Executive Team
Erica Castillo
Co-Founder + Executive Director
Erica is a strategic communications consultant specializing in leveraging research and data to drive impactful digital marketing, public relations, and advocacy campaigns. As the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the California Small Fitness Facilities Association (CASFFA), she is dedicated to advocating for policies and funding that support small businesses in the fitness, wellness, and health sectors.
With over a decade of experience in full-service marketing, public relations, and government affairs, Erica has a proven track record of securing funding, shaping policy initiatives, and leading strategic advocacy efforts. As a former city hall staffer and certified City Management professional, she possesses in-depth knowledge of municipal decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and government funding processes. Her expertise in navigating government operations has allowed her to successfully advocate for policies and secure critical funding for mission-driven organizations.
Beyond her consulting work, Erica is deeply involved in the fitness industry as a certified instructor and advocate. She has built strong connections within California’s fitness, health, and wellness small business community through her work in fitness writing, organizing fitness events like Fit-Crawl, and teaching Lagree Fitness. Her dual expertise in government affairs and fitness advocacy positions her uniquely to drive meaningful change for small fitness/wellness businesses.
Learn more about her consulting projects and expertise here.
Maria Bardet
Co-Founder + Small Business Advisor
Maria is a small business strategist, Founder of Humani Studios. Inc, and Co-Founder of the CASFFA. 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 company 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 blend of industry expertise and public policy experience to the organization.
With 20+ years of combined experience in policy and a deep understanding of the fitness industry as certified instructors, they specialize in supporting small fitness, health, and wellness businesses.
CASFFA works with a diverse range of certified professionals, including those in independent gyms, yoga, meditation, physical therapy, pre/post natal services, pilates, barre, cycling, boot camps, CrossFit, wellness centers, and more.