Executive Team
Erica Castillo
Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director
Erica is a Marketing, Public Relations & Government Affairs Management Consultant, Owner of Unita Solutions, and Co-Founder/Director of the CASFFA.
At Unita, Erica provides full-service management and consulting services to small businesses, nonprofits & governments throughout California.
In addition to her consulting work, Erica has been closely connected to the fitness, health, and wellness small business community for years through her prior work as a fitness blogger, fitness event organizer (Fit-Crawl), and Certified Lagree Fitness Instructor.
Learn more about her consulting projects and expertise here
Maria Bardet
Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director
Maria is a small business strategist, Founder of Humani Studios. Inc, and the Co-Founder of the Small Fitness Facilities Association. Going from a job in public policy, to starting a small business (without an MBA 🎓), Maria knows what it takes to run a top-notch business with the right team.
I was literally doing everything in my business — from writing contracts, to mopping floors, fixing equipment, teaching, to writing newsletters and employee handbooks late at night. I realized that in order for my business to succeed and for me to stay healthy in the process, I need to standardize my systems and seek the wisdom and assistance of the right professionals across a variety of industries. So, I created team that would support me, so I could support my business.
Maria's biggest joy now is helping others in creating a career and life that feel meaningful and sustainable. After 8 years of operating her own business, and leaning into the experience she gained working in the California State Capitol, Maria now works with fitness studio owners who want to become more profitable, attract and retain the right employees, and use their time to do work that feels fulfilling.
Board of Directors
Kelly Fong Rivas
Racial Equity Advisor
Office of Mayor Darrell Steinberg
City of Sacramento
our path here
CASFFA Founders, Erica Castillo and Maria Bardet bring a unique combination of industry and policy experience to the organization.
Together, Erica and Maria have over 20 years of combined experience in public policy and both have an in-depth understanding of the fitness industry. Our team specializes in working with fitness, health & wellness small business owners across a broad range of specializations, including, but not limited to Yoga & Meditation, Wellness Centers, Physical Therapy, Pre and Post Natal Services, Pilates, Barre, Cycle, Bootcamp, Crossfit, Independent Gyms and more. We are currently engaged with 150+ facilities across California.