Rooted in Authenticity
Meet the YVIAM Community
At the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine (YVIAM), you are not just a student—you are part of a living, breathing community united by truth, purpose, and a shared calling. Every person here—students, alumni, teachers, and our team—has been drawn to Ayurveda for a reason. We are here to learn, grow, and carry this wisdom forward with integrity, devotion, and heart. This is more than an education; it’s a journey we walk together, honoring Ayurveda as both a path of healing and a way of life.
Meet Teachers Who Truly Care About Your Success Beyond the Classroom
Our faculty is a circle of deeply experienced practitioners, Ayurvedic doctors, and specialists who live and breathe the true essence of Ayurveda. With decades of wisdom in Ayurvedic medicine, yoga therapy, and integrative healing, they bring not only expertise but also heart to every course. Their mission is to share Ayurveda in a way that is accessible, meaningful, and profoundly transformative for all who feel called to this ancient tradition.
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.Our Leadership: Stewarding the essence of ayurveda
Our leadership team is dedicated to fostering a space where authentic Ayurvedic wisdom flourishes and personal growth is deeply supported. Rooted in tradition and integrity, they are committed to ensuring that every student receives not just a high-quality education, but also the guidance, encouragement, and connection needed to truly embody Ayurveda.
Coach Andy
Co-founder of Yoga Veda, Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine
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 of Yoga Veda, Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine
In 2015, Jacky co-founded Yoga Veda Institute alongside her husband, 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 Vision
At the heart of YVIAM is a profound belief: Ayurveda belongs to everyone.
Our vision is to transform the landscape of mind-body medicine by making authentic, world-class Ayurvedic education accessible to seekers across the globe. We are dedicated to breaking down barriers and nurturing a diverse, inclusive community of learners from all walks of life—welcoming individuals of every faith, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background.
Guided by devoted and authentic Vidyas (instructors), we aim to democratize Ayurveda, sharing its timeless wisdom with those who are called to explore, live, and share its transformative power.
Our Mission
At the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine (YVIAM), we are driven by a mission to share the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with hearts and minds around the world. Our mission is to make authentic, high-quality Ayurvedic education accessible to everyone, everywhere—empowering individuals to transform their lives, uplift their communities, and embody the profound healing principles of Ayurveda in their careers and daily journeys. Together, we are creating a global movement of balance, vitality, and purpose.
Our Culture
At Yoga Veda Institute, our culture is rooted in the essence of the Ayurvedic Model of Care, deeply woven into every aspect of our teaching and development. We are committed to nurturing skilled, self-aware individuals who lead with authenticity and compassion. Our curriculum goes beyond knowledge, fostering meaningful connections, thoughtful dialogue, and relationships grounded in trust.
By inspiring a deep passion for Ayurveda, we aim to transform the personal journeys of our students, empowering them to become leaders who bring profound and lasting change to the world of holistic health and well-being.
Our Story
Founded in 2010 with a core belief in the transformative power of Ayurveda, Yoga Veda Institute has become a pioneer in accessible Ayurvedic and Yoga education. We believe these ancient practices hold the potential to revolutionize modern healthcare and should be available to seekers worldwide. Having served over 2,000 students, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing authentic, high-quality education that empowers individuals to integrate Ayurveda into their lives, inspiring meaningful change and creating a lasting impact on global well-being.
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