Ayllu means Community of Spiritual Practitioners in this context. In Quechua the word ayllu is a generic term for "kin group," and its specific reference was clarified by the context.
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Since 2005, Christine Selda has been sharing the teachings of the Medicine Wheel in Squamish, British Columbia.
Since this mystery school’s inception, more than one hundred students have walked the four directions of the Medicine Wheel to become Full Mesa Carriers.
The Ayllu holds many who reveal themselves as shamanic practitioners, medicine song keepers, shamanic yoga teachers, psychopomps, mastery teachers, and ceremonial space holders.
We in our community have built life-long friendships through this work; these relationships become strong from the healing process that we share by walking the four directions of the Medicine Wheel.
We are scattered across the globe, many have adopted shamanic tools and principles within their personal and professional practices.
These are some of our beloved friends who have trained with us and given back to our community in service by assisting trainings and passing this work forward.
There are many to honour over the years who are not shown here, and to all our community and different ayllus out there as we grow,
we carry you in our hearts, you are remembered.
Thank you.
Lydia Williams
Squamish Nation Ambassador
Hello my name is Lydia Williams. I come from the Squamish and Tsimshian First Nations. I grew up in Squamish with my parents Ray & Darlene Lebel on the Yekwaupsum reserve.
My maternal grandparents are the late Laura Williams nee: Collinson from the Tsimshian Nation and Chief David Williams of the Squamish Nation.
Growing up in Squamish was such a gift as I have had the privilege to learn from different aunts/uncles as well as respected community members how to take care of the plants/ animals and how to help preserve them for use of future generations.
I was taught things such as beadwork, cedar weaving, simple sewing, crocheting and other arts&crafts.
I would like to add special thanks to the Shamanic yoga institute & North yoga. Where I have completed 500 hours Registered yoga teacher training combined through both schools.
Thank you for honouring me and continuing to ask me to be a part of this community of learners!
Life is short, experience something new today!
Si-so-lia
Squamish Nation Elder
Donna Billy also known as Si-so-lia is from the Squamish Nation. She is a mother of two sons who have been her inspiration. From a very early age Donna was trained in her traditional ways by the Elders. Donna takes pride in her heritage and Culture. She truly lives up to her Ancestral name Si-so-lia which means “hard working woman”. Whatever she is working on-she works hard! Taking care of the people has always been at the heart of the work that Donna does. She believes in healthy, strong families and supporting and guiding them. Most of her jobs have been working with children & mothers in the community. She is currently working with the Howe Sound Women’s Centre Transition house in Squamish.
Chelsie McCutcheon
White Global Mesa Teacher
Chelsie McCutcheon is Wet’suwet’en Nation from Northern B.C. and a member of the Laksilyu (Small Frog) Clan. Chelsie resided in beautiful Squamish BC with her family and is an inspiring entrepreneur, creating recreational and healthy lifestyle programs for First Nations youth and communities. With a vision of Aboriginal youth which are leaders in their communities. Actively inspiring themselves and others, to live healthy lifestyles and reach their full potential through Outdoor Recreation, sharing and embracing the First Nations culture.
Chelsie completed a year Outdoor Recreational Eco-Tourism Leadership Program and is currently a Program Coordinator for the First Nations Snowboard Association. Along with snowboarding, mountain biking, Chelsie would like to introduce yoga to First Nations youth and communities as a holistic tool to inspire a healthy community and social change.
Amanda Dewar
One of Amanda’s greatest joys is being fully and authentically human. What began as a personal journey to peel back the layers of conditioning and the masks she had learned to wear over the years has evolved into something far greater.
Amanda is devoted to creating spaces of unconditional love where humans feel deeply seen and held as they wander through the weeds, and find their way back to their authentic selves. At the heart of her work is a deep commitment to witnessing each person in their wholeness – body, mind, spirit, and energetics – and walking alongside them as they reclaim their gifts, embody their authenticity, and re-member that they have always been whole.
Travis Callender
Medicine Wheel 2024/25 assistant
I have practiced Transcendental Meditation since the age of nine, and from 19 to 31, I studied and worked at Maharishi International University. During that time, I experienced the profound power of meditating with a group of nearly 2,000 people twice daily. This collective practice created an incredible synergy—what is known as the Super Radiance effect—amplifying waves of positive energy that filled me and radiated out into the world.
Now, as an Internal Medicine Nurse Practitioner at a Primary Care Clinic in Bellingham, WA, I am passionate about bridging ancient wisdom with modern healing. My goal is to help participants understand and integrate the teachings of Shamanic Yoga for their own transformation.
One of the most impactful lessons from last year’s Medicine Wheel was recognizing that ego is the root of separation, fear, and suffering. The tools of Shamanic Yoga are designed to move us beyond the ego’s grip, opening and sustaining our awareness in the deeper, more expansive part of ourselves.
Jules Marie Emmerson
Photographer & Assistant 2018-2020, 2022-2025 Website and Merchandise design
From a young age, I’ve been deeply attuned to the subtle energies that guide and protect us. As an environmentalist with a spiritual nature, I was naturally led to the path of becoming an earth keeper. Forever an artist, I express my creativity through fashion, photography, and design, bringing beauty into the world in unique and meaningful ways.
I am a Full Mesa Carrier, a 300-Hour Yoga Teacher with the Shamanic Yoga Institute, and a certified Kundalini Dance™ Facilitator. It has been a true honor to assist and document the Shamanic Yoga Institute’s trainings, capturing the transformative energy and essence of this work through my photography, website design, and merchandise creations. I’ve loved evolving alongside SYI, and I am grateful to contribute my creative skills to a community that aligns so deeply with my values.
As a sister, friend, and ally, I am here to support those walking their truth and healing journey, helping them bring their visions into the world with love and authenticity.
Peter Bjurman
Medicine Wheel 2024/25 Firekeeper
Peter Bjurman, born and raised in North Vancouver, is a dedicated father, husband, and a passionate supporter of the medicine work we do at the Shamanic Yoga Institute. With a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Birmingham, England, Peter has spent the last 10 years working in the real estate sector. Peter brings a grounded, supportive presence to our work, always ready to lend his expertise and assist in the smooth flow of the SYI’s mission.
Veronika Lelyavok
Assistant 2019, 2024/25
Veronika hails from the flatlands of Belarus, a small European country nestled between Russia and Poland. Veronika has spent over half of her life in Canada and has had the privilege of living on the indigenous lands of Cree Nation in Manitoba, Kahnawake Mohawk land in Quebec and currently on Musqueam and Coast Salish land of British Columbia. Veronika received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Psychology from McGill University where she also served as President of a women’s leadership organization. Athletics is a major passion of Veronika’s. After 10 years of accomplishments in professional figure skating she found the path of yoga. 12 years of practice led Veronika to complete a 200 hr YTT in vinyasa, meditation and ayurvedic studies. It was through yoga that Veronika discovered Shamanic Yoga Institute and became a mesa carrier. Veronika is committed to sharing the consciousness-blazing, integrity-building, authenticity-revealing traditions of yoga and shamanism. She is here to offer you her fire.
Dr. Kayla Clark, ND
Assistant 2024/25
Kayla is a lifelong student of the divine, constantly deepening her connection to the earth and spirit through the practice of yoga. While her formal studies have afforded her a wealth of knowledge, she believes that true wisdom comes from a continuous exploration of the sacred within and around us. Her formal titles include Naturopathic Doctor, 500-hour RYT, Mesa Carrier, and a graduate of the Shamanic
Yoga Institute.
Kayla’s unique blend of training in neuroscience and naturopathic medicine, along with her study of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yogic Sciences, and Shamanism, allows her to integrate diverse modalities, sciences, and belief systems into her work. Her multicultural heritage—Chinese, Indian, and European—further enriches her approach, guiding her to embrace healing in both body and spirit.
She believes that true health transcends the physical, encompassing the integration of our biology, stories, and connection to the world around us. In these times of uncertainty, grounding ourselves in purpose and principles becomes paramount. Transforming the current paradigm begins with each individual’s commitment to self-mastery, so they may offer their unique gifts to the world.
Kayla is deeply honored and privileged to witness the inner unfolding and blossoming of souls who are called to this path.
Shamanism reminds me of my connection to this earth as well as to the stars. This great mother, who gives unconditionally and is constantly talking to us, is part of us as we are part of her.
Cindy Stockdale
Medicine Teacher and Yoga Teacher Trainer BaH. ERYT-500, RHN
Anita Vidya
Medicine Wheel Teacher, Intuitive Indigenous Healer BBA, CYA E-RYT Gold
I see myself as someone who has achieved “success through diversity” in Business and in Spirit. I have walked many paths since I began working in 1994; facilitating the young lives of children. Early on in my life I have set the intention to become clearer in the art of business and co-creating it with spiritual knowledge.
My ancestry is Chipewyan Dene; situated near the Athabasca River along the North land and lakes of Alberta. My clear visions have been brewing since the early days of my youth; one vision guides me to learn and to be in a relationship directly with spiritual knowledge of Indigenous Spirit; one shared by the ancestors. The other is to source the authentic teachings from relations across Turtle Island and beyond, and in all the worlds.
Doing this work has developed a way for myself to be in reciprocity with all of our People. My ideals are to learn the traditional medicines shared by the Elders from the land and to listen intently of the oral traditions that they share. I lovingly continue on this path where I find a better way of life in this world of discernment and ceremony.
I am a lover of life and intend it to be full of health, heart and happiness. I spend my days doing ancient dance with my Earth body practicing Shamanic Yoga; this creates a strong body, mind and soul connection in the art of Shamanism. As I venture down this Red road, I look to expand my Self by living in the unique aspects of Spiritual Business, First Nations Circles, and to connect with the Elders who hold an ancient language of creation. A Deep gratitude to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people, I recognize and honour that we live in the un-ceded Territory of the Squamish Nation.
Anita is a certified Yoga teacher since 2012 and has been teaching the Medicine Wheel since 2020; she is a teacher for Black Stone Mastery with the Shamanic Yoga Institute. She has taught Medicine Wheel in Ucluelet, Nelson, Okanagan and will continue throughout BC sharing the teachings from the Red Road and the Institute.
Lorena Quintero
Assistant Teacher - Medicine Wheel and Shamanic Yoga Teacher Training 23/24
Lorena’s been a student of the path for over 10 years. She started her training in Mexico & soon, she was following her heart to dive deeper into her practice, Eastern philosophy & ancestral wisdom from the mountains & jungles.
Mexico, India, Nepal, California, Peru, Greece, Vancouver; these are the places where Lorena kept shedding layers & finding herself over & over again. Connecting to these sites’ potent energies, trekking sacred mountains, cleansing in the holy rivers, honoring her teachers, the land & wisdom keepers. Lorena understood she, too, was meant to carry these teachings forward in her own way.
Gin Perry
Assistant Teacher - Medicine Wheel and Shamanic Yoga Teacher Training 23/24
I have completed my 300 hr yoga teacher training with Christine Selda and the Shamanic yoga institute. I continue to unpack the gifts that I received during that training and try to weave the wisdom within my practice. I am inspired by nature in the ways that it is cyclical. Death follows life, as life follows death. There is not one without the other, and we must shed the old in order to step into the shoes of our destiny.
Yoga reminds me of that place within that never changes, is always there, and is my sacred refuge. It connects me back to source where I can surrender with trust, knowing that whatever life brings, I have what I need to overcome.
Shamanism reminds me of my connection to this earth as well as to the stars. This great mother, who gives unconditionally and is constantly talking to us, is part of us as we are part of her. Our great father sky that guides us, constantly witnessing us as we move through challenges towards growth and intervenes when we have lost our way. It gives me strength, hope and trust that I am exactly where I need to be.
I love witnessing the overlap between yoga and shamanism. They are different words, developed in different regions of the world, but the overlap is proof of universal truths that remain through time and space.
Mara Branscombe
Guest Shamanic Yoga Teacher
Natalie Rousseau
History & Philosophy Teacher, E-Registered Yoga Teacher Trainer
Natalie is a passionate student of Yoga, Ayurveda, Eastern Philosophy, and Meditation. She currently lives in Pemberton BC and leads inspirational Teacher Trainings, Workshops & Retreats in British Columbia and beyond. You can expect her classes to be skilfully structured and infused with the teachings that inspire her most, namely the power of practice, the wisdom of nature, and the wonder of living an ordinary life lit up through mindful presence.
Andrea Sentesy
Assistant 2018, 2020
The sweet and transformative practice of yoga arrived into my life in 2000, and it has been a process of evolution ever since. I began sharing yoga in 2010, and have over 1500 hours of teaching experience, as well as 400 hours of formal training. In 2014, my life shifted dramatically again as I followed the call towards Mountain Shamanism and completed each turn of the Medicine Wheel with Christine Selda. I am a full Mesa carrier within the Peruvian Q’ero Lineage
My daily practices of Yoga, Shamanism and Meditation have drawn me to a deeper understanding of myself and brought joy, peace and evolution to all aspects of my life. Because of these practices I feel vital, connected, courageous and a deep gratitude for life My truest desire is to spark this process of evolution in others, so that we may live in harmony and reciprocity with Mother Earth, and each other.
Off the mat, you can find me playing with sticks and rocks with my sons, rock climbing with my wonderful partner, counselling children and their families, or singing by a fire.
Douglas Hess
Outdoor Medicine Wheel Assistant 2021-23
After many years of study and practice with multiple lineages, I followed my Heart to the Medicine Wheel. As I move into the collective, I am cultivating humility, gratitude, love, compassion and kindness. “The more I know the less I know,” Ram Das. I surrender. Om Samarpayimi Namaha
Carolyn Green
White Global Mesa Teacher
Hi, I am Carolyn. I am a mother, community volunteer, teacher of meditation and ayurveda , a postpartum doula, a global nurturer, star connector, yogini, energy healer, music lover and forever student. I love empowering, guiding and supporting people on their journey to self-mastery. You’ll find me chatting, singing and playing with people (especially kids and babies) or honouring, singing and listening to nature. Walking the medicine wheel was the most concentrated healing and self-discovery I have encountered on my journey to wholeness, to freedom. My heart is full knowing I have reconnected with powerful and beautiful parts of myself and have formed new connections through my ayllu, my tribe.
I love empowering, guiding and supporting people on their journey to self-mastery.
Kristin Campbell
Alignment in Action Teacher, E-RYT 500® Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Teacher (since 2000), Teacher Trainer (since 2006), E-RYTGold
I am a Mama, Yoga Teacher, Teacher Trainer and Mentor for yoga teachers. What I teach is informed and inspired by 14+ years of teaching yoga full-time, 9-years of studio owning, 8+ years of leading teacher trainings around the globe. Ultimately, my work is about supporting yoga-practitioners and yoga-teachers in living and practicing purposefully in accordance with their highest truth and vision. In addition to yoga, I source inspiration and influence from my continued studies in; Mountain Shamanism (as taught by the Q’ero Medicine People of Peru), Meditation, and Ayurveda.
Heidi Nielsen
Assistant 2019
Certified Aromatherapist and Herbalist
Heidi is the founder of Amaru Aromatherapy offering a wide expanse of organic essential oils, synergies, hydrosols, herbal infusions, salves, spritzers, roll-on’s, botanical incense, beeswax candles, crystal altars and chakra bracelets.Heidi is a mesa carrier with the Shamanic Yoga Institute holding space with an open heart, having come full circle many times with SYTT Medicine Wheel’s as participant and assistant since 2010. Heidi offers wellness consultations, utilizing the healing benefits of aromatherapy, herbalism and crystal energy healing. Heidi is fueled by a passion to live in a world free from oppression and patriarchal attitudes. She shares her voice in a number of ways as an anti-violence worker, medicine song singer and priestess. Heidi is blessed to be in service to community having facilitated many healing circles and ceremonies. Heidi offers various workshops: Introduction to Aromatherapy, Essential Oil Blending, Artisan Distillation and Elemental Healing. Visit www.amaruaromatherapy to learn more.
I have a deep love for nature and her abundant gifts, the four elements, the standing ones, the elemental realm, plant medicine, crystal healing and the cosmos.
Nitai
Kirtan Vancouver
Kirtan is the ancient practice of call and response chanting, combining mantra and music to open one’s heart. The chanting is transformational with multiple benefits including a peaceful state of mind. The primary instruments we use are traditional – Harmonium, Mridanga (drum), and Kartal (hand cymbals). No previous experience is required to derive the benefits of this spiritual practice, also known as Bhakti Yoga.
My truest desire is to spark this process of evolution in others, so that we may live in harmony and reciprocity with Mother Earth, and each other.
Cara Long
Assistant 2018
Cara first began her Shamanic studies of traditional plant medicine and healing in the desert of San Louis Potosoi, Mexico. A few years later, in 2015, she completed a 200 hour teacher training with Christine Selda and Kristen Campbell and went on to become a full mesa carrier. At her graduation ceremony, she received the name Chandra, which means Moon. Her dedication to walking the Shamanic path led her to assist both the Shamanic Yoga Institute’s Medicine Wheel and Yoga Teacher Training in 2018 as well as continuing her studies with the institute’s offerings of mastery classes.
Cara draws inspiration from the complimentary teachings of the Toltec, Inca and yoga traditions. She is a medicine maker, exploring the alchemy of herbs and aromatherapy in her product line of Cannalife Botanicals and more recently Luna Vida Botanica, harnessing the energies of the moon in her formulations. She is guided by the essence of plants and the cyclical influence of the moon and stars. Through her botanical offerings she hopes to connect people to nature’s medicine traditions, inspiring others to remember their innate healing wisdom.
She tends to an organic and herbal garden in Squamish and is grateful for the abundance and beauty of the unceded territory of the Squamish Nation, where she lives. Cara is a strong believer in the power of ceremony and ritual for self-care, community and healing of the earth.
Blaire Embrey
Shamanic Yoga Teacher Training Assistant 2021/22
I have always known that the body has Wisdom. It has been through my personal practice and in-depth training that I have learned to cultivate and listen to this intelligence. Through Shamanic Practices using Sacred Art and Ritual, I will pass on tools to my community so that they too can create less suffering on this human journey. My training has taken many forms throughout my life. Starting at 4 years old I intensively trained for 17 years in various forms of dance. This began my foundational practice of movement as healing. In my 20’s I received my Childspace certification, a Feldenkrais based practice, that brings the trainees through their own physical re-birth. We work with children and their parents by fostering development through play, encouraging this internal Wisdom to develop and bloom from birth.
Kelsey Dawn
Assistant 2019
Kelsey Dawn a.k.a Matrika is a Soul Illuminator, Divine Mother, Mentor, Healing Practitioner & Yoga Instructor. Having Trained in Rehabilitation & Disability Studies; Studied with Masters in Ancient Shamanic, Yogic & Buddhist traditions, her guidance helps you accelerate your personal growth to live in alignment with your soul. She was born on this planet, at this time, to help guide others through the many challenges that arise as one shifts into higher states of consciousness. Together she will support you to evolve out of the Old ways of ‘existing’ and into Ways of ‘Being.’ Through ancient wisdom, modern science & her illuminating intuitive powers, you will take what’s been haunting you, transform it to reclaim your luminous form & also help others to see their radiance. We are all meant to Thrive!
Gaia Sophia
Assistant 2018
Gaia Sophia literally translates into Wisdom of the Earth. My birth name is Tara, which in Sanskrit means Earth and Star. These guiding forces have reminded me of my mission on Earth, as a healer and proxy of light. My lineage comes from my great, great grandparents in Sumutra, Indonesia who were the town Healers. It is through this long line of light carriers that the work continues through me on Earth. I have an Associate in Liberal Arts and a certificate in Waldorf Education but my love is healing. I am trained in Massage Therapy, Somatic Polarity, Gamma Wave Healing, Akashic Record reading, 300 HR Yoga, and many other modalities. I pour sweat lodge, I am a sacred pipe carrier and I carry a full Mesa from the Q’ero lineage of Shamanism.
I have a passion for learning from other healers from all over the world and I have learned that the true power comes from your own authentic connection and relationship to the Energy. I offer healing sessions distantly and in person. You can find me teaching an occasional yoga class, spending time in nature or raising my young son. I am a big believer that our external landscape is only a simulation for us to witness our invisible, internal world. Through this growth, learning and awareness we will, together, create harmony on this loving, conscious planet we call Earth
