at some point in your life, you will need to recover from something...

M.A., M.S., LPC, NCC, E-RYT

Angelica earned her M.S. in Addictions Counseling through Purdue University (2022), her M.A. in Arts Management from Goucher College (2012), and B.A. from Goucher in dance and psychology with concentrations in both arts administration and dance therapy (2009). She is a 500+ hour certified Yoga instructor through

M.A., M.S., LPC, NCC, E-RYT

Angelica earned her M.S. in Addictions Counseling through Purdue University (2022), her M.A. in Arts Management from Goucher College (2012), and B.A. from Goucher in dance and psychology with concentrations in both arts administration and dance therapy (2009). She is a 500+ hour certified Yoga instructor through Yoga Factory Teacher Training. Angelica teaches multiple styles of yoga and coordinates domestic and international retreats, trainings, and education programs. Angelica is certified in both the Usui and Jikiden Reiki methods and is an LPC in Pennsylvania. Angelica is also the co-owner of Yoga Factory and Yoga Hive and owner of Radiant Elle yoga apparel.

RYT, FORMER MILITARY

Sally Harney is a retired veteran and current professional in the Cyber Security field and has been practicing the Original Hot Yoga method for over 20 years. She is certified in Yoga Nidra and Original Hot Yoga. Using her Yoga Nidra capabilities, Sally assists those carrying physical and mental trauma. She is a mother

RYT, FORMER MILITARY

Sally Harney is a retired veteran and current professional in the Cyber Security field and has been practicing the Original Hot Yoga method for over 20 years. She is certified in Yoga Nidra and Original Hot Yoga. Using her Yoga Nidra capabilities, Sally assists those carrying physical and mental trauma. She is a mother of three grown boys from Colorado and has served on multiple Boards of Directors either as a member or as an Executive Director. Sally also holds a B.S. degree in Technical Communications from ASU and an Associate Degree in Health Care Management from the U.S. Air Force Community College.

Rebecca DiVerniero, Ph.D. is a board member of Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh and the owner of Sattva Yoga & Wellness, a Pittsburgh-based practice focused on stress relief, nervous system support, and mindful movement. With a background in interpersonal communication and over two decades of experience in higher education, Rebecca brings a thoug

Rebecca DiVerniero, Ph.D. is a board member of Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh and the owner of Sattva Yoga & Wellness, a Pittsburgh-based practice focused on stress relief, nervous system support, and mindful movement. With a background in interpersonal communication and over two decades of experience in higher education, Rebecca brings a thoughtful, trauma-informed perspective to her work in wellness and community support.

Rebecca’s professional training includes advanced yoga certification, Reiki Level II, assisted stretching, and mindfulness-based coaching. As a board member, Rebecca is passionate about supporting Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh’s mission through ethical outreach, clear communication, and long-term sustainability. She is honored to contribute her perspective to an organization dedicated to making holistic, recovery-centered support available to the broader community.

Christina Giles Pearson is the owner of Celestial Mystic Awakenings and the Healing Sanctuary in Mt Pleasant, PA. She is a spiritual consultant and metaphysical practitioner who blends intuitive insight, energy work, celestial sciences, and practical guidance to support personal transformation and deeper self-understanding.

Christina holds

Christina Giles Pearson is the owner of Celestial Mystic Awakenings and the Healing Sanctuary in Mt Pleasant, PA. She is a spiritual consultant and metaphysical practitioner who blends intuitive insight, energy work, celestial sciences, and practical guidance to support personal transformation and deeper self-understanding.

Christina holds a BS in Biochemistry from WVU and is a trained Usui Reiki Master. Her credentials also include Life Purpose Life Coach and Temple Priestess training, which deepened her understanding of sacred practice, spiritual leadership, ritual, and the role of the practitioner as a compassionate guide. Her scientific education and spiritual training allow her to bring a grounded, multidimensional perspective to her work.

Through private sessions, personalized assessments, healing experiences, classes, and community gatherings, Christina creates a welcoming space for people to explore their spirituality without judgment. Her mission is to help others understand their unique energetic and cosmic blueprints while providing meaningful tools they can apply within everyday life.Beyond her professional and board work, Jennifer is an active member of her 12-step homegroup, where she has served in an elected position for nearly two years. She is deeply committed to service work and remains actively engaged in the broader recovery community. Jennifer’s lived experience and dedication to wellness bring a meaningful perspective to the mission of Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Greg has been working as a counselor, specializing in addiction/recovery and mental health, since 2001. He completed his education at Duquesne University and holds a M.S.Ed, in Counseling.  He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). He splits hi

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Greg has been working as a counselor, specializing in addiction/recovery and mental health, since 2001. He completed his education at Duquesne University and holds a M.S.Ed, in Counseling.  He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). He splits his time between offices in Canonsburg and Butler, working with those struggling with addiction, trauma, and mental health, helping to increase coping through increased mindfulness, healthy physical activities, and cognitive behavioral therapy. When not working, you are likely to find him kayaking local lakes, biking local parks, and enjoying the outdoors in a variety of hobbies.

Dillon moved back to his childhood home in Johnstown a few years ago from Pittsburgh to take care of his mother and continues to serve her with grace as a full time hospice nurse. Since 2023, Dillon has completed his 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training and a personal training certification, and continues his education in both areas. Dillon is 

Dillon moved back to his childhood home in Johnstown a few years ago from Pittsburgh to take care of his mother and continues to serve her with grace as a full time hospice nurse. Since 2023, Dillon has completed his 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training and a personal training certification, and continues his education in both areas. Dillon is also certified in Alzheimer’s and Dementia special care, and recently launched a personal training business combining yoga and mobility. Dillon also regularly teaches yoga and serves as a personal trainer at several locations in Johnstown.

RYT

Charissa read yoga books and practiced with videos as a child, but her teaching journey began in 2018 in Spokane, WA, as a therapeutic response to health issues from a 20-year tattoo career. Inspired by yoga’s healing power, Charissa pursued extensive training to teach a variety of styles of yoga. Her teaching emphasizes breath and bod

RYT

Charissa read yoga books and practiced with videos as a child, but her teaching journey began in 2018 in Spokane, WA, as a therapeutic response to health issues from a 20-year tattoo career. Inspired by yoga’s healing power, Charissa pursued extensive training to teach a variety of styles of yoga. Her teaching emphasizes breath and body awareness. She also studied Holy Fire Reiki Levels 1 & 2 and has held a master-level Usui Reiki attunement since 2002.

Ashley Clare Parr, Ph.D. is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh and a dedicated Original Hot Yoga practitioner for over 15 years. She earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Queen’s University in Canada, and transitioned to Pittsburgh in 2018 to study how youth experiences shape brain development and 

Ashley Clare Parr, Ph.D. is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh and a dedicated Original Hot Yoga practitioner for over 15 years. She earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Queen’s University in Canada, and transitioned to Pittsburgh in 2018 to study how youth experiences shape brain development and influence long-term outcomes like substance use. Her research focuses on understanding how the brain changes in response to both risk and resilience, giving her a deep appreciation for how positive experiences can support healing and growth. This scientific perspective naturally connects with her personal passion for yoga, which she has experienced firsthand as a powerful tool for well-being and growth. Ashley merges these two worlds through her volunteer work with Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh. Her unique combination of neuroscience research and long-term yoga practice has shaped her evidence-informed, compassionate perspective on how practices like yoga can support individuals navigating recovery and life challenges. 

Andrea Kirkham, (ERYT 500, YACEP, Ayurveda Health Educator) After years of attending yoga classes and having two beautiful boys, became a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) through Yoga Alliance under the direction of Donna Dyer and continued her training at Three Rivers Yoga Institute where she received her RYT500. She has found that regular 

Andrea Kirkham, (ERYT 500, YACEP, Ayurveda Health Educator) After years of attending yoga classes and having two beautiful boys, became a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) through Yoga Alliance under the direction of Donna Dyer and continued her training at Three Rivers Yoga Institute where she received her RYT500. She has found that regular practice has helped her become a better mother, wife, and member of the world community and she loves to share what she has learned with others. Andrea teaches with an eclectic mix of styles with a playful and lighthearted attitude. She has studied the Hatha tradition, with influences of Iyengar, Ashtanga, Anusara and YinYang Yoga. She founded Sangha Center in April of 2010 and has since continued her studies with master yoga teachers, The California College of Ayurveda and The Ayurvedic Institute to further her guidance to students in the community towards increased health and vitality.When she’s not working her magic behind the laptop, you’ll find her on, in, or near the water—boating, soaking up the sun and fresh air, connecting with the underwater marine world, and making new fin-tastic friends along the way.