Instructors

Chris Kandianis, fitness enthusiast and studio owner has been studying Pilates since 2004 and yoga since 2000. She is passionate about helping people use these practices to develop the strength and flexibility needed to enjoy sports, and prevent and overcome injury while bringing mind/body balance to the challenges of daily life.

Chris is STOTT™ Pilates certified in Matwork and Reformer plus has training in Injuries and Special Populations and Anatomy. Chris is a RYT 200 yoga instructor and an ACSM certified personal trainer. She holds a BA degree from Tufts University and an MBA from Simmons College and regularly attends workshops to expand her knowledge and repertoire. In recent years she has completed over 30 Pilates and yoga workshops, TRX Suspension training and TRX Rip Trainer training.

When not teaching, Chris enjoys biking, skiing, hiking, rock climbing and running. She has run countless road races, including the Boston Marathon, completed several triathlons and has hiked over a dozen of New Hampshire’s 4000 footers many of them in winter.

Lauren Boucher has a BFA degree in dance from Lake Erie College plus she is certified in STOTT™ Pilates Matwork, Reformer and Zenga™. In addition she completed the Dance Teacher Preparation Course by Audrey Dascomb, Registered Dance Educator. She has danced for 22 years and has been teaching or assistant teaching for 14 years plus. In addition to teaching at Westford Pilates she instructs creative movement, ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, contemporary and hip hop to all ages (2yrs - adult) at Dance Expressions Untld. in Tyngsboro. In her free time she enjoys hiking and the outdoors.


Doug DeBenedictis has been practicing the martial arts for over 25 years beginning with external kung-fu systems and eventually transitioning toward the internal healing arts of Tai-chi, Baguazhang, and Hsing-I. Doug has found these arts to be rich in depth and character and is impressed with their ability to heal and strengthen the body, mind and spirit.

Doug has taught in various settings so that people can learn to be relaxed, calm, centered and balanced. It is this sense of calm that develops a source of true inner strength. When Doug is not working he enjoys riding his mountain bike, hiking, making and playing Native American flutes and enjoying the outdoors with his family.


Lakshmi Annavajhala is a 200-hr certified Kripalu Yoga instructor and has been teaching yoga since 2006. Her experience focuses on leading classes that address individual needs, providing modifications whenever necessary; empowering clients through practice of breath and body awareness; and emphasizing that the journey is as important as the goal. She chose the Kripalu style of yoga because it is accessible to all ages and body styles and because its goals are to develop a healthy and strong body, an open and caring heart, and a peaceful and clear mind.

Lakshmi’s yoga journey began as a means for physical improvement to help with a spine issue, but has evolved into a journey of self-awareness and acceptance. She is also certified in YogaEd for kids K-12 and in Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra.

Kim Blanc's passion is yoga. She has a strong practice which includes both the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga. She believes that anyone can do yoga and that everyone benefits, both physically and mentally, from a consistent practice. Some of her favorite authors include Stephen Cope, Ram Dass, Wayne Dyer, Eckhart Tolle, Michael Singer and Rolf Gates . She is open to any style of yoga, but is mostly drawn to a Vinyasa flow. Kim’s workshop trainings include: David Swenson, Rolf Gates, Richard Faulds, Jonathan Faust, Sudha, Carolyn Lundeen and Sally Kempton. She received her 200 hour teacher training certification from Master Teacher and Author Rolf Gates and welcomes the opportunity to help others heal their bodies and minds through the practice of yoga.

Carol Wing is passionate about fitness and serious about fun. Carol has enjoyed helping people attain their fitness goals and improve their quality of life for over 15 years. She teaches classes in Pilates, Yoga, Zumba, Muscle Toning and skiing and does personal training for a wide variety of clientele. Beyond the gym, she is an outdoor enthusiast who loves to swim, run, backpack and ski. She is a 4H leader, a published author, public speaker and competitive singer. She likes to read, cook, laugh and explore the world with her family.