Faculty

Elissa Epel, Ph.D, is a best-selling author and a Professor at UCSF in the Department of Psychiatry. She is an expert on stress and contemplative practices, including mindful eating for optimal metabolic balance.

Robin Fann Costanzo has been practicing and teaching Esalen® Massage nationally and internationally since 1993. She has a background in dance, yoga, and somatic therapies, with a specialty in trauma resolution.

Erika Gagnon is a multi-racial ceremonial leader, wisdom keeper, medicine carrier and “curandera.” With the blessings of her elders, she leads a variety of healing ceremonies and personal healing sessions.

Jim Gallas has been teaching yoga and qigong with a sense of deepening silence and the lightness of laughter for over 30 years. He has had the great joy of teaching at Esalen since 1999. 

Rosemary Garrison began her study of yoga in the traditional Ashtanga style, then expanded into Vinyasa. She teaches a strong flow, emphasizing breath, alignment, and, ultimately, the cultivation of energy and awareness.

Jocelyn Gordon is the mother of two daughters and is currently writing Make Space For Baby. She is the creator of HoopYogini™ and Bhakti Boogie, practices that merge dance with yoga and meditation.

A dancer, poet, educator, author, and therapist, Daria Halprin is a leader in the field of somatic movement/expressive arts education and therapy.

Steven Harper is a wilderness leader, author, facilitator, and Big Sur resident. His work incorporates practices that cultivate awareness, grow somatic intelligence, and emphasize connection with nature as vehicles for awakening.

Paul Heussenstamm is a painter and teacher from Laguna Beach, California. His vibrant sacred art incorporates principles of many religious traditions, among them Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity.

Born and raised in the Esalen community, Lucia Horan received life-long direct training with Gabrielle Roth in the 5Rhythms® method and is formally empowered to teach Buddha dharma in all capacities.

Peggy Horan has been practicing and teaching Esalen Massage for five decades and is the author of Connecting Through Touch, A Couples Massage Book.

Chungliang "Al" Huang teaches Tai Ji philosophy, East/West synthesis, and the art of movement meditation.

Russ Hudson is one of the top teachers and developers of the Enneagram system in the world today. He is the co-author, with Don Richard Riso, of several books including The Wisdom of the Enneagram and Personality Types.

Shamini Jain, PhD, integrates clinical psychology, psychoneuroimmunology, vocal performance, and East Indian spiritual practice to teach others how they can best heal themselves and live joyful, meaningful lives.

Andrea Juhan, PhD, MFT has created her own form of movement practice called Open Floor, which draws on her decades of experience with Gabrielle Roth's 5Rhythms, Gestalt Awareness Practice, and Integrative Body Psychotherapy.

Dacher Keltner is a professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley and faculty director of the Greater Good Science Center. His research focuses on the biological and evolutionary origins of compassion, awe, love, beauty, and more.

Machiel Klerk is an author and founder of the Jung Platform, a website that offers online courses on psychological and spiritual perspectives, which was created as a result of a dream.

George Kohlrieser is known world-wide for his keynotes and workshops on such topics as high performance leadership, conflict management, personal and professional development, and more.

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With over twenty years as teachers, performers, and transformational leaders, Thorald and Isaac Koren are on a mission to hear the world’s song, one Big Voice at a time.

Laraaji is a visionary musician, composer, and mystic who has enchanted audiences worldwide with his ethereal and transformative performances.

Jiling Lin is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac), herbalist, and yoga teacher who cultivates thriving health through nature, art, movement, and ritual.