Our Teaching Staff
Our core teaching staff are long time devotees of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of the spiritual classic, Autobiography of a Yogi, and the lifelong students of the Self-realization teachings of Raja Yoga. You will find in us a friend and guide for your personal or guided retreat.
Nayaswamis Roma and Haridas – Teachers & Spiritual Directors
Matt Stickney- Teacher & Manager
Matt is a Lightbearer Minister who has been associated with the Ananda community for many years. He was a founding member of Ananda Sacramento community and served for a long time as a co-director of that community. Matt is a teacher of meditation and Raja Yoga, and a beautiful example of spiritualizing everyday life.
Nayaswami Anandi Gray, MS, E-RYT500 – Teacher, Minister
Anandi lives, serves and teaches at the Ananda Meditation Retreat in Nevada City, California. She has a gift for clarifying the teachings of yoga and making them practical. Her deep calmness helps everyone around her feel comfortable and relaxed. Anandi is a longtime practitioner of Kriya Yoga and founder of the Ananda Yoga & Meditation Center in Ashland, Oregon. Before moving to the Meditation Retreat she was adjunct instructor of Philosophy, Hatha Yoga, and Psychology at Southern Oregon University. She is an Ananda Minister, licensed counselor, and member of the Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society.
Charles Evans
Charles is the resident gardener of our 5-acre meditation gardens. His list of credentials speaks to a adventurous and curious soul. Author of several landscaping books, he has also been a building engineer, chef, art gallery owner, and even enjoyed a brief stint as a cowboy in Oregon.
Charles is Findhorn trained in the art of intuitive gardening. And this is what the guest invariably feels when he takes them on a tour and gives a talk on this subject. This is how Charles has integrated yoga and nature. He has a gift of tuning into the spirit of plants and trees, so that the love they receive from his care and attention is what the gardens share with you.
He loves to share his experiences of intuitive gardening as well as the history of the land with visitors. His nature and gardening stories will be a favorite part of your stay here.
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 Counseling. She hosts retreat regularly at both Ananda Meditation Retreat and Expanding Light Retreat.
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 Ananda Meditation Retreat staff, Yogesh also helps lead 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. With kindness, enthusiasm, and devotion, he aims to share in a way that is practical, relatable, and fun. Always helpful and sincere he easily helps others experience divine friendship by being a divine friend to others himself.
Thomas Smith
A natural leader with a warm and engaging presence, Thomas is passionate about fostering spiritual community, supporting others on their paths, and continually deepening his own practice. Through his dedication to service, meditation, and spiritual growth, he strives to uplift and inspire those around him, helping them connect more deeply with their highest potential
At the retreat, Thomas plays a vital role in organizing and supporting various programs, including scheduling, instructing Hatha Yoga, and ensuring the smooth operation of the karma yoga program. As a Sadhana Leader, he helps guide practitioners in deepening their meditation and spiritual discipline. His work blends devotion and practicality, creating an environment where seekers can cultivate inner peace and experience the joy of selfless service.
