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About Us – A Journey of Presence and Purpose.

Join us in reducing suffering and fostering healing through the practice of yoga — empowering every person to awaken their gifts and serve the world with purpose.

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THIS
IS

Our story

Origin

Honor Yoga began in 2013 with a simple yet profound intention—to create a community-centered path for sharing the transformational practice of yoga. Founded by Maria Assunta Parrella, a lifelong entrepreneur, yoga educator, and spiritual visionary, the brand quickly became one of the nation’s most values-driven yoga communities.

Resilience

By 2020, Honor Yoga had expanded to 48 studios sold and 23 open across 10 states, rooted in mindfulness, inclusivity, and compassion. Then the world paused. The challenges of COVID-19 tested every studio’s resilience, revealing what was strongest in us—our community, our compassion, and our unwavering commitment to service.

Transformation

The Honor Yoga Foundation, established in 2018, had already been quietly building a bridge between yoga, purpose, and social impact. In 2023, Maria fully aligned the mission with its higher calling by donating the assets of Honor Yoga to the Foundation, ensuring that the brand’s evolution would forever serve humanity through authentic, purpose-driven yoga.

Purpose

Today, Honor Yoga studios operate through the Foundation, led by practicing yogis dedicated to conscious leadership, accessibility, and service. Maria Assunta continues to serve as a spiritual leader and visionary, guiding the Foundation’s greater purpose: to awaken the gifts in every human being.

THIS
IS

Our story

/01

Origin

Honor Yoga began in 2013 with a simple yet profound intention—to create a community-centered path for sharing the transformational practice of yoga. Founded by Maria Assunta Parrella, a lifelong entrepreneur, yoga educator, and spiritual visionary, the brand quickly became one of the nation’s most values-driven yoga communities.

/02

Resilience

By 2020, Honor Yoga had expanded to 48 studios sold and 23 open across 10 states, rooted in mindfulness, inclusivity, and compassion. Then the world paused. The challenges of COVID-19 tested every studio’s resilience, revealing what was strongest in us—our community, our compassion, and our unwavering commitment to service.

/03

Transformation

The Honor Yoga Foundation, established in 2018, had already been quietly building a bridge between yoga, purpose, and social impact. In 2023, Maria fully aligned the mission with its higher calling by donating the assets of Honor Yoga to the Foundation, ensuring that the brand’s evolution would forever serve humanity through authentic, purpose-driven yoga.

/04

Purpose

Today, Honor Yoga studios operate through the Foundation, led by practicing yogis dedicated to conscious leadership, accessibility, and service. Maria Assunta continues to serve as a spiritual leader and visionary, guiding the Foundation’s greater purpose: to awaken the gifts in every human being.

Our Story

Honor Yoga began in 2013 with a simple yet profound intention—to create a community-centered path for sharing the transformational practice of yoga. Founded by Maria Assunta Parrella, a lifelong entrepreneur, yoga educator, and spiritual visionary, the brand quickly became one of the nation’s most values-driven yoga communities.

By 2020, Honor Yoga had expanded to 48 studios sold and 23 open across 10 states, rooted in mindfulness, inclusivity, and compassion. Then the world paused. The challenges of COVID-19 tested every studio’s resilience, revealing what was strongest in us—our community, our compassion, and our unwavering commitment to service.

The Honor Yoga Foundation, established in 2018, had already been quietly building a bridge between yoga, purpose, and social impact. In 2023, Maria fully aligned the mission with its higher calling by donating the assets of Honor Yoga to the Foundation, ensuring that the brand’s evolution would forever serve humanity through authentic, purpose-driven yoga.

Today, Honor Yoga studios operate through the Foundation, led by practicing yogis dedicated to conscious leadership, accessibility, and service. Maria Assunta continues to serve as a spiritual leader and visionary, guiding the Foundation’s greater purpose: to awaken the gifts in every human being.

“Our mission is not to franchise yoga—it is to free it.”

Mission

To deliver an authentic and accessible yoga experience that unlocks peace, purpose, and the potential within every person.

Vision

A world in which all beings can be free from unnecessary suffering.

Core Values

Authentic & Accessible – We honor the true essence of yoga and welcome all people, regardless of background or ability.
Connect & Support – We show up for each other, forming a collective of care grounded in relationship.
Empower & Transform – Through education, service, and spiritual practice, we help every yogi become their fullest expression.

Mission

To deliver an authentic, accessible yoga experience that unlocks peace, purpose, and potential within every person, fostering growth, healing, and transformation.

Vision

A world where all beings are free from suffering, guided by compassion, understanding, and kindness, creating harmony and lasting peace.

Core Values

Authentic & Accessible – We honor the true essence of yoga and welcome all people, regardless of background or ability.
Connect & Support – We show up for each other, forming a collective of care grounded in relationship.
Empower & Transform – Through education, service, and spiritual practice, we help every yogi become their fullest expression.

Mission

To deliver an authentic, accessible yoga experience that unlocks peace, purpose, and potential within every person, fostering growth, healing, and transformation.

Vision

A world where all beings are free from suffering, guided by compassion, understanding, and kindness, creating harmony and lasting peace.

Core Values

Authentic & Accessible – We honor the true essence of yoga and welcome all people, regardless of background or ability.
Connect & Support – We show up for each other, forming a collective of care grounded in relationship.
Empower & Transform – Through education, service, and spiritual practice, we help every yogi become their fullest expression.

Leadership
& Board

Our Foundation is guided by a diverse board of teachers, healers, and business leaders who believe yoga can change the world—one breath at a time. Each member brings expertise in wellness, finance, education, and social impact to ensure our mission is sustainable and accountable.

Maria Assunta Parrella

Founder & Chairwoman

Neal Bakshi

President

Julie Mellk

VP of Licensing

Lockey Maisonneuve

VP, Trauma & Healing

Tracy Hill

VP of Operational Support

Meryl Hayton

Director of Retreat Leader Dev.

Ashish Kapoor

Director of Hospitality

Lilyvette Pardo

Director of Retreat Experience

Tracey Lyons

VP of Finance

Anthony Burrus

Founder of Hope is One Breath Away

Maureen

Board Member

Jon

Board Member

Maria Assunta Parrella

Founder & Chairwoman

Neal Bakshi

President

Julie Mellk

VP of Licensing

Lockey M.

VP, Trauma & Healing

Tracy Hill

VP of Operational Support

Meryl Hayton

Director of Retreat Leader Dev.

Ashish Kapoor

Director of Hospitality

Lilyvette Pardo

Director of Retreat Experience

Tracey Lyons

VP of Finance

Anthony Burrus

founder of Hope is one breath away

Maureen

Board Member

Jon

Board Member

Financials & Transparency

Honor Yoga Foundation operates with full transparency.

Donate now

Transparency in Action

Annual Reports and Form 990 filings available upon request.

Purposeful Fund Allocation

Clear allocation of funds toward programs, outreach, and retreat scholarships.

Impact Through Updates

Donors receive quarterly updates showing measurable impact.

Transparency in Action

Annual Reports and Form 990 filings available upon request.

Purposeful Fund Allocation

Clear allocation of funds toward programs, outreach, and retreat scholarships.

Impact Through Updates

Donors receive quarterly updates showing measurable impact.

Join our mailing list for updates and impact stories.

Not ready to donate? Stay connected for partnership and leadership opportunities.

Mission Reminder

Honor Yoga Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to reducing suffering and fostering healing through the practice of yoga. Through retreats, outreach, and purpose-driven studios, we help awaken the gifts within every human being.

Donor Assurance

All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Every contribution supports our programs, scholarships, and community initiatives that bring yoga to those who need it most.

Honor Yoga Foundation

59 Lawrencia Drive
Lawrenceville
New Jersey 08648

Lawrenceville, New Jersey
[email protected]
(640) 205-3138
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