About Yoga Therapy Associates
Mission & Vision
At Yoga Therapy Associates, we are anchored in a deep respect for the individual and their unique healing journey. We seamlessly blend timeless yoga principles with trauma-informed practices and contemporary neuroscience research.
Our primary goal is to expand access to individualized yoga therapy for those navigating physical and mental health conditions. More than just providing a service, we are committed to advocating for the integration of yoga therapy within healthcare.
By fostering collaboration with clients, medical professionals, and partners, we set pioneering standards in yoga therapy. All our efforts are grounded in trust, presence, and compassionate care. We envision a future where doctors and healthcare professionals globally recognize the value of yoga therapy, making it a routine part of comprehensive patient-centered medical care.
Founding Yoga Therapists

Christine Saari, Ma, E-RYT 200, C-IAYT
Navigating her own path through anxiety and trauma has instilled in Christine a deep-seated passion for helping others find their way. As a co-founder of Yoga Therapy Associates, Christine specializes in aiding those with anxiety and trauma, emphasizing practices that are both empowering and approachable. Her strength lies in her ability to listen and adapt, individualizing yoga therapy to resonate with each person’s unique needs and preferences. Offering online and in-person sessions in Madison and New Haven, Christine’s approach is a blend of empathy, expertise, and genuine desire to guide others towards healing.
Areas of Specialty: Trauma, anxiety, professional burnout
Locations: Telehealth, Madison, New Haven
Christine is not taking new clients at this time.

Sara Merrick-Albano, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT
With a gentle spirit and a firm belief in yoga’s transformative potential, Sara is dedicated to guiding those facing chronic pain and psychosomatic pain disorders. As a co-founder of Yoga Therapy Associates, her vision is clear: to make the healing essence of yoga accessible and resonant. With a tailored approach that draws from traditional yoga practices infused with contemporary neuroscience insights, Sara offers specialized online yoga therapy. She also sees clients in person in Watertown and Trumbull. Her commitment is to each individual’s journey, ensuring that every session is a step towards holistic wellness.
Areas of Specialty: Trauma, autoimmune conditions, chronic pain
Locations: Telehealth, Trumbull, Watertown
Book with Sara in Trumbull
Book with Sara in Watertown
Book with Sara on Telehealth
Associate Yoga Therapists

Lauren Albarella, C-IAYT
Lauren works with clients seeking support for a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, chronic pain, and autoimmune disorders. Committed to lifelong learning, Lauren considers herself a yoga student first and is passionate about sharing its therapeutic and healing benefits. She believes yoga should be accessible to all. Lauren’s professional background is in the financial services industry. Lauren is a dedicated board member and teacher for Project Yoga in Cincinnati, an organization bringing yoga and mindfulness to underserved communities. She also volunteers at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center.
Book with Lauren on Telehealth
Areas of Specialty: Trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain
Locations: Telehealth

Corina Parkmond, MS, C-IAYT
Leading with her knowledge and love of yoga, Corina offers a practical approach to yoga therapy through client-centered care. Her approach is evidence-based and inclusive of the client’s experience on their healing journey. Corina believes that the ancient teachings found in yoga offer an individualized route to experience optimal health and well-being. She focuses on supporting clients with mental health conditions, through pregnancy, and those suffering emotional and spiritual disconnect. With a background in kinesiology, Corina is pursuing a Master of Science in Yoga Therapy from Maryland University of Integrative Health.
Areas of Specialty: Functional movement, high-risk pregnancy, burnout, ME/CFS, mental health
Locations: New Haven, Watertown

Gabrielle Lewis, C-IAYT
With over a decade of experience as a yoga therapist, Gabrielle has worked with clients in a variety of environments from the corporate world, Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, UCLA Health, and inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities. When working with clients, Gabrielle takes an integrative approach using western and eastern science and medicine to enhance the mind, body and spirit. Gabrielle holds a first-class honors degree in Applied Psychology from an Ivy League school in England. She sits on the Kundalini Research Institute Advisory Board, and is currently studying the stress response in different demographics and health conditions.
Areas of Specialty: Mental health, trauma, neurological conditions, cancer, gastrointestinal conditions
Locations: Telehealth
Collaborating Professionals

Rachel Dash-Dougherty, LCSW, RYT-200
Rachel is a seasoned talk therapist with over 14 years of experience, serving clients through her private practice at The Grounded Therapist in East Lyme, CT. Driven by a passion for holistic healing and mental wellness, Rachel specializes in anxiety, eating disorders, and women’s issues. She recognizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit in the healing process and integrates cutting-edge therapeutic approaches into her practice. Rachel is deeply passionate about yoga therapeutics and its transformative potential in mental health treatment. She incorporates yoga-based techniques such as mindfulness, breathwork, and somatic awareness into her sessions. Rachel collaborates with Yoga Therapy Associates to provide continuing education.
![Emily_Haight_image new] Rachel Dash Dougherty, LCSW headshot](https://yogatherapyassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Emily_Haight_image-new.jpg)
Emily Haight, E-RYT 500
Emily Haight is a yoga teacher and mom to two boisterous elementary students in Guilford. Trained in the Yoga Masters™ kids’ yoga curriculum, an evidence-based, play-oriented approach, Emily brings a fresh, playful energy to our thriving kids yoga community in Guilford. Infused with games, sensory activities, and interactive fun, her kids yoga classes reflect her vibrant love of sharing her passion for yoga. As an E-RYT 500, Emily creates empowering and joyful spaces where kids can explore healthy relationships with themselves and their peers.
Partnerships
Held Center for Healing
Unionville, Connecticut
LifeCatalyst
Madison, Connecticut
Trumbull PT & Wellness
Trumbull, CT
The Om Center
Watertown, Connecticut
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