Heal the Healer: Support Gina’s Journey Back to Wellness

Help Support Gina Mandella’s Healing Journey

We are reaching out to our incredible community to support Gina Mandella, a deeply passionate yoga and meditation instructor, as she navigates a profoundly challenging chapter in her life. For over 20 years, Gina has dedicated herself to helping others heal and grow through movement, mindfulness, and yoga. Now, Gina is the one in need of healing—and your support.

Gina’s Story

Two years ago, Gina was in a car accident that left her with severe and progressively complicated injuries. After a long road to proper diagnosis, she now knows she is dealing with a spinal deformity, occipital neuralgia, and additional nerve damage that causes disabling chronic pain. Gina has undergone surgeries, received nerve blocks, and is beginning other treatments to manage her symptoms. Yet, the path to recovery remains long and uncertain.

The pain has made continuing her work unsustainable. Gina has made the difficult decision to step away from teaching entirely at the end of this month to focus on rest and healing. She describes this as the hardest and scariest decision she’s ever made, as yoga has been a career and calling that has brought her peace during this incredibly difficult time.

Currently, Gina teaches at several studios in and around Central Massachusetts, including Mati Yoga Studio in Millbury, River & Stone Yoga in Worcester, Release Well Being Center in Westborough, and Shanti Yoga in Hopkinton. These are just a few of the many communities Gina has touched over the years.

While she’s hopeful that dedicated rest and treatment will allow her to heal enough to return to teaching, she’s facing significant financial strain as she applies for disability and awaits other potential forms of assistance.

What Gina Means to Her Students

Gina’s classes have always been more than movement—they are spaces of healing, growth, and transformation. Even while teaching with a neck brace and limited physical demonstration, she’s continued to inspire her students with her compassionate and deeply grounding approach. Here’s what her students have to say:

“Had such a grounding practice with Gina this morning. Love the slow and steady pace. Straightforward cueing and great execution on guiding in and out of the poses also gave me space to focus inward to feel and introspect. So much needed it this morning. There’s always a kind and loving presence of her that is so inviting. I’m looking forward to the next class with her whenever I have a day off on Monday. Thank you.”

“This morning, I had the privilege of taking Gina’s class. Her teaching style goes beyond the ordinary – she encourages you to listen to your body and prioritize what it needs rather than pushing every pose to the max. With her vast knowledge of how the body functions, Gina guided us through a transformative journey that left me feeling calm and rejuvenated. I highly recommend her class.”

“She’s helped me learn multiple different poses and how to challenge myself not only physically, but mentally. Life is stressful, and Gina helps!”

Gina’s impact on her students is immeasurable. She has given so much of herself to this community, and now it’s our turn to give back.

Why We Need Your Help

Gina is a single mother supporting her daughter and caring for her mother. With the holidays approaching, the financial burden of stepping away from work weighs heavily. Your donations will help Gina cover medical expenses, basic needs, and give her the time and space to focus on healing without the constant worry of financial strain.

By supporting Gina, you are not only helping her heal but also making it possible for her to one day return to the work she loves so much.

How You Can Help

We’ve created this GoFundMe as a way for our community to come together in support of Gina. No donation is too small—every contribution will make a meaningful difference in her life.

Let’s show Gina how much she means to us. Your love, generosity, and encouragement can help her through this incredibly difficult time.

Thank you for being part of Gina’s journey. Together, we can help her focus on healing and bring her one step closer to reclaiming the life she deserves.