Shamans at Gaia Sagrada Photos-Bios

At Gaia Sagrada Ayahuasca Retreat in Ecuador, our exceptional team of shamans, staff, and volunteers creates a transformative experience steeped in wisdom, care, and authenticity. Meet the dedicated individuals who guide and support you on this sacred journey.

Mauricio

Ayahuasca Shaman (Ayahuasquero)

With over 30 years on the path of ancient wisdom, Mauricio has led shamanic ceremonies and music concerts across Latin America, the Middle East, Japan, China, and Europe. Now residing in Quito, Ecuador, he descends from the Diaguita ethnic group of northern Chile. His grandfather taught him the secrets of plants, especially Banisteriopsis caapi, known as Grandmother Ayahuasca.

Mauricio has spent decades sharing his expertise with shamans (taitas and yachaj) from Ecuador and Colombia. A celebrated musician, he composes Andean and shamanic music, performs internationally, and crafts wind and string instruments. He’s also featured in documentaries on South American shamanism. Hear him sing here: YouTube. We cherish this elder’s wisdom, music, and medicine—a true master shaman.

Veronica

Sweat Lodge/Temezcal Shaman

Veronica is driven by a passion to serve others in their quest for balance with nature. She leads our Sweat Lodge ceremonies, delivering a transformative, authentic experience. A spiritual energizer, she carries the sacred pipe (Chanupa), blessed by the elders of the Sacred Fire of Itzhachilatlan.

Her ceremonies are a joy—powerful yet infused with her gentle, sweet spirit. A Medicine Woman, Sun Dancer, and Star Dancer, Veronica has completed vision quests and studies Andean agriculture at the University of Hatun Yachak Wasi. Her masterful presence and kindness shine through every process.

Namur

Ayahuasca Shaman (Ayahuasquero)

Namur hails from a lineage of Shuar shamans in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Introduced to Natem (Ayahuasca) at age five, he’s been steeped in his community’s wisdom, songs, and rituals ever since. An elder Shuar shaman passed down the Uwishin practices to him, complemented by teachings from other native cultures.

A vision quester, Sun Dancer, and Star Dancer, Namur uses medicine and Shuar music to preserve his heritage. His mission is to facilitate healing journeys with compassion and strength. Youthful in appearance yet wise beyond his years, Namur’s ceremonies are potent—prepare for an incredible experience!

Marlene

Ayahuasca Shaman Assistant, Sacred Song Singer

Marlene, originally from Italy, has lived in Ecuador’s jungle for years, deepening her bond with Ayahuasca. Her passion for sacred plants blossomed with her first encounter, inspiring her to share gratitude through songs and prayers. A vision quester, she assists Namur with translations and medicine songs during ceremonies.

She says, “I’m eternally grateful to Gaia Sagrada, its shamans, and the sacred plants for inspiring me to walk this path, recognizing the sacredness in all.” Marlene’s singing carries a lasting energy, and her heartfelt presence enhances every ceremony with skillful support.

Christine

Founder & San Pedro Shaman (Huachumera)

Christine Breese founded Gaia Sagrada in Ecuador and the University of Metaphysical Sciences in California. A huachumera blessed by elders after Sun Dances and vision quests, she’s renowned for her potent San Pedro ceremonies.

With 35 years on the shamanic path—starting at 19 with the Navajo (Dene) in Arizona—Christine has blended diverse spiritual traditions into her unique practice. For the past decade, she’s worked with South American shamans. At 55, her youthful energy belies her deep wisdom. She believes plant medicines unlock the master within, offering soul travel unlike any other method. Meet her here: YouTube.

Titi & Eileen

Ayahuasca Shamans, Kambo Practitioners & Healers (Curanderos)

Titi, from Brazil, is a traditional healer with vast knowledge of cures. He’s explored spiritual philosophies globally and lived the ancestral health practices of the Americas for over a decade, engaging with 12+ South American ethnic groups. A Yoga Teacher, Ayurvedic Therapist, Pranic Healer, Temazcalero, Vision Seeker, and Sun Dancer, he guards medicines like Ayahuasca, San Pedro, Rapé, Kambo, and Tobacco. Titi’s wisdom, honed through fasting and rites, heals with integrity and strength.

Eileen, born in Ecuador, has devoted her life to rediscovering ancestral wisdom. Guided by elders through rituals and initiations, she’s an eternal student of spiritual medicine, using plants to restore vitality alongside therapies. She facilitates sacred feminine circles, bridging Mother Earth’s knowledge with women. A Hatha Yoga practitioner, Holistic Therapist, Reiki healer, and Vision Seeker, she studies at the University of Andean Medicine and is also an artist and healer.

Jenny

Translator & Sacred Song Singer

Born near Ecuador’s Chimborazo volcano, Jenny descends from the Puruhá people. Her great-grandfather, a Quisapincha Curandero, introduced her to plant healing. In 2014, she moved to Azogues to study Early Childhood Education, where San Pedro and Sweat Lodges sparked her medicine path. She’s since served in Ayahuasca ceremonies, completed a vision quest, and earned a yoga teaching certification. Jenny dreams of a nature-based school for youth while supporting our ceremonies with translations and songs.

Carol

Gaia Kitchen Manager

Carol’s humor, wisdom, and Southern charm make her a kitchen maestro. She transforms the ayahuasca diet—often thought bland—into delicious, creative meals with clever spices. A beloved leader, she inspires her team with joy and ease. Carol’s companionship and insight help guests laugh, lighten up, and grow—she’s truly one of the loveliest souls you’ll meet!

Bruce

Security, Deliveries & Manager

From California, Bruce has been a cornerstone of Gaia Sagrada since its inception. Known as Señor Seguro (Mr. Security), he ensures safety and handles errands with a big heart and great humor. He believes each person’s path to Source lies within, a philosophy he supports during ceremonies as the dependable go-to guy.

Javier

Driver & Facilitator

Javier, 44, from Cuenca, Ecuador, spent 18 years in the U.S., mastering English and connecting with people worldwide. A local expert, he’s Cuenca’s go-to driver for expats, ensuring safe travel and offering friendship. With Gaia Sagrada from the start, he’s experienced the medicine himself and loves hearing participants’ transformation stories. Often your first and last friendly face here, Javier’s calm warmth is irresistible.

Victor

Maintenance & Construction Foreman

Victor and his brothers, Angel and Benito, built and maintain Gaia Sagrada—rooms, kitchens, patios, saunas, and hot tubs included. With a skilled crew like Benigno (who rides his horse to work), Jose, and Cesar, Victor’s honesty and expertise keep everything running. A brother to us all, he and his team also join ceremonies, sharing their love for the medicine.

Volunteers: The Angel Dream Team!

Our 15 staff and volunteers—the Angel Dream Team—support you with love, laughter, and care throughout your retreat. From ceremonies to downtime, they’re always there, offering a shoulder to lean on. Creative and kind, these souls keep Gaia Sagrada humming—connect with them and make lifelong friends!

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