Caroline has found that her lifes passion is to hold space for other people, & that’s what Bend is- a space for community.

Caroline has a big vision for what Bend Studio will become over the next few years. While her dream of becoming a mom is coming to frutation, work life balance is something she holds close while finding true joy in building a team of inspirational people to help Bend thrive. Comminity is key, inside and out. Come on in and enjoy the ride & the vibe of a growing small business, with a big hearted community.

Amber has a passion for whole-body wellness, working as a registered dietitian and teaching a variety of fitness classes. For the past 10 years, Amber has fallen in love with the community a fun and inviting fitness experience creates, and uses the motivation of music and purpose to lead her workouts. Here at Bend, she has been an avid yogi since we opened, and is so excited to guide you in becoming the best version of yourself.

Emily has been in the fitness industry since 2005 after leaving the financial world and starting a family. With her passion for health and helping others she has become a Certified Personal Trainer who also hold certifications in Pilates, Barre, Spin, Boxing and Fitness Instruction. She is a Certified Nutrition Coach, Owner of her own outdoor boot camp and a 500hr certified Yoga Instructor. She and her husband Paul have four children together and a (very spoiled) dog. Hobbies include paddle boarding, hiking, and being with her family. Blessed to love what she does, she is often heard calling Bend Studio, her happy place.

Discovering the power of yoga in 2015, Ayla dived deep into the community in pursuit of healing herself, and those around her. In the spring of 2017, she took the next step and became a 200hr registered yoga teacher. She loves to incorporate Reiki, music, essential oils, and incense in her yoga practice - her goal is to strengthen the mind and body, and their connection with each other in a therapeutic environment. You will often see Ayla accompanied with her sidekick Shiloh.

As a new yoga teacher, I am excited to share my passion for a practice that has deeply impacted my life. Yoga has provided me with a profound connection to my body and mind and I am eager to help others experience positivty and happiness in the present moment in a down-to-earth and approachable manner. My goal is to guide students in finding their own sense of balance and inner peace. With a foundation built on mindfulness, I aim to create a welcoming space for personal growth and self-discovery.

Amanda has developed her expertise in working with a diverse clientele starting with Miami in 2008, moving to NYC in 2009 and California in 2014. She is now establishing roots in Westerly, RI with her family.

Amanda has a BA in Psychology and has continued her education achieving a 500hr Yoga training from Soul of Yoga in San Diego. She is an RYT E-500 Yoga instructor, a Certified Personal Trainer, and Corrective Exercise specialist through NASM dedicating her work to exercise programming for individuals with chronic pain or structural limitation.

Amanda has a passion for natural remedies, exercise physiology, tennis, snowboarding and spending time with her husband, son, and daughter.

Amanda uses her own method influenced by the Chakra system. Using mind/body techniques that break down barriers that limit success in her clients. Amanda leads with her heart and appreciates mindful connections with fellow colleagues and students.

Amber is all about holistic living, nurturing both the body and mind. With nearly a decade in the wellness world, she views Pilates as a way to reconnect with yourself through breath, movement, and empowerment. Certified in mat Pilates, she teaches with mindfulness and intention, focusing on alignment, strength, and awareness to help her students feel grounded, confident, and inspired in their practice.

Amy has been a personal trainer for over 20 years, directing programs for United Technologies and its sister companies in Hartford and then creating her own personal training business in the Farmington Valley. When she discovered Baptiste inspired power yoga during a summer in RI, she connected the fitness that she loves with physical and mental rejuvenation. Her classes are filled with curated music, heat, playful flow, core work, and deep tissue strength and stretch. She tries to inspire her practitioners in the studio by helping them recognize that every day is different. There are times to challenge with balance and backbends and times to simply stretch and slow the mind- the practice helps students on and off the mat. In addition to her yoga and personal training certifications, Amy is a RI and CT realtor who also helps create inspired homes with her husband. She is the mother of two grown boys and one spoiled dog.

Andrea came to and continues her yoga practice to come home to herself. She hopes to inspire her students to nourish their minds, bodies, and souls on the mat and out in the world. Living in South County with her husband and two children, she is inspired by the natural world, loving to spend time outdoors and adventuring. Andrea is a 200hr RYT, completing her teacher training with Coral Brown at Island Heron Yoga is Jamestown, RI. Her training is in Integrative Vinyasa, a combination of Vinyasa flow, embodiment practices, yoga philosophy, and aims to teach a safe, inspired, and effective class for all of her students. Yoga is a life-long journey of learning and growing, and she would love to have you join her for this wild trip.

When I first started taking Kundalini Yoga classes consistently, I felt like I was receiving the benefits of going to therapy. I was living more in my heart than my head, and it seemed like I had a sort of magical shield around me. I was less reactive. I could handle challenges with more ease and grace. I was more of a warrior, more empowered, more connected.

I completed my 200-hour Vinyasa Yoga teacher training with Raffa Yoga and trained with Ra Ma Institute as a Kundalini Yoga Teacher. 

I am honored to have the opportunity to guide students through the power, mystery, and vitality-enhancing practice of Kundalini Yoga. It’s also very special for me to teach at Caroline’s studio, as she was one of my first beloved yoga students who became a great friend.

Here’s to exploring the true power that lies within.

In 2020, Anja achieved her RYT 200 certification under the guidance of Sara Kimball. Additionally, she holds certifications as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Meditation Coach. A staunch believer in the profound connection between the mind and body, Anja is dedicated to promoting the idea that a healthy body fosters a healthy mind. With enthusiasm, she imparts her holistic approach, providing a distinctive perspective in all her fitness classes.

Currently, Anja is undertaking her RYT 500 hour certification with Jason Crandell, expected to graduate in December 2023.

Beyond her role as a fitness instructor, she engages in social media management for her own agency, DeVo Media. Her agency serves businesses in both the United States and her native Germany, showcasing her international reach and diverse skill set.

Anna-Lisa began teaching in 2005, completing Level I & II Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training and becoming certified in 2008 by Tom Gillette of Eyes of the World.

Having a consistent practice and a never-ending curiosity to learn more, she aspires to blend the richness of yogic philosophy with the accessibility of the Baptiste style as a means to offer space for an experiential practice that draws students closer to their innate light. Anna-Lisa enjoys a challenging practice blending styles with influences from Beryl Bender Birch, Seane Corn, Shiva Rea, Ana Forrest, Rolf Gates, Tom Gillette and more. She has a nurturing style with a quiet intensity offering a flow that embodies the breath, releases the mind, detoxifies and tones the body, leaving students with a sense of peacefulness and renewed energy.

Inspired by the beauty and wonder of nature, the joyful dance and rhythm of vinyasa serves as a consistent touchstone to the spacious qualities and ease of the present moment, self awareness and acceptance, and staying grounded.

Along with teaching yoga, Anna-Lisa resides in beautiful southern Rhode Island with her loving family, enjoys creative expression and is an exercise enthusiast.

Looking to improve her health and lifestyle Carissa was drawn to yoga over 15 years ago. Overtime yoga became a source of strength, regulation and peace, inspiring her to share its power. specializing in Vinyasa in slow flow styles, she creates classes at emphasize mindfulness, intuition, and balance. She believes yoga is for all bodies and strives to make her practice, inclusive and accessible to everybody.

Deb’s passion for yoga began almost 18 years ago. Being a mom of four and working as a full-time manager with a very busy schedule, yoga became her sanctuary. She quickly realized that allowing herself the opportunity to practice self-care was not being selfish, but a necessary part of her well-being. Yoga has made a profound difference in how she views herself and her life and she is passionate about guiding her students as they explore their unique yogic journeys.

In the spring of 2019, she completed her 200hr Kripalu based Pranotthan Yoga Teacher Training through All That Matters in Wakefield, RI. This was one of the best gifts she has ever given herself! Her love of learning left her wanting more, so she went on to complete the Level I Restorative Teacher Training with Sudha Carolyn Lundeen and both the Level I & II USUI/Holy Fire III Reiki certifications with Myra Partyka. She continues to enrich her knowledge and skills by attending workshops and trainings and recently became certified as a Five Element Yoga teacher. She uses guided imagery, mindful cueing, breathwork, mudras and mantras to allow her students to feel the pose physically, mentally, and spiritually. Her classes explore yoga through the Kosha’s, the Five Elements, Ayurveda, and include meditation, music and readings. She believes in this busy world we don’t take the opportunity to slow down, to notice and just be. The magic happens in the pauses, in the quiet moments, with so much benefit to be gained.

Deb offers a calming and supportive practice that she hopes leaves her students feeling confident, rejuvenated, and whole.

Diane Randall has been practicing and teaching yoga for over a decade. She completed her 200-hour teacher training through Live Love Teach, where she learned to guide students through a strong, breath-centered vinyasa power yoga flow. Her classes are designed to help students move in harmony with their breath—leaving them feeling strong, grounded, free, and at peace.

After over a decade in construction, namely concrete work, Domenic was amazed to find the meditative benefits gained through the sacred science of Yoga. Once it had begun healing his internal struggles he dropped everything to dedicate his life to the practice. Since then he has become an E-RYT500 and attempts to reinforce the philosophical and psychological lessons behind the physical movements. Ranging from the restorative and meditative practices to the strength inducing powerful flows, Domenic caters to each individual in the class to ensure a structurally sound and safe practice. He Loves yoga and hopes to share his passion for the practice with as many people as possible, along with all its amazing benefits.

Elizabeth’s teaching highlight the power of positive thinking, sharing her leading edge perspective on how we can heal our minds and heal our bodies. Elizabeth combines her experience and yoga, mindfulness, education, and training with clinical intervention. Elizabeth has been teaching for several years and Is the founder of Love Healing & Spiritual Growth Which authors, workshops, seminars, classes, and one on one sessions based on the mind body connection.

Emily received her RYT 200-hour certification from Kootenay Yoga School in Joshua Tree, California. She attended her first yoga class here at Bend Studio in November 2021, and the experience changed her life forever. Since then, she has been dedicated to her yoga practice, with it being the first thing she thinks about when she wakes up and the last thing before she falls asleep. Emily is Level 1 Reiki certified and has a deep passion for connecting the mind and body, staying present, all while getting a great workout!

When she's not practicing yoga, you can find her hiking in the woods, reading a good book, traveling to somewhere new, or spending time with her closest friends!

Hannah is a Rhode Island native who deepened her practice in 2022 when she earned her RYT 200 hr in Denver, Colorado. Finding yoga has been the pinnacle of her healing journey, serving as a transformative practice that has been especially supportive through experiences with self-discovery and grief. Hannah creates a welcoming and open space where mindful movement and playfulness are encouraged. She strives to guide students in experiencing the magic of relaxation, confidence, and energy that can carry well beyond the mat. 

Jill is an RYT 200 who graduated from Intentional Embodiment Yoga in 2023. She loves the awareness that yoga brings to life- on the mat in body, breath, and mind - and off the mat, giving us tools for living more purposefully. She is a member of Yoga Alliance, as well as currently being enrolled in a Yin yoga training. Off the mat, Jill has worked in the local medical community for nearly 20 years. She is a lover of the outdoors, true to her New Hampshire farm girl roots.

Julia Anne began her yoga journey after the birth of her second son with a goal to improve fitness and flexibility. Over time and as her practice progressed, Julia Anne came full circle, developing a passion for mental, spiritual, and physical practice and completed her YTT in 2019 with Coral Brown and later traveled to Rishikesh, India with her on an incredibly spiritual and learning adventure. By embracing a more holistic approach to fitness and wellness, Julia Anne discovered that a yoga practice, combined with some other alternative healing methods, fully transformed her physical and mental health. She attributes her yoga practice to helping reduce stress and anxiety and to promoting overall good health.

She loves the fact that teaching allows her to share the passion she has for her practice with others. When not practicing yoga, this recently retired banker enjoys hiking, biking, traveling, reading, antiquing, tennis and organic gardening and creating healthy vegan (almost) recipes.

Julia Anne lives in Charlestown, RI with her husband, on their property, Rockbriar Farm where she has a small yoga studio (where she runs her own business from) and a
vacation cabin. She has 2 adult sons who visit!

Karen Dillon is a 200 hour certified yoga teacher and has an additional certification in intensati (a mind, body and spirit yoga/exercise class developed by Patricia Moreno). She completed her 200-hour training at Yoga Mountain in New City, NY. She has also studied extensively with Elena Brower as well as Baptiste yoga leader Leah Cullis. Her classes are mindful, she works the muscles of the students' minds to keep them in a place of hope, gratitude and joy while strengthening their bodies and creating a life to love. After her 2019 breast cancer diagnosis she became a health and wellness coach with a specialization in functional nutrition and hopes to help guide her students to their healthiest selves.

Kassie is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and holds a Bachelor's degree in Nutritional Sciences. She found her love for fitness, wellness, and movement over 8 years ago through strength training and Pilates-inspired workouts that empower both the body and mind. Expect an energizing, strength-focused class that leaves you feeling challenged, connected & aligned. 

Kimberly took her first yoga class twenty plus years ago and fell in love her first time on the mat!

Kimberly’s Yoga practice has helped her: recover from injuries, through big life transitions, and to find balance during long work weeks.

In 2017 Kimberly made the life changing decision to deepen her yoga practice and complete her 200hr Yoga Alliance certification at Raffa Yoga with Christine Raffa and Valerie Knopik. After taking time away from teaching studio classes (during covid) Kimberly was missing the connection and community that is brought together by in person studio classes. To reconnect to her Yoga practice Kimberly enrolled in an additional 200hr Yoga Alliance certification at Island Heron Yoga with Coral Brown. Kimberly is also working towards her 500hr certification with Yoga Medicine.

Kimberly teaches a Vinyasa style class that incorporates sun salutation and sequencing with an emphasis on connecting each breath to movement.

Kristen is a mother of 2, a high school English teacher, short filmmaker and a practicing yogi for the last 15 years. Her light-hearted spirit and playful nature encourages students to find comfort within their own practice and a safe place on their mats. Kristen believe yoga is for everybody and every BODY. She is a 200 hr RYT and dedicated to being a life-long learner she is currently studying for her 500 hr certification.

Studied:

Graham Technique-Hartford Conservatory
Duncan Technique-Smith College
Ballet-Albano Ballet Hartford
Tai Chi-Trinity College Hartford
Malee's School of Tai Chi (Malee coached Olympic Team)
Certified in 24 Yang Style moves
Cheng Ye School of Mystic CT
Master Onassis Parungao
108 Yang Style moves
Sun Style
Yik Sau Kuen

Megan is a mother of two growing boys, an artist, a practicing yogi for over fourteen years, and a teacher of vinyasa yoga. Her passion for yoga began as a natural way to fight anxiety and depression and become the best version of herself. Through her yoga practice, regular meditation, and painting, Megan seeks to bring peace and calmness into her life and the lives of others. Megan is a certified registered Yoga Teacher (RYT).

Michelle Swain began her yoga journey over a decade ago as a personal and therapeutic way to counter a very fast-paced career in entertainment marketing and tour management. In 2019, she obtained her RYT-200 in the Viniyoga modality from Breathing Time Yoga in Pawtucket, RI and she has been working at furthering her wellness education since.

She is a certified Holistic Nutritionist (American Fitness Professionals & Associates), Restorative Yoga Teacher (Online Yoga School), Prenatal and Fertility Yoga specialist (Bliss Baby Yoga) and Master Level Energy Healer (Lisa Powers). She believes in embracing what makes one individual different from another and incorporating that into a tailored yoga practice that meets her students where they are. Michelle hopes to help her students feel motivated, inspired, and strong in their bodies.

Aside from teaching at Bend, you will likely catch Michelle photographing our classes, as she handles all of our marketing efforts! When she’s not working, she loves spending time at home with her husband, dog, cat & turtle.

Natalia is a  Comprehensive Pilates Instructor and Certified Personal Trainer with a love for creative, feel-good movement that’s both intentional and effective. Nat's classes blend strength, flow, and a bit of a burn, focusing on the mind-body connection and helping each person feel their best—whatever that looks like that day. I thrive on community and truly love the people I have the privilege to move with. She finds purpose in helping others feel strong, balanced, and inspired inside and out of the studio. When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me running, painting or exploring in nature. 

Olivia is aSTOTT trained instructor in both Matt and reformer Pilates with a teaching style at centers on mindful breathing and the powerful connection between mind and body. Her classes are designed to support balanced effective movement helping you feel stronger more confident and deeply in tune with your body.

Natalia is a  Comprehensive Pilates Instructor and Certified Personal Trainer with a love for creative, feel-good movement that’s both intentional and effective. Nat's classes blend strength, flow, and a bit of a burn, focusing on the mind-body connection and helping each person feel their best—whatever that looks like that day. I thrive on community and truly love the people I have the privilege to move with. She finds purpose in helping others feel strong, balanced, and inspired inside and out of the studio. When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me running, painting or exploring in nature. 

Tricia is a dedicated student and teacher of yoga and living in the flow. Tricia offers a creative, energetic and lighthearted approach to yoga. Tricia has over 30 years of experience in group fitness and 20 years in yoga which she utilizes to provide guidance, encouragement and open space to students for self-exploration and transformation based on their own individual needs. She offers intelligent sequencing for each class that includes easy to follow instructions.

Tricia began her yoga journey when she was into teaching group fitness classes over 30 years ago. While teaching and managing a group fitness program she attended several Yoga Journal Conferences, Fitness Conferences and completed Level Three Yoga Fit Certification trainings. In 2013, Tricia completed her 500 hour certification through All That Matters. Tricia is a 500 RYT certified Prana Vinyasa Flow teacher, created by Shiva Rea. She has also been fortunate to have studied with international teachers such as Sean Corne, Ana Forrest, Bryan Kest, Baron Baptiste, Sri Dharma Mittra, Rodney Yee, Beryl Bender Birch, David Swenson, John Friend and many other well respected teachers

Tricia feels blessed to be able to teach yoga, and help her students grow. May you always live full of life, free from tension, with an open, happy heart!

Zoë started her yoga journey while battling some health issues, further deepening her practice, allowed her to gain muscle back and her confidence.  After two years of personal yoga practice she completed her 200 HR RYT training through Barre and Soul. Zoë looks forward to sharing her knowledge and experience in Power Vinyasa flow to people looking to connect breath to movement, gain strength, and sweat their toxins out. Zoë also loves doing workshops and working with fellow yogi’s for pop up classes and community events!!