Visiting Faculty
“The very purpose of spirituality is to control yourself, not to criticize others. How much am I doing about my anger? About my attachment, about my hatred, about my pride, my jealousy?”
∼ Dalai Lama
Facebook YouTube Twitter Google+ Pinterest

Visiting Faculty

Sara Granström-Thorsson

Sara Granström-Thorsson Sara completed her Centered Yoga Training in June 2005. She is a dedicated and focused student of yoga, which is evident in her teaching and sharing of the practices. Sara has studied both Pranayama and Asana intensively and is a senior graduate of Centered Yoga Institute. She teaches yoga regularly in Stockholm, Sweden, and is developing her own center on Gotland, Sweden. In addition, Sara is a student of and practitioner of ayurveda and nutrition. Sara spends about four months a year teaching at Samahita Retreat. For more please see her full bio.

Stephen Thomas

Stephen Thomas Stephen completed his Centered Yoga Training in 2003 and has been a regular dedicated student and friend since. He has been teaching retreats, workshops and trainings throughout Asia in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Sri Lanka. We are happy to have him be part of our regular teaching staff in 2010 onward. For more please see his full bio.

Jessica Blanchard

Jessica Blanchard Jessica has been involved with Samahita Retreat since the foundation in 2003. She came as a dedicated student to then move on from her corporate professional career to commit full time to Yoga and Ayurveda. She lived and taught on site for many years. She now runs her own studio in New Orleans and returns to Samahita Retreat for specific programs. For more please see her full bio.

Adarsh Williams

Adarsh Williams Adarsh teaches a contemplative style of yoga that embraces both modern innovation and traditional wisdom. Since 1995, Adarsh has been engaged in the field of natural healing and has received certifications in therapeutic massage and active isolated stretching. He continues as a student of Ashtanga Yoga and its sister sciences of Sanskrit, Ayurveda, and Bhakti. Adarsh has continuously traveled to Asia since 2001 for study and pilgrimage and has received teaching Authorization by his late Guruji Shri. K Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. Adarsh directs the Ashtanga Yoga Shala in Monterrey, CA specializing in progressive instruction for beginner through advanced levels.

Through in depth study of human anatomy and physiology and formal training as a massage therapist, Adarsh is highly regarded for his sensitive yet deep adjusting style. He has experience working with a wide variety of students of diverse abilities, ages, and backgrounds. With a deeply held belief that anyone can develop a personal yoga practice, Adarsh is an energetic teacher who infuses his enthusiasm for practice and hard work in his students.

Sean Kirke

Sean Kirke Sean completed his Centered Yoga Training in November 2004. Since 2003 he has spent most of his time in Asia for both yoga and chiropractic, until recently relocating back to Australia with his family where he now teaches and is in the process of opening a shala. Sean's passion for holistic health not only resulted in him becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic but also led him to the path of yoga. His chiropractic studies gave him a deep understanding of anatomy which he is able to apply when teaching yoga and also when treating yogis as a chiropractor. This has proven to be of great benefit in helping people advance their practices and recovery from injury. For more please see his full bio.

Dorien Israel

Dorien Israel Dorien started practicing Ashtanga yoga with Paul at the young age of 60. She spends most of the year on Koh Samui and spends her time as a retreat advisor to our guests. Most people have never been on a "retreat" so having Dorien to give personal guidance is a great support. She also teaches other non-yoga related classes such as Qi Gong.

She is the author of three books; UnBound, Tao Passages and The Way to the One I AM. She is a Reiki Master, Yoga teacher and Qi Gong practitioner.

In 1984 after a "near death" experience resulting from a severe automobile accident Dorien discovered she was given the ability to access ascended information (channelling or direct revelation).

In 1997 Dorien came to Koh Samui on a one week vacation and never left. During that week she had a "transcendent experience" (satori). Now at the age of 65 she is a remarkable reflection of what is possible in body, mind and Being when one aligns their life with their highest values and real identity.

More information on Dorien and her services
http://www.samahitaretreat.com/psychology-therapy.html