Malay Desai

Malay Desai was born and raised in the yogic lifestyle and has dedicated his life to supporting Gurudev and the teachings with unwavering service, presence, artistry, and personal warmth. Malay is the founder of Yoga Network International, which produces and distributes teachings through the on-site shop and amritkala.com. Malay leads the Yoga Network International Lineage Tour to India and currently serves as Co-Executive Director of the Amrit Yoga Institute. A long-time student of Indian music and film, Malay shares his talent in kirtan and through capturing the compelling process of transcendence and transformation on film.

Priti Chanda Klco

Priti Chanda Klco draws her experience of yoga foremost from immersion in nature. Combining 14 years of training and experience in philanthropy, nonprofit administration, yoga, meditation, dance, bodywork, study of languages and world travel with the inspiration of this moment; Priti practices and teaches personal and organizational transformation as the embodiment of balance between mind and heart. She currently serves as Co-Executive Director at the Amrit Yoga Institute.

Tesha Bananda

Chef Tesha Bananda begins each meal with fresh, organic food—loaded with nutrients and life-energy. Then her 25 years of experience from Hippocrates Institute and owner of an organic gourmet restaurant blends with Ayurvedic, raw and ethnic traditions— creating a nutritional alchemy of the heart. Tesha travels around the country, creating sacred and personally tailored meals for each individual event.

Ganga Diane Hanson

Ganga Diane Hanson is trained and certified as a hypnotherapist, social worker, Usui Reiki Master, Pranic Healer, and intuitive reader. Ganga received initiation from Swami Diviyananda Saraswatti, Kriya Yoga and ordination in the Order of Melchizedek. She became a student of Gurudev in early 2008 and performs seva full time, assisting in Gurudev’s office. Ganga is integrally involved in Healing Arts at the Institute and is available for healing sessions.

Nirali Lauren McCrea

Nirali Lauren McCrea met Gurudev in 2006, shortly after graduating from high school. This meeting transformed her understanding, approach and practice of a yogic lifestyle, actualizing her dedication to this path. Answering her heart’s call, Nirali moved to the Institute in March of 2009 to live closer to Gurudev and to assist others as needed. She works in the kitchen, on the grounds, as a transcriptionist, recording assistant and other on-site activities. Nirali is a certified Amrit Yoga Teacher and Amrit Method® of Yoga Nidra Facilitator.

Veda Lewis

Veda Lewis enjoys sharing Amrit Yoga and Yoga Nidra in the Gainesville area, assisting at the Amrit Yoga Institute and traveling nationally and internationally to support the teachings. Veda’s background includes Aikido, instructional design, staff training, marketing and business management. She is pleased to be able to use those skills and her 15 years of dedicated study to give what she has received.

Jagdish Tom Buckland

Jagdish Tom Buckland is a certified 500 hour Amrit Yoga instructor, an avid disciple of Yogi Amrit Desai, and student of asana and scripture. If you talk to him for long, you will discover that his heart resides in Nada Yoga. A musician and sound recording engineer, he has loved sound from early childhood. He was introduced to chanting through Bhagavan Das and has incorporated it into his practice.

Lila Deb Blish

Lila Deb Blish assists Gurudev in managing his office, appointments and travel. She is an editor of Gurudev’s writings and was instrumental in the production of the Yoga Nidra Manual. She developed the Yoga Nidra Professional Training, Lineage of Light and Prana programs. She moved to Salt Springs in 2001 to be closer to Gurudev and his teachings and is a devoted student of the lives of the Masters of our Lineage.

Prakash Joe Ferrara

Prakash Joe Ferrara’s first meeting with Gurudev in 2000 revolutionized his understanding and practice of yoga and meditation, extending it into his everyday life. Now a Senior Amrit Yoga Teacher, Joe emphasizes correct alignment in a non-competitive, meditative approach which allows the experience of relaxation and fulfillment through the practice of physical postures.

Jaya Jennifer Buckland

Jaya Jennifer Buckland is a former addictions counselor and Senior Amrit Yoga Teacher whose heart is in helping people meet themselves where they are, in life and on the yoga mat. With sensitivity, humor, and unwavering kindness, she creates a safe and loving environment where students, especially those who may not see themselves as typical yoga students, can engage in deep personal exploration.

Carol Szczepanik

Carol Szczepanik applies herself tirelessly to the work of Amrit Yoga Institute, whether she is tending the grounds, helping in the office, or preparing our tent and guest rooms for program participants. Carol has dedicated herself to volunteering at Amrit Yoga Institute since 2008.