Board of Directors
ANGELICA DANIELE, FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
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.
SALLY HARNEY, BOARD MEMBER
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.
TRACY HOUCHINS, BOARD MEMBER
Tracy Houchins has been in the healing arts for more than 20 years as a Reiki Master Teacher, Soul Coach, Sound Healing Practitioner and Radiant Lotus Qigong Instructor. Tracy developed a curriculum for Metta Reiki®, a form of energy healing she trademarked and teaches to Usui Reiki Masters. Tracy, after several significant life circumstances, has also coined the phrase, “Magic in the Mess,” which has been the catalyst to living a life filled with everyday joy. Read more at MagicintheMess.com.
JONATHAN JORDAN, BOARD MEMBER
Jonathan Jordan is a wealth manager with Confluence Financial Partners and a deep believer in the power of a consistent yoga practice. He is proud to have the opportunity to give back to his hometown of Pittsburgh and help maximize the lives and legacies of those around him.
RACHEL M. LEWIS, BOARD MEMBER
J.D., RYT
Rachel Lewis is an attorney and avid yoga student and teacher. Previously a self-described gym rat and former dancer, she began practicing yoga in 2012 to help relieve stress and anxiety associated with work and a long commute to and from DC. It was a game changer and her practice is now an integral part of her life. She teaches Yoga ShapeShifting at Be Yoga Andersonville in Chicago and knows first-hand the healing powers of yoga for mind, body, and spirit. Rachel joined the Board of Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh because she wants to help people looking to heal themselves with the help of non-traditional recovery programs.
FRANK VITALE, BOARD MEMBER
Frank Vitale is a chef, restaurateur, and dedicated yogi who has transformed his life through recovery. His culinary career, began at his grandmothers side on Sundays in Pittsburgh, Pa. At age 15, he started out as a dishwasher and worked his way up through the ranks to currently owning Cucina Vitale, which just celebrated 10 years of business.
Beyond the kitchen, Vitale has found a deep sense of purpose in his yoga practice. He credits yoga and meditation with providing the mental and physical strength needed to navigate his journey of recovery from addiction and the day to day operations at Cucina Vitale. He is a passionate advocate for using holistic wellness as a tool for healing and self-discovery.
As a recovering addict, Vitale is an open and honest voice in the recovery community. He shares his story with a vulnerability that inspires others, demonstrating that it's possible to overcome immense challenges and build a fulfilling life. His journey is a testament to resilience, showing how past struggles can be channeled into a source of strength and creativity. Vitale’s life embodies a powerful fusion of culinary excellence, spiritual wellness, and a commitment to helping others find their own path to recovery.
JENNIFER VITALE, BOARD MEMBER
Jennifer Hutson Vitale is a dedicated board member of Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh and a proud co-owner of Cucina Vitale, the restaurant she runs alongside her husband, Frank. As a person in recovery, Jennifer brings both personal experience and passion to her role, drawing from the profound impact Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh has had on her own journey. Through retreats, mindfulness classes, and reiki, she has found tools that continue to support her healing and growth.
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.
CHARISSA RAGOSTA, INSTRUCTOR
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.