Meet the Community

At the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine, being a student means becoming part of a living, evolving community—rooted in shared purpose, respect, and devotion to the path of Ayurveda. We walk this journey together.We learn from master mentors—and from one another. We hold space, we grow, and we carry this wisdom into the world.

Meet Your Mentors

No recorded classes here. Our faculty is a living lineage—Ayurvedic Doctors, Medical Doctors, and BAMS-trained clinicians—each devoted to the practice, not just the theory, of this ancient science. Experience real interraction and guidance as they bring decades of clinical experience, spiritual depth, and tradition to every class and to you.
This is more than teaching. It is transmission.
And through them, Ayurveda lives.

Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, A.D.

Khalsa is President Emeritus of the American Herbalists Guild, Director Emeritus of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association and your mentor in Ayurvedic Herbalism for Self Healing.

Dr. Sheila Patel, M.D.

Dr. Sheila Patel, M.D., is renowned for her expertise in integrative medicine, blending the wisdom of Ayurveda, meditation, and yoga with modern medical practices. With years of experience and a dedication to holistic health, she offers a unique and personalized approach to healing.

Dr. Resmi V. Rajagopal

Dr. Resmi practices Ayurvedic Gynecology & Pregnancy Care and has published research papers in renowned journals. She specializes in Yoga & Naturopathy and is your mentor in Panchakarma & Ayurvedic Detoxification.

Dr. Scott Roos ED.D

Teacher Scott studied upper division Sanskrit at UC Berkeley and Ayurveda at the Wellpark College of Natural Therapies in New Zealand and the Ayurvedic Institute under Dr. Vasant Ladd. Teacher Scott is your mentor in Sanskrit and Mantra for Ayurvedic Practitioners.

DR. Pratibha Shah, BAMS

Pratibha Shah is an internationally renowned Ayurveda expert. Intensely trained in Traditional Health Sciences as well as Public Health, Pratibha Shah distils Eastern wisdom with an understanding of Western principles, for the best care of her clients.

Christine Devlin Eck

Christine is the Director Sacred Window Center founded by the late Ysha Oaks. She has a background as an Ayurvedic Practitioner, Educator, Group Facilitator and Birth and Postpartum Doula and is your mentor in Ayurvedic Pregnancy, Birth and the Sacred Window.

Burkhard Langemann

Sri B (aka Burkhard) is the founder of the Akasha Yoga Academy. He has dedicated three decades to the academic & practical research of the Art of Living. Having studied with the most profound sages & experts of our times, Sri B also holds a German Masters Degree in Psychology & Education.

Gia Lisa Krahne

Gia is a practitioner and professor of Āyurveda, jyotiṣa, Sanskrit, tantra and yogic philosophy at NYC Vedic Center. With a background in neuroscience and the performing arts– her primary research interests are consciousness, meditation, and sexuality.

Marek Sawicki

Marek Sawicki is a professional instructor and a highly trained and experienced clinician. His comprehensive education includes being a graduate of The Ayurvedic Institute of Albuquerque, N.M. under the guidance of Dr. Vasant Lad. Marek is your mentor in Ayurvedic Anatomy and Clinical Assessment.

More Than a School—A Movement of Light

Jacky Rae & Coach Andy Allen Co-Founders of YVIAM

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OUR MISSION IS SIMPLE

To make Ayurveda truly accessible—not just to one student, but to every life they touch.

At Yoga Veda Institute, we see each student as a spark.
And when that spark is lit, it becomes a flame—illuminating families, communities, and generations to come.

We don’t measure success in certificates or titles.
We measure it in circles formed.
In homes healed.

This is not a school in the traditional sense. There are no gurus here.
No pedestals. No gatekeeping.

Just a circle of extraordinary teachers—Ayurvedic doctors, clinicians, and guides—who share this wisdom with humility, clarity, and devotion.

Wherever our students go, Ayurveda goes with them.
They create circles, they hold space, they become the medicine.

We built this because we needed it.
And now—it’s yours.

We are not just studying Ayurveda.
We are living it.
And together, we are lighting up the world.

Our Leadership

At Yoga Veda Institute, our leadership is here to steward the spirit of Ayurveda—to keep it rooted in integrity, accessible in practice, and alive in the hearts of those who are called to carry it forward.

We don’t measure success in accolades, credentials, or follower counts.
We measure it in the quiet ripples that happen when a student brings Ayurveda home—to their families, their communities, their circles of care.

Our role is to hold the container:
To preserve the depth.
To protect the tradition.
To support the sacred unfolding that happens when real learning meets real life.

We are not at the center. You are.
Your healing becomes someone else’s hope.
Your growth becomes someone else’s medicine.
That’s how we know it’s working.

We lead by listening.
We lead by holding.
And we measure our success by what you go on to light in the world.

Coach Andy

Co-founder

Andy Allen is the visionary Founder of YVIAM. Driven by the mission to make holistic education accessible, Andy established the institute to bridge ancient eastern teachings with modern western approaches. His strategic leadership and deep understanding of both traditional wisdom and contemporary health challenges have shaped YVIAM’s mission, attracting a global audience seeking quality education.

Jacky Rae

Co-founder

In 2015, Jacky co-founded Yoga Veda Institute alongside Andy Allen, with the mission to provide an inclusive and flexible Ayurvedic education to individuals who couldn’t attend traditional programs. They wanted to offer a learning platform that would welcome students from all walks of life, empowering them to pursue their passion for Ayurveda while balancing other responsibilities.

Brittany Woodard

Dean of Education

Brittany’s fever for the healing arts was ignited during her academic pursuit of Anthropology, where she unearthed the profound influence of spiritual well-being and the art of healing. This revelation propelled her towards her true calling, leading to her graduation from the Ayurvedic Practitioner Program at YVIAM. Today, she stands as a dedicated Ayurvedic Practitioner and holds certification as a Yoga Instructor.

Raine Beckett

Student Director

Raine is a passionate advocate for balanced, holistic health and wellness. Her journey into the realm of natural medicine commenced over two decades ago when she recognized the profound disconnect that has separated humanity from our innate essence and our interconnectedness with the universe. With her commitment to holistic well-being and deep-rooted wisdom, she endeavors to guide others toward a more profound understanding of their authentic selves and their connection to the universe.

Beatriz Oni

Director of Admissions

Beatriz Oni is the Director of Admissions. Playing an integral role as the organizational glue that holds the institute together. With her commitment to excellence, Beatriz ensures that each department remains on track, adheres to established workflows, and meets operational standards. Her dedication to fostering seamless coordination across teams enhances efficiency and upholds the institute’s high standards of quality. Her oversight to our overall admissions ensures that internal operations are productive and cohesive, embodying the essence of true leadership.

Casey Czuj

Financial Aid / Scholarships

Casey is an Ayurvedic Practitioner and Herbalist with a heartfelt mission to make Ayurvedic education accessible to all. As our dedicated Scholarship Director, she works tirelessly to remove financial barriers, ensuring that students from all walks of life have the opportunity to follow their calling.Her passion for making Ayurveda accessible goes beyond her role—Casey sees each student’s potential and is committed to helping them thrive. She is an inspiring advocate for accessible education and a true champion of the healing arts.

Our Mission

Our Mission is to return Ayurveda to the people, one circle at a time.

Our Vision

We envision a world where Ayurveda is part of everyday life—
not tucked away in textbooks or reserved for the privileged few,
but practiced at the dinner table, in community spaces, and within families.

At Yoga Veda Institute, our vision is to make high-quality Ayurvedic education accessible—
so that those who feel called can not only learn, but live this wisdom.
We see our students as catalysts for change: leaders, healers, and guides who carry this knowledge into the places that need it most.

This isn’t just about producing practitioners.
It’s about creating impact—community by community, circle by circle.

And we believe that when you empower one student,
you light a path for many.

Our Culture

At Yoga Veda Institute, our culture is rooted in kindness, respect, and shared growth. We believe learning happens best in spaces where people feel safe, seen, and supported—so we’ve created a community where every student is met with compassion and care.

Here, Ayurveda is more than a subject. It’s a way of being. We learn together, grow together, and hold space for one another through the full spectrum of this journey.

We honor curiosity, celebrate each step of progress, and value authentic connection over competition. Our students aren’t just learning—they’re becoming part of a movement grounded in heart, humility, and the sacred responsibility of carrying this wisdom forward with integrity.

This is who we are.
And if you feel it too—you belong here.

Our Story

Yoga Veda Institute wasn’t founded by a guru or built around a single voice. It was born from the hearts of two seekers—ordinary people who longed for a place where Ayurveda could be studied, lived, and shared in a way that felt true. A place rooted in reverence, not hierarchy. Depth, not dogma. When we couldn’t find that space, we created it. What began as a personal calling has grown into a global movement—where students from all walks of life come together to reclaim ancient wisdom and carry it forward with integrity, purpose, and heart. This isn’t just a school. It’s a home for those who feel the call to heal—within themselves, their families, and their communities. And now, it’s yours.

Since I began my journey, this school has always been so supportive of any and all of my questions, concerns and feedback. I don’t know how I would have come this far in the program without the support!

— Melissa Zegley

GRADUATE Testimonials

"Nothing Short of Exceptional"

“My experience with YVIAM has been nothing short of exceptional. Every aspect has exceeded my expectations. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this journey, and I look forward to continuing to apply and share the knowledge I’ve gained to make a positive impact on others’ lives.”

— Banala Sreedevi

"An Incredible Experience"

“Studying Ayurveda with Yoga Veda Institute has been an incredible experience, I cannot recommend their program enough for those who are fully committed to learning Ayurveda and sharing it with the world. All teachers are fantastic, deeply committed to the student’s learning experience, and very generous in their teachings. Studying at Yoga Veda Institute has changed my life, career, and service to the world.” Johanna.

"A True Hidden Gem"

“Teachers and all staff are supportive throughout the entire learning journey, and strive to create an atmosphere of integrity, open mind and open heart. Their programs are engaging, diverse and encourage a deep understanding of Ayurvedic healing. They have gone above and beyond at every turn in my experience. A true hidden gem.” Melanie

"I Am Amazed"

“Very grateful I chose Yoga Veda for my Ayurvedic education. As I travel to conventions and speak with students obtaining credentials from other institutions, I am amazed by how much I have learned. Yoga Veda delivers with exceptional instruction and guidance empowering the student to supplement their education and make the most out of their experience.” Jessica Oker

"Absolutely Fascinating"

“I loved every minute of the 3 years that I spent studying this beautiful healing philosophy and science with the wonderful Yoga Veda Team and teachers. The lectures were absolutely fascinating and gave me a very thorough understanding of the Science of Ayurveda by the time I was finished.” Kim Laubscher

"Beyond Any Expectations"

“This course is very comprehensive and goes beyond any expectations in terms of curriculum and transmission of ancient therapies. What attracted me specifically to that school is the emphasize on Women’s health and the couple of classes entirely dedicated to these important transitions in women’s life presented through the Ayurvedic lenses. I highly recommend it for anyone willing to dive deeper into the wisdom of Ayurveda and connect more to their authentic empowered self.” Elia Dirand

"Incredible School"

“Love the experience I had here, relationships I built and knowledge I have learned from this incredible school.” Roslyn Paige

"Amazing Staff & Teachers"

“Yoga Veda Institute has affordable pricing and Amazing Staff and Teachers that is very dedicated and extremely compassionate and wise in their field of interest. They pass down these age old teachings and practices in such a unique way to meet individualistic disposition nurturing ones mind, body and spirit with the sacraments of the wisdom of Ayurveda.” White Pearly

"Top Notch Teachers"

“The YVI provides freedom to balance Ayurvedic education with your life. Their program is well rounded and geard to serve the students. They provide top notch Ayurvedic teachers with years of experience in their field. YVI administration has been kind, loving and always helpful to tailor the program to your needs. Thank you!” Bettina Jonsef