About Us

Danja Yoga is creating a space where people can gather and celebrate who we are; individually and collectively. In this space, we will have the opportunity for genuine personal growth which will positively impact our lives and communities. We provide support to each person on their journey by offering yoga, meditation, and reiki.

Core Values

Everyone is meant to be here.

Danja Studios’ leadership and instructors commit to the idea that practice in yoga and meditation be accessible and available to all. We will maintain a culture of working through our individual shadows so that we may support everyone on their developmental path. This is true regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, political views, and religious beliefs.

There is goodness in everyone.

Every human being begins life as pure potential. Over time, we are shaped by our genetics and environment — often unconsciously creating negative habitual reactions. We will each strive to see the conditions behind each other’s behavior and encourage our inner goodness to shine brightly.

Foster compassion and inclusivity.

To effectively teach yoga and meditation we must each develop our own innate qualities of compassion and interbeing. We will each use this community to practice manifesting compassion and inclusivity.

Value and respect all.

Our yoga and meditative traditions teach us that there is ultimately no difference between self and other. When this is realized, we understand that caring for ourselves is caring for others. We also understand that engaging in self-care is not selfish. We will respect and value ourselves by fostering a community that: speaks straight, listens generously, is for each other, honors commitments, and acknowledges/appreciates one another.

Calm the stress of chaotic lives.

The classic aim of yoga and meditation is to address the dis-ease of the human condition, bringing us to an inner alignment so that we may experience deep contentment.

Danja programs pursue real-life benefits for teachers and students. It’s not enough to come “check out” on the mat or cushion; we have to learn to apply it in our daily lives.

Empower and support others.

Individuals will come to recognize their sovereignty through the support of the Danja community. We will empower and encourage each other to follow our calling, deepen our relationships, and be active in our communities.

Teachings are kept close to their roots.

Danja recognizes that 21st century America is uniquely poised to provide unique cultural adaptations to traditional practices. We also know that 5,000 years of tradition have proven the success of classical methods. We will honor our practice’s origins by deepening our own understanding of them. From this understanding will emerge integrity and authentic sharing.

Celebrate where everyone is on their path.

Enlightenment is the recognition that we are miraculously aware; an unfolding process of the clarity and unconditional loving compassion of human beings. As such, everyone is exactly where they need to be and can be nowhere else. Even though we may be perfect, just the way we are, we can use some work, too. Let’s celebrate together on this path which unfolds before us!

Daniel Sernicola

Daniel has worked with athletes for many years to improve and increase athletic performance from both a physical and mental perspective, and makes his classes approachable for all by providing modifications and adjustments for challenging poses. He’s worked with local sports teams including The Ohio State University Men’s Crew, Westerville Crew, Upper Arlington Crew, Greater Columbus Rowing Association, Columbus Coyotes RFC, and Stonewall Sports Columbus.

Daniel is passionate about bringing yoga and mindfulness to youth and teaches a program in the Columbus community for anti-bullying. In October 2016, his work with underserved youth was recognized with a “Distinguished Community Partner of 2016” award given by Kaleidoscope Youth Center. ​In 2017, Daniel was named one of the top fitness instructors in Columbus by Columbus Navigator.

Daniel is a student and teacher of Zen and Tibetan Buddhism and has developed meditation programs inviting others to realize the benefits of meditation in their lives. As a reiki practitioner and teacher, Daniel has introduced others to this healing energy work through trainings and private sessions.

Utilizing knowledge from a successful career in corporate marketing, Daniel co-founded Danja Yoga, creating a diversified mix of the spiritual, physical, and business side of yoga, meditation and reiki. It is his life’s passion and goal to inspire others and build better communities through this business.

Jake Hays

Jake is dedicated to sharing his ongoing study of yoga, pranayama, reiki, meditation, and wellness modalities with all his students. He obtained his 500-Hour from Carolina Yoga Company and is also a Reiki Master Teacher, student of  Zen and Tibetan Buddhism, and has certifications and specializations in Yoga for Athletes, Pranayama, Restorative, and Trauma-Informed Yoga. In October 2016, his work with underserved youth was recognized with a “Distinguished Community Partner of 2016” award given by Kaleidoscope Youth Center. In 2017, Jake was named one of the top fitness instructors in Columbus by Columbus Navigator.

Jake is co-founder of Danja Yoga. He has a corporate career as a Business Analyst with J. P. Morgan Chase holding an Associate of Applied Science in Technology and Business from West Virginia University and Bachelor of Business Administration from Franklin University.