Co-Founder and Creative Director
Daniel Sernicola
He/Him
Daniel Sernicola, E-RYT 500, YACEP, RMT, CR, CA, is a sought-after yoga, meditation, and reiki teacher based in Columbus, Ohio. He embarked on his personal yoga journey when he came to the simple realization that he couldn’t touch his toes. In an effort to regain flexibility lost through working out, he started practicing yoga and quickly realized its numerous benefits, extending beyond the physical. Daniel believes yoga heals and nourishes and includes this knowledge in his teaching. His classes offer a heartfelt and eclectic mix of philosophy, asana, pranayama, meditation, reiki, and a healthy dose of humor designed to awaken healing and wellness.
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 developed a comprehensive program in the Columbus community for anti-bullying, self-acceptance, and healing from trauma. 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.
As a student and teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, Daniel has developed meditation and mindfulness programs inviting others to realize the benefits of meditation in their lives. He has primarily studied in the Shambhala and other Tibetan traditions, but has also studied Zen Buddhism. Daniel first came to meditation during a difficult period in his life. Learning to sit with thoughts and emotions led to inner peace and awakening.
As a reiki practitioner and master teacher, Daniel has introduced others to this healing energy work through trainings, workshops, and private sessions. He is a Shihan in the Eastern method of Komyo ReikiDo.
Daniel is an experienced registered yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance. He has over 2,100 hours of yoga and meditation teacher training from some of the most respected teachers today, including Colleen O'Brien McFall, Dr. A.L.V. Kumar, Sage Rountree, Cyndi Lee, Marcia Miller, Ethan Nichtern, and Sharon Salzberg. Daniel obtained his first 500-Hour from Carolina Yoga Company and his second 500-Hour from Traditional Yoga India. He has certifications in Trauma-Informed Yoga, Yoga for Athletes, Restorative Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation, and Reiki.
His expertise has been called upon commercially as a yoga and meditation teacher for The Ohio State University, OSU LiFEsports, Kaleidoscope Youth Center, J. P. Morgan Chase, Chamberlain College of Nursing, OhioHealth, Young Living, Inc., Osborn Engineering, Branch Insurance, Kroger, LBrands, Barge Design Solutions, and Society for Marketing Professional Services to name a few. His work has been featured in Columbus Underground, and he is a regular writer and contributor for Yoga Journal Publications.
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 lives and communities.
Daniel's Bernese Mountain Dog Enzo, ESA (Emotional Support Animal), can be found resting behind Daniel's mat in most of his classes.
I’ve always wanted more yoga! More time on my mat, more classes, more of the goodness that comes with regular practice. Warm, welcoming and wise teachers have kindled my desire to create space where people feel empowered to connect and explore themselves more deeply.
200-Hour Certification
Open the door and you’ll feel it! The space is inviting, full of light, shape and color. Danja staff and students convey curiosity, warmth and trust that make me feel valued and at ease.
Tune in and notice what you’re feeling.
My brain doesn’t do favorites 🙂 It’s a tie between high crescent lunge (my go-to pose for feeling stronger, looser and more alive) and any version of cobra (my current sweet spot).
The Sivananda Companion to Yoga (Lucy Lidell) - a quiet little book that provided my first glimpse into the world of yoga. I also love The Four Agreements (Miguel Ruiz) which weave together nicely with the first 2 limbs of yoga, the Yamas and Niyamas.
I like to rock! I play with an all-mom rock band called Trachete (rhymes with machete), do vocals and percussion with the Rolling Holms (a Rolling Stones cover band) plus my husband and I play as a duo on occasion.
I grew up hiking and camping, exploring rural and urban natural spaces. My family and dogs do a lot of outdoor stuff together and I’m very grateful that all of them love it too!