Ten instructors, one community
The people you will move with
Karina began teaching in 1993 and opened OWL to share what she has learned since: that connection is what helps people reach their goals. Around her is a team of licensed classical Pilates teachers, 200- and 500-hour yoga instructors, a Registered Dietitian and a holistic health coach.
The instructors
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Karina Bergevin
Founder, Instructor
Karina is a devoted and empathetic instructor who believes in the power of connection to help clients reach their fitness goals. She began her teaching journey in 1993 and has taught everything from Spin and strength to Pilates and yoga. A Licensed Classical Pilates Teacher and 200-hour RYT, she also holds certifications in prenatal yoga, meditation, personal training, and Reiki. Karina tailors each session to her client’s unique needs, drawing from a rich toolbox of modalities. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys running, music, and spending time with her husband, three kids, and beloved pets.
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Emma Newell
Personal Trainer, Registered Dietitian
Emma is passionate about helping others build a positive relationship with food, movement, and their bodies. As a Registered Dietitian and certified personal trainer, she blends clinical expertise with a love of fitness to support holistic health. She earned her degree from the University of Delaware and completed her graduate training at Massachusetts General Hospital. With five years of experience in group fitness, Emma brings energy, empathy, and strategy to every session. Outside of work, she enjoys live music, great coffee, and quality time with family and friends.
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Jamie Holzman
Pilates Instructor
Jamie’s passion is helping people connect more deeply with their moving, breathing bodies. She holds a BFA in dance and performance with a focus on somatics and completed the Advanced Teacher Training Program at The Pilates Center in Boulder, CO. Jamie is also a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Level 1 SOMA Breath Instructor, and holds a Healthy Dance Practice Certificate. With eight years of Pilates teaching experience, she offers safe, clear, and personalized instruction. Outside the studio, Jamie loves being outdoors, spending time with family, and practicing meditation.
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Pranali Buch
Pilates Instructor
Pranali started her Pilates journey in July 2019 when she suffered a back injury and hasn’t looked back. She truly believes in the healing power of Pilates and is fascinated to see and adapt the practice to the day-to-day changes in the human body. She graduated from the classical Pilates intermediate teacher training program through the Pilates Center in Boulder, Colorado, with her host studio being Springboard Pilates in Portland, Maine. She has recently developed a niche in pre- and post-natal Pilates workouts. Whether you are looking to flow through the practice and break a sweat or break down the fundamentals of Pilates, Pranali would love to work with you!
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Chloe Foster
Yoga Instructor
Chloe’s teaching is rooted in the Ashtanga Vinyasa method, and she practices Mysore-style most days of the week. Her deep dedication to yoga informs her thoughtful, breath-led instruction. A former competitive horseback rider, Chloe also explored cheerleading, gymnastics, and ballet before discovering yoga. Originally from North Texas, she studied at the University of Michigan and Boston University and has called Boston home since 2005. Outside of teaching, Chloe is a book designer who’s passionate about typography and always eager to hear what book you’re reading!
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Talene McCarthy
Yoga Instructor
With over 20 years of experience, and a 500 RYT certification, Talene helps students reconnect with their bodies through breath and mindful movement. As a mother of three, she knows how easy it is to overlook self-care, and her classes offer a mindful reset. Known for her strong, varied, and adaptable style, Talene emphasizes alignment and modifications to meet each student where they are. Her thoughtful approach supports injury prevention while encouraging growth at every level. Whether you’re new to yoga or deepening your practice, Talene offers space to move with intention and presence.
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Joanna Scott
Yoga Instructor
Joanna is a devoted student and teacher who believes in yoga’s power to heal and connect. She’s practiced for nearly 25 years and earned her 200-hour certification from Inner Strength Yoga in Watertown in 2013. Her teaching is rooted in Vinyasa and shaped by years of experience in studios, online, outdoors, and with patients in recovery. She also holds a yoga anatomy certificate from Leslie Kaminoff’s training and continues to study meditation, Ayurveda, and Mudras. Outside of yoga, you’ll find Joanna relaxing in Watertown with her husband, Paul, and their cat, Samba.
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Deena Freed
Yoga Instructor
Deena discovered yoga in her early twenties and was instantly drawn to the strength, agility, and back pain relief it brought. A former corporate trainer, she transitioned to teaching after completing her 200- and 300-hour training at Down Under School of Yoga with Natasha Rizopoulos. A Reiki Level 2 practitioner, Deena brings a thoughtful, energizing approach to her classes, known for creative sequences, arm balances, and fun transitions. She’s been teaching for over a decade and lives in Newton with her two kids, dog Charlie, and fluffy cats Maisie and Milo.
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Francesca Defabritiis
Yoga Instructor
Francesca is passionate about creating joyful, nurturing yoga experiences for parents and little ones. She completed her 200-hour YTT at Inner Strength Studios, followed by prenatal certification through Om Births and children’s yoga training with Breathe and Play Everyday. Francesca is also Reiki certified and currently pursuing her oncology yoga certification. She believes yoga grows with us, evolving through life’s many phases. Francesca lives with her husband and young daughter, who are her daily inspirations, and she’s excited to guide you and your child through a fun and calming practice.
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MJ Nitschke
Yoga Instructor, Holistic Health Coach
MJ is passionate about building community through wellness and helping others live in their strength. A yoga teacher (RYT 500), movement leader, and holistic health coach, MJ blends 25 years of experience with a focus on breathwork and mindset. Certified as a personal trainer and nutrition specialist in 2000, MJ later became a 500-hour yoga instructor and a Certified Holistic Health Coach through IAWP. Whether in class or one-on-one, MJ creates space to listen inward and be present. Outside of teaching, MJ enjoys outdoor adventures, live music, and cozy nights with their family and pets.
Since January 2023
Our Story
OWL Fitness Studio was opened by Karina Bergevin in January of 2023 in Watertown, MA and expanded into Belmont, MA in April of 2025!
At OWL Fitness Studio, we believe that taking care of ourselves should be a priority. Our experienced team strives to provide our clients with the tools needed to make health and wellness a part of their daily life. We offer Classical Pilates, Yoga, Personal Training and Nutrition programs tailored to meet the needs and goals of each individual. Whether you are looking to make a lifestyle change or simply want to stay fit, our team is here to help you reach your goals. We would love to welcome you into our amazing community!
We believe that movement heals and that every person should have the gift of moving in the way that makes them feel their absolute best!