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."
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"Hello and Sat Sri Akal my sisters. 
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"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.
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"I didn’t dream when a sudden inspiration two weeks after my 80th birthday led me to enroll in Shakti Ayurveda School how much it would enliven and enrich my life. A long-time meditator and Yoga practitioner, I’d been feeling like I’d lost my source of inspiration and enrichment but hadn’t found a place to turn. The words “Divine Feminine” Ayurveda studies lit me up and that light has just increased month after month. Studying with Katie Silcox and the teachers she’s so carefully selected has been challenging in all the best ways. I feel like I’m expanding in every direction and I’m excited to move into my second year of study.
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The practice of Abhyanga has been one of the most powerful and needed rituals for us both. Based on this, we have designed a beautiful line of products that bring this nurturing, loving, and compassionate self-care practice, into your Dinacharya. We created our 'Everything Abhyanga Box’ based on our need to have a more simplified Abhyanga practice. Included in this box is a: Tri-doshic Body Oil, Oil Warming Jar, Sugar Shower Scrub, an all cotton Body Wrap/Sarong with a matching Scrunchie, and an instructional card. We have found that having all of this accessible to us has made it easier to reap the benefits of oil and love into our bodies.
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"Working in the field of healthcare for over 14 years, Lauren witnessed the impact stress and disconnection from self can have on overall health. Through her own story of personal growth, going through a divorce and becoming a single mother of two, Lauren embarked on a journey of self-discovery. Her longing to live a more joyous and fulfilled life led her to Ayurveda. 
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Learning, practicing, embodying and sharing Ayurveda, especially feminine form Ayurveda as we learned in Shakti School, ignited something in me that had been dormant for some time. I have always held a deep reverence to mama Earth and all of her nature beings. It was through my journey in Shakti School that all of the pieces came together. My passion for nature and ways in which I could share holistic wellbeing modalities with others became more clear and so did my confidence in honoring my dharma. 
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"Samantha Boersma is a visionary, intuitive, and creatress moved by the magic available to us in every moment. She speaks the language of the flowers, acting as a bridge from spirit to physical to remind you how connected, supported, and nourished you really are. Her work intends to inspire a sense of belonging with all things and awaken you to the remembrance that all the wisdom you seek lives within you.
"Ginevra Are, M.A., is an Integrative Holistic Counselor, an Ayurveda Women's Wellness Lifestyle Coach, an Herbalist, a Yoga Teacher, and more. 
Her signature products are 3 seasonal Abhyanga oils for whole body self-massage and to pacify the Doshas. Urth Herbal's Abhyanga oils are made with the traditional double-infused Ayurvedic method. Each small batch of herbs is first made into a strong decoction, and then transferred into the oil of choice. The mixture is left to slowly simmer on the stove on low heat for up to 48 hours, getting stronger and stronger in the process. We use both water and oil because each liquid extracts different properties from the plants so that you are sure to get the most benefits out of each herb (including minerals that your skin will love!). What is left is a potent, formulated and concentrated oil. 
"I’m Lily Russo, a 500-hour ERYT Yoga Teacher and leader of Prana Vinyasa Teacher Trainings. I’ve been studying Ayurveda for the past 15 years. I became fascinated with Ayurveda when it was a part of my first yoga teacher training and love how it has transformed my relationships: with myself, with my loved ones, with food, with nature.
"Lisa M. Gunshore is a tantric yogini, certified quantum coach, and functional Ayurveda wellness coach with initiations by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Her work is rooted in advocating for non-violence and compassion, with a focus on creating vitality in the body, understanding ancestry and personal genome, and purifying to raise frequency. Lisa is also a medium and shaman, supporting the healing of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies through genetic transformation and ancestral healing.
"I’m Emma Cust. Since starting Ayurveda School last year I have:
"Since graduating from Shakti school, I have created my first 3 dream offers, and I am so thrilled to share them with you and my Shakti family!
"In true 'Gemini style', I have been keeping busy with many adventures since finishing Shakti School Level 1 (and starting Level 2!) I continue to run my own business, "Empowered Coaching", where I offer resiliency coaching, reiki healing, with some sweet Ayurvedic tools and wisdom peppered in (
"Hi, I’m Eva, a Level 2 Shakti School graduate. With over 3 years of experience as a Life Coach and Ayurvedic Health Counselor, I guide leaders and changemakers to reconnect to their intuition, their body, and the cycles of nature so that they can heal burnout, master life balance, and ultimately create the change that they want to see in the world while truly enjoying life. I'm also the host of the Happy Me Happy Earth podcast where I share self-development tools and seasonal Ayurvedic self-care practices to help you reconnect to the cycles of nature and your true self.
"Megha is an intuitive Energy Healer and an Ayurvedic Wellness Coach. She relocated to Abu Dhabi from Singapore where she began her journey as an Usui Reiki Practitioner. She combines her knowledge of Ayurveda along with Chakra Healing to help you release stress, find balance and gain inner clarity. Through Ayurveda Wellness Coaching, Megha will help you tap into your own body’s inner wisdom to live a life more in alignment with nature and its biological rhythms. Prior to this, she has worked in corporate for over 12 years across different geographies. Her passion and purpose in life is to support people on their self healing journey.
"Mindy Schlechter is an Ayurvedic psycho-spiritual wellness + life coach, hypnotherapist, prenatal yoga instructor, long-time labor and delivery social worker, and mama of 2. She teaches women how to hold the same nourishing space for themselves that they hold for others, and her coaching programs focus on restoring self-trust and intuition for healing. She is the owner + founder of
"Claudi is an Ayurvedic Health Counselor (600 hrs), mama, enthusiastic traveller, conscious creator and (com)passionate foodie. With her new project “Moonlit Mamas” she opened a holistic healing haven for Mamas in all stages of motherhood. Weaving together the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, Tantra & other feminine form medicine, she helps women to cultivate peace & balance, abundant energy & radical self love. Reconnecting with the woman beyond the mother & allowing her to make herself a priority! Claudi holds space through empowering workshops, 1:1 consultations and women’s circles & ceremonies, both online and offline in Portugal’s wavy Southwest coast.
"Shakti School did inspire me to open my own business. During level 2, I also took Brooke Sullivan’s Sage Roots 200 hour level yoga training. I like doing the combination of yoga and Ayurveda because I feel they belong together. I love bringing these teachings to my community. My business is Be Centered Health Coaching & Yoga."
"Since completing my first year of ayurveda school, I have been building an online platform called Studio Ojas. It's a space where I share ayurvedic recipes, PDF guides, and lots of yoga and body yantra (meditation) practices. Alongside Studio Ojas, I also have a yoga retreat business called Rasa Lila. I just finished up a retreat in Bali where I offered my first ayurvedic herbal wisdom workshops, and my clients absolutely loved it. I am so grateful to all that I have learned in Shakti School, and how I have been able to weave the teachings alongside my work as a yoga teacher."
"As a lover of many things, I am the host of Elixir Podcast, founder of Madre & The Muse, an Ayurvedic wellness company, and co-founder of Terra Sol Sanctuary, a yoga studio in Wilmington, NC. 
"My passion is in helping mothers with teenage daughters shift from feeling shame, disconnection and overwhelm to feeling empowered, connected and supported to strengthen their mother-daughter bond. As a mother of two daughters, I wanted to create an offering for mothers who may have spent many years disconnected from this part of themselves emotionally, physically and spiritually. I also wanted to create a space for mothers to come together and feel supported as they are in the cycle of their daughters moving from childhood to womanhood. We need community and connection and I learned that from being in Shakti School. I have experienced firsthand how the teachings of Ayurveda and Tantra have had an impact in my own life and how I approach mothering. By integrating the feminine-form teachings from Shakti School, I was able to reconnect to my body and reclaim my story and all my parts and pieces. I found the most benefit in attuning to cyclical living and implementing womb care into my life. This allowed me the deeper connection to my own intuition and to mother from within. The more aware we are of our own cycles the more we can share this with our daughters to support them in their transitions. The teachings and the sacred container of Shakti School is something so invaluable and I can't seem to sum up in words. I deepened my understanding of myself, tapped into my heart in ways I never had before and made so many lasting connections. And I am still feeling the ripples of my time at Shakti School through my life in such a beautiful way."
"I’ve made a career out of serving others, though not in a way that always honored my needs. Ayurveda and The Shakti School helped me change that. They gave me so much more than teachings and practices. They gave me more access to the deeper layers of my being. I learned how to prioritize filling my cup and serve others from there. For that, I bow to all my teachers, including my Shakti sisters. 
"Hi I'm Hadlee, and I'm an Ayurveda Health & Life Coach, and founder of Happy Healthy with Hadlee. I help ambitious women stop the all-or-nothing cycle when it comes to their health so they can stop obsessing about their bodies and start really thriving in body, mind, and spirit. My health coaching program, Happy Healthy Habits, combines the foundational habits & routines of Ayurveda, food & body psychology, and nervous system regulation & emotional processing to help members experience greater health, energy, confidence, capacity, and joy in their everyday life.
"I have started my own business already during Level 2. It is called 'Ayurveda with Claudia’ and it is all about bringing everything I have learned about Ayurveda, wellness, and the feminine etc. in the last 2 years, into my community. My interest is to empower people and to give them tools to come closer to themselves again, trust themselves, get more embodied and remember their gifts, strength and inner voice.
"As a somatic trauma therapist specializing in nervous system regulation for anxiety free relationships with love and money, Ayurveda school has been infused into my work and given me new ways to support my client’s nervous system’s through the deep healing process. It has also supported me as I’ve expanded into more 1:1 work and even opened up Body Based Business coaching."
"Amore has the roots of the Pacific Northwest and the spirit of the Southern Coast. She spent many of her formative years exploring the healing powers of nature in Portland Oregon that initiated her love of untethered travel and learning. She went to school at The University California - San Diego, The Art Institute, Ashford University and Shakti School of Ayurveda to follow her passion for people, movement, art and wellness. Currently she holds degrees in psychology, interior design, theatre dance and a Masters in management. She is also a certified personal trainer and wellness coach. In 2001 she served in the Peace Corps, Ghana Africa as a health and sanitation teacher to local villages. Upon returning from Africa Amore was diagnosed with two auto-immune diseases; ankylosing spondylitis and ulcerative colitis. This has only activated a deeper yearning to learn and share her experience and knowledge as a collective community of healing.
Modrn Medicin: Modrn Medicin uses a whole system approach to wellness through the inclusion of nutrition, movement and community. Our storefront location in San Diego, California offers health enhancing foods and drinks that are infused with medicinal plants. We include the benefits of these healing remedies as part of the MM experience as well as offer educational workshops. Our menu evolves seasonally to enhance the restorative effects of plant based medicine. MM also offers movement classes, sound healing, community acupuncture and special events. Our community can also work with a private Ayurvedic counselor for customized health plans.
"I've been studying and embodying Ayurveda in my life since my teens, but Shakti School finally gave me a way to synthesize my learnings and become certified so I can help others. Through my business, 
Emily Iannuzzelli is a graduate of Shakti School and was inspired by Meredith's Klines skincare module. Recognizing how much work it takes to learn Ayurveda, Emily wanted to translate the wisdom of Ayurveda for clients who may not have the time or resources to dedicate to studying. Emily has also translated the wisdom of Shakti School into several offerings at her improv theater in Baltimore including "Improv and the Nervous System," "Meditation for Improv," and "Improv as a Mindfulness Practice."
"I’m DaLisa, a Certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor, RYT-200 Yoga Instructor, fur mama and people person. A few of my favorite things are sun dresses, being barefoot in the grass, and a fully stocked kitchen.
"Peristeam Hydrotherapist and Ayurvedic Wellness Coach since 2020, born and raised in Romania, living in Berlin since 2009. Pelvic Steaming with a plan is my jam. I combine my knowledge of Ayurveda and Pelvic Steaming to balance out the reproductive system. Since my training I have supported women in getting pregnant naturally, managing endometriosis and fibroids, dissolving cysts and trauma, balancing out painful periods and cycles as well as vaginal infections, during labor preparation and postpartum recovery, as well as in welcoming the menopause with ease. My next project is to approach teens and the menarche, to "start them young" and have an impact on the long run. On my website you can find podcasts, testimonials and blog articles.
"As a mother of two, it has been a challenge to remember to take care of myself and Shakti School just provided me the gentlest space to do that. The whole year was a journey to myself. This endless journey is one that I could not go alone. I feel so grateful for having joined this community and having learnt so much. All the teachers and Katie have affected my life in many ways and whenever I practice Ayurveda, I remember all the lovely teachers we had, the authentic ways they each told us their approaches. There really is something so magical about this school that is hard to put into words for me! I simply cherished the wisdom and compassion conveyed.
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"My name is Mylinda Ogundipe and I live in Northwest Ohio with my husband and our daughter. I am currently a 200 hour certified yoga teacher, a mindfulness coach, and am in the process of becoming a yoga therapist. My interest in the health and wellness space was sparked by my desire to increase the health of my daughter, who was born with Sickle Cell Disease, an inherited blood disorder that causes organ damage as well as pain in various parts of the body. Our research into holistic support maintained that a healthy diet, yoga, and meditation could help manage this disease, so after a deep dive into yoga, I found Ayurveda. My initial interests in this program was to help my daughter and others living with Sickle Cell Disease. I still want to specialize in assisting those with Sickle Cell Disease, yet after being exposed to all the good that Ayurveda can do, I have expanded my focus to include individuals living with chronic pain in general. As a woman of color, I also believe that Ayurveda can serve as a protective factor against the disparities faced at all points of the motherhood journey, so I would like to expand my focus to help women of color along the path of motherhood. My ultimate goal would be to marry this Ayurvedic knowledge with yoga therapy in order to assist as many people in as many ways as possible. I know this Ayurvedic journey has just begun, and I am so very excited to learn more! Thank you so much for this scholarship opportunity!"
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"Hi, I’m LaToya Maria! I am a therapeutic yoga teacher, feminine embodiment guide and wellbeing educator with an intentional focus on women’s health. I'm the founder of Rooted & Crowned, a collective devoted to creating bespoke holistic wellness experiences for women. Known by many as an energy alchemist, I passionately guide women on a holistic journey into embodiment, liberation, and ease. My devotion to mindbody intimacy led me to yoga as a personal practice in 2015. In 2017 I took a sabbatical from work and traveled to India to study yoga philosophy where I completed my hatha yoga and meditation teacher training in Rishikesh, India. I have over 15 years of energy and movement-centered well-being expertise which contributed to the development of my signature style, Enchanted Flow- aimed at increasing reproductive health, honoring women’s cyclical nature, and expanding innate wisdom to support overall well-being. After spending 10 years living outside of my home country, losing my job in 2020 and grieving my father’s death in 2022, I found myself in deep need of care. I found my way back to Ayurveda through the comfort of food, rest and healing touch. I rediscovered Shakti School last year and felt a spark of light shine within me that said, “this is a practice that not only supports you, but the women and girls you hold space for.” I intend to bring Ayurveda for the female form into my community in an accessible way. I envision myself facilitating workshops and retreats that can transform women across all socioeconomic statuses. Wellness and wellbeing isn’t a luxury, it is our birthright! I am so grateful for this scholarship and to be a part of this community. I intend to move on to Level II next year."
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"Hi, my name is Gabriela. I am originally from Brazil, currently living in Brisbane, Australia, and loving every second of Shakti School! I’m profoundly touched by these teachings and very grateful for this amazing opportunity.
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"Who I was when 2022 began and who I am after seven months in Shakti School are practically two different persons. Over my nearly 40 years of this incarnation, I have gained degrees in psychology and certifications as a coach, yoga and mindfulness teacher, and nutrition educator. Yet the personification of coming home to myself, the practices of self-care, and the application of genuinely holistic wisdom have come through the teachings of Ayurveda. As I continue to Level 2 of Shakti School, I plan to incorporate Ayurvedic lifestyle practices within my life as daily rhythms, the seasons of nature, and the moon cycle. I want the embodiment of wisdom throughout my spiritual, emotional, and physical being, as well as in my environment, relationships, and pursuit of financial abundance. I will create a coaching practice with supportive and appropriate tools to help others develop their best life now and in the future. I believe each person deserves to feel as good as possible, and Shakti School lessons deliver the “how to” guide to get us there."
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"Hello beautiful souls! I’m Apoorva, and I’m from India. Ayurveda is part of my roots and has always resonated with me. In the last year. I considered studying it formally and, through a synchronistic occurrence, discovered the magic of Shakti school! I’m 29 years old and have worn multiple hats professionally- I’ve studied engineering, worked as a data scientist, done a course in teaching, worked as an educator, studied human development, and now work as a researcher. As a researcher, I’ve been reviewing the global socio-economic imbalances that COVID-19 has exacerbated. I’ve realised now is the perfect time for me to be studying Ayurveda because it is a map to understanding reality and a way for me to process these imbalances and understand my potential to transform lives around me, starting with myself. For me, this journey symbolises learning to digest my experiences, as well as our collective ancestral experiences, tuning into my inner voice and connecting with my true essence – my swastha. As Katie says- “What do I do next?” is one of the most spiritual questions on the planet! My goal is to combine my diverse experience to curate a loving space that unlocks self-expression and reignites our collective compassion through a focus on food, movement, emotional awareness, and spiritual enquiry, based on the holistic health philosophy of Ayurveda – It is my heart’s desire to be a transmitter of this knowledge- this vidhya. I’m so excited for everything ahead and eternally grateful to the powerful Shakti tribe for this life-transforming experience."
"My name is Ashley King. I am a wife and a mother of two beautiful children. Although I am not currently practicing, I am a licensed massage therapist and a Yoga Teacher. But right now I’m a coordinator for a kid’s club inside of a gym. I’m going with the flow and seeing where that is going to take me. I am happy to be able to bring what I learn from Shakti School to my team and the kids where I work. I believe I will be able to help them ground and guide them in expressing themselves better when maybe at home they don’t have that option. I have a genetic condition called Peutz-Jegher Syndrome. It is a rare condition and polyps can grow anywhere, but mainly show up in my small intestine. I had my first surgery at the age of 7 and I have had 4 major surgeries total. Unfortunately, I passed it on to my daughter. I have been on my healing journey for about 10 years trying to discover ways to live life to the fullest and to be around as long as I can for my kiddos. When I looked into Shakti School, I knew deep in my heart that this was the school for me. To help heal deep wounds within me, assist my daughter in her journey with this condition and to help heal my community. I am so very grateful for this opportunity and super excited to be here."
"I was born to a 3rd generation American mother and grew up around Los Angeles and I am the oldest of four children and the only one to graduate high school. I grew up surrounded by poverty, gang violence, drug abuse/addiction, incarceration and untreated mental illness. I suffer from a heart condition and several gastrointestinal conditions that interfere with my quality of life. The trauma I have experienced in my life has deeply influenced my inclination towards holistic healing and Eastern philosophies. I believe whole heartedly in the ability to rise from nothing and build yourself up to greatness and the ability to overcome all obstacles that the universe puts before us. I have lived in Alaska, California, New York and Kansas and enjoy traveling around the world. I work with PETA as a volunteer vegan mentor and I’m a certified life coach, RYT-200 and an inter-denominational reverend. I am beyond blessed to have received this scholarship to Shakti School level one! I plan to go back to college and obtain my degree in Psychology and eventually attend med school to become a psychiatrist. I want to integrate Ayurvedic medicine, life coaching techniques, Yoga, Meditation and Western medicine together to form a mind-body-spirit approach to psychiatric medicine and patient care. In the future I would love to be able to attend level two of Shakti School to deepen my understanding of feminine form medicine and to obtain my RYT-500 certification. Thank you for allowing me to share this with you all!"
"Hi, I’m Jazmine. I am a social worker and yoga teacher. I have been in the counselling field for 13+ years. In 2013, I began to experience workplace burnout which in turn led me to pursue yoga teacher training and other eastern-based approaches. This was when my healing journey began… not just for the burnout but for a medical condition I had developed in my youth. This shift also altered the way I helped to support my clients; whereby I started to incorporate both eastern and western traditions into my counselling approach. Through this journey to healing, there was an ongoing tendency to try and learn from authority figures how to heal myself. I was going into it with the mentality that I didn’t have the answers and that “experts” had the answers. What drew me to Shakti School was the strong emphasis of attuning to the inner healer - ultimately recognizing that the sacred answers to my own healing lie within. My life journey led me here, to the sacredness of Ayurveda. The teachings of Ayurveda have been the most nourishing and holistic approach to self-healing I’ve had the honour of being gifted with. It is the path to help support my own healing journey, and also a holistic lens that will help me best support my clients. I am deeply honoured to be a Shakti School Scholarship recipient. Much gratitude to the teachings, teachers, Shakti team, and the loving community I am now a part of."
"I’m 26 years old yoga teacher and feminine energy mentor from Poland. I finished law school and I was working in a law office, but I realized this is not my purpose. I changed my life completely and went after what my heart was calling… nutrition and yoga. I went to India for yoga teacher training and become interested in Ayurveda as well. It was 3 years ago and since then I’m teaching yoga. Currently I’m living in Thailand and I love to learn more about Ayurveda that’s of course why I very much wanted to join Shakti School! Since 2 and a half years I’m running my own business, which started as fitness and nutrition oriented, I made 4 healthy living ebooks! With time I developed my business as well. I become interested more in women’s health. I’m creator of courses for Polish women about yoga philosophy, spirituality and health, which I’m so blessed to teach! I would love more women to connect to their own natural cycle, feel less stressed, enjoyed life as it is, know how to individually and durably take care of their physical and mental health. I’m so pleased to be able to expand my knowledge in Shakti School and bringing the ancient knowledge into modern hearts, which as I long for connection with nature."
"I am sure many of you can relate, but 2020 was a rough year for me. My name is Kelsi, and I am a 33 year old mother of two in Cincinnati. I have been a yoga lover for a decade, and I began a mediation practice during quarantine to help manage stress. When my partner and I split in May, I knew that I needed something healthy to focus my energy on. I discovered Shakti School through following Katie on social media, and I found myself being repeatedly drawn to the idea of it. I am a registered nurse and I have always been most passionate about women’s health. Along with the huge responsibility of raising two young women in this modern world, I simply feel like this program is exactly where I need to be. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and integrate Ayurveda into my life and share it with the people around me. "
"Meet Kyanne, an entrepreneur, beauty & wellness consultant, ayurvedic bodywork practitioner and an unshakeable optimist dedicated to supporting you on your pathway to personal wellness & healing. Kyanne is currently enrolled in Shakti School but plans to use her training and education to develop a Panchakarma Retreat Center in Iowa. "
"I am Lauryn Mumbi from Nairobi, Kenya. I feel excited, loved, felt, known and the scholarship was a surprise and I say thank you to the higher power and to Shakti School. Sometimes we get to the right path after pain and that is why being fully present makes you notice every detail. My pain story made me aware of guides, the first being my experience. Ayurveda so far has been an eye opener on all aspects of my life, and I want to use it to heal myself and those around me. Nothing about my life is lucky but I have seen a lot of divine guidance. Through the few lessons so far I am getting to understand me better and also hear my inner guides, I am able to make decisions without asking others what they think and I would love this to be the experience of everyone I come across. I used to do yoga just as an exercise but from the sub dosha lesson I learnt the purpose and uses of some inversions and I had a lot of ‘Ahaa’ moments. Someday I will be an Ayurveda doctor this makes me excited."
"My name is Lori Satter, I am from Houston, Texas and have had the opportunity to live in many locations, but always find myself back in Texas. I found my way to Ayurveda about 12 years ago while immersed in the yoga world, studying all the branches of the Vedic Sciences, Yoga, Astrology and Ayurveda. In 2013, I left my husband and found my digestion suffering, I turned to Ayurveda to help me return to balance and since then I have strived to live in accordance with an Ayurvedic lifestyle. In 2019, I left my job and went back to school to become an Esthetician and knew then I would be an Ayurvedic Esthetician, merging the best of East and West to offer my clients holistic based experience. The skin is the largest organ in the body and what you digest both physically and emotionally or lack of digestion will show up in the skin. My aim upon graduating from Shakti School is to guide women to feel comfortable in their skin, helping them seek balance physically, emotionally, and spiritually, so that their true inner radiance shines."
"My name is Maja, I am originally from Poland but currently living in Denmark. I am deeply thankful to Shakti School for supporting me in pursuing this career and self-healing path thanks to the scholarship. The Ayurveda School has become a second home for me, where I charge batteries, deepen my compassion and discover new paths towards self-healing. All of which supports my deepest heart-desire to share this ancient knowledge with women in my home country and across Europe. I am deeply rooted in the sustainable way of living, including a conscious lifestyle and diet. I have been sharing this knowledge for some months now with wonderful women and men who want to do something good both for our planet and themselves. Additionally to lifestyle coaching, I guide moon meditations and organize online sessions where people from around Europe gather together to go inside and connect to their inner source of power. Ayurveda has given me a deep sense of peace and grounding, which I believe is highly needed nowadays. Nevertheless, this is just the beginning of my healing journey, which has already given me such strength to continue supporting others that I cannot wait to see how it all develops in the coming months!"
"My name is Monica Martinez. I live in Palmdale, CA, I’m a Mother of 2 and grandmother of 2. Holistic Healing modalities have been very important to me for a few years now because I’ve used them on my own healing journey and have seen results. I’m now 50 and have had a few female issues throughout the years. Doctors couldn’t find the problem, they kept saying it was nothing yet wanting to give me meds to experiment. My father who passed away last April due to kidney failure, I know could’ve been healed by Ayurveda treatments in India, however I couldn’t afford taking him due to the pandemic. Due to my father’s passing I became more interested in Ayurveda. I want my kids, grandkids, mom and sisters to really benefit from the knowledge I would have in Ayurveda, especially my mom whom all these years they’ve been telling she was dying of liver cancer, but she’s still here. At the moment she is fighting for her life, a wrong dosage of medication was given to her at the hospital caused so many health problems for her. I realized the hospital is not where she is going to find healing. I’m on a mission to learn all I can in this Ayurveda course to especially help my mom heal, my immediate family, myself and as many people as I can in this world."
"My spiritual journey started around 7 years ago, when I first tried yoga. It showed me the deeper meaning of the word “lifestyle", where you are not doing exercise only, but working on establishing your mind-body connection. In 2019 I had a trip to Nepal. Somewhere on the roof of Kathmandu during a yoga class with singing bowls, a revelation came to my mind “I want to do this myself”, to teach, connect & heal others. Fast forward to 2020, I found myself in Rishikesh, India, doing a yoga teacher training, meeting people & gurus, & obviously starting to pay attention to Ayurveda. I decided to slow down & spend time alone. Panchakarma, a well-known Ayurvedic detox program, seemed like an answer to my problems. I felt heavy, my digestion was slow, I had skin issues, constant fatigue & compulsive eating. The results were stunning. I literally felt my body cleansing inside & out. This changed my life, I finally felt the inner peace & harmony regained. Currently I teach a few yoga classes a week. And it became clear to me that modern people are looking for answers. On how to balance their lives, how to eat well, how to recover from stress & better manage their daily activities. My eagle eye vision is to offer that knowledge & advice on improving their lifestyle. Coz Mama Nature has it all for us. We just need to listen."
"My name is Palloma and I currently live in the Windy City-Chicago. First of all, I am humbled and so deeply grateful to be able to return to the teachings of Ayurveda. After dealing with so many detours and different cycles in my journey, I honor my intuition which led me to be here in this present moment connecting with Katie and all the Shakti School sisterhood where I feel loved and very welcomed. I grew up by the ocean in Brazil and since my childhood my connection with nature has always been special… I remember stopping and admiring the diversity and colors of many exotic flowers & plants…I would fall in love with the delicacy and strength of nature portrayed on its flora, over and over again… but it was during my yoga teacher training, after so many springs that I had the opportunity to learn more about the sister science of yoga. That’s when I felt a strong desire to go deeper into this beautiful science of life. My heart intention with my spiritual education is to embrace, understand, respect, live and share the beauties and sacred teachings of Mama Nature through Ayurveda/Yoga/Sacred Feminine focusing on bringing awareness, consciousness, wellness, love and light, especially to sisters in vulnerable situations by assisting them, reasserting their relationship within their wildish nature, allowing these women to overcome the pressure and struggles of today's patriarchal society, by finding the medicine through a path of self-love and self-worth where they can honor themselves in the purest and most truthful form: LOVE! Com muito amor~"
"I hail from India, the land of Ayurveda. So right from my childhood Ayurveda was part of my life unknowingly. Which is why I never valued it and took it for granted. I ate homecooked food during my growing up years and we rarely ate food from outside. I got married and shifted to Dubai. That is when I actually starting ignoring my health and began eating unhealthy junk food. The stress of work added to it. I had my two kids. Though I managed to give them healthy food, still I could not strictly follow a healthy regime. Although I would always avoid allopathic medications for myself and my kids and treat them with home remedies. It was 5 years back that I had severe knee pain and was diagnosed with RA. That is when I began treatment with an Ayurvedic practitioner. I decided to take my health seriously. However, I was not relieved of the pain completely. In spite of being on medications on an off, the flare ups were unbearable and I would go into depression during such flare ups. My practitioner never explained as to why I was having this pain or ways to reduce my stress or depression. While I was fine on days when there was no pain, on days I had my flare ups I would be shattered and lost. That is when I came upon Shakti School. Call it my intuition or my inner calling, I strongly felt this is my path to healing. Also, I could heal other women like me who could be going through a similar journey. I was honoured to receive the scholarship from Shakti school. Today as I go through the sessions, I become aware and enlightened. I respect and value my body a lot more than I did before. I have already noticed positive changes in my health by applying what I am learning in Shakti school. My wish is to pursue a career in Ayurveda by helping people to follow a path in wellness."
"My name is Sara Rollins, and I come from the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. I am truly a teacher at heart, and have a passion for ethical outdoor recreation, and holistic practices that support overall well-being. I am blessed to be studying Ayurveda with the Shakti School this year after waiting for the right time since the very first group. Through this course, I hope to continue to solidify practices in my own life that I love and believe in to keep my own cup full so I can support others in need, especially those in rural areas who really need these practices, but often don’t have access to them. I love the format of slow, one-0n-one work with people, and my goal is to combine my unique set of skills in music, yoga, outdoor recreation, and Ayurveda to support individuals as they work to achieve whatever they want out of life. I live in my van full-time with my love, Burt, and our precious Norwegian Elkhound Lola. He is a musician, and I work on a research team for a podcast in it’s preliminary stage about the Appalachian Trail; my primary work for the podcast is bringing to light the dark history in the United States regarding the treatment of the indigenous natives of this land. I’m also a graduate student through Prescott College working toward my Master’s in Outdoor Education and Leadership. My undergraduate degrees are in Music Performance and Music Education."
"I am Sara, a soul alchemist, a womb-wisdom keeper and an Earth ambassador. I am the scientist and the shaman, the academic and the witch. The bridge between the structured logic and the fiery creativity. For many years, I have lived in the beautiful land of my Mind, where I was privilege enough to nourish my studies, up to getting a PhD in the social sciences. I followed my passion all the way to Cape Town, my home away from home. To a passionate researcher in the field of social trust, cultural taboo and ethnic diversity, South Africa is simply the place to be. Living in an incredibly interesting, yet very tough reality required me to have a strong balance in my own life. Mens sana in corpore sano, they say. I have thus started to embark on a journey of radical self-love through embodiment practices. Conscious breathing, conscious dancing, herbalism and yoga all brought me a step closer to a fuller version of myself. To feel whole, though, I needed Ayurveda in my life. As I work more and more in the poorest and most disadvantaged neighbourhoods of Cape Town, I see Ayurveda as a political practice, one of justice. I joined Shakti School to gain the knowledge and to access its teachers’ wisdom to be able to support and empower women (and their children) in taking deep care of themselves and their communities in a holistic and inexpensive way, in harmony with Nature and its cyclicality."
"After being diagnosed with Endometriosis in 2018, I knew that I wanted to help women navigate their health through finding the root cause of what they are going through. There is not a lot of information on Endometriosis and the cause, so trying to treat it makes it very difficult. I found through holistic practices and with the help of my medical team, that I have been able to successfully manage my symptoms. During the last year, I was thinking about going back to school to become an ear for those who feel they are not being heard in the medical field. However, I decided that I wanted to be more involved with women and their journeys and creating a process on how to heal not just their bodies but their souls. After completing the Ayurveda Wellness Coach - Level 1 program, I am looking forward to joining level 2 to extend my knowledge and then open a whole Mind, Body and Spirit sanctuary for all women looking to increase their Agni. After learning that Katie teaches the importance of integrating western and eastern practices together, I knew that this is the program I wanted to study. I am not 100% sure where this journey will take me, but I am very excited to be on it."
"My name is Sophia Parks, and for me it’s quite simple why I chose to study Ayurveda. I feel like much of the world has lost the art of true healing and continues to cover up health problems instead of understanding your whole being. I hope to share my knowledge with the BIPOC community and make the balance of health more accessible. I came to a more holistic form of healing because I have struggled with GI issues and skin imbalances and am working to bring my whole body into health so these issues will clear. I am passionate about yoga and Ayurveda and have been teaching yoga since 2019, you can see more about my classes on IG @sophia.sea.yoga. I am from Murrieta, CA and attend graduate school in infectious disease at UC, Riverside. This serves as a constant reminder that we are all struggling with dis-ease in one form or another. I am constantly in a male-dominant and male-thinking environment and have been craving feminine energy. As women we all have the power to be healers and it’s time for the world to recognize us in all our strength and power. My hope is that we rise up together to heal ourselves, each other and the world around us!"
"As far as I remember I have been feeling wounded inside and outside, throughout my 30 years of life I have suffered from scoliosis and eating disorders. Incessantly tried to fix my bones and my body that I despised; with great effort tried to seek everywhere the reason behind my restless spirit. Luckily, I was passionate enough to expand my inherent love for nature and follow my intuition that I finally realized the precious essence flowing through me was always within me. I could feel it like the delicious fragrance of blossoming flowers, like a wild ocean wave, like the rising of the sun... All inside and outside of me; the loving force of creation pervading all the universe and the miniverse within me. Shakti School has become a nest holding my restless spirit; a magnifying love glass for my senses through which I can look deeper, closer into my bones and my tiny cells yearning for attention. As I slowly and steadily drop the veil before me everything started to feel right. I feel so honored to be a part of this lineage of love that words are not enough to express my gratitude for this opportunity. It breaks my heart to see many women suffer from eating disorders and body hate and the fact that I will have the chance to bring forth the unique medicine growing inside me, fuels my passion in this journey. I would love to utilize these ancient and modern teachings of Ayurveda and Tantra that I am gradually integrating, for the amelioration of the women experiencing this suffering. I aim for weaving the practices with kind compassion so as to remind my beloved sisters of their inherent connection with the radiant essence within their being and help them to rebuild this lost connection with divine spirit."