Maura Manzo is the Founder + Director of Camaraderie. She has been a leader in the Philadelphia area yoga scene for over 15 years.
With experience managing and owning studios coupled with her experience teaching in a variety of different settings, Maura brings a unique understanding and methodology to how she teaches. She is known for curating transformative experience, both in the classroom and in the community. Her welcoming and grounding approach helps student land more fully on their mat and in themselves.

For the duration of teaching career, Maura has been dedicated to facilitating deep healing work - she goes beyond the traditional teachings, interweaving social justice themes as well as other contemporary practices into her work, acting as a catalyst for change and encouraging her students to excavate limiting beliefs. Her extensive training with renowned teachers and organizations such as Off the Mat into the World, buildOn, Hope for Haiti, Seane Corn, Nikki Myers, Michelle Cassandra Johnson and the Himalayan Institute has equipped her with a wide range of skills and knowledge. With a deep understanding of the psychology of the chakras, trauma-informed studies, dismantling racism, and more, Maura brings a unique perspective to her teaching, creating transformative experiences for her students.

Recognized and highly regarded in her field, Maura has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Best of Philly award. Her commitment to authenticity, connection, community, and exploration has led her to create extraordinary destination yoga retreats that offer a holistic experience, combining yoga, food, nature, and mind-body integration.

Lineage + Teachers
Maura has studied under the tutelage of Seane Corn for almost two decades. This led her to other teachers including Hala Khouri, Suzanne Sterling, Nikki Myers, Kerri Kelly and Michelle Cassandra Johnson. The focus of her studies with these women has been the intersection of yoga, social justice and trauma. 

Always fascinated by the mind-body connection, Maura deepened her studies of subtle energy, specifically the chakras, through the body of work by Anodea Judith, specifically Eastern Body, Western Mind. This work profoundly impacts Maura’s methodology of designing transformational practices. 

Committed to learning more about trauma and healing outside the lens of yoga, Maura continued her studies with two years professional development and certification through Lakeside Global Institute, an organization creating comprehensive therapeutic and educational approaches for today’s complex mental health challenges.

As a lifelong student, Maura continues to study with a variety of teachers and different traditions including ancient feminine mysticism with Meggan Watterson, Earth-based spirituality with Meghan Dwyer and the writings of John O’Donohue, Mark Nepo and Richard Rohr. 

Maura started her journey into the wellness world through her studies on holistic health at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. For years, she was a contributing writer for Philadelphia Magazine, penning articles and answering questions around health and wellness for their popular Be Well Philly blog. 

Over the years, her philanthropic efforts have helped raised over $500,000 for global health initiatives, education and local communities. She prides herself on being an engaged citizen and mindful steward of the planet. From beach cleanups to internationa