Maria Barone (E-RYT 200) found yoga as an antsy and angsty 12-year-old in response to one of many recommendations made to her parents to help manage her ADHD. During college, she faced new challenges every day and dove deeper into her practice. So deep, in fact, that she dropped out to pursue her 200-hour certification at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in 2009. Since then, Maria has had the great joy of making her passion for yoga her full-time living. She has supported various studios in teaching group and private classes, creating content for and leading teacher trainings, and studio management.
Dani Hayes (E-RYT 500) leads Yoga Alliance’s Membership department, including credentialing, member support, and accountability teams. As a yoga teacher and international retreat leader, Dani is dedicated to sharing the wisdom of yoga with others and supporting the yoga profession. Danielle's current commitments include supporting the membership through an inclusive lens, elevating the credentialing process, and increasing accountability.
Lauren McCaskey holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Virginia and brings over 10 years of expertise in directing social impact and strategic communication programs within the sports and health and wellness industries. She is driven by initiatives that foster community building, inclusion, and integrity while finding passion through empowering and coaching others to pursue self-growth through wellness and personal development.