Ashley Palumbo – Founder & Head Instructor
Ashley Palumbo founded Open Barre with Ashley, LLC in 2020 after recognizing a growing demand for accessible online Barre classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Certified by the International Ballet Barre Fitness Association,1 she began teaching virtually and, for the next four years, led outdoor classes in warmer months while renting gym space during the colder seasons. In November 2024, she celebrated a major milestone by opening the first dedicated Open Barre studio.
A lifelong fitness enthusiast, Ashley has run the NYC Marathon, completed eight half marathons, and competed in CrossFit for over five years. She fell in love with Barre in 2015 and continued practicing throughout her second pregnancy—right up to the day before giving birth!
Ashley choreographs every class herself, creating fun, challenging workouts that focus on strength, balance, and flexibility. She’s proud to have built a welcoming community of strong, supportive women through Open Barre.
Originally from Connecticut, Ashley spent 15 years in New York City as an Emmy Award-winning television producer, working with names like Martha Stewart and Anderson Cooper. She now lives in Cheshire with her husband and two young children, bringing her creativity, passion, and positive energy to every class.
- Certifications: IBBFA Barre; IBBFA Level 2 Barre; IBBFA Pre & Postnatal Barre; IBBFA Ballerobica (HIITBarre, KickBarre, CardioBarre); Human Reformer Pilates, NFHS Concussion in Sports; YCADA Y101 AYC; CPR AED ↩︎
Marissa Maple – Barre Instructor | LCSW | Wellness Advocate
Marissa is a Connecticut-based barre instructor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and mother of two daughters who believes movement should feel empowering, accessible, and enjoyable for every woman.
With a background in clinical social work and a passion for whole-person wellness, Marissa brings compassion, encouragement, and authenticity to every class. She believes barre is about more than exercise—it’s an opportunity for women to reconnect with themselves, build confidence, and make intentional time for their own well-being.
Known for creating energetic and welcoming classes, Marissa blends strength, mobility, and mindful movement into workouts that are both fun and challenging. Her teaching style is approachable and supportive, making barre accessible to all levels while encouraging clients to feel strong, capable, and successful in their movement.
Marissa is especially passionate about building community and supporting strong women as they prioritize themselves in the midst of busy lives. Her goal is for every client to leave class feeling stronger, more grounded, and more connected to themselves than when they walked
Outside the studio, Marissa enjoys paddle boarding, spending time outdoors, and surrounding herself with animals and nature. As an all-around wellness advocate, she believes caring for ourselves extends far beyond the workout and into the way we move through everyday life.
Lindsay Mollin – Barre Instructor| LCSW | Wellness Advocate
Lindsay Mollin is a recent graduate of Bryant University. During her time at Bryant, she was a member of the Dance Team where she was nominated to serve as Captain for two years. Lindsay has had the opportunity to perform at collegiate football and basketball games, as well as compete in the NDA College Nationals that takes place in Daytona, Florida. Most recently, she helped lead her team to win first in the D1 Game Day division and fifth in the D1 Pom division in April of 2026.
In the spring of 2026, Lindsay took her longtime passion for dance, movement, and leadership to the next level when she became a certified barre instructor through American Barre Technique. Lindsay looks forward to bringing her positive energy to every class, motivating others to feel strong and challenge themselves. She is excited to continue her fitness journey by joining the Open Barre community. When Lindsay isn’t teaching barre or dancing, she enjoys going to Newport and spending time with her friends and family.