The Shakti School is inspired and deeply honored to offer scholarships each year. We want to thank each and every student for their soulful and love-filled participation. We deeply appreciate all of the honesty and effort poured into the submissions. Without further ado, below are some of the recipients of this year's 2024 winners and their testimonials!
Marquita (Key) Ochoa | Tucson, Arizona | @key.ocho & www.keyocho.com
"My name is Key. I am a Chicago native living with my husband in Tucson, Arizona. I am a holistic integrative wellness practitioner, spiritual wellness writer (https://keyocho.substack.com/) , meditation teacher, sound healer, and 200-hr yoga teacher. I've been unconsciously practicing Ayurveda for years and have used this ancient medicine to heal myself and wanted to deepen my knowledge with The Shakti School. Upon completing this certification, my goal is to integrate this ancient wisdom into my work and help women of color heal their minds, body, and spirit. I want my community to understand that prioritizing self-care through Ayurveda isn't a luxury; it's a fundamental practice that enhances their daily lives."
Simi Pawa | Vancouver, BC, Canada | @yogawithsimi
"I’m Simi Pawa, currently residing in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and I'm honored to be a first year student at the Shakti School of Ayurveda. Ayurveda's wisdom has always fascinated me, yet I struggled to fully understand its depth solely through online sources. Despite Ayurveda being a part of my lineage, the modern world's noise left me feeling disconnected. However, receiving a scholarship for my first year at Shakti School opened the door to a profound journey of self-discovery through the teachings of Ayurveda, for which I am deeply grateful. As a practicing Yogini, certified Life Coach, Yoga Teacher, and a mother of two, I blend my passions to advocate for holistic healing. My mission is to empower women to embrace their fullest potential and reconnect with their inner selves. I'm committed to preserving Ayurvedic wisdom for our future generations, including my own children, ensuring its enduring legacy."
Kristin Nelson | Aldinga Beach, South Australia | @wholenesswithkristin
"I am Mama to two beautiful girls & am blessed to also have a teenage step daughter. I have always felt sensitive and extra susceptible to going out of balance. Since I was a teenager, I have used yoga as a tool to help me regulate my NS, get unstuck and feel more balanced, free and whole. More connected to my steady essence and less at the mercy of the ups and downs of life. The older I get, the more readily I go out of balance and I started feeling like "there's gotta be more to this health and wellness equation!" Enter: Ayurvedic wisdom finally entering my realm! From the moment it divinely landed in my lap, I felt a deep soul whisper "YES. This. NOW." I am now studying toward my Diploma of Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultation locally here in South Australia, as well as the Level 1 Shakti School Ayurvedic Health Coach Certificate. I am inspired by how profound my experience is of making small changes and feeling big shifts. Just a month in and I feel my pitta imbalance chilling out. This translates to me feeling more grounded and relaxed. More present and patient. More in my loving more of the time. & perhaps the biggest gift of all is how my family is responding to these small, but revolutionary shifts. My wellbeing seems to be directly related to their wellbeing. My goal is to learn how to take impeccable care of myself through the Ayurvedic wisdom, so that my beautiful daughters learn how to do the same. To feel empowered to take charge of our health & wellbeing naturally and start a wellness revolution in our backyard & kitchen!! I'm excited to extend this ripple effect out further and help support other Mama's in my community to do the same."
Neelam Bhella | Burlington, Canada | @thebiophiliclife
"Hello and Sat Sri Akal my sisters. My name is Neelam and I am honoured to share a little bit about my journey to Shakti School.
I was born and raised in England in the 1970’s and 80’s by my immigrant South Asian parents. I had a full and loving family life in a tight knit community of friends and extended family which was very important as we faced a fair amount of discrimination. I am grateful to my parents for lovingly raising us and can recount cooking Indian dishes with my mum in the kitchen surrounded by laughter, music, dance and food! At age 19, I immigrated to Canada with my family. I went to college at age 22 and studied to enter the field of law enforcement.
In March 2020, when the pandemic shut down the world (the same week I turned 50), I was catapulted into my biggest awakening to date. I turned inwards and contemplated on the meaning of life…. my life. Where was I supposed to go, what was I supposed to do in life? The police department had always seemed to be my passion, but there was a longing in my heart for something more. In March 2022, I traveled to India, alone, to be at the spiritual centre (The Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab) of my faith on my 52nd birthday.
The year 2023 came at me like a car crash, with one injury after the next. I had to take some time off work. I began to heal slowly and started questioning what was really meaningful to me. I threw myself into cooking and began to enjoy taking care of myself, using natural remedies. I continued to internally search for how my life would look after 2025 (my retirement year). I then came across the Shakti School and took an online mini-course. I had come home. To me. I felt it in my heart. But with two sons in college, my income would not be enough to cover the course. I learned of the scholarship program through a fellow Canadian student and I was granted a partial scholarship!
My aspiration is to help my female colleagues in the police department. The masculine nature of policing is such that women have been so very disconnected from their true feminine nature. I want to ensure that these women learn to care for their well-being more gently and gracefully, as they take care of our community and their own families.
I am very grateful to Shakti School to have offered me this scholarship so that once I retire, I will again be able to proudly serve my community by offering Ayurvedic Wellness Coaching services to first responders."
Kerry Dyer | Tumwater, WA | juddnaturalhealth.org
"Hi, my name is Kerry. I am grateful for this feminine focused opportunity to enter the world of Ayurveda. After looking at various schools, The Shakti School illuminated my heart which kept whispering to me, "in the world of Ayurveda, this is where you belong." I have been a bodyworker and acupuncturist for almost 20 years now. I love what I do and love learning more about gentler, kinder, natural approaches to health and well-being. I have mostly worked part-time, for almost twenty years, due to my health and family care needs. In the last few years, it was time to grow and to take a chance. I put more of my energy into growing my small business and have now fully transitioned away from employment. My small business continues to grow and I plan on incorporating Ayurveda into my current practice and expanding online when the time is right. As I grow my business, I continue to be the main caregiver for my kids in our multigenerational, animal loving, home while my husband works in social services. Due to the challenges of a neurodivergent family, with some of us on the autism spectrum, I have needed to homeschool our children occasionally and work with them as they become ever more amazing and independent. My prior studies of yoga, massage, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and current study of Ayurveda is what nourishes my being, gives me tools to reintegrate myself and others when life happens and things fall apart, and helps me bring forth space and presence for healing myself and others. My goal is to make my services as accessible as possible, which is why I have chosen to work with various insurance as well as provide other low-cost options for medical care. There is also always room for creative growth and improvement and I am certain The Shakti School will help guide and inspire me along this path."
Hannah Joy | St. Augustine, FL | @meditate.tap.create & meditatetapcreate.com
"Hannah is an EFT Practitioner and meditation guide, inspiring inner evolution in others through self-awareness and creative expression. She supports her clients in listening to the wisdom of the body to release deep emotional blockages and trauma from the root. In a dynamic marriage of forgiveness, radical acceptance, and intuitive guided visualizations, clients rediscover that self-love is their innate superpower. Hannah is honored and humbled to work with those on their healing journey, particularly called to be the space holder and wisdom navigator for people in demanding life transitions: sexuality, pregnancy and postpartum, ceremonial grief work, relationships and more. She plans on weaving the sacred teachings of ayurveda into her own life and family, overflowing into her work during sessions and afterwards as intentional post-care and integration practices."
Royann Cole | Las Vegas, Nevada | @growthwithro
"Hi Everyone, my name is Royann. You can call me Ro 🙂 I am an Artist, Herbalist, Intuitive, and Reiki Level II Practitioner. I currently live in Las Vegas, Nevada. I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and my pup Bentley. I love to be in and with nature. I am passionate about fitness, meditation, herbs, nature, animals, and inner healing. I want to integrate Ayurveda and Tantra, not only into my own healing journey, but also my Reiki healing sessions to help guide others."
Jimena Antelo | Uruguay, South America
"Hello, I'm Jimena, from Solymar, in Uruguay, South America. I work as a Gestalt psychologist, and teacher of Yin Yoga, Akashic records and family constellations. I am a wife and mother as well as an eternal student. Happy to be attending Shakti School and to have this opportunity. My greatest interest at the end of the year is to facilitate workshops for women on sexuality, health and abundance. I am interested in tantric philosophy and energy meditations, I believe they are a great tool and model to help other people raise their level of life and consciousness. Also enrich and complement my yoga practice both personally and professionally. My Sankalpa ( intention from the heart) is to give love and receive love."
Jennie Jordan | Lehigh Valley, PA | @the.coach.jennie & links.thecoachjennie.com/social
"Hello, I'm Jennie Jordan, your go-to Holistic Wellness & Life Strategist, bringing over 20 years of hands-on clinical experience. Beyond my passion for helping others thrive, I'm an adventure seeker who finds pure joy in exploring National Parks, conquering challenging hikes, and embarking on cycling adventures. Lately, I've also immersed myself in the world of yoga, discovering its incredible benefits. But that's not all! I'm on an exciting journey to become an Ayurvedic Health Counselor, and I can't wait to share the wealth of knowledge I'm gaining with my amazing community.
My life philosophy is all about spreading kindness, maintaining a positive vibe, and actively chasing a life that feels truly fulfilling. Born partially blind, my unique perspective has fueled my resilient mindset, propelling me to achieve everything and more. Join me in this incredible journey, and let's make each day a new adventure!"
Libby White | Virginia | @libbyloveslife & @naturalstatemovement
"My name is Libby White, owner of Natural State Movement, a one woman yoga biz that offers yoga classes to my community located just outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. I’m beyond honored to not only be in the 2024 Shakti School Cohort, but to be a scholarship recipient at that! Many of my yoga classes are based around the elements and nature, and we try to follow the seasons with our movement. I’ve known since I first learned about it, that Ayurveda was going to play a big hand in my life and eventually my business. But I knew that there was more I needed to learn first. So here I am! My hope is to take all that I’m learning in Shakti School, digest it, and share these teachings with other women, those around me who need to hear it most, but haven’t been able to. I don’t know what it will look like just yet, but I do know that after each class I am more excited about Ayurveda than I was the class before. I am blown away each and every time. So very thankful for this experience and Shakti School as a whole."
Julia Clair | @simpaticosoul & SimpaticoSoulGift
"My name is Julia and I'm a grateful recipient of the Shakti School 2024 scholarship:) I'm originally from Scotland, and now live half the time in California and half in Nicaragua. I studied Psychology at University and have continued to try and learn as much about health and the mind-body connection as I can, including Somatic Therapy, Yoga, Mindfulness, and now Ayurveda. I'm a mama and stepmama of 4 kids and recently launched a business called Simpatico Soul. After going through a traumatic experience a few years ago, I was inspired to create self-care sets, that are affordable and helpful for all different seasons of life such as pregnancy, postnatal, chakra healing, mindfulness, and many more. The Simpatico Soul sets are designed to create a sense of peace, calm and relaxation at home, with simple techniques and tools to incorporate into your daily life. I have been very inspired by Ayurveda and included in my sets are dry brushes for the practice of garshana, meditations and organic oils for abhyanga. I aspire to incorporate more of the teachings from Ayurveda into my self-care business and add Ayurveda Wellness Coaching to the Simpatico Lifestyle. My goal is to help women create moments of self-care and wellness in their daily lives, with my mantra being - "Self-care is not selfish or self-indulgent. It is necessary for balance, health, and self-preservation.”. Ayurveda fits perfectly into this mantra and lifestyle I want to continue to grow and create, learning more about diet, health, and wellness and being able to share this knowledge with others is the ultimate goal. Thank you for choosing me to be a part of your program, Im so excited to continue learning with all of you."
Candace Haluska | San Clemente, California | @soul_sauntering_mama
"Hello beautiful Shakti Sisters. I was fortunate enough to be the recipient of a scholarship for Shakti School 2024. This opportunity could not have come at a better time in my life. For many years I have been in constant transition. My husband is Active Duty military and we have moved almost every year for the past 18 years. The one constant I had during these times were the women whom I would meet at each duty station. My connection to Katie's teachings back at Floyd Yoga Jam in 2014 and 2019, as well as my connection to the capable, strong, uplifting, supportive women around me, led me to Shakti School.
In all honesty, my first priority is to heal myself and family, allowing that to trickle down(in hopes) through many generations to come.
In the future I would be honored to spread the gift of Ayurveda along with Yoga and plant seeds among our Military Community, working as an Ayurveda Health Coach among this specific population. I see myself sharing with great love and an open heart, the knowledge we are learning in Shakti School to all who are open and interested."
Danielle Morgan | Ireland | @free2byogi
"My name is Danielle Morgan I’m from a wee village in Ireland called omeath.
I started out a few years ago teaching in my community, I teach kids and adults, I run women’s circles, soundbaths and beautiful yin yoga class to help women come together and hit the reset button.
I had a hard time in the past, my boyfriend at 15 killed himself and I blamed myself for his death, so from there on in I went from bad relationship to bad relationship to keep punishing myself, I ended up in a very abusive relationship where I was physically beaten every day, mentally and emotionally abused, broken bones you name it, I had a baby with this man and only for her I believe I would probably be in heaven now, she is my best friend, we grew up together, she was the one who pushed me to become a yoga teacher and become the person I am today.
So I now help women overcome abuse, alcohol problems or just to find themselves again.
I love what I do, it fills me up, I know that this is my Dharma, I found shakti school in instagram and was so intrigued by how beautifully feminine it was, it’s all me and more.
Thank you for this scholarship and this chance to help more and more souls, I have 4 kids in total and 2 dogs, I’ve finally found my soul mate and we got married 7 years ago, fairytales do come true after all. I’m so excited for this year together and I’m loving the course so far."
Rachel Hermsen | Nebraska
"I am Rachel Hermsen from Nebraska, USA. This education of Ayurveda will allow me to share with others the invaluable gifts that I have gotten from Ayurveda! With each bit of growth I long for others to find this light within them and learn that they too aren't broken. I am savoring all of the wisdom from these wonderful teachers so that I can pass along the knowledge of balance, nature and connection to inner-self with those in my community and beyond. I cannot wait."
Daria Riazantseva | Belgium | @neverending_daria
"My name is Dasha Riazantseva, I am originally from Ukraine, currently living in Belgium. The first classes of Shakti School were nothing short but healing and magical - and I would be honoured to transfer the things I learn to the community of Ukrainian women who so need light, nourishment and healing right now."
Barbara Reynolds Mayo | Oregon
"I grew up in the capital city of Mississippi at a time a lot different from today. I was a city girl so eating from the garden only happened during the summer when I stayed with cousins in the country. I knew then there was a difference in how food tasted. Generally, I ate a normal Southern diet. I moved to Oregon when I was 29 and became interested in health and wellness, representing companies supporting these lifeways, as well as becoming a certified health coach. I am also an Oregon Master Naturalist, continuing to devote time throughout the year for our natural world.
I have been interested in Ayurveda for a long time and finally the time was right and the perfect school came my way. I’m beyond grateful to belong to such a powerful and loving group of women striving to change the world we live in. I live in and travel the rural areas of eastern Oregon. My hope is to take my knowledge to these areas helping women who now find themselves alone and who have no clue what to do with or how to take care of themselves. The generosity of Skatki School is making this possible and I am forever grateful that, at my age, I can look forward to helping people in THE most loving way. Blessings to each and every one of us. Namaste."
Samantha McMonigal | Northwest Ohio | @energetictemple & theenergetictemple.com
"Namaste beautiful souls! My name is Samantha McMonigal (Sami Jean) and I am a mystic at heart with a passion that focuses on healing trauma that holds us back personally and collectively.
After spending 20 years in social work, I grew wary of programs that shuffled people through short term programs that did nothing for our client's future and did even less for how they felt inside. Yes, helping a person’s immediate needs is important, but after seeing thousands of people in despair, I wanted to figure out how to help people thrive and not just survive! So many people are held back by trauma, poverty, and stress- and I was one of them myself.
I realized then that I needed to help myself so I could help others heal more deeply as well, but I didn’t know how to even begin. So I did the next best thing. I kept asking “How? How can I do this?”
Life started changing after asking these questions. Sadly, my sister walked to her car on her lunch break and died from a brain aneurysm after living with much stress. Three months later, my mother passed away after a two-year battle with brain cancer. The emotions of my grieving process taught me that we don’t heal by suppressing; we heal by releasing. Because of this, I realized the information I had learned about unresolved trauma guiding our lives was not only real- it was a warning. Once I made these connections, I decided to honor the lives of my sister and mother through healing years of unprocessed trauma so I can help others who face the same struggles as well.
Once this decision was made, the most profound synchronistic events have been guiding me along the way. In addition, after learning to meditate and experiencing the most beautiful moments while doing so, I left my high stress career so I could study as much as possible while embracing this lifestyle. As a part of this journey, I am now a yoga teacher and a Reiki master.
Studying the science of how trauma unconsciously guides our behavior (while pretending to be a dormant beast) has led me to the doorstep of Ayurveda as a crucial part of the healing process. As the sister science to yoga, Ayurveda will become the foundational stone that will support all the other modalities of assistance I will guide myself and my clients through; namely restorative yoga, regenerative breath work, yoga nidra, and Reiki.
I am grateful for being gifted this scholarship so that I can join those who are bringing more light to the world- both within and without!"
Julia Alvarez | Neptune, New Jersey | @julia.yogadoula & www.juliayogadoula.com
"I first discovered ayurveda through my yoga studies but I didn't really dive deep until I started preparing for pregnancy. I took over a year to dedicate to my preconception phase and followed many ayurvedic practices that helped me become the healthiest, most vibrant version of myself. I healed many of my imbalances and truly never felt better. During this time I also started sharing ayurveda with my prenatal and postpartum doula clients and saw the difference these practices made in their lives, too. I am now expecting my first baby and attribute my easeful conception and pregnancy to ayurveda and all the wellness protocols I followed. I want to share ayurveda with even more women, especially with mothers and mothers to be. Motherhood is a wild transformation and ayurveda can be such a lifeline for those embarking on this journey. I am so excited to be a part of shakti school where I am learning so much and can't wait to be an ayurvedic wellness coach!"
Gaelle Pettifer | Mansfield, Victoria, Australia | @the.peace.lounge
"Hello! My name is Gaelle Pettifer and I have a place in the Level One Ayurveda School by the grace of receiving a partial scholarship. I unraveled in the past few of years after a very long time of coping on my own, raising a child and holding a business space for yoga. I got to the stage where I had nothing left to give in any moment and my mental health was in crisis. I found drawing myself towards general health almost undoable, I had lost so much of my life to have any resource for renewal, but I had an opportunity to try kitchari and it began a turn around. Somehow, when I felt I had had nothing for so long, a spark returned and with some gentle movement and mantra practices in combination with the kitchari, I found the space for the self understanding I needed. My intention at this stage is to continue into the level 2 course. I really desire to offer a platform to confidently support women to become comfortable with themselves. I do believe that when women empower themselves through health and wellbeing, everything and everybody benefits from their clarity. I've definitely experienced a deeper calm through Ayurvedic, yoga and meditation practices and I'm only just beginning, the future looks very encouraging!"
Nicole Burgoyne | Littleton, Colorado | @a_colorado_yogi_life
"My name is Nicole Burgoyne and I live in Littleton, Colorado with my family. I am a mountain goddess and enjoy the beautiful changing seasons in my state by exploring all things outdoors in all weather. I currently teach yoga and have been a teacher in a variety of settings; mother to four, a breastfeeding and childbirth educator and doula, elementary school teacher, and currently love exploring and sharing yoga, Ayurveda and Jyotish. Passionate and heart centered, I seek to build a strong community of support with resources, education, and connection through the philosophy and tools of Ayurveda and yoga and working to build a more formal and established business. Shakti School is already gifting me so much to make this possible.
Yoga has been a part of my life for many years but truly found me on my knees when I needed it most. In 2019, after a series of neurological issues I lost the ability to see, walk and access words. I found myself terrified and looking for answers. I can’t really say it came out of nowhere because I had noticed a shift in my mind and health for a couple years that gradually increased until it swan dived into a full blown loss of life as I had known it. For years I could not find the balance I so desperately was seeking. When I looked in the mirror I didn’t recognize myself. My eyes were clouded, my face swollen and I had gained weight. Even worse, my usual positive and upbeat outlook was fading. My emotions were all over the place and I felt ill at ease in my body, mind, and soul. I was lost and my soul was crying out for help. My body literally burned out and I collapsed in surrender. This tower moment was the destruction of a life that was no longer serving but the beginning of something beautiful. Eventually I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and over time I saw it as an amazing lesson, a gift that taught me to build a deep relationship with myself. With this, I’ve found my way back to a path rich with gratefulness, experience, accountability, and compassion. I started to learn more about Ayurveda and with a new lens, vocabulary, and understanding that made sense, my life evolved with new purpose and vision. It put things into a perspective that felt connected, relevant, and aligned. I know this is exactly where I am meant to be and all is for a greater purpose outside of what I ever realized was possible. I'm pumped and feel a fire I thought was gone forever. I am so blessed and excited to be a part of this community and opportunity with Shakti School."
Karen Viola | Los Osos, California
"I have been in the healing/light worker career for over 25 years. I have learned many different modalities to help people and recently animals. I have always known the greatest gift is to LOVE. All of the help I have given others comes from my heart and from that love and the universal love.
I feel so very blessed to be given this once in a lifetime opportunity for my scholarship to the Shakti school. I plan to use all of the life changing knowledge to love, heal and discover my true self as possible, and then to share it and help as many people as possible. I know in doing this it will bring so much light to the planet, and I feel that is what my purpose is and always has been."
Sharea Holcomb | Washington state | @lakotayogini & nourishwithsharea.squarespace.com
"My name is Sharea Holcomb, I currently reside on a small farm in the Methow Valley of Washington state. I am not only a passionate chef, but a bright spirit who lives closely with the land. Being North American Indigenous, Assiniboine Nakoda and Hunkpapa Lakota, as well as European indigenous, I humbly weave ceremony and ritual into the spaces I share in and the food I create. I love connecting people back to themselves and the earth, through creating healing spaces, and sharing nourishing food. I am a 200-hour registered yoga teacher, with certifications as a 100-hour Ayurveda yoga therapist, a 100-hour Sound Healing and Ceremony Facilitator as well as holding a 200-hour Historical Trauma recovery certificate. I plan to weave the wisdom gained from Shakti school into my offerings as a chef and in the one on one and group spaces I share in. I dream of hosting retreats where I offer tools to connect women back to themselves via ancestral remembrance, their voices and sound as healing tools, food as medicine, ayurveda for wellness and more!"