Ana Kirsch
Ana is The Expanding Light general manager extraordinaire. Highly capable, warm-hearted and caring, she takes good care of the retreat and staff. Ana has a natural ability to attend to details while also developing the bigger picture. Her experience in the corporate world has trained her mind for business, while her priority of living the spiritual teachings gives her a refined inner radiance. Ana lived in the Ananda Seattle community from 2010 until she moved to Ananda Village in 2017.
Annapurna Darcy Delyle
Practitioner of Ayurveda Medicine, AWP, Massage Therapist, LMT; Ananda Yoga(™) and Meditation Teacher E-RYT 500. For Annapurna, living in Maui is a blessing. Annapurna Darcy Delyle has been practicing meditation for over 40 years and yoga for over 30 years. She began her meditation practice at the age of 15. After living in Maui for three years, Annapurna has much to share. She is volunteering to help the people of Maui Strong, who lost their city of Lahaina. She is learning the Hawaiian ways of living in harmony with nature and Ohana. Ayurveda chose Annapurna. It became a practice mostly…
Aramati Kuita
Joining Ananda in 2018, Aramati’s first job with a community experience program, called ‘Building with Spirit,” set the precedence for eventually joining the Karma Yoga staff where she now serves as co-leader. She excels in working with people, along with having first-rate organizational skills, both of which are needed for her role as co-manager. Aramati’s sense of respect for each person she meets, along with a deep, heartfelt warmth and compassion for everyone are qualities that make her shine in her role. From Aramati: I’m thrilled and it’s my joy to serve the many beautiful souls who come to the…
Arya Cheng
Arya Cheng E-RYT-200 & RYT-500, is a gifted yoga and meditation teacher and wonderful kirtan (spiritual chanting) leader. She is passionate about sharing yoga as a tool for managing stress, transformation and healing in body, mind and soul. Her journey as a yogi started at age 14 when she attended Ananda’s Living With Spirit Program and experienced first-hand the transformative effects of yoga and meditation. Arya currently serves as a main instructor for Ananda Yoga® Teacher Training program and teaches yoga online and in-person at The Expanding Light Retreat at Ananda Village.
Asha Nayaswami
With warmth and wisdom, Asha weaves spiritual teaching into daily, ordinary life. She is a master teacher, considered by many to be one of the most nuanced and clear teachers of Yoga in the world today. Asha is a lifelong disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda. She studied and worked closely with his direct disciple, Swami Kriyananda, for 45 years. Asha means “hope” in Sanskrit. The teachings of Self-realization that she shares are non-sectarian — sharing the truths that underlie the great religions. She draws freely from both the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita in her teaching.
Bhawani Isaacson
Bhawani is an E-RYT 200-hour certified Ananda Yoga Instructor, Ananda certified Meditation Teacher, and a long-time meditator. Inspired by yoga since the age of 18, Bhawani’s creative, playful approach makes her classes fun, as well as a relaxing and centering experience. She is passionate about helping people live in a balanced way and reach their highest potential through relaxation and dynamic energy awareness. Bhawani loves to be outdoors and connect with nature. She holds a Master’s degree from CIIS in East-West Psychology, with a specialization in Spiritual Counselling. She is part of the team that hosts Ananda Yoga Retreats several…
Darshana Moore
Darshana, E-RYT 200, RYT 500 and C-IAYT, became interested in meditation and found the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda in 2009. Since then, she has been applying them in her own life and sharing them with others. Darshana has been a certified Ananda Yoga and Meditation instructor since 2012. She is an Ananda Yoga therapist and a minister. She serves with Ananda School of Yoga and Meditation as manager and certification programs coordinator. She also teaches asana, meditation and yoga philosophy online and in person at The Expanding Light Retreat.
David Kletter
Raised in Bozeman, Montana, David is an outdoor enthusiast and nature lover. He grew up skiing, rock climbing, mountaineering, and backpacking. He has a special fondness for being in the garden, the forest, and wild nature. A desire to dynamically live the teachings of Paramhansa brought David to Ananda Village in the summer of 2022. He relates naturally with young people and finds deep joy in attuning to the magic of “the now” by sharing the beauty of Divine Presence with others. David is part of the team that hosts Family Retreat programs. His childlike joy, creativity, and natural affinity…
David Seybert
Warm hearted, with a delightful sense of humor, David is a certified Ananda Yoga and Ananda Meditation teacher and a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) with the Yoga Alliance. He also teaches taiji and qigong. He lives at Ananda Village and is part of The Expanding Light Retreat team. He holds a B.A. degree in Philosophy, with a special interest in Eastern religions, which included learning to meditate in a traditional Zen Buddhist monastery.
Devalila Veenhof
Devalila, an Ananda Lighbearer and Kriyacharya, is Director of Ananda Kriya Sangha for North and South America. She has been practicing and sharing Parmahansa Yogananda’s teachings for over 20 years. She served as Director of Online with Ananda for nearly 10 years, where she developed and taught online courses. Devalila’s great joy and gifts are in supporting and encouraging people, wherever they are spiritually, and helping them find their next step along their journey toward Self-realization.
Dhananjaya Denholm
Dhananjaya serves as co-leader for the Ananda Karma Yoga Program. Guests and staff alike feel the friendship that he naturally shares with all. His warm smile and twinkly eyes give you a hint of his fun-loving sense of humor. Dhananjaya has a passion for the yogic teachings and is happy for the opportunity to share his experience with the karma yogis. He believes 100 per cent in the karma yoga program as, time and again, he has seen the magic that happens to people when they begin to live a lifestyle that includes service and meditation.
Irene Schulman
Irene has long been involved in, and has much experience with educating children through the Ananda system of Education for Life. She presently works for Education for Life International (EFL), mentoring teachers, and visiting and supporting EFL schools everywhere. She has served as a teacher at Ananda Village Living Wisdom School (Grades 4-12), helped develop a teen camp (Inner Adventure Camp for Teens), and helps with online teacher training for parents and teachers. Her sunny disposition, creativity, quick mind, and spontaneous sense of humor are a joy to be around. She is a wonderful retreat leader that children and adults…
Janaka Keller
Janaka has been practicing Yogic Meditation for nearly a decade and has dedicated his life to the study of Yogic Philosophy and introspection. After seeing the dramatic positive transformation in his consciousness, Janaka determined that he would share what he had learned with as many people as possible! At the age of 24 he took his practice to a new level by moving across the country to join an Ananda Village. The experience of living in community with other like minded individuals has been the perfect environment aid to Janaka’s growth and understanding.
Jitendra Guindon
Jitendra’s heartfelt enthusiasm and joy for living the spiritual life are inspiring to be around. After reading Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananda, he began his journey with the teachings and meditation in 2006. Jitendra is a certified Yoga and Meditation Teacher with Yoga Alliance (RYT 200). He presently directs the Online with Ananda’s Outreach ministry and leads retreats on various subjects both at The Expanding Light Retreat and worldwide. He’s a world traveler and enjoys sharing the ancient teachings of Yoga with all truth seekers around the world. He looks forward to connecting with new friends from different…
Mary Kretzmann
A gifted channel of divine energy and hands-on spiritual healing, Mary has been instrumental in helping people heal through the power of prayer. She directs the Ananda Healing Prayer Ministry, and leads retreats on healing techniques. Through newsletters and personal guidance, as well as classes online, at The Expanding Light, and countrywide, she helps those interested go deeply into the experience of God through healing prayers. Many people feel their own healing energy open up during the workshops when given even brief “coaching” from Mary. Mary has co-authored a book on Yogananda’s prayer techniques called Divine Will Healing that contains…
Matthew Fredrickson
Matthew has worked with children of all ages for almost 3 decades. He is thoughtful, creative, musical, and tunes into each child’s qualities to help them learn and shine in exactly the ways they need. He is part of the team that hosts Family retreats at The Expanding Light Retreat. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, Matthew attended Weber State University in Utah, and has a BA in Education and Creative Writing from Ananda College of Living Wisdom in California. He has traveled extensively, traversing the United States multiple times and touring South America, Europe-and India. A…
Melody Hansen
Melody, E-RYT 500, directs the Ananda Yoga Teacher Training and Restorative Yoga Teacher Training online programs. She is a Certified Ananda Yoga Therapist, C-IAYT, and a trained Prenatal Yoga Instructor. Melody has been practicing the teachings of yoga since the age of 14, and began teaching at age 17. She loves to help her students experience the depth of Ananda Yoga and Meditation. One of Melody’s greatest strengths is the purity of her transmission of Yoga. She has very little egotism to block the clear flow of inspiration she shares. Her inner life is committed and deep, and she’s able…
Michele Tsihlas
Michele, E-RYT 500, is a Certified Ananda Yoga Therapist, C-IAYT, Personal Trainer and author. She is passionate about the pursuit of wellness from the inside out and dedicated to helping people achieve a higher quality of life. She enjoys inspiring students to find their unique gifts and talents, not only to bring fulfillment and wellness into their own lives, but to also share the healing aspects of yoga in the classroom and beyond.
Miriam Rodgers
Miriam is warm and engaging, always willing to help others and listen to their needs. She served as Swami Kriyananda’s (Ananda’s founder) personal nurse, and was trained by him, through daily contact, over the last fourteen years before his passing. She has served Ananda in the U.S., Italy and India, teaching meditation and helping establish spiritual communities. She is a certified Ananda Yoga teacher and practices Kriya Yoga as taught by Paramhansa Yogananda, author of “Autobiography of a Yogi”.
Murali Venkatrao
Insightful, wise, and deeply knowledgeable on Eastern philosophy, Murali educates and entertains. He is a master Storyteller! Director of yoga teacher programs at Ananda Institute of Living Yoga, and a Professor of Yogic Physiology at Vivekananda Yoga University, Murali is known far and wide for his vast and in-depth knowledge of Eastern scriptures along with his storytelling abilities. Learn deep truths while being fascinated with stories of famous historical gods and heroes. In person, Murali is down to earth, has a delightful sense of humor, and a joy-filled spirit that embraces everyone.
Nandadevi Traymar
Nandadevi Traymar has been a long-term practitioner and teacher of both Hatha Yoga and meditation in her home country, Argentina. She has served at the Expanding Light Retreat in California for nearly two years working with people of all ages and walks of life in the Karma Yoga Program, supporting them in their efforts to strengthen their spiritual lives. She now works as the Village Office Coordinator.
Nayaswami Aditya Gait
Has been part of Ananda Pune, India, since 2008. A trained medical doctor, he found that his main duty in life became sharing the benefits of yoga as a healthy and successful way of life. He oversees the Pune community operations and serves as spiritual director of Ananda Pune. Aditya is warm and joyful, with an easy relaxed confidence that makes others feel at ease around him. He has conducted workshops on Health, Happiness and Success for many global industry leaders such as Tata Management and Training Center (TMTC), Infosys, Amdocs, Apollo Hospitals, and Metro.
Nayaswami Atmajyoti Schwarz, PhD
Nayaswami Atmajyoti is an Ananda Assisi Retreat teacher and has lived at Ananda for 10 years – first in California, USA (Ananda Village and Ananda Palo Alto), then Ananda India and now at Ananda Assisi (Italy). She teaches spiritual transformation courses for businesses and for other types of workplaces (i.e. governmental institutions, hospitals, schools, as well as nonprofit/educational/service/art organizations). Nayaswami Atmajyoti has a Ph.D. in Strategic Thinking from the University of Southampton, U.K., and has more than 30 years of international working experience as a business consultant and executive trainer to governing bodies and various multinational corporations (e.g., U.S., Europe,…
Nayaswami Gyandev
Nayaswami Gyandev McCord is the Director of the Ananda School of Yoga & Meditation. Gyandev has an advanced certificate in online teaching methodology, is the Director of Ananda Yoga Worldwide, and is a co-founder of Yoga Alliance. A member of the teaching staff at the Expanding Light Retreat for more than 30 years he is well known internationally for his profound ability to share the teachings of yoga asana, meditation, yoga philosophy, and the joy that comes from living a yogic lifestyle.
Nayaswami Krishna Das
Nayaswami Krishna Das books and manages the many guest groups that The Expanding Light hosts, leads pilgrimage trips to holy places in India and the U.S., teaches weekend retreats, and gives spiritual counseling to guests. He came to Ananda in 1978 and immediately found his home and purpose in life at Ananda. An exceptionally knowledgeable and gifted meditation and yoga philosophy teacher, Nayaswami Krishna Das shares his passion for these teachings with dynamic enthusiasm. He has a vibrant zest for life that comes out in a warm, personable nature and serviceful disposition. He’ll go out of his way to make…
Nayaswami Krishna Das LoCicero
A knowledgeable and gifted meditation teacher, Nayaswami Krishna Das shares his passion for meditation with dynamic enthusiasm. Over the last three decades he has taught thousands of people, from all over the world, how to meditate. In a down-to-earth and humorous way, Krishna Das gives you the tools to create a regular, daily meditation practice. A long-time resident of Ananda Village, Krishna Das has also led Ananda Centers and communities in Seattle, Portland, Dallas and Los Angeles.
Nayaswami Mangala
Director, Ananda Yoga®Therapy Training. Certified Yoga Therapist, Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist, Level 2 Ananda Yoga®Teacher, E-RYT-500. She has a Master’s in Nursing and has won awards as Nurse Practitioner of the Year (1982), and for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching when she was a lecturer at The University of Washington School of Nursing (1987). Mangala was certified as an Ayurvedic practitioner by the California College of Ayurveda in 1997, and she also completed Dr. David Frawley’s Ayurvedic Correspondence Course at that time. She is additionally certified as a Pancha Karma Therapist. She graduated from Dr. Vasant Lad’s Ayurvedic Institute in 1999. She…
Nayaswami Mantradevi
Nayaswami Mantradevi is warm and approachable and you’ll feel like you have an understanding friend in her. She has an aptitude for helping people gain inner clarity and find ways to take the next step in their ongoing spiritual unfoldment. She has lived at Ananda since 1979 and her inherent insights, clarity, and joy are gained from years of meditating, teaching, and counseling. She now puts her talents into developing programs for The Expanding Light, working with teachers leading the programs, spiritual counseling, and supporting guests and staff alike.
Nayaswami Mantradevi
Nayaswami Mantradevi is warm and approachable and you’ll feel like you have an understanding friend in her. She has an aptitude for helping people gain inner clarity and find ways to take the next step in their ongoing spiritual unfoldment. She has lived at Ananda since 1979 and her inherent insights, clarity, and joy are gained from years of meditating, teaching, and counselling. She now puts her talents into developing programs for The Expanding Light, working with teachers leading the programs, spiritual counselling, and supporting guests and staff alike.
Nayaswami Mukti Deranja
Mukti has been leading inspirational retreats at The Expanding Light Retreat for many years. Her programs reflect her intention to let every aspect of life flow from a deep Kriya Yoga meditation practice. Her life has been one of uplifting service, from her career as a speech therapist, as a member of the Ananda Music Ministry and in outreach to Ananda meditation groups. Her caring nature, lively sense of humor, and practical approach to applying spiritual teachings win her retreats rave reviews.
Nayaswami Premdas
Premdas is known for his joy, servicefulness and welcoming hospitality. He goes out of his way to make guests and students feel comfortable in all ways and is very approachable with questions or requests. He serves in various roles with Ananda Sangha Worldwide; as is an instructor in Ananda Online classes, teaching Ananda meditation and yoga, guiding and counseling devotees on Yogananda’s path of Kriya Yoga. Premdas leads weekend retreats at The Expanding Light, one of which is “In Divine Friendship” for which he is well suited. He is a long-time resident and minister of Ananda Village and lives and…
Nayaswami Sagar
Nayaswami Sagar serves in Ananda’s Online Ministry teaching classes on meditation, karma and reincarnation, the yogic teachings of Jesus, and more. He has hosted pilgrimages for Indian devotees in India and co-hosted the Yogananda pilgrimage to Los Angeles. Sagar is joyful, highly creative, and has a delightfully spontaneous sense of humor and enthusiasm for life that includes all those around him.
Saiganesh
Saiganesh is an Ananda minister and one of the co-managers of Ananda Palo Alto. He is a deeply thoughtful, clear speaker, and connects easily with people. He has a passion for sharing the teachings of Kriya yoga and meditation. A world citizen, he grew up in a traditional Hindu family in India and was trained as an Indian Classical musician. He was formerly a technology manager in Silicon Valley, and applies his tech acumen to many Ananda projects.
Sambhava Burke
Sambhava has a calm, inner joy that is contagious. He serves in a variety of ways at Ananda Village since first moving here in 2011. Currently, he is co-managing Master’s Market, and is an instructor for Online with Ananda with the courses Ananda Course in Meditation and Living the Principles of Self-Realization. Sambhava is the perfect host for this weekend retreat with his innate friendliness and instant acceptance and support for all those around him.
Sanjan
Originally from England, Sanjan is an inspired teacher and host. He greets you with a delightful combination of heartfelt joy and humor that makes you feel you’ve just gained a friend. He can share Yogananda’s teachings on a variety of subjects, filling his classes with depth of perception and illustrative stories. Sanjan’s willingness to go out of his way to serve and his warmth of heart uplift all those around him. Since 2012 Sanjan has lived in several Ananda communities, serving in many ways. Some of his roles have been teaching for Online with Ananda, coordinating the Kriya Yoga Sangha,…
Sitabai Betts
The Camino de Santiago in Spain lives in my heart in a special way. I walked sections of the Camino in 2018 and then I led our first Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage for Ananda Spiritual Travels in 2019. 2023 will be my 5th time walking. I never tire of walking the Camino! I live by the expression, “I go forth in perfect faith in the power of the Omnipresent Good to bring me what I need when I need it.” The Camino brings me new extraordinary experiences every time I have the joy to make this spiritual pilgrimage, and I…
Sundara Traymar
Sundara is the co-director of the Karma Yoga Ashram Program, an Ananda Minister, and a certified Ananda Meditation Teacher Trainer. Since coming to Ananda Village in 2008, he has served as the International Director of Sharing Nature Worldwide and has traveled the world helping people deepen their love for nature. Sundara is a gifted and inspiring teacher and wins friends wherever he travels. He finds deep joy in helping people understand spiritual concepts in clear and compelling ways.
Tim Tschantz
Tim Tschantz arrived at Ananda Village in 1981 and spent his first decades as a highly original and very creative landscape architect. He then turned his talents to teaching children in Ananda’s Living Wisdom School. The children still tell stories of their educational adventures with teacher Tim. He currently teaches regular classes for The Expanding Light’s Karma Yoga program, shares stories of the Bhagavad Gita with guests, and co-coordinates Ananda Village’s first-year member’s program. Known for his creativity and joyful service, Tim looks forward to sharing with guests.
Tyagi Keshava & the Ananda India team
Tyagi Keshava Taylor Spiritual Co-Director of Ananda Delhi, Teacher, Spiritual Pilgrimage Leader Experienced Pilgrimage leader and coordinator, Keshava has for 18 years regularly led Indian and Western pilgrims to spiritual power points around India. He continues to develop relationships with the custodians of these shrines. Keshava works with the tour operators, guides, hotels, and travel agents who are essential to making a trip comfortable and smoothly run. Keshava’s attention to detail is phenomenal and his familiarity with India invaluable. He brings in-depth knowledge of Indian culture along with a deep understanding of spiritual teachings. His calm depth of spirit surrounds…
Uma Keller
Uma Keller RYT-200, is a vibrant, energetic, and joy-filled burst of sunshine. Her good cheer and lively sense of humor are a joy to be around. Uma has had the good fortune to have grown up in a spiritual family of Paramhansa Yogananda disciples in Argentina and has been practicing yoga and meditation since 2014. She now lives at Ananda Village in northern California. As an Ananda Yoga® Teacher, her depth of spirit and caring nature shine through, as you will experience during her yoga retreat weekends and led sadhanas. Uma serves at The Expanding Light Yoga Retreat in website…
Vivekadevi Noh-Kuhn
Vivekadevi is a certified Ananda Yoga and Meditation Teacher RYT500, with a background in 12-Step Recovery. She has many years of experience leading classes, workshops, and personal retreats on the power of yoga and the 12 steps. Her warm and engaging style allows students to relax and dive deeply into the essence these two paths offer and discover the joy of cultivating a rich, spiritual life. She is the Co-Director of the Ananda Bay Area School of Yoga and Meditation and lives and serves in the Ananda Palo Alto Community as a teacher and minister, with her husband James.
Yogesh Lee
Since childhood, Yogesh was aware of the paramount need to find happiness and help others to be happy. In 2013, he took discipleship to Paramhansa Yogananda, simultaneously taking up residence at Ananda Village. Serving at the Crystal Hermitage Gardens and on The Expanding Light staff with the Karma Yoga program, Yogesh also helps lead Ananda Yoga weekend retreats and sadhanas. He delights in the adventure of living for God and sharing the adventure with others in a spirit of acceptance and freedom. Yogesh strives to be “even-minded and cheerful under all circumstances” and to see every challenge as an opportunity.…