Teachers


Adam Mahmoud

Adam Mahmoud is an international Meditation and Yoga teacher as well as a professional fire performance artist. Over the past 14 years, he has travelled around the world studying with experienced masters, healers, and Yoga & meditation teachers from Ibiza, Bali, Australia and India. His technique is based on traditional Balinese, Indian and Chinese wisdom traditions. He has educated and taught thousands of people around the world to understand their body, mind and true divine nature. Adam is driven by his life’s mission to spread more love and kindness to the world. He is now based in Montreal, Canada where he…

Allen Jacinto

ALLAN JACINTO Trained in Ashtanga Yoga in the Pattabhi Jois Tradition in 2002 at its Yoga Studio in San Francisco, Allan has also been trained to teach Yin Yoga in the Paul Grilley tradition and Restorative Yoga in the Judith Hanson Lasater tradition. In the California Berkeley area, his Gentle Yoga classes are immensely appreciated by many dedicated students as Allan provides a gentler approach to the practice of Yoga.  His laughter is contagious. His eyes are attentive to your moves. His awesome generosity is heart-warming. His tranquil, clear-sounding voice guides you thru the moves intermingled, just at the right moment, with a crescendo to inspire one to ‘raise the bar’ as he…

Alyce Walters ~ Reiki Master, breathwork facilitator, CMT, herbalist

Alyce Walters is a highly skilled practitioner with a diverse background in healing arts. As a Reiki Master, breathwork facilitator, CMT, herbalist, and magic mushroom facilitator and enthusiast, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice. With over 15 years of growing and working with Entheogenic mushrooms, Alyce has developed a deep understanding of their therapeutic potential. Alyce’s passion for exploring indigenous medicines has led her to travel frequently to Costa Rica, where she engages in transformative experiences with medicines like ayahuasca, sanunga, and hapè. Her purpose is to bring back the wisdom and insights gained from…

Andrea Deanne - Yoga & Massage

Andrea Deanne Yoga: Andrea has been teaching yoga since 2014, when she opened a yoga co-op on the small island of Utila, Honduras.  She has since taught in retreat settings in Belize, Sri Lanka, and her home base of Maui, and has spent two seasons in India and Nepal going further into the philosophy and deeper aspects of the Yogic path. Andrea offers a welcoming mindful practice that integrates breath and movement, brings awareness to alignment, and the invitation to listen to your own body, guiding you through poses designed to allow opening, increased strength, balance and inner calmness. With a…

Asami Martens

Yoga stumbled into Asami’s life when darkness had taken over her smile, and offered her refuge. After a regular period of practice, she quickly realized her love for Yoga. The practice helped Asami look deep inside of herself, face difficult challenges in her life, and made her realize the limitless potential within her body, mind and spirit. Needless to say, Asami attributes Yoga to shaping the person she is today, and has helped her accept her perfectly imperfect self through self-love. Asami’s classes are creatively sequenced and use intelligent alignment cues. She incorporates Yoga philosophy and storytelling to make her…

Benjamin Mamallacta - Indigenous Kichwa Storyteller and Rainforest Guide

Benjamin Mamallacta is a Kichwa native from the upper Amazonian town of Archidona in Napo Province Ecuador. Benjamin is a skilled jungle guide and wilderness survival expert, he has a keen eye for spotting wildlife and birds and is a avid storyteller, recounting the myths and legends of his people with absolute fluidity. Benjamin, or Iji “Grasshopper” as is his nickname, is the founder of Ungi Ethnobotanical gardens in the outskirts of the jungle town of Tena, where he and his family have been producing and distributing medicinal plants and fruit trees  in their nursery since 1995.

Bern Wisenberg ~ Facilitator

Bern Wisenberg is a peacemaker and energy guide in service of life. During this Rainforest Medicine Council Gathering, Bern will be on board as a people person, as a facilitator and to help participants unpack and integrate the experience. It is honor to have Bern as part of the team during this retreat as a group facilitator, the wisdom he embodies will undeniably add a great touch to this council, raising the bar of potential just that much higher! Bern has been drawn to the transcendental experience and its role in society and an early turn on, tune in and…

Brian Cochran ~ BBTRS breathwork practitioner

Brian Cochran is a BBTRS breathwork practitioner.  There are many different styles of breathwork and I believe this one to be the most pivotal.  Breathwork and Darkness are complementary technologies. A strong Breathwork awareness is so helpful to have the most impactful Darkness journey.   Brian says, “Aloha, I work with people who feel they have reached a plateau, burned out, or irrelevant. My greatest pleasure is help others connect to source,  so they can heal themselves, and ultimately, heal others.”   

Bruce Schneider - Wellness facilitator

Bruce Schneider (aka Pintayaya) has been in private practice for 35 years offering cranio-sacral therapy, myofascial release work and centering meditation. “Ocean Forest is the perfect place for healing on all levels,” he says. “The land and the sea, the warmth and kindness of the people and the Medicine support you in releasing accumulated tensions and limiting beliefs. Your innate health and vitality naturally shine through and you reclaim your birthright as a  relaxed, open and loving human being.” Bruce’s work is a perfect compliment for people attending the Council, serving as a facilitation for people experiencing the Medicine journey.

Chetana Lauren Barkan

Chetana works with the BioDynamic Breathwork & Trauma Release Institute as session facilitator and training leader. She birthed and leads “Tao of Gratitude” womens trauma release retreats. TOG is specifically designed as a nurturing, compassionate, intensive space for WOMEN to identify, investigate, expose, and integrate/resolve all stories, beliefs, shame & body stored traumas. Her innate connection to universal spirit, human conditioning, self discovery and awakening led to a profound lifestyle shift where inspired service leads the way. Over the last 25 years Chetana has been learning and sharing integrated mind~body~breath modalities and meditation techniques throughout the U.S., India, Bali, Peru,…

Emma Om - Yogini, Hatha and Yin Yoga Teacher

Karol Méndez  Karol is a  Hatha and Yin Yoga teacher, a Reiki master and life coach. She has been certified as Hatha Yoga teacher by the Krama Yoga method, a member of the Yoga Alliance, USA. Karol maintains a consistent and devoted practice, and is passionate about helping people awaken to their empowerment. IG: @emma.om2020

Gerard Artesona ~ Integration Therapist

Gerard Artesona is a psychotherapist specializing in integration therapy and counseling with a private practice in Oakland California. His experience serving the mental health needs of patients in hospital settings, alongside his therapeutic approach bridge western psychology and entheogenic rituals & practices to support his clients on their healing journeys.   He has taught yoga and mindfulness practices primarily with transitional age youth and formerly-gang involved inmates. Gerard has embraced the healing potential of plant medicines for over 10 years, and the perspectives surrounding them have come to inform his professional approach and his overall understanding of wellbeing. Gerard holds…

Giten Tonkov

Director & Founder, BioDynamic Breath & Trauma Release Institute, Cofounder of the European Institute of Body Oriented Healing Arts (EIBOHA) Creator of BioDynamic Breath & Trauma Release System®, Giten shares a mastery of body-oriented therapies that has evolved from over 20 years of learning, exploration and work with countless clients and groups around the world. His passion for life, humility and love for people has inspired his own personal journey and the creation of his “6-Element” approach to healing. Giten is the founder of the BioDynamic Breath & Trauma Release Institute, specialising in trauma therapy and breathwork practitioner certification trainings. …

Jed Fox

Jed discovered yoga at the tender age of 21 whilst traveling in India, 32 years later she is still a dedicated student and teacher of yoga and mindfulness. After years of practice and study her classes blend the lineages of Ashtanga yoga, classical Hatha, and vinyasa flow with yin, kundalini, pranayama, mantra, and mudra, in order to offer a potent cocktail of the yoga arts to delight the senses and awaken beyond the mind to the mystery of the magical design that we call life The bliss that yoga offers through the asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing practices), and meditation allows…

Jediah Fox

Jediah Fox discovered yoga at the tender age of 21 while traveling in India. Thirty-two years later, she is still a dedicated student and teacher of the Yoga Arts. Through her years traveling the world, Jed has amassed a wealth of knowledge from all traditions culminating in this rich tapestry of “True Nature” teachings. Jed has practiced and studied with some of the best teachers in the world, his classes combine the lineages of Ashtanga yoga, classical Hatha, Vinyasa flow with Kundalini kriyas, to offer a powerful union of traditional yoga woven into a beautiful philosophy and framed in the traditions…

Jennifer Jamieson, Compassionate Yoga

Jennifer Jamieson, RYT 200, RYT 500 and IYAT Yoga Therapy training includes accessible/adaptive yoga, restorative yoga, strength and conditioning, Ayurvedic principles, meditation, and mindfulness. Jennifer, a single mom, finds that her yoga practice benefits her most by being present, especially with her family and friends. She teaches compassionate, accessible yoga.

Jonathon Miller Weisberger ~ Ethnobotanist

Ethnobotanist Jonathon Miller Weisberger has spent the past twenty-nine years studying rainforest plant medicine traditions. Since 1996 he has organized biannual “Rainforest Medicine Councils,” experiential workshops journeys, for “Personal, community and Planetary Renewal,” that have offered participants an intimate opportunity to meet and learn from cultural adepts, the mighty rainforest and the omnipotent plant teachers! His book “Rainforest Medicine – Preserving Indigenous Science and Biodiversity in the Upper Amazon” was published in 2013 (www.rainforestmedicine.net) He is the steward of Ocean Forest Ecolodge, where he lives most of the year, guiding rainforest experiences, tending the garden and overseeing operations.

Julian Keenan Grow L.Ac.

Julian Keenan Grow is an acupuncturist, herbalist and MSTOM. He is the founder of Sacred Silence Acupuncture, a private acupuncture clinic in Brooklyn and Sacred Silence Medicinals. Julian also performs community acupuncture at Bedstuy Acupuncture and Massage. Julian’s passion for the archaic roots of acupuncture and Chinese medicine originating as a shamanic art allow him a deep understanding of the multileveled, physical, psycho-somatic (emotional), and spiritual aspects of the healing process. One that aims at empowering the individual and that views acupuncture as an initiative catalyst for empowerment and integration of heart, body, mind and soul. He is a New…

Liz Heron - Multi-dimensional mentor

Liz Heron, Ed.D., is a multi dimensional educator and mentor with over 40 years experience. She supports people on the path to personal discovery and interpersonal well being. To have Liz with us as people person on board these January councils is an absolute honor. Her presence as a mentor and someone to speak with, will undeniably be greatly appreciated!

Madeline Lynch, Therapeutic Art and Wellness Massage

      Madeline Lynch is a traveling artist and licensed massage therapist who uses art as a vehicle for healing, integration, personal empowerment, and self-expression. Madeline received her BA in Studio Art and Philosophy from American University in Washington, D.C., completing her Masters degree, in Psychology from the Teachers College of Columbia University in New York, where she studied the bridge between psychology and spirituality from a western perspective. As a massage therapist, Madeline is trained in Swedish and Deep Tissue techniques, myofascial release, sports massage, and spiritual & energetic Reiki healing. In her travels abroad, Madeline has made…

Margaret Zhou - Yoga

Margaret Zhou has had several years of experience as a yoga and martial arts instructor. She earned her 500-hour yoga teacher certification in 2014 and has taught community classes for all ages. Margaret also has experience as a practitioner of Japanese Shotokan karate, in which she earned a black belt in 2009, and Tae Kwon Do, in which she earned a black belt in 2017. During the day, Margaret is an environmentalist who works at the NGO International Rivers, and a new student of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences in Oakland, California. Margaret…

Milan Bell-Watts ~ Golden Goddess Getaways

Golden Goddess Getaways is the brainchild of Milan Bell-Watts and Shonna Chiles, two friends who met at yoga school and upon a kindred connection, embarked on a soul journey together across the globe. We aim to to empower and inspire women to trust their intuition, build true self confidence, understand their needs, and own their sexuality. We do this through guided classes and workshops for on sensual dance styles, yoga, personal development, and energy work for aligning body, mind, and spirit.

Nicole Nardone

“Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are a hundred ways to kneel and kiss the ground.” ~Rumi Nicole learned to read and balance chakras at the same time she was learning to tie her shoes. The spiritual realm has always been a part of her life. Raised around yogis, healers, and wild women, Nicole has a strong background in all things Sacred. Kundalini Yoga was a natural fit when she discovered it in 2003. It took all her childhood learning and training to another level. It was here she experienced all the trauma and drama melt…

Rosie Peacock ~ Psychedelic Integration Coach & Yoga Teacher

Rosie Peacock is a Psychedelic Integration Coach, Positive Psychologist and Coaching Psychologist (MSc) and a Yoga & Meditation Teacher from the UK. Her work in wellbeing and psychedelics has been featured in OK! Magazine, The Metro, Planet Mindful, Thrive Global, Authority, Untamed Soul Magazine and more. You can find out more on her website www.rosiepeacock.com and you can also connect with her on Instagram @iamrosipeacock and on Facebook.

Sally Landefeld – Yoga & Meditation

Sally teaches Vinyasa style yoga with added elements of Kundalini breath work, as well as influences from ancient sacred dance, curated to activate the deepest and richest parts of your being. She has practiced yoga for over 10 years and formally trained to teach in her hometown, Seattle, at the beginning of 2019. She has taught yoga to many body types since receiving her certification, including the Seattle Seawolves professional men’s rugby team and her elderly friends. Sally offers an approachable yet deep practice to integrate your mind, body, and spirit through breath and movement, to enrich your healing and…

Scott Crawford

Scott Crawford ~ Aloha Spirit

Scott Crawford has been on the plant medicine path and a supporter of Jonathon’s work since first becoming friends in 1993. Scott is a practitioner of Hawaiian cultural and spiritual traditions, and is knowledgeable in medicinal and other uses of tropical plants. He is a dedicated community organizer around food security, ocean management, and land conservation. Scott serves the Rainforest Medicine Councils as a group facilitator, ensuring clear communication, scheduling and leading activities, assisting with participants’ needs as they may arise, and serving as a helper in the ceremonies.

Shonna Chiles ~ Golden Goddess Getaways

Golden Goddess Getaways is the brainchild of Milan Bell-Watts and Shonna Chiles, two friends who met at yoga school and upon a kindred connection, embarked on a soul journey together across the globe. We aim to to empower and inspire women to trust their intuition, build true self confidence, understand their needs, and own their sexuality. We do this through guided classes and workshops for on sensual dance styles, yoga, personal development, and energy work for aligning body, mind, and spirit.

Walter Grefa - Kichwa chef and Rainforest Guide

Walter Grefa, is a Kichwa native from the jungle town of Archidona, in Amazonian Ecuador. Walter is a skilled chef who creates amazing dishes from the foods he gathers in the forest. He has worked for over a decade as a chef at various Amazonian lodges. It is a high joy to have him with us as our chef on board during this gathering. His company is excellent and he is a highly skilled rainforest guide.

Yoga & Meditation with Rachel G

  Rachel G has been a certified Yoga Instructor since 2003, when her first teacher inspired her to find Yoga as a way to develop a deeper understanding of self and connect with the rhythm of the breath to create change within ourselves and our communities. Rachel Continued her studies with her current teachers Nicki Doane and Eddie Modestini at Maya Yoga she has since completed over 1300+ hours Teacher Training, which fuses the classical styles of Iyengar and Ashtanga Yoga. Rachel’s classes combines all traditional teachings of movement meditation and pranayama to allow each individual to discover there own…

Zamboni Funk ~ Astrologer

Zamboni Funk is an herbalist and astrologer in NYC who has been formally studying astrology since 2016. He offers forecasts daily and weekly on Instagram @ZamboniFunk, following the rhythmic cycles presented by the cosmos and (hopefully) helping folks to ride that beat. More info is available on his website ZamboniFunk.com or his Patreon page patreon.com/zambonifunk