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.

Susan Corson

Susan Corson dedicates her creativity and skill as a Master Gardener to tending the Amrit Yoga Institute grounds with care. After 40 years teacher and serving as a special education administrator, Susan became interested in Eastern religions and yoga. That search led her to Salt Springs, where she has been happily tilling her own spiritual fields and sustaining the atmosphere of lush natural beauty for all to enjoy.

Maritza Acevedo

Maritza Acevedo, Registrations Coordinator, brings years of experience as a human resources officer, counselor, motivational speaker, as well as her caring and positive way of being to the Amrit Yoga Institute team. She is currently completing her degree in Alternative Medicine. A seasoned teacher and personal trainer, Maritza looks forward to learning more about the Amrit Method and helping many people connect to these teachings in the coming years.

Sanak Chris Brown

Sanak Chris Brown is going on 20 years with Gurudev, having been initiated a disciple in 1992 at Kripalu. He serves at the Institute as a "Jack of all trades," fixing equipment and keeping up with woodwork. Sanak is a certified Amrit Yoga Level I teacher. He also incorporates yoga into theater ensemble work, unifying the play's cast with asana and breath work. Sanak has undertaken several pilgrimages to Malav and Kayavarohan in Gujarat, India to receive inspiration from our Lineage.

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.

Pratibha Emily Van Doren Bush

Pratibha Emily Van Doren Bush joins our healing arts team at AYI periodically throughout the year. Pratibha was certified at Kripalu 30 years ago as a Wholistic Health Educator, is a certified Biofeedback Specialist using the Quantum Biofeedback SCIO device, and is certified to do Louise Hay Coaching and to prepare individualized Bach Flower Remedies. She is currently developing an Addiction Recovery protocol using these tools. She lives in Ohio in a solar and wind-powered home in an Intentional Community and works at her Heal Your Life Center when she is not traveling. www.healyourlifecenter.com. river@frognet.net