Dr. Karen Trollope, MD, PhD

Karen is a family physician who also holds a PhD in medical anthropology. She worked in northern Ontario and in the Himalayan foothills of north India, before returning to Hamilton in 1996. She teaches part-time at McMaster University as well as continuing her family practice. She has particular interest in cognitive approaches to stress-related illness, and to the use of creative writing as a tool for healing.

Dr. Pradeep Kumar, MD (India), DAc

After completing his training in medicine (pediatrics) in India, Pradeep joined a Hindu monastery in the foothills of Himalayas where he experienced his first awakening. During 13 years of voluntary work in the village of foothills along with his wife Karen, his search deepened and put him firmly on mystical–spiritual path which continues to this day but in a radically different way which he calls as Biological Transformation. He also studied at mind-body medical institute at Harvard University. Currently he is practicing and teaching acupuncture, meditation and mind-body medicine both in McMaster University and in the city of Hamilton and surrounding areas. He is the author of many books including:
Meditation –a path of healing and transformation, Stillness and action and Freedom from Fear.

David Wilson, B.Sc. (Physics), B.A. (Geography), B.Ed. (Enterprise Education)

Educated first as a physicist, David has never held a ‘regular’ job but instead made a livelihood as a commercial painter and decorator operating a small company until 2000. Early in his life he became actively interested in spirituality, metaphysics and a search for meaning; he initiated his meditative and yoga practice in 1990. He has practiced gymnastics for over 30 years and is a trained coach. Based much on his own experiences, David has a strong interest in the relationships between exercise, wellness, psychology, personal growth, the built environment and living a whole, integrated life: he finds healing by sharing.

Sham Rang, aka Cynthia Nelson, B. Ed.,

Sham Rang is an experienced educator, was propelled by a life-threatening illness into a reassessment of her life. She now views this illness as the true beginning of her journey into self-awareness and accessing the wisdom of her own body. She continues, with ever-increasing awareness, to appreciate the richness and beauty of the physical experience.

Certified to teach Kundalini Yoga and the 5-Tibetan Yogas and to facilitate Transformational Fantasy and Transformative Self-Healing, she currently co-facilitates courses for SIVAM.

Jeff Stutley, B.A. (Lit.) M.A. Philosophy

Jeff is a former Head of English who taught in the public system of education for 30 years. He is currently interested in the roles that mythology, poetry, and paradox might play in the practice of healing, and enjoys the sharing of perspectives in group discussion.

Diane Zsepeczky M.Ed.

Diane is a certified administrator of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, has worked as an educator and career consultant. An experienced facilitator, Diane has also been certified to work with the archetypes by Carol Pearson, author of Awakening the Heroes Within. Using Pearson's model as an invitation to insight and growth, she facilitates personal and professional growth workshops, often for individuals and groups in transition.

Her personal Seeker's journey includes an ongoing commitment to deepening her own knowledge and practice of meditation. To this end, and for the last decade, Diane has been engaged with groups and individuals similarly interested in the study and practice of meditation as a lifelong spiritual endeavour.

In India

Dr Satyendra Srivastava

Medical doctor, consultant to non-governmental organizations, and experienced mountaineer, Yoga and meditation teacher

Dr Srivastava has lived and worked in Uttaranchal for many years, and has extensive experience in the fields of rural health and education. He has a keen interest in development in its broadest sense, and an intuitive understanding of the land and people. His skills in mountaineering and trekking are a valuable resource to the group. He practices yoga and meditation and shares this with participants as well.

Suchitra Agarwal

Teacher
Suchitra Agarwal did her Masters in Home Sciences and taught in a college for 10 years. She was always touched by the plight of the underprivileged women and wanted to do something for them through income generation activities. In her view financial independence is an important key factor to improve the condition of women. For three years she worked with rural women by teaching them making handmade greeting cards. She is deeply interested in integral spirituality and would like to explore with herself and others. Suchitra with her husband and two sons lives in Uttaranchal.