The team at Rythmia is incredibly well-staffed with highly qualified and compassionate individuals, including 10 shamans, over 30 ceremony facilitators, 6 breathwork and meditation facilitators, 5 registered massage therapists, 3 doctors, 7 nurses, and an EMT.
Juan Guillermo Chindoy, known as Taita Juanito, comes from the indigenous Inga tribe and a lineage of traditional healers. His role as a healer is a deeply inherited legacy. He has preserved this heritage, mastering ancestral remedies to aid communities seeking traditional medicine.As a young boy, Juanito was sent to live with the Siona indigenous community and was adopted by Elder Laureano Piaiguaje, the most senior Taita of the Putumayo Region. Laureano taught Juanito about the sacred yagé plant, solidifying his role as a 'Taita Curaca.' Juanito studied with Laureano for over 15 years until his passing in 2019. These experiences taught Juanito to live joyfully and embrace happiness, inspired by Laureano's nonjudgmental nature and philosophy that things simply exist as they are.Today, Taita Juanito is a respected healer and teacher, celebrated for his wisdom and reverence for plant medicine. His journey from a boy in the Inga community to a global teacher demonstrates the power of traditional healing practices and indigenous wisdom. His work inspires and heals, bridging ancient traditions with modern seekers.
For over 25 years, Mitra Politi has served as an intuitive healer and spiritual guide, particularly for those seeking a direct connection to spirit. He is the Spiritual Director at Rhythmia Life Enhancement Center in Costa Rica and also holds credentials as a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Certified Acupuncturist, with experience in indigenous Colombian healing methods. Mitra has spent two decades living in an ecological and spiritual community in Costa Rica, where he ran an acupuncture clinic and developed and taught numerous transformational programs.Mitra's journey includes a significant connection with Taita Juanito Chindoy Chindoy, an indigenous Colombian healer, which deepened his understanding of ancient wisdom and healing practices. His first book, "Insights: Steps to Truth," has been praised by notable figures and offers reflections on topics like change, pain, and happiness, providing a guide for mindfulness and spiritual contemplation. Mitra's work, characterized by a humble and heart-centered approach, is gaining wider recognition, including features in documentaries.Mitra considers himself both a teacher and a student of "The Art of Life," offering various courses, workshops, and private coaching. His approach avoids ego-driven spirituality, focusing instead on providing genuine experiences with spirit and its teachings. Known for his commitment, passion, and intuition, Mitra serves as a generous friend and guide to many, helping individuals worldwide to integrate spirituality into their lives and work.
Growing up in nature as a child created an authentic sense of spirit in me. As an adult I became an actress and later as well an acting teacher and bodywork and dance. Then life was leading me to the medicine and after a while I started to realize that this was just a continuation of studying humanness and spirit. I’m beyond grateful for witnessing Divine evolution in everyone and everything and everywhere.
I am a 44-year-old Medicine woman from Venezuela, devoted to honoring Mother Earth through ceremonies. I studied Bhakti and Jnana Yoga in India, focusing on self-discovery. As a student of Taita Juanito, I follow the path of Ayahuasca. At Rythmia, I guide others on healing journeys with love and respect for all beings.
I have a background in Traditional Chinese Medicine and I feel privileged to have answered the call to serve medicine through Rythmia. My spiritual journey led me to study Yagé deeply for the past five years under the guidance of Taita Juanito. This path has enriched my life with wisdom, healing, and purpose.
I come from the mountains of Guanacaste, where I grew up among humble families and learned the traditional ways of the land. Later, I moved out and studied archaeology, music, and art. I became an artisan in fabric dyeing and a conscious musician, contributing to various art projects.A friend eventually introduced me to the world of Ayahuasca/Yagé, where I discovered this ancestral tradition that supports personal growth. I now work as a facilitator, helping others on this path with respect and kindness.
My healing journey began after a long battle with addiction. Ayahuasca helped me to develop a framework to navigate life in a way that every experience could be seen as a chance to liberate ourselves from suffering. I now guide others toward discovering their own framework for liberation.
I was raised in a close-knit family with strong values, surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains of San José, Costa Rica, where I was born.
My connection with my inner self began in childhood, leading me to explore spirituality. This journey helped me understand that every human being needs to listen to their inner voice and find healing.
For the last seven years, I have been guided by Ayahuasca and my own life experiences. Through God and creation, this has allowed me to serve humanity with love and compassion.
I came to Rythmia to work in the management team and then I was called by my Spirit to work with plant medicine. For five years now I have studied the yagé tradition under Taita Juanito Chindoy. I help to hold the sacred space every week for the spirits from the heavens to come and heal our hearts, mind, emotions, and spirit. For me this is an honor and a privilege.
Leonardo is a Lifestyle Engineer, Professional Mentor/Coach, Ancestral Meditation Teacher, and Shamanic Healer. He is also an Ayurvedic Clinical Therapist specializing in Ayurvedic formulations and aromatherapy. A student of Ingano Taitas/Shamans from Amazonian Colombia for the past 12 years, he holds certifications as a Nutrition, Health and Life Coach, specializing in Holistic Nutrition, Detoxification Programs, and Health Recovery. He is also a certified 500 RYT Yoga, Meditation, Yoga Nidra and Breathwork Teacher and Practitioner.Leonardo's additional certifications include Reiki Master/Teacher and Pranic Healing. A follower of Paramahansa Sri Swami Vishwananda, he practices Bhakti Yoga and Atma Kriya Yoga. With 21 years of meditation practice, he shares the technique in the lineage of Paramahansa Yogananda, as instructed by Spirit.
Melissa Osorio is a trauma-healing expert, bestselling author, and dedicated advocate for plant medicine and psychedelics as powerful tools for transformation. Her own journey of overcoming extreme adversity fuels her commitment to empower others on their healing paths.
Melissa’s life was profoundly transformed by ayahuasca medicine at Rythmia years ago. She blends personal insight with professional knowledge to create a safe space for guests to heal and grow, empowering them to realize their inner strength and limitless potential. She believes that no one is defined by their past and that every challenge carries the seed of transformation.
Beyond her role at Rythmia, Melissa actively shares her insights through transformational events, podcast interviews, and online psychedelic integration training programs. Her warm, uplifting presence aligns perfectly with Rythmia’s nurturing ethos, ensuring that every guest feels supported, motivated, and prepared to embrace their own life-changing transformation.
When not supporting guests, Melissa embodies the zest for life she encourages in others. Whether exploring new cultures around the world or sharing laughter with her pups, family, and friends, she lives her message of joy and discovery.
For over 25 years, Kim Stanwood Terranova has been an impactful spiritual figure in the United States, and around the world. Kim is an ongoing guest speaker, lead teacher, and recently honored to be appointed to the Board of Directors at the foremost Rythmia Life Advancement Center in Costa Rica. As a powerhouse speaker, thought leader and compassionate counselor, she is committed to guiding people in fulfilling their greatest destiny.Kim is a 3x best-selling author of The Technology of Intention. She was recently recognized by Michael Bernard Beckwith and the Agape International Spiritual Center, with the high honor of Master Practitioner as well as Master Teacher at the Agape University. Kim has immersed herself and given her life to the study and practice of Universal spiritual truth and wisdom, with a degree in spiritual studies, a license as Practitioner of Truth and as a minister of the Agape community. Additionally, Kim is the founder of World As One, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to bringing the principles of peace practiced worldwide.
John Jacob Mubarak is a passionate advocate for holistic healing and integration through the power of sacred plant medicines, breathwork, psychology, philosophy, science and ancient wisdom teachings to guide individuals towards profound personal and professional growth.As an Agape Licensed Spiritual Practitioner, Elemental Rhythm Breathwork Facilitator, and Lead Facilitator at Rythmia Life Advancement Center in Costa Rica, John Jacob is dedicated to sharing the Sacred Truth Principles of Acceptance, Joy & Oneness. His goal is to empower you to unlock your Infinite potential and discover your interconnectedness with the Divine.In 2008, John Jacob began an extensive study with Reverend Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith at the Agape International Spiritual Center, where he discovered a vibrant community of like-souled individuals seeking spiritual growth and understanding. Since 2017, John Jacob has worked closely with thousands of clients at the Rythmia Life Advancement Center, where he continues to teach and guide individuals in integrating their powerful experiences with the sacred plant medicines. John Jacob is a strong advocate of the importance of plant medicine integration. Through ancient wisdom with modern techniques, such as yoga, diaphragmatic breathing, prayer and psychology, individuals learn to anchor their experiences and translate them into life-changing shifts in consciousness and profound transformations in their everyday lives.John Jacob loves to lead workshops and retreats that catalyze individual transformation, fostering a harmonious world that thrives for the highest good of all. When he is not at Agape, Rythmia or working with clients, you'll find John Jacob immersed in the enchanting jungles or serene beaches of Costa Rica, embracing the essence of the Pura Vida lifestyle through activities like biking, hiking, and camping.For further details on John Jacob and his upcoming retreats and workshops, please visit his website and follow him on Instagram.
Amanda Norgaard is a plant integration teacher at Rythmia, guide, writer, and student of ancient traditions. With over 15 years of experience in the spiritual, healing, and creative realms, she specializes in guiding individuals toward a more aligned and purposeful life through her work with plant medicine, consciousness, and poetic storytelling. Her approach blends spirituality, healing, creativity, and compassion, helping thousands expand their consciousness, heal their hearts, and unlock their full potential.Rooted in her own transformative journey with plant medicine, Amanda is committed to honoring the sacred and continues to explore the mysteries of life. She has appeared on hundreds of podcasts and panels and facilitated transformative masterclasses, workshops, and retreats at prestigious global events and festivals. For nearly a decade, she has supported countless individuals on their journey for a deeper spiritual alignment. Amanda is devoted to helping others connect with their whole, authentic selves, fostering trust, love, and purpose in their lives. Outside of Rythmia, Amanda is the founder of a global creative community, a writer, entrepreneur, and adventurer, continually deepening her love for life.
Johnny Messner came as a guest to Rythmia May 2019. An actor for 25 years Johnny had fallen into deep addiction and had lost everything. Willing to do whatever it took he was a guest at Rythmia many times over 3 years. Because of the beautiful healing qualities of the medicine he is now unrecognizable from the man he was! His passion for this work has led his path to becoming a teacher here at Rythmia, by far his greatest accomplishment in his life.