Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Dr. Shah is passionate about working with Akhila Health to teach about emotions and the mind-body connection. She strongly believes this will empower women towards understanding how to make a positive change in their lives. Dr. Shah has a doctorate (Ed.D) in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is a senior lecturer in the Child and Adolescent Development Department at San Jose State University. She is also the Founder of My Social Edge. My Social Edge empowers children, and their parents, to learn critical social and emotional skills.

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Sandy has a background in psychology and integrative health studies, and she is also a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness coach. She is currently a doctoral student in the Mind-Body Medicine program at Saybrook University, where she is also involved in facilitating various projects, such as the Mindfulness Moments program and Mind-Body-Spirit Integration seminar. She also works as a graduate teaching assistant and supports the Mind-Body Medicine faculty in operating their courses.

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Zoe is a Bay Area native and recent graduate of Colgate University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in neuroscience. With a passion for medicine and science, Zoe started medical school in the summer of 2023. Throughout her journey towards becoming a physician, Zoe has been an advocate for equitable and inclusive healthcare and was thrilled when she found out about Akhila Health and its mission to support underserved women. She has been especially excited about Akhila Health’s focus on holistic and integrative approaches for empowering women. Zoe hopes to use the tools and expertise she’s learned through facilitating holistic wellness workshops at Akhila Health to continue to support underserved communities throughout her career.

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Dr. Natasha Bernard grew up in the desert climate of Phoenix, Arizona and fell in love with the Bay Area when she moved to Oakland to earn her B.A. in Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology at Mills College. She completed Osteopathic Medical School at Touro University in Vallejo in 2009, and became board certified in Family Medicine in 2012 after residency in Santa Rosa. Working with the underserved has been one of the most rewarding and inspiring aspects of her medical practice. She has been volunteering locally at the Fountain Project since 2013 and in 2018 she traveled to the Dominican Republic with her daughter Brooklyn to volunteer medical services at the Orphanage in La Urena. In her free time she enjoys cooking, hiking, swimming, meditating, practicing yoga and relaxing with her family and friends.

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Courtney Marchesani, M.S. received her Master’s in Mind-Body Medicine from Saybrook University and has worked in in mental health and integrative medicine. Marchesani’s work in mental health and supportive housing programs began in residential treatment. Her work evolved and expanded to focus on issues that impact affordable housing and treatment models. Marchesani’s social justice, advocacy, and lobbying for supportive housing led to several successful grant-funded projects including Shelter Plus Care Homeless Assistance Grant, Special Section-8, HUD-202, and HUD 811.

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Leonard (Len) Shen is a facilitator specializing in providing energetic self-healing skills.  Len teaches Qi Gong, a 3,000-year-old Chinese practice for purging trauma and enhancing well-being, is a certified Master of Chinese Energetic Medicine, certified CEM Therapist, and an ordained priest. Len is also a Harvard-trained lawyer and former corporate chief ethics officer, is the Chairman of the Board of three publicly traded financial institutions, and on the Board of HomeFirst, a nonprofit serving over 5,000 homeless people a year.

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

​​Kristen is a first year osteopathic medical student at Touro University California. She is excited to be working with Akhila Health to help individuals understand the mind, body, spirit connection and empower them to make a positive change in their lives. In her free time, Kristen enjoys gardening and hiking.

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Shenikah has a certificate from Saybrook University in Integrative wellness coaching. She has been a life coach for since 2020.  Through other organizations and work she has been in the service field for over 15 years working with underserved and vulnerable populations.

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Vasu was introduced to yoga by her mother at a very young age.  She has been practicing yoga on and off, but couldn't prioritize yoga or similar holistic practices over high priorities of stressful high-tech work and family. Knowing the benefits of yoga, she decided to introduce yoga classes at her workplace long before the trend caught on with large corporations. In 2017, she decided to pursue yoga seriously and received yoga teacher credentials from Ananda Yoga Center. She began teaching free classes at the center and her workplace until the pandemic in 2020. She continues to teach Hatha yoga incorporating different techniques catering to individual needs.  She joined Akhila Health in May 2023 and teaches yoga to women housed at Siena House in Santa Cruz.

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Keerthana is currently pursuing her M.S. in Biomedical Sciences at Charles R. Drew University and working on her thesis, which is research on the anticancer effects of certain phytochemicals. She enjoys facilitating essential discussions with the community to uphold the mission of Akhila Health. She loves to share resources with women to provide them access to necessary tools for their well-being. She recently moved to India to do a course on Ayurveda and obtain her certification in Kundalini Yoga.

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Suzanne is a mother of three, resides in northern Pennsylvania, and from afar, speaks from the heart to the women at Akhila Health. She delivers passion through teaching women emotional regulation techniques, different forms of visual imagery, and breathing meditations to help center and ground into the deepest part of our spiritual and emotional being while navigating life's positive and negative aspects. Suzanne is a Pennsylvania State graduate with a B.S. in Forest Science. She is a Wildland Fire Public Information Officer, a meditation practitioner, Sacred Passage Doula and Conscious Dying Coach from the Conscious Dying Institute in Boulder, Colorado, and a candidate for her Masters in Mind-Body Medicine from Saybrook University. With her diverse background and passion for integrating the mind, body, spirit connection with the earth, Suzanne hopes to bring the beauty of light, love, and life to those she meets through Akhila Health.

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Janet is a family caregiver, author and TEDx speaker on the subject of mindful self-care for caregivers so we can better care for those in need.  As a personal and emotional intelligence coach, facilitator, speaker, and trainer, she brings the tools of mindfulness, positive psychology and emotional intelligence together to help individuals realize their full potential. She is also the principal coach and founder of Nearly Mindful, a Silicon Valley mindfulness training organization. With over 25 years working in the digital marketing and technology industries, she understands the need to come home to our human needs and find personal fulfillment in our lives at home and at work.

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Sadia L. Depta, M.S. is an experienced wellness facilitator for Akhila Health who is passionate about empowering others to become the best versions of themselves. Regardless of socio-economical status, disparities or psychophysiological challenges, she trusts that ones will power to mitigate negative notions will inevitably foster inner peace and afford the power to reach ones goals and dreams.  Advocating for women who are facing the pangs of homelessness, loss, abuse, and socioeconomic difficulties are her strongholds. Sadia is a mother of five children, is a PhD student of psychophysiology at Saybrook University and believes that the most valuable skill known to mankind is the ability to listen with altruistic intent to reply with kindness, enlightenmen, and wisdom.

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Lata is passionate about supporting women and children and supporting them to discover their own highest potential. She believes that self-awareness and connecting to internal resources can uplift women and enable them to handle any challenge in life.Lata Ramesh has certifications in different areas of mind-body healing, including an advanced hypnosis certification called LIGHT from the UCSD (School of Integrative Medicine). She is currently working as an Anxiety Coach through her organization ‘The Healing Gym’ (www.thehealinggym.com) and helping people of all ages rediscover internal resources and develop confidence in themselves.

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Lorraine was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hunter College and a Master's in Early Childhood from Brooklyn College. After moving to California with her husband and having two children, she was a teacher for thirty years. Lorraine is a passionate and talented volunteer - working with the San Jose Museum of Art, Children’s Shelter, Good Samaritan Hospital and Akhila Health - and is very active in her synagogue.
In her ‘spare time’, Lorraine designs beautiful, handmade greeting cards for all occasions. She sells these cards and donates 100% of the proceeds to ACCESS, a nonprofit support service for the Good Samaritan Hospital Community. As an Akhila Health Facilitator, Lorraine helps others design beautiful cards in our Art Therapy Workshops - providing this valuable, therapeutic practice with underserved women. In her words, ‘volunteering comes naturally to me and making cards is relaxing, creative, and fun. It’s even more exciting when I can help good causes with this activity!’

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Karen is a certified health and life coach with over 6 years of experience guiding women on their wellness journeys. She is deeply passionate about empowering women to reclaim their health, vitality, and confidence. As a certified Pilates instructor and nutrition expert, she blends movement and mindful eating to help her clients achieve holistic wellness. Karen holds a degree in Communications from Chico State, which has enhanced her ability to connect with and support her clients in meaningful ways. Her approach is compassionate, focused on building self-awareness, and rooted in creating lasting lifestyle changes prioritizing each individual’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Outside of her professional work, Karen is a lifelong advocate for balanced living and enjoys hiking, cooking, and traveling.

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Gopika is passionate about the deep connection between art and life as a pathway to holistic wellness. Her approach draws on the wisdom of the body through somatic and creative movement, engaging the emotional, spiritual, and imaginative dimensions of experience. Through this embodied exploration, she supports others in cultivating presence, expanding creativity, and expressing the fullness of their spirit. She has taught in schools nationally and internationally for over twenty years, sharing her creative approach with children and youth. Gopika Womack-Freeman has a Master’s in Education from Antioch University, Santa Barbara, and a B.A. in Dance from Mills College. She is a Tamalpa Teacher Training Graduate.

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Sarah Sue Burich is a trained naturopathic doctor, having earned her doctorate in naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University in 2014. She received her BA from Hamline University with a focus in biology and cultural anthropology. She now serves as a healing guide, coach, ally & facilitator in the world of medicine and health. She is also a teacher and educator, having taught for many audiences, including herbal schools, non-profits, universities, yoga studios, the general public, as well as for her beloved patients & clients, for over 12+ years of practice. She is also a devoted mother, herbalist & earth steward. Sarah Sue is passionate about helping others to remember how interconnected they are to the natural world, how nature and creativity can support healing, and how to guide people to connect with their own inner knowing, guidance, power, and light within. This is where sustainable change is fostered and made.

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Riya is a spiritual teacher and transformational healing coach with over 20 years of experience in vibrational healing. As a Tibetan Singing Bowl teacher and chakra expert, she weaves ancient wisdom with modern techniques to help others align their energy and awaken their true power.Her healing journey has taken her to over 40 countries, studying with monks, shamans, and spiritual masters. Today, she guides individuals and wellness leaders through life-changing retreats in Tibet and Bali, powerful courses, and soulful mentorship to create lasting transformation.

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Maryam is passionate about working with Akhila Health to lead sound healing workshops. Maryam received her sound healing training from Riya Wang, a transformational healing coach and vibrational healing teacher with over two decades of experience. Maryam is an attorney, focusing on immigration law. She is passionate about social justice, education, and her family. Maryam discovered sound healing during her own healing journey and wants to share this gift with others.    

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Rebecca Mamro is a holistic wellness practitioner specializing in women’s health, embodiment, and emotional balance. At Akhila Health, she supports women and adolescents in reconnecting with their bodies and regulating emotions through somatic practices, breathwork, and mindfulness. She combines psychology, astrology, body-based techniques, and her personal recovery experience to create a safe and supportive space for transformation. Rebecca guides clients in developing nervous system regulation, understanding implicit patterns, and strengthening self-worth. She is trained in astrology at Inna Lyubimova’s School, is a certified yoga instructor, and an Access Bars practitioner. With years of experience in women’s wellness and recovery, she helps people return to themselves and build a more grounded, balanced life.

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Jane Kang is a certified yoga instructor and is passionate about making yoga accessible for all. Not long after taking her first step on the mat in 2012, Jane realized she wanted to share the healing practice of yoga with others. She completed her 200 hour training at Yoga Vida and currently teaches community classes, with a focus on gentle vinyasa flow. Off of the mat, Jane is a product marketer and is curious about cultivating self-compassion in the workplace

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Dr. Ishadai is dedicated to supporting women’s wholeness and healing at the soul level. With this endeavor, she is honored and delighted to be a part of the Akhila team and their aligned vision. Dr. Ishadai serves as a Spiritual Midwife, supporting women through difficult transitions, whether emotional, mental, or physical in different phases and stages of life, including birth and end of life care using 5 Elements Astrology and Traditional Healing Modalities. She practices Chinese Medicine, Herbology, Acupressure, Energy and Intuitive Healing Work, and Medial Qigong. She has been practicing for 15 years. She has a doctorate in Chinese Energetic Medicine/Medical Qigong. She has a Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is an educator of the healing arts and the mystic field. She is certified as a 5 Element Astrology. She is a Reiki Master. She leads meditation and qigong weekly. She is also an ordained Christian Mystic Minister and Buddhist Teacher. Certified Western and Eastern Herbalist and is a Shamanic Practitioner and Spiritual Mentor and Coach.

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Patie Jansen is passionate about working with Akhila Health to teach about emotions, stress management, and personal empowerment. She believes that self-awareness and connecting to internal resources can uplift women and enable them to handle any challenge in life. Through Patie’s career of 30 years as a Learning and Development Specialist she has developed facilitation skills that help to bring any group together in a collaborative, fun way.  

Core Workshop Series Facilitator

Amy Colozza has a background in psychology and integrative, mind–body approaches to health. She is a coach and educator who supports women in unlearning diet culture, rebuilding trust with their bodies, and developing a more compassionate, sustainable relationship with food.Amy is currently a doctoral student in Saybrook University's humanistic psychology program, where her work explores creativity, embodiment, and personal meaning-making as pathways to well-being. Her approach integrates evidence-informed psychology, creative practices, and body-based awareness, with an emphasis on agency, self-trust, and freedom from rigid rules. In addition, Amy is also a founder of the CREATE Professional Learning Community at Saybrook, which encourages all participants to create and pursue authentic transformations in their everyday lives. Through her facilitation with Akhila Health, Amy creates supportive, nonjudgmental spaces that invite reflection, curiosity, and practical integration into daily life. She is especially passionate about helping participants reconnect with their inner wisdom and move toward health practices that feel humane, flexible, and aligned with their lived experience.