WISDOM OF THE INDIGENOUS ELDERS
The Indigenous peoples of our world have lived in harmony with the natural environment for thousands of years. The wise elders of these traditions have much to teach us about our role as custodians of the earth and about the central importance of spiritual growth to a life lived well. Learning to take only what we need, to waste little, to honour our ancestors, to listen to our bodies and to the natural world are but some of the teachings these wise elders can share with us. At AYA Healing Retreats, we recognise the sacredness of these teachings and we draw from this generational wisdom passed down through the centuries to offer a powerful, authentic and life-changing healing experience.
We are blessed to have our curanderos / curanderas bring their expert knowledge of sacred plant medicines to our retreat center. Their primary role is to guide participants in directing the energy flow of the plant medicines, paving the way for a profound healing experience.
Shipibo Curandero
Shipibo Curandera
Shipibo Curandera
Maestro Matsé
For ourselves and for the environment
For ourselves and others as we prepare to face our truth
For the ancient wisdom and sacred healing traditions of the peoples of the Amazon Basin
To our healing journey and to the replanting and regeneration of native plant medicines
With our guests and non-for profit partners
For the healing we experience, the opportunities we have in life and the generosity of the indigenous peoples of the Peruvian Amazon
Sacred plant medicine healing can be a confronting experience. You will likely feel a variety of distressing emotions and be faced with shadow aspects of your personality and upsetting memories. The confrontation with these uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and visions can cause us to panic, feel fear, to cry, scream and to vomit. Whilst uncomfortable, for the body to purge past trauma it must first have a chance to detoxify and rid itself of all that is preventing deep and enduring healing to occur.
The role of our facilitators, who all have extensive experience in sacred plant medicines and various psychological and creative therapies is to support you to locate the courage you need to move through the difficulty. Their primary role is to ensure your wellbeing. Our facilitators will create a loving, compassionate space in which all participants feel safe, respected and free to express themselves authentically.
Lead Facilitator
Facilitator, Women’s group
Lead Facilitator
Facilitator
Facilitator
Facilitator
Facilitator
Facilitator
Medical Doctor, Cardiologist, Facilitator
Facilitator
Lead Facilitator
Facilitator
Our new home and the location for the majority of our Ayahuasca Retreats. We are very grateful to be able to share this incredible healing space with many rare plant spirits in the area which are great teachers and catalysts for your healing journey and self actualization.
Sacred plant medicine is a tool for realising profound spiritual, emotional and physical healing. These traditional medicines are gifts; gifts that over centuries have been cultivated and used by the indigenous tribespeople of the Amazon Basin to transform lives. As the direct recipients of this healing it is our social and personal responsibility to ensure that we use our new-found knowledge, wellness and transformation for good.
AYA Healing Retreats is committed to creating a more compassionate, safe and equal world. Which is why we support one extraordinary humanitarian project.
The Shipibo people have a population of between 35,000 and 40,000 people and are one of the largest and most resilient tribes in the Peruvian Amazon. Today, the Shipibo live in approximately 150 small communities nestled along the Ucayali River. Around 1600, Spanish missionaries first began to flood the Amazon rainforest, looking to convert the Shipibo to Christianity and to colonise the region. The Shipibo resisted and it wasn’t until 1950’s that Christian missionaries attempted once more, with varying degrees of success to convert the Shipibo people. The Shipibo people are a resilient tribe, and despite numerous attacks on their culture and traditions, they have retained their traditional knowledge and customs.
The Shipibo people are deeply respected for their knowledge of the sacred plant medicines, ceremony and their spiritual connection to the rainforest environment. Traditionally, the Shipibo women, or Shipiba’s are artisans and are responsible for creating intricate and beautiful pottery, textiles and jewellery. The ceremonial songs, or Icaros and the energy that the songs produce is used to inspire the visual aesthetics of the Shipibo’s textiles, resulting in designs that are truly unique and hypnotic.
Several terrible political policies in the past have led to widespread degradation of the Shipibo’s natural environment. Increasing pollution of the waterways, unsustainable palm oil plantations, oil spills and the predominance of multinational oil and timber companies is an unrelenting threat to the Shipibo people. With this is mind, AYA Healing Retreats is committed to not contributing to the devastation of the Shipibo people that has been legislated by the Peruvian government for decades. We are committed to supporting the Shipibo people’s right to self-determination and to contributing what we can to restoring the vitality of the Amazon Rainforest.
Don Miguel was born into a Shipibo community called Roaboya on the River Ucayali. When Don Miguel was a child, Angel Sanchez Vargas, his grandfather was the community’s curandero. Vargas was an expert in sacred plant medicines and was frequently called upon to heal and share his spiritual wisdom with members of Roaboya. The school built some years later was named after Vargas and Roaboya went on to be recognised as the first indigenous community 114 years ago. Don Miguel grew up surrounded by the Shipibo wisdom and possess intimate knowledge of the sacred plant medicines. At a very young age he began his apprenticeship as a curandero through plant dietas under the supportive guidance of his grandfather. Miguel is also a trained literature professor and thoroughly enjoys teaching the Shipibo language and culture. Since 2012, Don Miguel has spent the bulk of his time leading lectures, workshops, initiation courses and retreats. Don Miguel will lead our Ayahuasca ceremonies, circle discussions and be available for personal consultations whilst on retreat.
Don Miguel was born into a Shipibo community called Roaboya on the River Ucayali. When Don Miguel was a child, Angel Sanchez Vargas, his grandfather was the community’s curandero. Vargas was an expert in sacred plant medicines and was frequently called upon to heal and share his spiritual wisdom with members of Roaboya. The school built some years later was named after Vargas and Roaboya went on to be recognised as the first indigenous community 114 years ago. Don Miguel grew up surrounded by the Shipibo wisdom and possess intimate knowledge of the sacred plant medicines. At a very young age he began his apprenticeship as a curandero through plant dietas under the supportive guidance of his grandfather. Miguel is also a trained literature professor and thoroughly enjoys teaching the Shipibo language and culture. Since 2012, Don Miguel has spent the bulk of his time leading lectures, workshops, initiation courses and retreats. Don Miguel will lead our Ayahuasca ceremonies, circle discussions and be available for personal consultations whilst on retreat.
Maestra Juana was born into the Shipibo community of Pahoyan, one of the most powerful Shipibo healing lineages in the Peruvian Amazon. She is around 60 years old, however her exact age is unknown.She has been studying for more than 35 years under Maestra Manuela, Papa Gilberto and Papa Bejamin, who are all members of the highly-respected curandero family, the Mahua family. Juana began her dieta on the mythical Amazonian tree Noya Rao when she was just 20 years old and has dedicated her life to the path of healing ever since. Juana is also very learned in the workings of the human body, possessing an excellent knowledge of the bones and skeletal system. Juana specialises in bone massage and will be available on the Noya Rao retreat to provide our guests with this unique healing experience. We are delighted to have Juana’s expertise, depth of wisdom and fun loving spirit with us on the Noya Rao retreat.
Maestra Juana was born into the Shipibo community of Pahoyan, one of the most powerful Shipibo healing lineages in the Peruvian Amazon. She is around 60 years old, however her exact age is unknown.She has been studying for more than 35 years under Maestra Manuela, Papa Gilberto and Papa Bejamin, who are all members of the highly-respected curandero family, the Mahua family. Juana began her dieta on the mythical Amazonian tree Noya Rao when she was just 20 years old and has dedicated her life to the path of healing ever since. Juana is also very learned in the workings of the human body, possessing an excellent knowledge of the bones and skeletal system. Juana specialises in bone massage and will be available on the Noya Rao retreat to provide our guests with this unique healing experience. We are delighted to have Juana’s expertise, depth of wisdom and fun loving spirit with us on the Noya Rao retreat.
Maestra Olinda Nete Ave
Maestra Olinda, 59, hails from the depths of the Amazon rainforest, Pahoyan. Her path as a healer began under the guidence of her mother, the revered curandera of their community. From a young age, Olinda witnessed her mother’s profound connection to medicinal plants and the remarkable ways they were used to treat ailments ranging from snake bites to cancer.
At 16, Olinda began apprenticing with her mother, learning to hold Ayahuasca ceremonies and master the ancient healing methods passed down through their lineage. Her mother insisted on imparting the wisdom of their ancestors, preparing Olinda to continue the sacred tradition of healing their family and community.
When her mother passed away at the age of 35, Olinda embraced her role as the community’s curandera. She deepened her practice by undertaking rigorous Master Plant Dietas with powerful plants such as Noya Rao, Chiric Sanango, Bobinsana, Piñon Negro, Ajo Sacha, Chullachaqui Caspi, and Remo Caspi. These diets, guided solely by the plants themselves, became the cornerstone of her work.
Olinda’s practice stands out for its profound depth and authenticity. Unlike others who might study under various shamans, Olinda humbly credits the palo maestros (the master plants) as her only teachers. This direct connection with the plants has given her healing work a unique purity and profound effectiveness, resonating deeply with those who have sat with her.
Today, Maestra Olinda carries the legacy of her ancestors, offering transformative healing experiences and sharing the sacred knowledge of the Amazon with unwavering dedication. Her gentle yet powerful approach continues to inspire awe and gratitude in all who are fortunate to work with her.
Maestra Olinda Nete Ave
Maestra Olinda, 59, hails from the depths of the Amazon rainforest, Pahoyan. Her path as a healer began under the guidence of her mother, the revered curandera of their community. From a young age, Olinda witnessed her mother’s profound connection to medicinal plants and the remarkable ways they were used to treat ailments ranging from snake bites to cancer.
At 16, Olinda began apprenticing with her mother, learning to hold Ayahuasca ceremonies and master the ancient healing methods passed down through their lineage. Her mother insisted on imparting the wisdom of their ancestors, preparing Olinda to continue the sacred tradition of healing their family and community.
When her mother passed away at the age of 35, Olinda embraced her role as the community’s curandera. She deepened her practice by undertaking rigorous Master Plant Dietas with powerful plants such as Noya Rao, Chiric Sanango, Bobinsana, Piñon Negro, Ajo Sacha, Chullachaqui Caspi, and Remo Caspi. These diets, guided solely by the plants themselves, became the cornerstone of her work.
Olinda’s practice stands out for its profound depth and authenticity. Unlike others who might study under various shamans, Olinda humbly credits the palo maestros (the master plants) as her only teachers. This direct connection with the plants has given her healing work a unique purity and profound effectiveness, resonating deeply with those who have sat with her.
Today, Maestra Olinda carries the legacy of her ancestors, offering transformative healing experiences and sharing the sacred knowledge of the Amazon with unwavering dedication. Her gentle yet powerful approach continues to inspire awe and gratitude in all who are fortunate to work with her.
Wilder is the son of Andrés and Juana, originally Matses from Brasil, founders of the community El Paujil, at the basin of the Galvez river, in between Brasil and Perú, where he lives currently with his family.
He was raised learning traditional medicine and leadership from his father, what lead him today to be the chief of his community and legal representant of the Matse community with the goverment.
His people lives in harmony with their enviroment, surviving from fishing, little agriculture, and hunting, activity from what they are highly skilled and proud.
They also create beautiful artisan crafts that will be for sale at the market during the retreat.
Wilder is the son of Andrés and Juana, originally Matses from Brasil, founders of the community El Paujil, at the basin of the Galvez river, in between Brasil and Perú, where he lives currently with his family.
He was raised learning traditional medicine and leadership from his father, what lead him today to be the chief of his community and legal representant of the Matse community with the goverment.
His people lives in harmony with their enviroment, surviving from fishing, little agriculture, and hunting, activity from what they are highly skilled and proud.
They also create beautiful artisan crafts that will be for sale at the market during the retreat.
Elio Geusa is the founder of AYA Healing Retreats and is a qualified Social Worker with over thirteen years of experience working both on national and international humanitarian projects, supporting adults experiencing mental health and intellectual disabilities, and refugee populations throughout Asia, Europe, and Australia.
Elio believes that loving and inspired action can create meaningful change in the world.
Elio has been devoted to the path of plant medicine and Ayahuasca since 2009 and began an apprenticeship under the guidance of Maestro, Vegetalista Manaco Manai. In his long time in Peru, he has continued to deepen his knowledge, experience, and understanding of the workings of the sacred plant medicines, studying the Shipibo traditions under the revered Mahua family and has undertaken numerous Master Plant Dietas with well-respected curanderos in the Peruvian Amazon.
This immersion in the sacred plant medicines of the indigenous peoples of Peru enabled Elio to experience deep and profound healing. He has overcome crippling anxiety and anger as a result of traumatic childhood experiences and healing that trauma imprints that were not possible through the Western medical paradigm. His renewed sense of self-worth, love, compassion, and empathy for himself enables him to extend those same qualities to others.
Elio founded AYA Healing Retreats because he is convinced of the healing potentialities of sacred plant medicines. Not only does he hope to share the indigenous wisdom of the ancient traditions of the Indigenous people of the Amazon, but he also hopes to make a bigger difference by investing profits from AYA Healing Retreats into humanitarian projects that create a more compassionate world.
Elio Geusa is the founder of AYA Healing Retreats and is a qualified Social Worker with over thirteen years of experience working both on national and international humanitarian projects, supporting adults experiencing mental health and intellectual disabilities, and refugee populations throughout Asia, Europe, and Australia.
Elio believes that loving and inspired action can create meaningful change in the world.
Elio has been devoted to the path of plant medicine and Ayahuasca since 2009 and began an apprenticeship under the guidance of Maestro, Vegetalista Manaco Manai. In his long time in Peru, he has continued to deepen his knowledge, experience, and understanding of the workings of the sacred plant medicines, studying the Shipibo traditions under the revered Mahua family and has undertaken numerous Master Plant Dietas with well-respected curanderos in the Peruvian Amazon.
This immersion in the sacred plant medicines of the indigenous peoples of Peru enabled Elio to experience deep and profound healing. He has overcome crippling anxiety and anger as a result of traumatic childhood experiences and healing that trauma imprints that were not possible through the Western medical paradigm. His renewed sense of self-worth, love, compassion, and empathy for himself enables him to extend those same qualities to others.
Elio founded AYA Healing Retreats because he is convinced of the healing potentialities of sacred plant medicines. Not only does he hope to share the indigenous wisdom of the ancient traditions of the Indigenous people of the Amazon, but he also hopes to make a bigger difference by investing profits from AYA Healing Retreats into humanitarian projects that create a more compassionate world.
Dr. Catriona Wallace is a Global Ethicist, Adjunct Professor, speaker, TV personality and co-author of the book, “Checkmate Humanity: the how and why of Responsible AI.” A trailblazer in AI, the Metaverse, entrepreneurship, and the Psychedelic Renaissance, Catriona has founded multiple groundbreaking companies. Regarded as Australia’s most influential woman in business by the Australian Financial Review, and one of the world’s 50 most powerful women by the Centre of Economic and Leadership Development in the UK. An internationally sought-after commentator, Catriona offers invaluable insights into the future of humanity and technology, and also captivated audiences as a “Shark” on Shark Tank Australia in 2023.
Catriona is also a trained Plant Medicine guide, working in the field of Leadership Transformation. Catriona’s expertise spans emerging technologies, innovation, leadership, ethical practices and Plant Medicines.
More at Dr. Catriona Wallace https://drcatrionawallace.com
Dr. Catriona Wallace is a Global Ethicist, Adjunct Professor, speaker, TV personality and co-author of the book, “Checkmate Humanity: the how and why of Responsible AI.” A trailblazer in AI, the Metaverse, entrepreneurship, and the Psychedelic Renaissance, Catriona has founded multiple groundbreaking companies. Regarded as Australia’s most influential woman in business by the Australian Financial Review, and one of the world’s 50 most powerful women by the Centre of Economic and Leadership Development in the UK. An internationally sought-after commentator, Catriona offers invaluable insights into the future of humanity and technology, and also captivated audiences as a “Shark” on Shark Tank Australia in 2023.
Catriona is also a trained Plant Medicine guide, working in the field of Leadership Transformation. Catriona’s expertise spans emerging technologies, innovation, leadership, ethical practices and Plant Medicines.
More at Dr. Catriona Wallace https://drcatrionawallace.com
Hailing from her native Singapore, has over 15 years of experience healing trauma through yoga, mindfulness, art, and counseling. Atira holds a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy from La Trobe University, Melbourne, and has been featured on TEDx. She is also the founder of Art to Healing and the international Yogathon event, Yoga for Freedom. Her work is dedicated to trauma recovery, supporting individuals and communities through therapeutic and healing practices.
Atira has worked extensively throughout Asia and Australia, spearheading programs that empower women and girls who have survived sexual abuse and exploitation in the sex trafficking industry. Since 2004, she has designed and implemented trauma-informed art therapy, somatic healing, and mindfulness programs for vulnerable populations, partnering with international organizations to bring these modalities to refugee camps in Burma, war zones in Cambodia, the brothels of Kathmandu, post-earthquake recovery efforts in Nepal, and remote Aboriginal communities in Australia.
Mentorship at AYA Healing Retreats
Atira now serves as Mentor for Facilitators and Practitioners at AYA Healing Retreats, playing a pivotal role in the development and training of trauma-informed facilitators and healers. Through structured mentorship, supervision, and guidance, she ensures that the AYA Healing team maintains the highest ethical, professional, and trauma-sensitive standards in their work with plant medicine. Her mentorship program provides practitioners with ongoing support, reflective practices, and skills refinement, fostering a safe and integrity-driven healing environment for all participants.
In addition, she has trained extensively in trauma recovery approaches, including Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Neuroaffective Touch, and Polyvagal Theory, and is currently training as a Womb Surround Facilitator.
As the Founder and Clinical Director of Art to Healing, Atira has developed groundbreaking trauma recovery programs for sex-trafficked survivors in Asia, pioneering research on the efficacy of Somatic Experiencing, Creative Art Therapies, and Reproductive Health Education in empowering BIPOC survivors of gender-based violence and complex trauma. She also co-developed and delivered the first-ever Somatic Experiencing Trauma Resolution training for sex-trafficked survivors in collaboration with SETI and Lotus Circle International.
Atira is deeply committed to fostering transformative healing experiences, integrating cutting-edge trauma therapies with ancient wisdom traditions to support practitioners, facilitators, and participants on their healing paths.
Hailing from her native Singapore, has over 15 years of experience healing trauma through yoga, mindfulness, art, and counseling. Atira holds a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy from La Trobe University, Melbourne, and has been featured on TEDx. She is also the founder of Art to Healing and the international Yogathon event, Yoga for Freedom. Her work is dedicated to trauma recovery, supporting individuals and communities through therapeutic and healing practices.
Atira has worked extensively throughout Asia and Australia, spearheading programs that empower women and girls who have survived sexual abuse and exploitation in the sex trafficking industry. Since 2004, she has designed and implemented trauma-informed art therapy, somatic healing, and mindfulness programs for vulnerable populations, partnering with international organizations to bring these modalities to refugee camps in Burma, war zones in Cambodia, the brothels of Kathmandu, post-earthquake recovery efforts in Nepal, and remote Aboriginal communities in Australia.
Mentorship at AYA Healing Retreats
Atira now serves as Mentor for Facilitators and Practitioners at AYA Healing Retreats, playing a pivotal role in the development and training of trauma-informed facilitators and healers. Through structured mentorship, supervision, and guidance, she ensures that the AYA Healing team maintains the highest ethical, professional, and trauma-sensitive standards in their work with plant medicine. Her mentorship program provides practitioners with ongoing support, reflective practices, and skills refinement, fostering a safe and integrity-driven healing environment for all participants.
In addition, she has trained extensively in trauma recovery approaches, including Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Neuroaffective Touch, and Polyvagal Theory, and is currently training as a Womb Surround Facilitator.
As the Founder and Clinical Director of Art to Healing, Atira has developed groundbreaking trauma recovery programs for sex-trafficked survivors in Asia, pioneering research on the efficacy of Somatic Experiencing, Creative Art Therapies, and Reproductive Health Education in empowering BIPOC survivors of gender-based violence and complex trauma. She also co-developed and delivered the first-ever Somatic Experiencing Trauma Resolution training for sex-trafficked survivors in collaboration with SETI and Lotus Circle International.
Atira is deeply committed to fostering transformative healing experiences, integrating cutting-edge trauma therapies with ancient wisdom traditions to support practitioners, facilitators, and participants on their healing paths.
Kris has been living for seven years in the Peruvian Amazon. Originally from Barcelona, she followed a calling to be of service to the indigenous elders. As soon as she arrived, Kris deeply immersed herself in the traditional knowledge of the rainforest.
She was an on-site facilitator and administrator for an Ayahuasca retreat center for five years. Her role enabled Kris to work closely with Ayahuasca and other plant medicines, facilitating Ayahuasca retreats and plant medicine dietas. She helped participants integrate and process their experiences and made sure the retreats ran smoothly.
For the past six years, Kris has forged a deep and very close relationship with the Matses tribe, who initiated and taught her how to work traditionally with Kambo.
During her time in the rainforest, Kris has worked and collaborated with many powerful curanderos from different lineages and tribes, giving her a broad depth of knowledge about Amazonian plant medicines.
Those experiences ignited a passionate love for Amazonian herbalism, and she has dived deep into plant medicine alchemy for the past seven years.
Kris currently works at Aya Healing Retreats, facilitating the groups and establishing a deep connection with the local Shipibo community.
She also offers Amazonian Herbalism training courses and has started her apothecary creating pure essences from these Amazonian plants and Master Plants.
Kris is a solid bridge keeper between the indigenous cultures and practices of the Amazon, and the West, bringing a unique perspective from her direct experience.
Kris is a strong jungle medicine woman with a kind heart that is always ready to help those in need; she is a faithful caretaker of the forest and the indigenous traditions.
Kris has been living for seven years in the Peruvian Amazon. Originally from Barcelona, she followed a calling to be of service to the indigenous elders. As soon as she arrived, Kris deeply immersed herself in the traditional knowledge of the rainforest.
She was an on-site facilitator and administrator for an Ayahuasca retreat center for five years. Her role enabled Kris to work closely with Ayahuasca and other plant medicines, facilitating Ayahuasca retreats and plant medicine dietas. She helped participants integrate and process their experiences and made sure the retreats ran smoothly.
For the past six years, Kris has forged a deep and very close relationship with the Matses tribe, who initiated and taught her how to work traditionally with Kambo.
During her time in the rainforest, Kris has worked and collaborated with many powerful curanderos from different lineages and tribes, giving her a broad depth of knowledge about Amazonian plant medicines.
Those experiences ignited a passionate love for Amazonian herbalism, and she has dived deep into plant medicine alchemy for the past seven years.
Kris currently works at Aya Healing Retreats, facilitating the groups and establishing a deep connection with the local Shipibo community.
She also offers Amazonian Herbalism training courses and has started her apothecary creating pure essences from these Amazonian plants and Master Plants.
Kris is a solid bridge keeper between the indigenous cultures and practices of the Amazon, and the West, bringing a unique perspective from her direct experience.
Kris is a strong jungle medicine woman with a kind heart that is always ready to help those in need; she is a faithful caretaker of the forest and the indigenous traditions.
Born in the United States, Adelina began her healing path at the young age of 5 with deep initiations through the womb. Modern-day medicine saved her life and would later unfold her dharma. Rooted in her Native American and Italian heritage, she began communing with the dreamworld and spirits in her early teens. She has always felt deeply guided by her ancestors. In 2011, Adelina graduated from university with a Bachelor’s in Human Behavior and Health Education, intending to attend medical school. She instead enrolled in Massage School and now specializes in modalities such as Polarity, Neuromuscular Therapy, and Trauma Bodywork. Shortly after, she was then guided to Peru and received her 200 RYT in the Sacred Valley in 2015. On this trip, she met the Ancient Mother, Ayahuasca, which changed the course of her life path.
She received many instructions from this plant teacher and shared deep prayers of gratitude. Following the call, Adelina traveled to the sacred lands of Mount Shasta to complete her facilitation certification in Clarity Breathwork. The sacred medicine continued to speak with her in dreams until she met with her again and full trust of this path was born. She has spent the past 3 years assisting in circles and helping in ceremonies. After holding space for so many, she began to realize the importance of grounded integration while working with such intelligent plant allies. This led to an in-depth focus on somatic studies, attachment theory, non-violent communication, and mind-body practices. Coming from a bloodline of addiction and sexual trauma, a lot came to surface while studying. She returned to the amazon to sit with Maestra Juanita and the Master Plant Noya Rao at AYA Healing Retreat Center in 2019 – where her respect for this path deepened even more.
Adelina is now focused on supporting people as they move through their traumas, addictions, ancestral conditions, and unaligned habits. She travels creating sacred spaces through sound healing, dance, breath-work, and somatic body awareness to help reprogram the subconscious. She is fully committed to helping people prepare and integrate their experiences with these ancient plants. Forever a student, she bows in deep gratitude to these sacred medicines and the lineages that hold them in protection.
For more about Adelina: www.adelinavaughn.com
“Through the heart, all can be healed”
Born in the United States, Adelina began her healing path at the young age of 5 with deep initiations through the womb. Modern-day medicine saved her life and would later unfold her dharma. Rooted in her Native American and Italian heritage, she began communing with the dreamworld and spirits in her early teens. She has always felt deeply guided by her ancestors. In 2011, Adelina graduated from university with a Bachelor’s in Human Behavior and Health Education, intending to attend medical school. She instead enrolled in Massage School and now specializes in modalities such as Polarity, Neuromuscular Therapy, and Trauma Bodywork. Shortly after, she was then guided to Peru and received her 200 RYT in the Sacred Valley in 2015. On this trip, she met the Ancient Mother, Ayahuasca, which changed the course of her life path.
She received many instructions from this plant teacher and shared deep prayers of gratitude. Following the call, Adelina traveled to the sacred lands of Mount Shasta to complete her facilitation certification in Clarity Breathwork. The sacred medicine continued to speak with her in dreams until she met with her again and full trust of this path was born. She has spent the past 3 years assisting in circles and helping in ceremonies. After holding space for so many, she began to realize the importance of grounded integration while working with such intelligent plant allies. This led to an in-depth focus on somatic studies, attachment theory, non-violent communication, and mind-body practices. Coming from a bloodline of addiction and sexual trauma, a lot came to surface while studying. She returned to the amazon to sit with Maestra Juanita and the Master Plant Noya Rao at AYA Healing Retreat Center in 2019 – where her respect for this path deepened even more.
Adelina is now focused on supporting people as they move through their traumas, addictions, ancestral conditions, and unaligned habits. She travels creating sacred spaces through sound healing, dance, breath-work, and somatic body awareness to help reprogram the subconscious. She is fully committed to helping people prepare and integrate their experiences with these ancient plants. Forever a student, she bows in deep gratitude to these sacred medicines and the lineages that hold them in protection.
For more about Adelina: www.adelinavaughn.com
“Through the heart, all can be healed”
Mariana Gutierrez (Mariri) is a trauma-informed plant medicine and kambo facilitator, sound healer, herbalist, yoga instructor, and sound engineer. She is passionate about guiding individuals in connecting to their voices as a powerful tool for healing and enhancing plant communication through improvisational, intentional, and somatic sounding.
She hosts and co-hosts various healing and wellness retreats assisting participants on their healing journeys by safely guiding them through expanded states of consciousness. Her ultimate goal is to help individuals tap into their empowered selves, find their true voices, and discover the healing power that lies within themselves.
Mariana Gutierrez (Mariri) is a trauma-informed plant medicine and kambo facilitator, sound healer, herbalist, yoga instructor, and sound engineer. She is passionate about guiding individuals in connecting to their voices as a powerful tool for healing and enhancing plant communication through improvisational, intentional, and somatic sounding.
She hosts and co-hosts various healing and wellness retreats assisting participants on their healing journeys by safely guiding them through expanded states of consciousness. Her ultimate goal is to help individuals tap into their empowered selves, find their true voices, and discover the healing power that lies within themselves.
Born in Aotearoa, New Zealand, Lara has spent 8 years studying with plant medicines in the Peruvian Amazon. She also co-founded an ayahuasca retreat centre where she has supported hundreds of people on their healing journeys.
She is a devoted student of the rose, with a strong connection to the Venusian priestess lineages and feminine mystery schools. Her other passions include folk herbalism, embodiment, trauma informed care, myth, astrology and tantra yoga.
Lara loves to laugh and with her grounded, compassionate energy supports others to feel both empowered and at ease.
Born in Aotearoa, New Zealand, Lara has spent 8 years studying with plant medicines in the Peruvian Amazon. She also co-founded an ayahuasca retreat centre where she has supported hundreds of people on their healing journeys.
She is a devoted student of the rose, with a strong connection to the Venusian priestess lineages and feminine mystery schools. Her other passions include folk herbalism, embodiment, trauma informed care, myth, astrology and tantra yoga.
Lara loves to laugh and with her grounded, compassionate energy supports others to feel both empowered and at ease.
Mathis was raised in Switzerland and has dedicated much of his life to traveling the globe. He currently serves as a plant medicine facilitator with over 7 years of experience in studying and applying entheogenic medicines. His sincere commitment lies in guiding individuals towards their genuine state of being and facilitating healing through various modalities, including body movement, sound healing, and medicine music.
Having honed his musical prowess as a professional musician touring worldwide for more than a decade, Mathis is passionate about integrating his personally composed medicine music into ceremonies while also imparting ancestral musical practices to access profound states of self-awareness.
Mathis’s specialization predominantly resides in the Shipibo tradition of Ayahuasca, complemented by training in the Chavin tradition with San Pedro. He consistently embarks on pilgrimages to the sacred sites of Peru, continuously deepening his knowledge and devotion to guiding others through their transformative journeys with ancestral medicines.
Mathis was raised in Switzerland and has dedicated much of his life to traveling the globe. He currently serves as a plant medicine facilitator with over 7 years of experience in studying and applying entheogenic medicines. His sincere commitment lies in guiding individuals towards their genuine state of being and facilitating healing through various modalities, including body movement, sound healing, and medicine music.
Having honed his musical prowess as a professional musician touring worldwide for more than a decade, Mathis is passionate about integrating his personally composed medicine music into ceremonies while also imparting ancestral musical practices to access profound states of self-awareness.
Mathis’s specialization predominantly resides in the Shipibo tradition of Ayahuasca, complemented by training in the Chavin tradition with San Pedro. He consistently embarks on pilgrimages to the sacred sites of Peru, continuously deepening his knowledge and devotion to guiding others through their transformative journeys with ancestral medicines.
Anna was born in the United States and is currently based in the Andes of Southern Peru. She is an alternative health advocate, healing is her passion. Anna has devoted her life to healing and continued health education. She offers her clients tools of self-realization and personal empowerment. Anna’s primary focus is on plant-based medicine, yoga, qigong, and music. From an early age, Anna gravitated toward the healing arts. She knew through her own healing and self-discovery that her life’s work and personal fulfillment would be helping others.In 2010 her eight-year path of holistic healing and alternative medicine began at the Ashland Institute of Massage. Soon after she began working with Native American teachers learning Shamanistic rituals; she built on her newfound knowledge through the study of the healing practices across the world; earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Education and Native American Studies from Southern Oregon University in 2014. In late 2014 Anna felt the pull to focus on the ancient rituals of the Amazon. Traveling to Peru in August she had her first introduction to the profound healing capabilities of Ayahuasca. While Peru would eventually become her home; Anna continued to travel extensively through North, Central, and South America on a journey to connect with as many ancient rituals and practices as possible. Along the way, she discovered a natural ability to bridge culture, backgrounds, and unique personalities with the healing powers of the Amazon. By maintaining a strong personal practice of daily meditation and yoga that she learned in India; Anna has also been fortunate enough to share her knowledge of yoga and qigong with others for the last seven years. The foundation of Anna’s life is love, joy, and balance. She has enjoyed the opportunity to collect many ancient healing songs from around the world and is looking forward to releasing her first healing album in the near future.
“The healing plants of the Amazon have opened up my life and expanded my mind to amazing possibilities and opportunities. It’s a joy that this path opened to me, and an honor that I can share this healing with others”
Anna was born in the United States and is currently based in the Andes of Southern Peru. She is an alternative health advocate, healing is her passion. Anna has devoted her life to healing and continued health education. She offers her clients tools of self-realization and personal empowerment. Anna’s primary focus is on plant-based medicine, yoga, qigong, and music. From an early age, Anna gravitated toward the healing arts. She knew through her own healing and self-discovery that her life’s work and personal fulfillment would be helping others.In 2010 her eight-year path of holistic healing and alternative medicine began at the Ashland Institute of Massage. Soon after she began working with Native American teachers learning Shamanistic rituals; she built on her newfound knowledge through the study of the healing practices across the world; earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Education and Native American Studies from Southern Oregon University in 2014. In late 2014 Anna felt the pull to focus on the ancient rituals of the Amazon. Traveling to Peru in August she had her first introduction to the profound healing capabilities of Ayahuasca. While Peru would eventually become her home; Anna continued to travel extensively through North, Central, and South America on a journey to connect with as many ancient rituals and practices as possible. Along the way, she discovered a natural ability to bridge culture, backgrounds, and unique personalities with the healing powers of the Amazon. By maintaining a strong personal practice of daily meditation and yoga that she learned in India; Anna has also been fortunate enough to share her knowledge of yoga and qigong with others for the last seven years. The foundation of Anna’s life is love, joy, and balance. She has enjoyed the opportunity to collect many ancient healing songs from around the world and is looking forward to releasing her first healing album in the near future.
“The healing plants of the Amazon have opened up my life and expanded my mind to amazing possibilities and opportunities. It’s a joy that this path opened to me, and an honor that I can share this healing with others”
I am Shika. I am born in Canada and ancestral roots from the Island of St.Lucia. My intention is bring souls home to self through the healing of plants, somatic healing, connecting with the wisdom of the elders, community and working with the elements. Also, helping other being connect with their unique gifts and share it with this world.
Started my jounrey as a public relations and marketing director at a young age. After going through physical trauma, my whole life got turned upside down and by body began to shut down. I then started to have more vivide dreams that I head before, but after the events that happened they felt more of a reality. Yet did I know, it was aya speaking me and healing me in my dreams. I spoke toa friend and eventraully found out the women I was dreaming of was, the grandmother medicine.
Then I decided to sit with aya and through that first experience and since then my life has been a jounrey of coming home to my self again and again and again. This brings me to the doors that opened and what has happened for the past 7+ years that brought me to guide souls back home too.
I am a breathwork facilitator trained by Sacred Breath Academy. I went through a 1.5 years training learning how to regulate the nervous system in a trauma informed way while helping souls integrate plant medicine ceremonies with breathwork.
I also support other plant medicines as well such as hape, flowers, herbs, sananga and mushrooms. After being able to heal my PTSD, endometroisis, candida, trauma, chronic pain, insomnia, addiction, depression and anxiety with these plants, it has brought me back to the ancient wisdom of my ancestors and and nature again and again. I am continuing my studies in Herbal medicine with Ecovercity and continuing to offer support to souls feeling called to work with the plants and their truth and divinity through 1:1 healing, retreats and the Earth Dhrama Program ( teaching souls to step into their dharma with the support of community, nature and the elements).
More about Shika Chica: www.shikachica.com
I am Shika. I am born in Canada and ancestral roots from the Island of St.Lucia. My intention is bring souls home to self through the healing of plants, somatic healing, connecting with the wisdom of the elders, community and working with the elements. Also, helping other being connect with their unique gifts and share it with this world.
Started my jounrey as a public relations and marketing director at a young age. After going through physical trauma, my whole life got turned upside down and by body began to shut down. I then started to have more vivide dreams that I head before, but after the events that happened they felt more of a reality. Yet did I know, it was aya speaking me and healing me in my dreams. I spoke toa friend and eventraully found out the women I was dreaming of was, the grandmother medicine.
Then I decided to sit with aya and through that first experience and since then my life has been a jounrey of coming home to my self again and again and again. This brings me to the doors that opened and what has happened for the past 7+ years that brought me to guide souls back home too.
I am a breathwork facilitator trained by Sacred Breath Academy. I went through a 1.5 years training learning how to regulate the nervous system in a trauma informed way while helping souls integrate plant medicine ceremonies with breathwork.
I also support other plant medicines as well such as hape, flowers, herbs, sananga and mushrooms. After being able to heal my PTSD, endometroisis, candida, trauma, chronic pain, insomnia, addiction, depression and anxiety with these plants, it has brought me back to the ancient wisdom of my ancestors and and nature again and again. I am continuing my studies in Herbal medicine with Ecovercity and continuing to offer support to souls feeling called to work with the plants and their truth and divinity through 1:1 healing, retreats and the Earth Dhrama Program ( teaching souls to step into their dharma with the support of community, nature and the elements).
More about Shika Chica: www.shikachica.com
Marco has a rich artistic background in commercial design and illustration, having worked in the advertising and publishing industries. For the past 14 years, he has dedicated himself to exploring and experiencing the ways of Amazonian vegetalismo and the traditions of the Peruvian Loreto region. From a young age, Marco has been deeply aware of his spiritual journey—a genuine interest that began with curiosity and grew into a lifelong fascination.
Strongly influenced by Western Esoteric traditions and his Catholic upbringing, Marco continuously sought deeper truths. This pursuit led him to the dhamma of the Theravada traditions of Southeast Asia. His spiritual path included extensive travels through China, eastern Tibet, India, Thailand, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
To gain a more profound understanding of Buddhist traditions and their historical connections to pre-Himalayan influences, Marco gravitated toward the Tantric practices of Tibet. A pivotal moment came during a unique event in Himachal Pradesh, India, where he and fellow students were initiated into the Kalachakra Tantra by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Drawn by the rich culture and ancestral wisdom of Peru, Marco made it his permanent home in 1995. After living in Lima and exploring the coast and highlands, it was the majestic Amazon and its mysteries that truly captivated him. The symbolic confluence of the Amazon’s two great rivers mirrored his own spiritual journey into the unknown.
Marco’s first encounter with Ayahuasca in 2009 in Iquitos was transformative, quickly becoming a cornerstone of his practice. By mid-2010, he began dieting with Ernesto Garcia, which deepened his understanding of plant medicine and took his journey to another level.
Over the years, Marco has facilitated ceremonies at retreats such as Nature’s Hospital and Amaru Spirit. After a brief leave beginning in 2013, he returned to Iquitos in February 2017 to administer and facilitate at Gaia Tree retreats. Despite the two-year hiatus during the pandemic, Marco continued his personal work and resumed facilitation at Amaru Spirit in late 2021, staying there until the end of 2023.
Throughout his time facilitating retreats, Marco has worked closely with Shipibo maestros and developed a deep respect for their ways, though he humbly acknowledges there is always more to learn.
In 2024, Marco has focused on witnessing the global impact of plant medicine, facilitating retreats with his partner and continuing to deepen his understanding of this work.
For Marco, facilitation is about paying close attention to detail, practicing patience and respect, and being present in his own inner process. His approach centers on creating a safe, grounded space for others who, like him, are navigating their personal journeys toward growth and transformation.
Marco has a rich artistic background in commercial design and illustration, having worked in the advertising and publishing industries. For the past 14 years, he has dedicated himself to exploring and experiencing the ways of Amazonian vegetalismo and the traditions of the Peruvian Loreto region. From a young age, Marco has been deeply aware of his spiritual journey—a genuine interest that began with curiosity and grew into a lifelong fascination.
Strongly influenced by Western Esoteric traditions and his Catholic upbringing, Marco continuously sought deeper truths. This pursuit led him to the dhamma of the Theravada traditions of Southeast Asia. His spiritual path included extensive travels through China, eastern Tibet, India, Thailand, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
To gain a more profound understanding of Buddhist traditions and their historical connections to pre-Himalayan influences, Marco gravitated toward the Tantric practices of Tibet. A pivotal moment came during a unique event in Himachal Pradesh, India, where he and fellow students were initiated into the Kalachakra Tantra by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Drawn by the rich culture and ancestral wisdom of Peru, Marco made it his permanent home in 1995. After living in Lima and exploring the coast and highlands, it was the majestic Amazon and its mysteries that truly captivated him. The symbolic confluence of the Amazon’s two great rivers mirrored his own spiritual journey into the unknown.
Marco’s first encounter with Ayahuasca in 2009 in Iquitos was transformative, quickly becoming a cornerstone of his practice. By mid-2010, he began dieting with Ernesto Garcia, which deepened his understanding of plant medicine and took his journey to another level.
Over the years, Marco has facilitated ceremonies at retreats such as Nature’s Hospital and Amaru Spirit. After a brief leave beginning in 2013, he returned to Iquitos in February 2017 to administer and facilitate at Gaia Tree retreats. Despite the two-year hiatus during the pandemic, Marco continued his personal work and resumed facilitation at Amaru Spirit in late 2021, staying there until the end of 2023.
Throughout his time facilitating retreats, Marco has worked closely with Shipibo maestros and developed a deep respect for their ways, though he humbly acknowledges there is always more to learn.
In 2024, Marco has focused on witnessing the global impact of plant medicine, facilitating retreats with his partner and continuing to deepen his understanding of this work.
For Marco, facilitation is about paying close attention to detail, practicing patience and respect, and being present in his own inner process. His approach centers on creating a safe, grounded space for others who, like him, are navigating their personal journeys toward growth and transformation.
Warren is a trained medical doctor who became a specialist in internal medicine and cardiology. At the beginning of his medical career, he was introduced to Ayurveda – the traditional Indian art of healing. Fascinated by this holistic approach, he participated in a whole array of training courses and retreats, learning and exploring holistic methods and wisdom from all over the world.
Especially in the last years, he regularly visited the Amazon jungle to train under the guidance of the Shipibo indigenous people and received different Plant Dietas. Those Dietas clarified his understanding of Naturopathy and how to face medical issues holistically.
Warren is also a passionate musician. With the Dietas, he connects deeply with the amazon tradition of singing Icaros, the traditional healing songs of the Shipibo community. He delights the groups with his wonderful music and guitar playing while in service as a Facilitator.
With great enthusiasm, he is now working as a holistic consultant focusing on solution-based approaches that support health in a humble, intuitive, and natural way.
For more about Warren: www.warrenashley.com
Warren is a trained medical doctor who became a specialist in internal medicine and cardiology. At the beginning of his medical career, he was introduced to Ayurveda – the traditional Indian art of healing. Fascinated by this holistic approach, he participated in a whole array of training courses and retreats, learning and exploring holistic methods and wisdom from all over the world.
Especially in the last years, he regularly visited the Amazon jungle to train under the guidance of the Shipibo indigenous people and received different Plant Dietas. Those Dietas clarified his understanding of Naturopathy and how to face medical issues holistically.
Warren is also a passionate musician. With the Dietas, he connects deeply with the amazon tradition of singing Icaros, the traditional healing songs of the Shipibo community. He delights the groups with his wonderful music and guitar playing while in service as a Facilitator.
With great enthusiasm, he is now working as a holistic consultant focusing on solution-based approaches that support health in a humble, intuitive, and natural way.
For more about Warren: www.warrenashley.com
Jennifer’s journey into voice work began through a profound connection with Ayahuasca, which revealed her unique voice as a portal to healing and authenticity. Guided by this experience, she now helps others uncover the power of their voices, enabling them to embrace their truth and discover their unique sacred sound—the frequency of the soul.
Throughout her path, Jennifer has learned to honor the voice as a sacred instrument, using it healthily and supportively as a tool for healing and expression.
For many years, she has been dedicated to guiding individuals in connecting with their true voices, witnessing the profound healing that emerges when people reclaim their vocal expression—opening doors to self-discovery, inner harmony, and deeper connection.
Jennifer is also a devoted dietera, having spent seven years in service to Ayahuasca. She has dieted with Noya Rao and Bobinsana, sacred plants known for their profound spiritual teachings. These relationships have deepened her work, anchoring her in humility, reverence, and the teachings of music and the plants. Forever a student, Jennifer walks this path with integrity, sharing her gifts and holding space for others to reconnect with their voices, truth, and essence.
Jennifer’s journey into voice work began through a profound connection with Ayahuasca, which revealed her unique voice as a portal to healing and authenticity. Guided by this experience, she now helps others uncover the power of their voices, enabling them to embrace their truth and discover their unique sacred sound—the frequency of the soul.
Throughout her path, Jennifer has learned to honor the voice as a sacred instrument, using it healthily and supportively as a tool for healing and expression.
For many years, she has been dedicated to guiding individuals in connecting with their true voices, witnessing the profound healing that emerges when people reclaim their vocal expression—opening doors to self-discovery, inner harmony, and deeper connection.
Jennifer is also a devoted dietera, having spent seven years in service to Ayahuasca. She has dieted with Noya Rao and Bobinsana, sacred plants known for their profound spiritual teachings. These relationships have deepened her work, anchoring her in humility, reverence, and the teachings of music and the plants. Forever a student, Jennifer walks this path with integrity, sharing her gifts and holding space for others to reconnect with their voices, truth, and essence.
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