Positive Vibes Pilates

Owner & Pilates Instructor

Kendall Escobedo Aguilar

Hi I’m Kendall, the owner of PVPT.  I started my Pilates journey in 2017 and have managed Pilates studios in multiple states.  My experience includes working with clients of varying fitness levels and those ranging from professional athlete to amputees.  I love animals, as I have 3 pups and who occasionally visit the studio!

Owner

David Escobedo Aguilar

Hi I’m David, a San Antonio, Texas native, and co-founder of Positive Vibes Pilates. I head up the costumer service team and assist in running the day-to-day operations of the studio. I am currently an active-duty naval officer who loves fitness and enjoy Pilates, weight lifting, Yoga, reading and playing with my dogs; Boston, Flynn, and Bailey.

Pilates Instructor

Nicole Blanchard

Welcome to PVPT!  My name is Nicole.  I live in East Lyme with my husband, two sons, and our three dogs. I am an active-duty Coast Guard Officer and currently working on my political science Ph.D. at UCONN.  I started taking classes at PVPT in March of 2023 and immediately was hooked.  Pilates makes me feel better than I ever have, and I have tried it all!  However, it is the community that we have built here at PVPT that made me want to become an instructor and makes me so excited to come into the studio whether to teach or take a class.  When I am not at school or PVPT, I love to travel, knit, and bake.  Reading, especially staying up way too late reading, is my guilty pleasure!  I hope to see you in class

Pilates Instructor

Bobbie Ferro

Hello! My name is Bobbie. I’m originally from Massachusetts but settled in Connecticut after my husband finished his military service. I’ve practiced movement throughout my life including dance, barre, boxing, and running. I discovered my love for Pilates 2 years ago. I obtained my Teacher Certification through Club Pilates and began teaching at PVPT in January 2024. Outside of Pilates, I enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, or hanging at home with my family reading books & building puzzles. 

Lead Instructor, Pilates & Yoga

Maggie Skinner

Maggie traveled to Kenya when she was 18 to be of service with Africa Yoga Project and received her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Certification, “Expand your Power” under Paige Elensen. In 2021, Maggie trained with Baron Baptiste and is a Level 1 Baptiste Certified Instructor.

Along with yoga, Maggie completed a Comprehensive Pilates Teacher training under Kim Cremin in 2023, and is continuing her Pilates education through workshops and bodywork training. 

Maggie believes that exercise is a celebration of what the body can do, not a punishment for what you ate yesterday. She is passionate about using Pilates to help clients fall in love with how good it feels to move the body.  

With a background in ballet and personal experience with chronic pain and anxiety, Maggie's goal is to facilitate clients to use yoga and Pilates as a tool to be in control of the mind and body instead of being at their mercy.

Pilates Instructor

Elizabeth Staub

Hello! I'm Elizabeth. I grew up in central Connecticut and moved back to the Mystic area five years ago to be closer to family and friends, after stints in California and Florida. I found Pilates about 8 years ago when living in Oakland, and recently completed teacher training. When not at the studio, I work for PepsiCo, running a team of social media managers across the Pepsi beverage brands. You may find me out for a run or walk in downtown Mystic, rowing with the Mystic River Rowers on summer mornings, and at the PVPT studio on Monday mornings and evenings!

Pilates Instructor

Kendra Hanks

Hi everyone! My name is Kendra. I am originally from the Midwest. Currently, I am a Pre-K teacher and going back to school to pursue a career in speech-language pathology. My love for Pilates started when I was looking for a group workout class, and I got so much more! I love the PVPT studio and the positive community here. In my free time, I enjoy Pilates (duh), reading, hiking, and going on walks with my Corgi, Lily. You may see her at the studio!

Yoga Instructor

Moira Hechenleitner

Moira Hechenleitner is a 200-hr RYT through Sangha Yoga School, and a certified Face Yoga Instructor through the Face Yoga Method. 
Moira discovered yoga over 10 years ago and has been an avid student ever since. She loves physical exercise and exploring what the body can do. Yoga has become her ultimate tool to stay grounded, to connect body and mind, to build emotional strength, and to find peace and stillness. 
Although she loves challenging yoga flows that incorporate workout intervals and face yoga elements, she thoroughly enjoys slow and stretchy classes that can help people ground, still their mind, and fall back in love with themselves through yoga. 
Moira was born and raised in Chile. She moved to Mystic, CT in 2018, bringing along her dog Castaña and cat Renardo, who enjoy watching her practice yoga at home, and curling up by her side during Savasana.
She is also a veterinarian and a dog behavior consultant. She specializes in separation anxiety and helps dogs and families around the world overcome this disorder both in English and Spanish.

Yoga Instructor

Lynne Purtill

Hi! My name is Lynne. I live in Stonington with my 2 children, cat and dog. I love traveling, exploring, hiking, baking, crafts, and enjoying life. I teach various styles of yoga including children and Navy physical training. I enjoy first time yoga students! 

Pilates Instructor Apprentice

Carey Leslie

Hi, I am Carey. I am a national board-certified health and wellness coach and group fitness instructor. I have a background in healthcare and public health with an emphasis on chronic disease prevention and management. My goal as a coach and instructor is to help clients discover their healthiest, happiest selves through movement, nutrition, and improved overall well-being.

I have been coaching and teaching boot camp, HIIT, and cardio-kickboxing classes since 2017. I found Pilates while recovering from a back injury and hope that as an instructor I can help others find the same joy and healing Pilates has offered me.

I am also a military spouse and foster mom. In my free time I enjoy reading, traveling, and cooking/baking.

Pilates Instructor Apprentice

Reba Tehan

Hi! My name is Reba. I found PVPT about a year ago in my search to find something that would be gentler on my body. Pilates has been life changing for me in so many ways! I have always worked out -- from Barre to Spin -- I’ve tried it all. Pilates for me is that perfect mind/body connection that just hits all the right things! I look forward to bringing my love of Pilates to other members in this community! When I’m not doing Pilates, you can find me in my design studio making someone’s dream kitchen come to life or hanging out with my family and friends. 

Pilates Instructor Apprentice

Jamie DiPalma

Bio coming soon!

Front Desk

Angie Holland

Hello! My name is Angie, and I’m originally from Texas. I married a submariner and have lived all over for the last 32 years. We settled back in Connecticut after his retirement of 36 years in the Navy. I love working at the PVPT studio and all the positive members that make me smile every day. I’m enjoying retirement life with lots of traveling.

Front Desk

Liz Austin

Hi I’m Liz, I work the front desk at Positive Vibes Pilates on Saturdays. I love to take classes here as well! I also work as a Special Education Teacher in Groton, and in my free time, I enjoy playing beach volleyball. Pilates has been a great addition to my weekly routine! 

Front Desk

Bri Olszewski

Hi! I'm Bri. I grew up in Rome, Italy, and Charleston, South Carolina, but moved up here to be with my husband after getting out of the USMC in 2022. I am currently a certified herbalist but I am working towards a degree in marine conservation with a focus on coral reefs. I adore the lovely team that I am surrounded by here at the studio, as well as the positive environment everyone creates. If I'm not at work, you can find me hiking with my dog, reading, or tinkering around in my garden with one of my cats watching. 

Marketing

Kayla Hedman

Hi! I’m Kayla! I started taking classes at PVPT in September 2023, taking the advice of my physical therapist to help manage my chronic pain from hypermobility. In early 2024, I took a few cute videos of the studio’s special events for social media, and the rest is history! Happy to be part of the team, helping create content and maintain the website.
I work full-time as the director of marketing & communications at Griswold Public Schools, and previously held the same role at Fishers Island Lemonade. I’m passionate about musical theatre and am actively involved with local performing arts organizations. I live in Ledyard with my husband, two dogs, and two cats.