Empowering Ayurveda for Practitioners and Professionals
Meet the YVIAM Community
At the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine (YVIAM), we are committed to supporting a dedicated community of students and educators who are passionate about integrating Ayurveda into their professional and personal lives.
Empowering Ayurveda for Practitioners and Professionals
Meet the YVIAM Community
At Yoga Veda, Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine, we are committed to supporting a dedicated community of students and educators who are passionate about integrating Ayurveda into their professional and personal lives.
Our Educators: Leaders in Ayurvedic Education
Our faculty includes highly experienced practitioners, Ayurvedic doctors, and specialists who bring both clinical and academic expertise to our programs. With backgrounds in medicine, yoga therapy, and holistic health, our team is here to make Ayurveda accessible, actionable, and professionally enriching.
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.
Terra Raffael
Terra Rafael is a positive and inspirational holistic women’s health practitioner, writer, and instructor on women’s health, focused on helping women find balance and your mentor in Self Healing for Women's Health.
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
Our leadership team is dedicated to fostering an environment where Ayurvedic knowledge and professional growth flourish. Through their vision and expertise, they ensure that each student receives the highest quality education and support.
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
Community Concierge
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
Administrator
Beatriz Oni is the Administrator and directly reporting to the Director, 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 ensures that internal operations are productive and cohesive, embodying the essence of a true team player.
Casey Czuj
Financial Aid / Scholarships
Casey is an Ayurvedic Practitioner and Herbalist dedicated to empowering students to achieve their dreams. She believes in nurturing the next generation of healers by sharing her expertise and supporting their educational journey.
Our Vision
At the core of our ethos is the belief that Ayurveda should be accessible to healthcare professionals worldwide. Our vision is to transform the field of mind-body medicine by making top-tier Ayurvedic education available to practitioners globally. We are committed to breaking down barriers and fostering a diverse community of healthcare providers from all backgrounds, welcoming learners of all faiths, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses. Guided by authentic Vidyas (Instructors), we aim to democratize Ayurveda and ensure its accessibility for the global healthcare community.
Our Mission
Our mission is to make high-quality Ayurvedic education accessible to healthcare professionals and individuals globally. We are dedicated to breaking down barriers and offering flexible, inclusive programs that empower diverse learners to integrate Ayurveda into both their personal and professional lives.
Our Culture
At Yoga Veda Institute, our culture is grounded in the Ayurvedic Model of Care, which is deeply woven into our teaching approach and professional development for healthcare providers. We are committed to cultivating skilled, self-aware practitioners who lead with integrity and compassion. Our curriculum not only delivers knowledge but also fosters meaningful professional dialogue and relationships built on trust. By igniting a deep passion for Ayurveda, we aim to influence the personal and professional journeys of our students, shaping leaders who make lasting impacts in the field of holistic health.
Our Story
Founded in 2010 with a core belief in transforming healthcare, Yoga Veda Institute has become a leader in accessible Ayurvedic and Yoga education. We believe these ancient practices have the power to revolutionize modern healthcare and should be available to healthcare professionals worldwide. Having served over 2,000 students, we remain committed to providing high-quality education that empowers healthcare professionals and individuals to integrate Ayurveda into their lives and practices, creating a lasting impact on global health.
Meet our students
Our students are committed professionals from various backgrounds—healthcare providers, wellness coaches, and holistic practitioners—who share a dedication to advancing their practice with Ayurveda. The Student Directory highlights how they’re incorporating Ayurveda into clinics, wellness practices, and community programs. Connect with fellow professionals who have enhanced their services through our programs and see how Ayurveda can fit into your professional landscape.
Meet our Students
Our students are committed professionals from various backgrounds—healthcare providers, wellness coaches, and holistic practitioners—who share a dedication to advancing their practice with Ayurveda. The Student Directory highlights how they’re incorporating Ayurveda into clinics, wellness practices, and community programs. Connect with fellow professionals who have enhanced their services through our programs and see how Ayurveda can fit into your professional landscape.
Shilpi Jain
Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine is proud to introduce Shilpi Jain, an accomplished skincare expert and dedicated Ayurvedic Practitioner student. With her extensive background in chemistry and cosmeceutical formulation, Shilpi is deeply...
Sabine Horner
Introducing Sabine Horner, a dedicated student at the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine. Sabine’s commitment to holistic wellness is evident in her ongoing pursuit of Ayurvedic knowledge, which complements her extensive background in health...
Kate Hanssen
Meet Kate Hanssen, a dedicated Ayurvedic Practitioner student at YVIAM (Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine). Passionate about holistic wellness, Kate combines her background in counseling, fitness, and teaching with the ancient wisdom of...
Johanna Guerillot
Meet Johanna Guerillot, an Ayurvedic Practitioner student at the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine. With a deep passion for women’s health, holistic healing, and the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, Johanna is dedicated to empowering others...
Nathalie Gajdos
Meet Nathalie Gajdos, an Ayurvedic Practitioner student at the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine. With a deep passion for mental, emotional, and spiritual health, Nathalie blends her background in psychology and human behavior with the...
Saara Elsayed
Meet Saara Elsayed, an Ayurvedic Practitioner student at the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine. With a deep-rooted passion for Naturopathy and Holistic Therapies, Saara combines her extensive training in Ayurveda with a personal commitment...
Amy Eldredge
Meet Amy Eldredge, an Ayurvedic Practitioner student at the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine. With over 20 years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner, Amy combines her extensive medical background with the transformative wisdom of...
Natalie Durham
Meet Natalie Durham, an Ayurvedic Practitioner student at the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine. With a passion for holistic wellness and a specialization in Ayurvedic Skin Therapy, Natalie combines her expertise as a certified Ayurvedic...
Anne Desjardins
Meet Anne, an inspiring Ayurvedic Practitioner student at the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine. After overcoming long-term Lyme disease, tick-borne illnesses, HPV, and near cervical cancer through holistic healing, Anne discovered the...
Magistra Vella Catania
At Yoga Veda Institute, we are proud to support Vella Catania, a dedicated Ayurvedic Practitioner from Western NY, whose holistic approach is deeply rooted in Education, Energy Medicine, and the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, Yoga Technology,...
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