Faculty

Paola di Florio is an Oscar and Emmy-nominated writer, filmmaker, and TV producer whose critically-acclaimed work features extraordinary individuals and the triumph of the human spirit.

Dustin DiPerna is a Harvard-trained scholar of world religions and adjunct professor at Stanford University. He is a senior teacher of Tibetan meditation. His books include Streams of Wisdom and Evolution's Ally, among others.

Kevin Dockery, MFA, is an artist and teacher of the Feldenkrais Method and contact improvisation. He teaches workshops internationally and is on the faculty of TensegrityU in Nevada City, CA.

Diane Domondon is a Reiki Master with a private practice in NYC, where she teaches classes and treats clients in Usui Shiki Ryoho, the Usui Method of Natural Healing.

A New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author, ideation facilitator, and speaker, Bill assists both individuals and organizations in getting "unstuck."

Chandra Easton is a teacher, writer, and translator of Tibetan Buddhism. She has taught Buddhism and Yoga around the world since 2001, and was given the title of senior lead teacher, Dorje Lopön (Varjācharya) in 2015.

Eve Ekman, PhD, MSW, is a writer, teacher, and contemplative social scientist who is designing, delivering, and evaluating tools to support emotional awareness.

Zuza Engler is a teacher of Soul Motion® and Open Floor Movement, creatrix of Embodied Inquiry, and a long-term Buddhism and Gestalt practitioner.

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.

Kate Flore, MPH, OTR, CMP, is a somatic and bodywork practitioner, educator, and facilitator. She is co-founder of TensegrityU, an education program that weaves together Rolfing, Feldendrais, and Gestalt.

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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. 

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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.

Dr. Andrew Holecek has completed the traditional three-year Buddhist meditation retreat and offers seminars internationally on meditation, lucid dreaming, and the art of dying.

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.