The Shakti School is inspired and deeply honored to offer scholarships each year. A huge thank you to every student for sharing your heart, your soul, and your love through your submissions, we see and deeply appreciate all the honesty and effort you put in. Now, without further ado, we’re thrilled to share some of the 2025 scholarship recipients and their wonderful testimonials!
If you'd like to apply for the 2026 Sacred Service Scholarship, click here.
Sofía Comadurán | Mexico City, Mexico | @sofiacomaduran
"Hello, my name is Sofia. I am a humanitarian worker and human rights advocate based in Mexico City. I found Ayurveda through my own personal journey, at a time when I couldn’t find answers and allopathic medicine didn’t make sense to me, especially for some of my chronic digestive issues and insomnia. Ayurveda, together with the practice of yoga, has been a beautiful path that has taught me to treat myself with care and tenderness. It has helped me connect with my inner rhythms and align them with nature, to understand the root causes of my symptoms, and to recognise how often I was mistreating myself without even realising it. I discovered that I cannot truly care for others or carry out my humanitarian work if I am not well myself. I also realised that many humanitarian workers and colleagues were experiencing symptoms similar to mine, women who were giving everything to the people we serve, while forgetting to care for themselves, often reaching deep states of imbalance and burnout. Over time, many colleagues have approached me seeking advice, a yoga class, or simply someone to listen to. Through those moments, I’ve had the opportunity to share a bit of Ayurveda’s magic with them. My purpose moving forward is to integrate my education in Ayurveda with my work in humanitarian aid and human rights. I want this work to be rooted in care and nourishment—to bring Ayurveda to more women who are trying to change the world, without losing themselves in the process. I also hope to share this wisdom with women whose human rights have been violated, who are fleeing, who are seeking solace, and who don’t know how to return to themselves. Ayurveda already lives within us. This inner wisdom just needs to be awakened. We simply need to listen to the body, mind and spirit, which often screams when we’ve ignored the subtle signs for too long."
Imelda Boxwell-Rodgers (aka) Mel Rodgers | California, Maryland, USA | holdingspace4u.com
"As a 2025 Shakti Ayurveda School scholarship recipient, I am honored to continue walking the path of healing, integration, and deep alignment through the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. My journey is rooted in lived experience, navigating trauma, chronic illness, and spiritual awakening that fuels my life’s purpose for others to heal. Through my work with Holding Space 4 U, I offer guided meditation, trauma-informed coaching, Ayurvedic wellness education, and body-mind-spirit alignment practices for individuals and couples. My vision is to create sanctuaries both virtual and physical where women, especially those from marginalized communities, feel safe to reclaim joy, reconnect with their bodies, and rewrite their wellness narratives. In the next one to two years, I plan to expand my offerings to include community circles, somatic healing tools, and personalized wellness coaching rooted in Ayurveda. I see this education as a sacred responsibility to be a bridge for those seeking holistic healing, not as escape, but as a return to wholeness."
Mariah Stratton | @mariahstrattonyoga
"Hello everyone! Namaste, my name is Mariah and I am from Canada currently creating a new way of living for myself in India.
I was first drawn to Ayurveda about 5 years ago during my first yoga teacher training. I had studied bits and pieces of it over the years, incorporating small practices into my life, but never fully dove into studies as I knew it was a big commitment and honestly felt overwhelmed by the amount of depth/information Ayurveda holds. I tried an online course with another teacher but found it really dense and hard for me to grasp.
Then my friend recommended me to Shakti School and I was drawn to it right away! Now that we are half way through the year, I am really starting to notice how digestible the information is. The way they deliver the concepts- yes is challenging and a lot of information, but also I feel so nourished; like I am in good hands. The pace of the course is well thought out and it is so beautiful to be a part of their community also.
Right now I am happy with integrating the teachings into my own life, but as I progress and the wisdom deepens, I would like to expand my offerings; hopefully having my own space where I share yoga as well as offer Ayurvedic sessions.
Thank you so much to the Shakti School for everything you do, and what you embody! I am so grateful to be a part of this journey!"
Kamya Judith Bahner-Stidl | Europe
"Namasté beloved Sisters,
My name is Kamya and I live in Austria/Europe. I am so grateful that I received a part time scholarship and be incredibly happy joining the amazing Level 1 course. Feminine Ayurveda feels to me like a big Mama. In her arms there is place for all my education, skills, passions and life experiences. For example Yoga Teaching, Essential Oils for the Soul, Healing Song Chanting, Energy Medicine and some more. I'm in my sixties now and my personal goals for this period of life are: Aging healthy and gracefully, being connected to my womb power and connected to likeminded souls, living fully and totally my Shakti in all aspects. All this I want to share with other women and offer them my support on their way through Feminine Ayurveda. My vision is to create a holistic offer for postmenopausal women. I strongly feel the desire and need that the Divine Feminine rises and shines again. I want to contribute my part."
Laura-Elisa Vagt | Lübeck, Germany
"I am Laura-Elisa, I am living in Lübeck, Germany and Ayurveda just feels like coming home for me - Shakti School is just exactly what I needed and need!
It's like connecting to this deep part within me that was always there when I was a child.
As a little girl I already loved cooking & baking, mixing spices, being in nature, moving, exploring and seeing the world a bit differently. I remember admiring crystals and dressing up like an Indian in a sari. But growing up I thought it was not "normal" so i abandoned all of this. As a result and besides other experiences I ended up with mental health issues like anxiety, panic attacks, compulsions and Orthorexia since I was 10 years old.
After retiring from my career as a competitive ballroom dancer at the age of 25 years I felt like now is the time for change. That´s when Yoga & Ayurveda found me and I reconnected to my inner child, to my real me, my heart, to nature and to god."
Brenna Howell | Seaside, Oregon | tarotmudra.com
"The Shakti School has opened me in ways I never thought possible. I have been struggling through the program because of time limitations and a job that drains all my energy. Still, I felt and still feel changes happening. Even when I can’t give all of my time and energy to the course — I have done what I can and let the rest go. This is a huge shift for me.
I have been wanting to go to a Thai Medicine and Massage school for a few years, and have decided to take that leap. I don’t think I would have done it, if not for Shakti School making both subtle and grand changes in me — allowing me to feel the calls within me, letting me tap into a deep sense of self.
I still plan to continue my studies in Ayurveda and will take Level 2 after a break. I feel like Ayurveda, Thai Yoga Bodywork, and teaching yoga, all go together and will make each modality stronger in me. This is a lifelong journey, as well as a calling. I am on my path. Thank you for creating such an amazing program!"
Paige Johnson | @yogilovebeads, @paigetharage & yogilovebeads.com
"I'm Paige, a full time energetic jewelry maker, Usui Reiki master, 500 hr registered yoga teacher, Yoga Nidra facilitator, and professional intuitive tarot reader. Simply put: I'm an energy worker.
When chronic illnesses derailed my very active life, I turned to Ayurveda to find healing and it's through Shakti school that I've been able to gently, lovingly work with my body and the seasons to transform my physical wellbeing and shift my perspective around the nature of healing and being well. Shakti school has been a huge gift in my life as I find myself sinking into and integrating this incredible grandmother wisdom.
I hope to bring what I have found to be incredibly necessary wisdom surrounding our relationship to the seasons and our bodies into practice with those around me. I envision myself completing Level 1 and Level 2 and moving into a space where I am coaching other beautiful souls through the process of aligning with the world around them, unlocking digestive vitality, and accessing ancient Ayurvedic tools of longevity. I have already begun to see profound shifts in my own wellness and the desire to share this intuitive teaching with others is simply overflowing in my life. You may even see me launch my own cookbook down the road!"
Erin Jepson | Austin, Minnesota | @wildvioletcrystals
"I am a homeschooling mama to special needs kids and work as a yoga teacher/jewelry maker. Ayurveda drew me in with whispers of finding a more aligned life for myself, healing for myself, and support along my journey. As I increase my work in my town, I want to be able to offer more than body movements, breathwork, and crystal bead jewelry. The real life application of Ayurveda is so accessible, that even small amounts of this knowledge can make a difference in someone's life. I want to be able to work to share this knowledge with my family, my friends, and my community."
Tiffany Debnam | Westchester, NY
"My name is Tiffany G Debnam. I am a homeschool mom from New York. I have over 25 years experience in Health Administration with my most current role being a Wellness Manger at a Psychotherapy & Wellness Practice. My love/interest for Wellness started when I was put on blood pressure medicine at 30 years old. I was so young and felt like my diet couldn't be the only reason for the pills. I needed to manage my stress, eat better and move my body.
Once I became a Mom, taking care of myself was a new journey that I had to learn. Then to add Homeschooling on top of it was very interesting. I believe that pouring into yourself as a Mom is so important for you and for your children to see. Having the role of both the Mom and the Teacher will have its hard moments and learning how to manage your stress is key.
I would like to use my Ayurveda Education to help other Moms, especially Homeschool Moms. Homeschool Moms need selfcare tools. I would love to host workshops for them and be a resource. I also want to use my Ayurveda Education for myself first and teach my son some of the things I have learned as well."
Paige Johnson | Hobart, Tasmania, Australia | moonmojo.com.au
"Hi, my name is Paige. I’d like to thank Shakti School for this opportunity to deepen my learning of Ayurveda so I can embody and share it with my new community here in Hobart. I’m a Yoga Teacher and Massage Therapist based in Tasmania, Australia.
After years of struggling hormonally with acne, anxiety, disconnection from my body and amenorrhea (absent periods), a combination of dedicated yoga & meditation practice, emotional expression and support from an Ayurvedic doctor in Northern India led me down a path of healing. My cycle returned to regularity relatively quickly, and life began to feel more aligned and easeful. This personal experience sparked my deep love for and study of Ayurveda and the Yogic sciences.
Since completing my initial YTT in India, I’ve gone on to study Psychological Science, Manasomatic Energy Healing, additional Yoga training in Byron Bay, Astrology, and both relaxation and Abhyanga Massage. My work focuses on healing and reconnection to feminine wisdom, particularly through the heart and womb spaces.
Currently, I facilitate private and community yoga classes and offer holistic and Abhyanga massage treatments in Hobart. A dear Ayurvedic sister @bare.hands.ayurveda and I are also in the process of launching Introduction to Ayurveda courses and planning future retreats, where we will weave together our shared love for yoga, astrology and of course Ayurveda, in nourishing and holistic offerings.
Thank you, Shakti School, for the opportunity to study this sacred and transformative path—a powerful way home to the Self that has been deeply healing for me, and I trust will be for many others."
Jalisa Velji | Vancouver, Canada
"Hello my beautiful Shakti Souls,
My name is Jalisa. I joined Ayurveda school with the intention of deepening my understanding of mind-body healing, especially during a time when so many of us feel disconnected and overwhelmed. A bit about me... I dance bachata and heels, love exploring both locally and internationally (including time living in Mexico City), and can often be found with a good book in hand. This journey is part of a larger path of self-discovery, and I’m drawn to Ayurveda’s grounded, holistic approach to well-being. I hope to integrate this wisdom with yoga and reiki in the future, whether that’s through coaching, workshops, or community spaces that support others in reconnecting with themselves in meaningful ways. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of this scholarship community and excited for all that’s unfolding. I hope to meet some of my Shakti Sisters along the way, as well."
Chermaine Cole | Lithonia, GA | @peacefullychermaine, peacefullychermaine.com, stretchandthings.com & KEbotanicals.com
"I am so happy to be able to attend Shakti Ayurveda School. I have gained so much knowledge and wisdom to add to our lifestyle and businesses. I plan to use my knowledge gained here to enrich our businesses offering more healing approaches to our clients. I also hope to inspire close family and friends to take control of their health and wellness through ayurvedic principles. Healthy living is so important to me and I truly believe we have to take care of ourselves to enjoy this vehicle, our bodies. True health and wellness is getting back to roots, nature and ancient wisdoms/teachings in such a modern fast paced world."
Perizat Menard | fairyflames.com (website under construction)
"My name is Perizat Menard — Perizat means “fairy” in my native language, and I live quite literally in Forest, Virginia, where the trees speak and the earth remembers. I’m a data engineer by mind and a spiritual teacher by heart, here to bridge logic with intuition, structure with flow. I joined Ayurveda School to reclaim ancient wisdom and embody it in modern, accessible ways. With this education, I’m continuing to grow FairyFlames — a sacred space for women to heal their nervous systems, awaken their sensuality, and return to the wild, radiant truth of who they are."
Maddy Walker | ravenvalletfarms.farm
"My name is Madison and I grew up near the small hamlet of Clive in central Alberta Canada. My partner, children and I currently live on a farm where we grow a massive garden that we harvest each year; we have Nigerian Dwarf milk goats that we hand milk each day along with some other funny farm animals like chickens and donkeys. Growing my own food and living in cycle with the earth has always been my passion for as long as I can remember. From gardening with my family to preserving our goods and cooking our meals from scratch, I am always interested in learning more. I have found Ayurvedic medicine to be the missing link. Having struggled with many imbalances throughout my life and seeing many others also struggle with imbalance in my family and through my career as a massage therapist I knew there was more to be learned, I just didn’t know what. When I found the Shakti School I knew in my body that this was for me, this was IT. Except that “it” was out of reach for me this year; when I was given the opportunity to apply for this scholarship I knew I just had to try. Receiving this has absolutely changed my life. I have never felt so balanced and at peace in my body through all my years of studying healing modalities. Suddenly it all makes sense! Shakti School opened doors for me I didn’t even know existed, it has connected all the dots. I know that I need to bring this knowledge through to my kids, my family and to my community. In such a short time SO much healing has occurred for me and I can’t wait to finish this schooling so I can confidently help others reach their goal of a healthy balanced lifestyle the way the Shakti School has helped me on my journey. Thank you Shakti team! You can find me online at www.ravenvalleyfarms.farm where our site has direct links to our facebook and instagram."
Meredith Sink | Roanoke, VA | @meredithsinkart & meredithsinkart.com
"Over the years, I’ve been an artist, a business owner, a dancer, a musician, and a hairstylist. I’ve always felt drawn to spiritual teachings from the East and inner exploration. Whenever I’ve lost my peace, I’ve found myself retreating inward to stillness—to Self.
Receiving a scholarship to attend Shakti School has been such a wonderful opportunity. I had no idea when applying just how deeply I would fall in love with Ayurveda. As a yogini, I’ve always been called to the subtle body and the inherent uniqueness of each person’s constitution. I’ve always been pulled toward the quiet. Through Shakti School, I’ve gained the confidence to listen to my quietest voice and re-evaluate the qualities of my life in the present moment. Each class has gently guided me deeper into myself and I look forward to continuing my studies in Level 2.
So much so that I’ve made a life-changing decision: I’m retiring from my 20-year career in hair to create the space to share these teachings with my community. I still don’t know exactly what that will look like, but I trust that my dharma is unfolding. I don’t have to know what comes next. I’ll just keep listening, observing, painting, creating, helping, loving, and serving—until the path reveals itself.
My only goal through this training is to return to my original self—happy, healthy, and filled with awe—so I can help others find their way there too."
Miora Acker | Berlin, Germany | @mioraacker_art
"I am Miora, 38-year-old artist and mom from Madagascar, based in Berlin. For most of my life until now, I have always felt a deep solitude within me. My favorite saying was “I am homesick for a place I am not sure even exists. One where my heart if full and my soul understood” … no matter what I had (relationships, material, etc.…) I felt misunderstood and alone; I was also very angry at everyone . Eventually on the path spirituality has introduced itself (not necessarily in the nicest way at the beginning), but I am used to “shocks” and I have learned that “Shocks” are here to teach us something, so I accepted and followed the spirituality path. First kundalini, meditations then lithotherapy, a bit of everything really. On facebook I saw an ad about Shakti School, signed up for the newsletter and received a first intro in which Katie spoke amazingly about Ayurveda … It just resonated with my soul. For the background info, I have always been very interested in wellness and nutrition … so Ayurveda combining all of these and more was just my Christmas. The path until now is amazing. I have to say Spirituality and now Ayurveda have helped me find that place I was looking for, I realized it was always in ME . As for my future projects related to Ayurveda, I hope on the short term to establish Ayurveda in my life for me and my family, especially my 6-year-old daughter. On the long term I hope to become an Ayurveda/Holistic coach to help other people like me find their magic place/safe place. It is an amazing opportunity Shakti School has given me for this level one Ayurveda; I will pursue my Ayurveda studies! Thank you, Shakti school and all the amazing teachers."
Jamie Mullen | Milwaukee, WI | @jamiem_yoga & jamiemullenyoga.com
"I am a yoga therapist and meditation guide in Wisconsin. The work that is my passion is with women’s health and wellbeing so it was a natural step to learn more about ayurveda. Shakti School has made learning ayurveda accessible with living in this modern world while still applying the ancient traditions for a healthier and happier life. It is my hope to provide ayurveda in conjunction with my yoga therapy practice so that I can provide a well-rounded shift in lifestyle for my clients. And, at the same time, to understand my own self-care needs and the traditions that will provide my own body, mind, heart and spirit with peace, health, longevity and love."
Magda Pustelnik | Aarhus, Denmark | Facebook: Magda Pustelnik
"Let me begin with a BIG GRATITUDE: Thank you to Katie, Kiersten, and Sarah for giving me the opportunity to be part of the scholarship team and for everything the Shakti School represents. This journey has been a profound blessing, deeply connected to my Dharma of helping others. As a lifelong learner, I do not expect ever to be “done” studying Ayurveda — a timeless science and wisdom of life. Upon completing Level 1, I plan to apply this knowledge to support people in making sustainable lifestyle changes, including improving eating and sleeping habits. Beyond this, I am inspired to use Ayurveda’s ancient wisdom for natural anti-aging—not just for the skin, but for the entire body, including joints, muscles, and especially cognitive functions—to help prevent disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Ultimately, I want to integrate Ayurveda’s holistic approach to nurture the body-mind connection and promote lasting well-being."
Ashley Fox | Pennsylvania
"My name is Ashley, and I’m a mom of two from Pennsylvania. I was honored to be chosen as one of the scholarship recipients for Shakti School. From the moment I attended Katie’s introductory Feminine Form Ayurveda workshop, I felt a profound resonance— a soul level calling. I knew instantly that this was my true path to further propel my spiritual ascension.
Now, several months into the program, I couldn’t be more grateful for my decision to enroll. I’ve never felt so welcomed, so genuinely seen. Embracing my own divine feminine and learning to care for myself on every level has been life changing. It’s been the best gift I’ve given myself, and I cannot wait to share this timeless wisdom with the world."
Sarah Bright | Crozet, VA | @sarahbright.fitness, sarahbrightfitness.com & sarahebright.com
"I’m Sarah, a personal trainer and graphic designer from Crozet, Virginia.
Movement has always been my way of connecting to myself and the world around me. Through dance, I’ve explored styles like Tango, Salsa, Bachata, Scottish, and Irish dance. Each one has taught me presence, rhythm, and how to flow with life. These lessons continue to guide how I teach and move through the world.
Receiving a scholarship to study Ayurveda has been a beautiful gift. My time at Shakti School has felt like a homecoming, awakening a deep connection to the ancient wisdom of the body and nature. Ayurveda has reminded me to slow down, listen within, and live in harmony with life’s rhythms. I hope to weave these teachings into my practice and share them with others seeking balance and vitality.
My path has been shaped by both challenge and resilience. Born with several health issues and diagnosed with osteopenia at 18, I’ve experienced surgeries, chronic pain, and thyroid imbalance. These experiences have deepened my gratitude for the body’s ability to heal and adapt.
Today, through my work, I offer personal training, yoga, barre, and dance classes that invite others to move with intention and compassion. My mission is to help people build strength from within and reconnect to the wisdom of their bodies.
Thank you, Shakti School, for welcoming me into such a beautiful community of learning and transformation. I am deeply grateful for this journey and excited to continue sharing Ayurveda’s light in my life and work."