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.

About Our Yoga Therapists’ Credentials

We hold our yoga therapy services to the highest standards of quality and efficacy. All of our yoga therapists are certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) and hold C-IAYT credentials. This means:

• Our yoga therapists have completed programs at accredited yoga therapy schools, follow a defined scope of practice, and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics.
• They have completed at least 1,000 hours of training in applying yoga therapeutically, with ongoing continuing education to maintain the highest industry standards.

Yoga Alliance

• Many of our yoga therapists are also registered with the Yoga Alliance, holding RYT-200 or RYT-500 credentials (indicating 200 or 500 hours respectively of education on how to teach yoga).
• Additionally, E-RYT 200 and E-RYT 500 credentials indicate extensive teaching experience, with at least 1,000 and 2,000 hours of yoga instruction.

Specialized Trauma-Informed Training:

• All of our yoga therapists have extra training in trauma-informed and trauma-responsive yoga, ensuring they can support individuals on their trauma recovery journey and integrate yoga therapy effectively into conventional trauma treatment.

Our comprehensive training requirements ensure that our team is exceptionally qualified to guide you safely and effectively on your path to healing.

Meet Our 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.

Sara Merrick-Albano, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT

With a firm belief in yoga’s transformative potential, Sara is dedicated to guiding those facing chronic pain and psychosomatic pain disorders. Sara is co-founder of Yoga Therapy Associates.

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.

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.

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.

Ella Horne, RYT 200

Ella Horne is a certified yoga teacher, health coach, and mom to a spirited preschooler in Guilford. Originally from Alabama, she’s called the Connecticut shoreline home for the past two years. Trained in the Yoga Masters™ kids’ yoga curriculum, Ella brings a warm, grounded presence to her playful and imaginative classes. With a professional background in health coaching and a deep interest in the mind-body connection, Ella is passionate about helping kids build tools for emotional awareness and resilience. She first discovered yoga as a teenager practicing alongside her mom and has maintained a regular practice for over a decade. Outside of yoga, Ella enjoys hiking with her daughter and friends, reading, and learning to sew.

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Partnerships