The Team

Founder & CEO

Lauren "Pigtails" Caparso

Hi FRIENDz! It’s me, Lauren ”Pigtails”! There’s too much history to share in a brief bio (you can always check out our full story here https://www.bethefitfriend.com/whyus) so I’ll touch on who I am, why the name, and why the tiki! I’m a 38 yo mother of 2.5 yo Mario, wife to Matt of 15 years (married 7), an engineer at Dell Technologies for 15 years (currently a Senior Quality Engineer), a 10-year owner and founder of this sanctuary we call home, daughter to the one and only Laurie “mom” Demers (also a teacher here & owner of Kay’s Barber Shop!) and Michael (you’ll see his massive white hair at Starbucks or as he rides around town on his electric bike…), and sister to Mike “Mikey” Demers whose 5 yo son Macallen has been coming around since birth since he is really my first kid! That first section explains what I do when I’m not teaching, I’m kinda family obsessed lol. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and a Master of Science in Operational Design & Leadership from Worcester Polytechnic Institute … which means I’m OBSESSED with process & technology (can you tell? lol). Oh, and also CHANGE. I LOVE CHANGE (my whole Staff had a mini panic attack reading that LOL). I also hold almost every cert you’ll see at the studio lol. I feel very strongly about earned credibility and as such I try to experience as many certs as possible so I understand what is expected of our Team as they lead you. My certs include … Zumba (my first love), Zumba Toning, Zumba Step, Zumba Sentao, STRONG Nation, Zumba Gold, Zumba Kids, Zumba Pro Skills, PiYo, Core de Force, Pound, bootybarre, bootybarre flex & flow, buti, hot buti, buti deep, buti sculpt, buti bands, buti hot core, boss chick, piloxing, 200 hour RYT (yoga), Group Fitness Instructor, Oh Baby! Fitness Pregnancy and Postpartum Exercise Instructor, Fascia Program Design, Advanced Behavior Change Strategies for Weight Management, Buti Vibe & Flow (ETA June 11th), and probably others I’m forgetting lol. “Pigtails” comes from when I started as a STUDENT in Zumba and my hair was too heavy for a bun LOL … but then people would recognize or talk about me because of my hair.  SOLD lol.  I wear a different “uniform” for every class I teach because it helps me get in the “zone” … try it … it’s liberating!  The studio’s name was not well received when I was floating ideas. It was different. Confusing. Weird. That was enough for me ;-). It needed to stand out and solve for the scary parts of boutique fitness …divas, clicks, unhealthy goals, superficial focus, too hard (or too easy), and only a certain “type” of student.  I believe we’re all students, and I certainly didn’t want “clients.” I wanted a place that could be my social hour AND my fitness escape. For others too. What better word than friend? I know, FRIENDz! Can you imagine a world without the noun FRIEND? Or one without the lowercase “z”? Same. And the tiki bar? My parents gifted it to me on opening night … from The Christmas Tree Shop … and it has SURVIVED lol. My fitness (and LIFE) philosophy is pretty simple … your experience is BECAUSE OF YOU. You want a happy, fun, fulfilling, healthy, free, life … work hard, believe that food is fuel, and learn something from every hard moment.  Earn your smiles. The world will not do it for or give it to you, but it WILL support whatever you put out there through your actions AND thoughts. Have unwavering faith, but do the work! You can have it all if you WORK for it, I’m living proof, as are hundreds of “friends turned FRIENDz” standing next to you in class. So, what’s your story?

COO/Coach/Desk Diva

Pamela Renzetti

Hi FRIENDz! I have been with the studio since Lauren opened back in 2013, within that time I have worn many hats. Student, FRIEND, Marketing Marvel, Desk Diva, Protein bar maker, question answerer and sometimes problem solver, operations manager, and currently lead and retention manager. I LOVE all the hats, and the growth I have had within our sacred space. These days you will find me behind the tiki, giving tours promoting our home, or possibly next to you in class.  When I am not at the studio, I am at my home in Holden with my husband, Dave of 27 years, and our recent college grad daughter Alexandra. We recently rescued a bullmastiff named Caboose who I happily chat about whenever given a chance. I freely give all of my heart to the things in my life, home, family, friends and the studio. My fitness philosophy is to love yourself in this moment, stay present and kind to yourself. Give yourself grace when needed, but don't forget to push and see how far you can go.  It's ok to fall, it's ok to fail, as long as you get back up and try again. All my love and support...always. Pam <3

Instructor/Desk Diva

Adriana Klein

Meet Adriana!! When I am not at the studio, I am spending time with my incredible husband, and cute dog or spending time with family. During the weekdays, I work with children at an elementary school as a Speech Pathologist Assistant - another passion I enjoy.  I am certified in 5 fitness formats but currently teaching Buti Yoga, FIIT strength classes, Buti Bands and Buti Sculpt. My philosophy is that fitness is never a straight line to success. It is a linear line that you have to work through those hard and easy times. Not every day you’ll have the utmost motivation to work out but those are the days when you NEED to work out. 

Instructor

Coral Stephenson

Meet Coral! Hello Fit Family! I’m Coral and I’ve been teaching at Fit FRIENDzy for 5 amazing years! I’m a Master Trainee for Buti and I’m certified in 8 different fitness formats but currently I’m teaching Buti, Tribal Buti and Hot Buti. When I’m not at the studio I’m an art teacher, I manage a crystal shop and I’m a crazy cat mom to Hades and Morpheus. My favorite thing to do besides dance is read. My fitness philosophy is also my life philosophy: never stop being a teacher and never stop being a student. Angels are the only ones who know all the wisdom. The rest of us are here to share and receive knowledge to help us grow into our most authentic selves. I’m so grateful to have a sacred space like Fit FRIENDzy Studios were we can transform together.

Instructor

"Davis" Lauren Finacom

Meet Lauren aka "Davis" 

I’m an extroverted home-body who would rather binge true crime shows than go out socializing. I have two boys who keep me on my toes and I’m a teacher so differentiating for everyone individually is my bread and butter. I believe fitness should be a fun experience so I work hard to balance kicking your booty and making you laugh. 

I’m certified in Zumba, Strong Nation, Circle Mobility, Pound Fitness, Piloxing SSP, Booty+, and Knockout formats, and Pilates Flow by Piloxing. 

My fitness philosophy: Exercise is about individual steps and successes; not comparative performances. Any work is work and any progress is progress no matter how small or big it may seem. 

Instructor

Dina Taylor

Meet Dina! My daily life consists of wrangling my 3 kiddos, a dog, and a husband! My grown up job is teaching big kids to teach little kids. I help develop the next generation of preschool teachers while still getting to play with all the cute minis. I’m a big fan of the beach, chilling by the pool, a good ol’ fashion dance party, and just being and laughing with friends and family. 
I teach yoga to adults and sometimes to our mini FRIENDz. I also teach Piloxing using the bands to help work that body and that booty. 
I believe that in fitness the top priority should be to make moving your body fun! Whether it’s dancing, walking, lifting or yoga……just do what feels right and makes you happy!

Instructor

Edana Downey

Hi FRIENDz! I'm Edana. By day I'm an ER Veterinary Nurse. Outside of work and the studio I love getting outside and enjoying nature and reading. At the studio I teach Boss Chick and the FIIT series. My fitness philosophy is every day is going to look different and always listen to your body! Fit Friendzy is my sanctuary and I love to be able to share it with all you beautiful souls! 

Instructor

Gabby Demac

Meet Gabby! Hey, all! I’m Gabby, your Kick It gal on Sunday mornings  I’ve been a Kick It instructor for 3.5 years now and it was actually my FIRST ever certification I got in the fitness/instructor realm. Before that I had NEVER taught a class and Fit FRIENDzy was, in true fashion, the most welcoming home and allowed me to find & continue to mold my place as an instructor. When I’m not teaching, I’m working full time as a realtor, spending as much time as I can outside with my 2 mini aussies or just finding some new idea to explore and run with! My philosophy when it comes to fitness: just say yes! no matter where you’re at in your fitness journey (or life) don’t be afraid to say yes (or be afraid and say yes anyways ) to new things - new classes, new routines, new workouts. Fitness should be fun & ever evolving and the only way to find what vibes with you best is to say yes.

Instructor

Gianna Bisceglia

Hey Ladiez! I am Gianna (Jah-Nuh), Gi, G, or Gigi I am a Buti instructor here but I am brand new to teaching in general! Coral introduced me to Buti 6 years ago and I fell in love - blending strength/conditioning with dancing was not something I could have previously imagined. It really helps me get out of my analytical mind and into my body. 

When I am not at FFS, I am journaling, reading, creating, listening, manifesting, gardening, and learning in any way I can. It’s all about perspective!
My fitness (and everyday) philosophy is: allow yourself to be scared and do it anyway! Remind yourself “everything I need is right inside of me” - that’s what I do every time before I put on the microphone.
Thank you FRIENDz for the love and support I needed to believe in myself and know that I believe in you!! Love you xo.

Instructor

Heather Holding

Meet Heather! I am a former preschool teacher, current customer service representative at a packaging distribution center. (I have to  deal with cranky people and military specifications)  That's no fun though... and well I am so much more than a job... I am an animal lover who will talk endlessly to you about how amazing pit bull type dogs are, how much I miss my baby girl Belle, (fur baby, not human baby) and am working time back into volunteering at an animal shelter working with dogs. I LOVE to travel, and truly am happy at 40,000ft or whatever cruising altitude is to anywhere, but my favorite place is Punta Cana. I love to just be when there... and am also dancing the day away (Dancie Dancie is a nick name staffers gave me) You can also catch me zipping around the USA for and with Xtreme Hip Hop with Phil. (Xtreme Burn too) On occasion I have even been asked to get the event started or warm everyone up, recently did this in New Bedford for him and 150 attendees. I have also been known to go to Michigan for a day, because why not?  Speaking of Xtreme Hip Hop and Xtreme Burn, those are two of my fitness certifications. I was actually in the first class to ever be certified to teach Xtreme Burn. ( I am referred to as an OG) You can also catch me teaching Zumba, Zumba Step and Transform Step.  Imagine... I was afraid of step... ( You don't need to be).
When it comes to my classes and all... everyone will tell you I am the crazy one... the challenging one... the burpee enthusiast... I am only that because I truly believe in everyones ability to do anything. To quote My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss. On different days I'm different things. It is ok to not be on 100% every day, but as long as you can give yourself the best of what today is, I am happy.  We are so quick to doubt ourselves and think we can't. I love watching everyone start trusting THEY CAN ! ( Everyone did Crunches for 4 min today and lived... and crushed their personal goal)  My ultimate goal is for anyone from an athlete to a couch potato to leave my class feeling successful, knowing that successful is different for all, but equally amazing for all. 

Media/Instructor

Joann Larochelle

Hi! Joann (Jo) here!.  At the studio, you'll usually see me behind the camera, when I'm not in class, to keep up to date photos for our social media pages.  I also teach the recent paint classes, that have been really great in getting students and staff together, for some fun.  By day, I work for a women's heath company, in their Diagnostic division, helping customers with cytology, pre-term birth, and molecular testing needs.  Aside from the day job, and the studio social media, I've been blessed creatively.  My favorite things are obviously painting, and making jewelry.  Creative projects are my meditation.  I can tie a fitness philosophy together, with a creative one...do what you love, but don't be afraid to try something new.  Things can get pretty boring, otherwise.

Instructor

Katie Monopoli

Hey FRIENDz! I'm Katie! I've been away from the studio for a bit but still make some guest appearances here and there in the meantime. Outside of the studio I work at a preschool and am working on a dual Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in dance/movement therapy. It's a long road but I hope to bring health and healing to those who need it through the power of movement. I've been a performer since forever and have done dance and theater, and am part of a burlesque trio. I'm certified in a bunch of formats but my favorite to teach are Pop Pilates, Burlex (and our Burlesque Workshops), and YogiCOREn which is a cool blend of yoga, strength, stretch, and cardio that Dina and I created together! My fitness philosophy is that movement is for absolutely everybody! For me, it's important to meet students where they're at so we can grow together. Can't wait to be back with you all again but in the meantime, keep and eye on the schedule for the occasional specialty. You never know where I might pop up!!

Instructor

Laura Gulli

Meet Laura! Laura is thrilled to be teaching Zumba finally. After a year of being certified and a few nudges from our fearless leader, she is well on her way! She hopes to create a fun and safe place to let loose and be yourself… or whoever you want to be in that golden hour. When not shaking her hips, she is a labor and delivery nurse and a full time mommy to three. In the community, you might catch her on stage in a musical. She leads her life with passion and hopes to encourage others to do so as well! You actually can have it all.

Instructor

Lauren Blumberg

Meet Lauren! Hi FRIENDz! I'm the sparkly, southern Lauren that brings you the beats every Monday in Pound! I'm originally from Texas, and I've also lived in New Orleans, LA. I've been an early elementary teacher for 10 years and absolutely love my job! I have two sweet children, Jack and Mackenzie. I love music and theater and play multiple instruments and love to sing and perform! Being creative gives me so much energy! My fitness philosophy is to make myself forget that I'm exercising! My band nerd self still thinks that I'm just drumming it out every week no matter how sore I am the next day!

Instructor

Laurie "Mama" Demers

"I spend half my week cutting hair at an old-school barbershop and half my week with my beautiful grandsons and family. I grew up playing sports and have practiced Tai Chi since the 80's. Fitness fun has always been my hobby."  My philosophy: "If every day you exercise that body and mind, every day you will be able to exercise that body and mind as long as you live."  Certs/Licenses:  Tai Chi (Instructor for the town of Shrewsbury since 1987), Qi Gong, Zumba, Zumba Toning, Zumba Step, Zumba Sentao, STRONG Nation

Instructor

Leyla Rawan-Borowy

Meet Leyla!! I am the owner of Lotus Wellness LLC , an outpatient mental health private practice where I am a therapist.  I am married and a mama of two daughters. We love dance parties in the kitchen and movie nights in our living room together.  My fitness philosophy: Fitness is to feel good mentally and physically, but it’s that much better when we get to move with FRIENDz

StudioKeeper

Linda Davis

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Virtual Assistant

Rose Regis

Meet Rose Regis! A tech-savvy Virtual Assistant with a passion for exploring new things. When she's not busy helping clients manage their businesses, you can find her in the kitchen whipping up delicious meals or editing videos for social media. Rose is also an avid traveler and loves to discover new places and cultures. She even has a YouTube vlog, though it's been inactive for a while. Although she enjoys taking charge of her learning, she can be hesitant to take risks at times. Nonetheless, Rose is a determined and creative individual who is always eager to learn and grow.

Media/Babysitter

Tiffaney Lynch

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Babysitter

Marissa Gemma

Meet Marissa! A full time mom to a four-year-old girl and a nurse at UMASS. She always loves to be around the kids as they bring out the kid in her!