Our Founder

Aerial Athlete was born from the passion, creativity, and determination of Laura Cardella, an aerial athlete, instructor, performer, and beloved member of the St. Augustine community. ​

Originally from Texas, Laura found a home in St. Augustine alongside her husband, Phil Cardella, and became an integral part of the community surrounding their martial arts and aerial arts programs. Laura was also a student of Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, earning her blue belt. She began climbing rope to strengthen her grip and increase upper body strength, which led her to aerial arts.

Laura's love of aerial movement became more than a passion—it became a way to connect with people, more specifically, to empower  and encourage the girls she mentored.  She worked with both children and adults and helped create opportunities for students to experience aerial arts beyond the classroom. Laura held acro-yoga clinics, children's summer camps, and seasonal showcases, giving her students opportunities not only to learn but to perform, connect, and celebrate what they had accomplished.

Today, Aerial Athlete continues in Laura's memory and in honor of the vision she helped create. Her influence remains in the students who learned from her and the athletes who continue to discover their own strength through aerial arts. ​ 

In Loving Memory of Laura Cardella

Forever part of the Aerial Athlete family.