Cindy Pettinaro is a golden girl. When you meet her, you might be charmed by her luminous blue eyes and kind nature. But there is a lot more to her than meets the eye.
It extends much further than her physical appearance. You could call it her ethereal presence or golden-tinged persona. But one thing for sure, Pettinaro is steeped in kindness and love for everyone.
Others can’t help but notice.
“Cindy carries a sense of spiritual generosity that touches everyone around her. In the midst of her busy life she supports others in their time of need, or in the pursuit of their dreams,” said friend and colleague Tracey Winn.
This open-heartedness and kindness was part of her childhood landscape. She was blessed with a loving family and strong faith- based upbringing. Her belief in Jesus has not only guided her throughout life but given her sacred knowledge often reserved for sages and saints.
She conducts her life accordingly.
“Cindy’s goal was to transform a forgotten wooded area of Delray into a tranquil space for all to enjoy. Part of this mission was to open the space to charities that get charged a lot of money from other venues”, said Mimi Haley Meister.
As founder of Atha Yoga Shala and the Atha Yoga Foundation, Pettinaro has done just that.
She recently hosted an event for Impact 100 Women of PBC at her five-acre heavenly spiritual retreat site. There was a violinist, fire dancers and all the earthly fixings to honor this nonprofit entity and their guests.
Pettinaro also hosted a fantastic Delray Chamber of Commerce Contacts & Cocktails event as well. To know Atha Yoga Shala is to know that one’s mood and temperament is recalibrated at the moment of entry.
But this transformation and earthy charm is all part of Pet-tinaro’s mission. “When people are happy they’re nicer to their children, their co-workers and each other. If we can create an atmosphere that helps people feel peaceful and happy, that’s a good thing,” said the Wilmington, Delaware native.
To Pettinaro love is always the answer. Not the love you see in greeting cards or musical musings, but love from the heart.
“One of my favorite things to do when someone is upset is to give them a hug. You can see their attitude changes in 30 seconds. I’m big on giving hugs and making people feel cared about.”
Pettinaro learned about embracing others with kindness and joy early on. She was raised in a big family where love and faith were guiding lights. This kind-hearted way of life was the guiding force for their children.
Her father, Verino Pettinaro is a hard-working man with a love for life and his family. He is also a man of his word who values humility and kindness above all.
“My father ran into a man he did a deck for 25 years ago. When he heard that something was wrong with it, he went directly to Home Depot, bought the boards and fixed the problem.”
Her mother Midge was equally as gracious and kind-hearted.
“My mother was a quiet force that held everyone together. She taught me that humility, kindness, and gratitude are not just values we talk about, but the way we should live every day. By her example, I learned that the smallest acts of love often have the greatest impact.”
Though Midge is not on the earth plane, her daughter Cindy carries this loving torch in everything she does.
And, and she does quite a lot.
As the founder of the Atha Yoga Foundation, Pettinaro is com-mitted to creating programs that support wellness, compassion and self-love.
That’s why world-renowned healers and spiritual teachers come to AYF to share their wisdom on happiness and healing. Recently, Krishna Das chanted ancient devotional chants with a large crowd. He also answered a litany of questions about life’s more vexing issues.
Pettinaro (and AYSF) also sponsored and participated in a walk for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), supporting awareness and recovery efforts for those facing mental health challenges.
They also partner with local Delray Beach public schools to deliver yoga and meditation for students and teachers. These trans-formative spiritual disciplines are also extended to first responders, such as police and fire teams.
This healing oasis is also extended to the recovery community. “We have developed a relationship with Recovery Church in Delray Beach. We work with Pastor Mitch, and his members also comes here for yoga and give back by helping out in the garden.”
AYF also gave away 15 bicycles and donated a car to a young pregnant woman in need of transportation to get to work.
More than anything, Pettinaro carries a sense of spiritual generosity that touches those around her. She sees this as a generational inheritance, much like her fathers’ real estate development company.
Her father, Verino, started a small construction company when he was just 23 years old. With remarkable tenacity, he threw himself into the work and gradually grew the business into a significant presence in Wilmington’s real estate landscape.
Pettinaro remembers those years as deeply influential.
“My father taught us to be humble and kind. He also taught me to be diligent and to have a disciplined work ethic.”
Her first job was as a banquet waitress at one of the company’s hotels. It may not have been glamorous, but it instilled a strong sense of responsibility and service.
Later, she worked as a corporate relocation specialist for the real estate division. The experience strengthened her real estate knowledge and her natural inclination to help others.
Her background in real estate, combined with a deeply rooted desire to serve people, eventually led Pettinaro to purchase Atha Yoga Shala in Delray Beach. But her decision was never simply about acquiring this five acre property.
Instead, it was about creating a space for everyone; where heal-ing, connection and community could flourish.
An example of this is their Langar Dinners. The origin of this heart-centered meal began in India and derives its meaning from the belief that everyone, regardless of background, wealth, or status, is equal.
That’s why the dinner is donation-based, and guests bring a vegan dish to share. There is also a Monthly Book Club, donation Community outdoor Vinyasa and Hot yoga classes.
Though AYS has been an inspiration (and place of transformation for many) her deepest inspiration comes from her four children.
Her oldest son Brett (24) is working as an intern at Atha Yoga Shala, where he is an in-house troubleshooter.
Her son Jack, 22, attends the University of Denver, while her twin daughters, Charlotte and Kathryn, are both 19. Charlotte plays lacrosse at Gettysburg College, and Kathryn is a student at University of Notre Dame.
For Pettinaro, family remains the center of her life and constant source of inspiration for her work in the community.
She serves as advisory Board Member for Habitat for Humanity and the advisory board of With Love Halston.
Cindy and her siblings also started “Pancakes for Parkinson’s” that raised over $10 million for the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
She is also the founder of COCA art gallery. People are encouraged to buy original art so artists can keep working. When a painting is sold, she gives 70% to the artist and 20% to charity.
If humility were a tangible product, there wouldn’t be warehouse space large enough to hold hers. “I feel so lucky that I get to wake up healthy each day and able to do God’s work. If you lead with love, everything else will follow.”
