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.

Studio Manager, Pilates & Yoga Instructor

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.

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! 

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

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

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

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. 

Yoga Instructor

Jessica Patterson-Kibbe

Hi, I'm Jessica and welcome to Positive Vibes Pilates! As a full-time Caregiver, active Bonus-Mom, successful CT Realtor, and part-time Yoga Instructor, I am constantly utilizing the skills I've developed during my 25 years+ yoga practice. Primarily, connecting breath with movement, finding balance, and self-centering in any setting. I love helping students develop and incorporate these principal foundations into beneficial daily life skills. Specializing in Adaptive Yoga, I've had the privilege to work with the Alzheimer's Assocation and the Special Olympics teaching yoga programs to Caregivers and Athletes alike. I live in Waterford on the Niantic River with my family. During the Summer, you can find my teaching SUP, fishing, or gardening.

Pilates Instructor

Jamie DiPalma

Hi! I’m Jamie and I discovered my passion for Pilates in the Spring of 2023. I was first encouraged by the idea of low-impact workouts where I could lie down? Whaaat?? I was immediately hooked on the gains in strength and the unexpectedly rewarding mind body connection. I aspire to create a welcoming environment where I can foster the positivity and wellbeing of our members in a vibrant, zesty, high-energy atmosphere. Hopefully promoting the growth of Pilates in our community with my love of the practice. When I’m not attending or leading classes at PVPT, I’m operating my hair salon or finding F’s and chasing W’s.

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

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. 

Front Desk

Emily Baker

Hi! I’m Emily! You can find me at the front desk at Positive Vibes Pilates. I am currently a senior at Connecticut College studying Psychology. Although I live in New London throughout the school year, I am from New Canaan, CT. During my free time, I enjoy reading poetry, painting, and doing yoga/Pilates! I love working at Positive Vibes Pilates and seeing all of your beautiful faces!

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.