizes each session to meet the unique needs and goals of her clients—whether they’re recovering from injury, managing chronic tension, or seeking to enhance athletic performance. She believes that mindful movement is an important aspect of Pilates, and her sessions reflect that philosophy.
Maria Luisa is also a Licensed Massage Therapist (AL LMT#5462) since 2001 and brings a deep understanding of anatomy and healing into her teaching. Her background in martial arts, including earning a black belt in Shotokai Karate at age 21, contributes to her strong foundation in body mechanics, discipline, and focus.
A lifelong learner, Maria Luisa continues to deepen her expertise by regularly attending advanced Pilates training and industry conferences. When she’s not in the studio, you’ll likely find her hiking, traveling, or enjoying the outdoors with her husband and their fur-baby, Oliver.
Lauren Burgin, PT, DPT
Owner, Pilates teacher
Lauren is a Huntsville transplant having joined the area in 2020. She has been a Physical Therapist since graduating from Atlanta’s Emory University in 2018, where she was first introduced to Pilates. After that initial introduction and several years of taking classes she realized the many benefits Pilates had to offer her patients and knew she needed to learn more to better serve them. This led her to complete her Pilates certification from the Polestar Pilates Comprehensive Program in 2022. Lauren looks forward to serving the wellness community with her blended training and years of experience. When not treating patients or teaching Pilates, Lauren enjoys time at home with her two girls, husband, and dog.
JP Parker
Pilates and Yoga teacher
JP is a 600 hour Certified Pilates Instructor and 500 hour Registered Yoga Instructor.
She is a graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans, La. and has more than 25 years practicing as a licensed physical therapy professional rehabilitating patients in a variety of medical settings. JP’s clinical experience instilled a high value in the importance of teaching her fitness and wellness clients the importance of proper body alignment to strengthen and heal the body from the inside out while allowing one’s body to function and feel it’s best. She believes proper movement, focused strengthening, and body awareness are vital for the healing of past injuries and future injury prevention. This passion drives her in helping others achieve their fitness and wellness goals as well as improve their overall well-being in order to live a healthy and joyful life.
Outside of her love for pilates and yoga JP is an avid runner having completed 3 full 26.2 mile marathons and multiple half marathons. She enjoys Latin, ballroom, and swing dance, traveling the world with 30 plus countries behind her, and spending time with her pets and husband.
Tiril Benton
Yoga teacher
Tiril was born and educated in London and has been living in Huntsville for twenty nine years.
Tiril has had a lifelong relationship with yoga which she began practicing when she was 11. Born with an innate understanding of the body as a whole, her purpose is rooted in a desire to guide others to to a deeper understanding and knowledge of themselves. Trained in kinesiology in London, she has been extensively mentored throughout her life and has been teaching yoga for 42 years.
Aligning with the sacred architecture of the body, Tiril connects to the essence of her students by encouraging and prompting through correct asana and breath to realize inner balance and wisdom; hence embodying a sense of resilience, purpose and presence.
Annette Beresford Huff
Pilates and Yoga teacher
Annette is originally from Australia and moved to Huntsville in 2002 with her husband. She definitely considers Huntsville her “OM” away from home. She became certified in Stott Pilates method in both Mat & Reformer in October 2004 in Springfield, Missouri and began at Body Reform Pilates Studio where she taught for 5 years. She currently also teaches private clients at the Jones Valley Wellness Center and has been there for 13 years. Annette also became a certified Yoga Instructor with her 200-hour RYT in 2003. She has attended many workshops around the country and studied with nationally renowned Yoga Instructors such as Doug Keller, Desiree Rumbaugh and Rolf Gates.
Annette’s goal as an instructor is to use the principles of Pilates to help anybody, of any age, any level or body type to find balance, strength, flexibility and a healthier lifestyle.