Our Story
Thrive Movement Studios exists because Cheryl Combs Dunn spent twenty years watching what real movement education does to people's lives — and decided it was time to build a studio where that work could happen without compromise.
After more than two decades in the field, including 21 years at CORE Therapy and Pilates, Cheryl opened Thrive in Westlake Hills with a clear intention: a studio where the methods are taught properly, the classes are small enough to matter, and every client receives the level of attention they deserve.
The instructors Cheryl has built her team around share that same standard. Everyone here has put in the hours — in training, in continuing education, in the kind of hands-on practice that produces real results.
Founder & Master Trainer
Cheryl completed her Pilates certification in 2002, shortly followed by her GYROTONIC® certification. She has been based in Austin since 2004, where she built her career, earned her Specialized Master Trainer designation, developed her own Pilates certification program, and raised two amazing sons. She spent the first 21 years at CORE Therapy and Pilates. This experience gave her a foundation in rehabilitative movement that shapes every session. She understands bodies that are recovering, bodies that are high-performing, and everything in between.
"I believe fitness is about so much more than reaching a goal or changing the way your body looks. It's about learning to get into your body, becoming more connected to yourself, and creating a stronger mind, body, and soul connection. My goal is to help you feel empowered in your body and find movement that supports not only your physical health, but your mental and emotional well-being, too. Because I believe your fitness journey shouldn't be something you do just to reach an end goal — it should become a lifestyle that helps you feel stronger, more confident, connected, and alive. Fitness is not just a destination. It's a way of coming home to yourself." — Cheryl
Pilates Trainer · GYROTONIC® Level 1 & 2 Trainer · GYROKINESIS® Trainer – GYROTONIC Pre-Trainer
Andrea brings over 20 years of experience in Pilates and Gyrotonic, with a deep and ever-evolving understanding of the body and how it moves, adapts, and heals. Her extensive knowledge allows her to see beyond movement patterns and connect with what the body truly needs.
Having navigated her own physical challenges, Andrea understands firsthand that the body is capable of profound change. Her personal journey has shaped an approach that is both deeply knowledgeable and compassionate, helping clients move through physical limitations while building greater awareness, strength, and trust in their bodies.
Andrea also brings a calming presence to her work, using movement and mindful awareness to help calm our nervous system and create a greater sense of ease within the body. Her teaching is technically precise, deeply intuitive, and grounded in the belief that true transformation begins when we feel safe, connected, and at home in our bodies.
Pilates Instructor · GYROTONIC® Level 1 & 2 Instructor · GYROKINESIS® Instructor · Barre Instructor
Laura Lee's love of movement is at the heart of her teaching. She brings a genuine curiosity, enthusiasm, and appreciation for the body into every session, inspiring her clients to discover greater awareness, strength, and connection through their own movement. With a deep passion for helping others, Laura Lee finds great joy in sharing her knowledge and experience of the work. She believes that movement is a powerful way to connect more deeply with ourselves, and she is dedicated to helping each person discover the benefits and possibilities within their own body. Her passion makes every session an opportunity to learn, explore, and grow.
Pilates Instructor · GYROTONIC® Instructor
Brandi’s journey with Pilates and Gyrotonic spans more than 20 years, beginning as a devoted student and growing into a deep and rewarding part-time career as a teacher. Her love for the work has continued to evolve through her own experience in the body, giving her a unique understanding of how movement can support us through every season of life. When Brandi faced her own journey with breast cancer, Pilates and Gyrotonic became an important part of her recovery. The practices helped her reconnect with her body, rebuild strength and mobility, and move through a challenging time with greater awareness, patience, and trust. Today, sharing this work with others is one of Brandi’s greatest gifts. She brings not only her years of knowledge and experience, but the perspective that comes from knowing firsthand how transformative mindful movement can be. For Brandi, teaching is about far more than exercise — it is about connection, healing, and helping others discover what is possible within their own bodies.
Pilates Instructor · GYROTONIC® Instructor
Mauro’s deep roots in tango have profoundly shaped the way he teaches Pilates and Gyrotonic. Years of dancing taught him to listen closely to the body, appreciate the intelligence of movement, and understand how connection, rhythm, balance, and presence can transform the way we move through the world. He brings that same artistry and awareness into every session, creating an environment where movement feels both purposeful and joyful. His teaching is rooted in a genuine love of movement, a curiosity about the body, and, most of all, a love for people. For Mauro, Pilates and Gyrotonic are about far more than physical exercise. They are an opportunity to connect, explore, and experience the joy of being in our bodies. His love of movement, people, and life is felt in every session, making his teaching as inspiring as it is transformative.
Ready to begin?
Three sessions designed to introduce you to the method, assess where you are, and build a foundation for real progress.
