Meet the Villa Ananda Team
Lajja Mindy Reser
Ayurveda Practitioner, Owner
From Portland, Oregon to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! The first 30 years of my life were spent in Portland, Oregon, where business was the focus of my upbringing, college studies and work. At age 30, I came to Mexico for 3 months and soon after, Puerto Vallarta became my new home.
I went to Florida for three years, to study and apprentice in Ayurveda, Massage Therapy, Licensed Colon Therapy and began he journey of Yoga. Next stop, India for Yoga Teacher Training courses.
Whilst in India, the call came “it’s time to go to Mexico and get started.”
En route to Mexico I met my spiritual teacher, Paramahansa Vishwananda who became the guiding light in my life. Upon returning to Mexico in 2005, Villa Ananda was found. Two arduous years of construction, Villa Ananda was ready to receive her first clients in January 2008.
Villa Ananda provides clients an opportunity to tap into their greater potential by connecting with higher Self. This transformational journey brings balanced health, consciousness and self-connection to life.
My life’s purpose expanded to include raising two beautiful babies born in Villa Ananda, Al Vicente in 2010 and Viviana Patricia in 2012. I am blessed to share my passions with every person that graces Villa Ananda.
Dr. Diego Navarro
General M.D. Integrative Medicine
Native of Guadalajara, Mexico, I obtained my General Medicine degree from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara in 2007. Intrigued by holistic healing technology, degrees where then obtained in: Neural Therapy, Anti-Aging and Longevity, PRF for Stem Cells, Homeopathic Medicine, Hematology, Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapy, Non-Surgical Medical Alternatives and Perineural Infiltration of Lyftogt all in Mexico 2010-2019. Ozone Therapy was studied in Cuba in 2012. During this decade, I began a Private Practice in Sayulita and Punta Mita.
In 2018, Zanno.Health Integrative Medicine was formed. We are a group of M.D.’s with different specialties working in tune with holistic healing. In 2021, invited as lead M.D. of Detox and Rejuvenating Program at Villa Ananda provided the opportunity to work deeper levels with patients in an intimate residential setting.
Along with medicine, the other cornerstones in my life include watersports, board sports and sailing and the most rewarding being my boy Olav who came in 2017.
Sheri Laine
Licensened Acupucturist, Diplomate of Oriental Medicine
I am a Licensed Acupuncturist, classically trained Chinese Herbalist, Nutritionist, Recovery Specialist, Author, Speaker, Educator and Lifestyle Guide for people in life and recovery. I offer a uniquely effective and meaningful treatment approach that guides individuals in being their genuine, best healthy selves.
I studied Oriental Medicine at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and graduated in 1988. Prior to that I was a Holistic Health Practitioner and massage therapist for 10 years.
My focus is lifestyle medicine and cognitive enrichment through Oriental Medical techniques and teachings. With over 40 years in practice, I work to support individuals, children, athletes, animals, anyone in recovery, or those who are striving to achieve balance, fitness and happiness through positive living choices.
I amplify my expertise with connection and lifestyle mentoring. In addition, methods may also include meditation techniques, homeopathy, Bach flowers, and Fung Shui guidance.
As author, educator and public speaker, my books “The EnerQi Connection-”, “Living the EnerQi Connection” and Manifesting Positive Change”, describe natural energy and outline how individuals may easily cultivate their own innate EnerQi.
Southern California has always been home base for my private clinic Eastern Medical Arts.
Visit www.BalancedEnerQi.com
Klaudia Engstler
Massage & Tandem Therapist
Born and raised in Austria, I travelled for over 15 years through five continents exploring magical places, indigenous people, traditional cultures and shamanism. Learning different healing techniques throughout these years of travel include subtle energy work, bodywork and the use of natural elements for healing like crystals, flowers, herbs and mud.
I graduated from Swedish School of Massage Therapy in 1994 and Nuad Thai Massage in Bangkok, Thailand in 1998. My studies also include Anma-Shiatsu Massage, Bamboo Massage, Reiki, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Trigger-Points and Hot Stone Therapy.
My spiritual quest has led me to explore different types of Meditation, Chi-Kung, Lian-Kung, Yoga, Bach Flower Remedies, Bio-Resonance Therapy and The Flower of Life directly with Drunvalo Melchizedek.
In 2010 I found a life partner Oscar Saúl. Together, we have united our knowledge in healing and developed a 4 Hands Healing Massage.
“I consciously walk the path of light and love to freedom and self-realization. Happily, I share with those who are on the same path, A-HO.”
Saúl Rodríguez Astrologer
Massage & Tandem Therapist
Born in México City in 1967, at the age of 13, I began an existential search to know different spiritual paths including yoga, tai-chi, meditation and metaphysics. Two years later, my grandmother told me I was the heir to our family healers’ lineage.
In 1989, I began studies of Massage therapy and then psychology at University of Mexico. Always passionate about massage, healing, spirituality, and psychology, I began to combine these healing tools and in 1992, developed a Course of Therapeutic Massage. This has been taught to three generations of psychologists of the Red Cross.
In 1998, I completed studies in Psyche-Body Therapy, Transpersonal Psychotherapy and Psyche-Body Characterology.
Emotional release and spiritual healing based on the energetic vision of the Traditional Mexican Healers called Holistic Mexican Massage, has been my focus ever since.
In 2010, I found a life partner Klaudia Engstler. Together, we have united our knowledge in healing and developed a 4 Hands Healing Massage.
In 2010, I found a life partner Klaudia Engstler. Together, we have united our knowledge in healing and developed a 4 Hands Healing Massage.
Gabriela Güereña
N.D., TCM, Acupressure Therapist
Native to Puerto Vallarta, this is home base for six months a year, the other six months are devoted to gain knowledge from different teachers and cultures around the world. The wisdom acquired is then applied to my lifelong passion of healing.
In 2005, I received my degree in TCM from The Open International University for Complementary Medicines headquartered in Sri Lanka by Master Luong Minh Dang, also the founder of Human & Universal Energy, Spiritual Human Yoga, Mankind Enlightenment Love. The four year degree took place in various cities throughout the USA.
I then continued my studies to include Chinese massage certification in Argentina with Dr. Rodolfo Pacheco Marione and Shiatsu Therapy massage certification in Mexico with Timothy Phillips.
Next came certified acupuncturist under the studies of Sir Anton Jayasuriya in USA. Course work continued with KCR (Kinetic Chain Release) with Hugh Gilbert; hypnosis and past life regression therapy with Dr. Brian Weiss; medical radionics with Dra Linda Lancaster; cupping treatment with Dr. John Sheldon; and homeopathy and Bach Flowers in Germany achieving fluency in the German language. This vast knowledge base is used to heal blockages, traumas and addictions through a balancing bodywork treatment.
Along with healing, great joy comes from time spend with my two sons and young granddaughter.
Andrea Arriaga
Yoga Instructor, Trainer and Ayurveda Assistant
A native of Ventura, California, my love for surf and the sea took me to UC San Diego where I obtained a BA in Biological Anthropology and began my journey with Yoga. Continued studies in ecology and anthropology took me to Thailand then on to University of Hawaii for a Masters in Ecology and Anthropology where research was done on the links between ecological, personal, spiritual and social health. Intrigued by healing arts, I gained certification in Pilates, Personal Training, Thai Massage, Meditation, Breathwork, Essential Oil Education and Nutrition and apprenticed over 10 years with Shadow Yoga instructor Matt Pesendian.
In 2000, I moved to Mexico and spent over 10 years teaching Yoga and Life Style empowerment coaching at Haramara Retreat Center, Via Yoga and Villa Ananda. I continue to draw on modern science and traditional wisdom to highlight ways in which self-care can be a tool for personal healing and worldwide upliftment.
In 2011 I was blessed with a boy, Rayo and returned shortly after to Ventura, California. I teach at various studios in California along with supporting Villa Ananda.
Karuna DiLibero
Yoga Instructor, Ayurvedic Practitioner
Born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1992, I drove across country to Oregon, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon and later opened a Yoga studio in Bend, Oregon.
In 2003, I traveled to India for 6 months and dove deep into the vast ocean of Yogic and Vedic studies, Ashtanga Yoga, Sanskrit and Reiki healing whilst living in a small ashram along the Ganga River in north India.
Returning to the U.S., my teaching expanded to include Vinyasa style Yoga, Ashtanga, Anusara, Therapeutic Yoga, Pre and Post Natal Yoga and Trauma informed Yoga. While living in Santa Fe, New Mexico, I began studies in Vedic chanting, Sanskrit, and Advaita Vedanta.
After suffering a trauma and healing through Ayurvedic treatments in 2010, I dove into the holistic healing modality at the Ayurvedic Institute, SAMA and the Maharani Academy.
Currently, I live and travel in my RV, serving clients in private practice. I recently bought land in the state of Oaxaca, 5 minutes from the coast. I look forward to building an off grid, sustainable adobe home for my business PranaVeda Wellness.
I feel blessed be a member of the Villa Ananda family and look forward to sharing my passion for healing with each guest.
Gyana Bayes
Retreat Host and Meditation Teacher
After completing my nursing degree from NYU in 1968, I booked a flight to Europe and six months later arrived in New Delhi, India. I was led to a small jungle ashram in Rishikesh, India in March of 1970 and was initiated into the ancient practice of Ashtanga and Vedanta Yoga by a Yoga Master. For the next seven years, my life was devoted to the eight limbs of Yoga and to serving my Guru and the ashram. I returned to the U.S. in 1977 and entered a householder’s life. I was blessed with two amazing children and the ability to integrate my spiritual practice into a nursing career focusing on creating healing environments within the established healthcare system.
The call to return to a life of Yogic practice came in 2016 and I returned to India and to my Guru. Resigning my hospital position, I am now released to refocus my life solely on my spiritual practice. After experiencing Villa Ananda as a guest while traveling with my Guru, I answered a need to support their vision by serving and hosting retreats. I live between Villa Ananda and northern California supporting my family in both places.
Dr. Elise Dubois
Chiropractor, Family Constellation & Kinesiology Therapist
I am a Canadian Chiropractor that practiced for 8 years in the Medical Institute Sanoviv in Baja California, Mexico, where I was Head of the Structural Medicine Department, supervising the chiropractic department, fitness department and the Spa. I had the opportunity to be part of the first generation of Functional Medicine certified doctors in the hospital. My specialty is Applied Kinesiology, a form of Functional Neurology where muscle testing is used to find the cause
of imbalances in the body, taking into consideration the structural, emotional, nutritional, and energetic components. I am certified in Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET) and a Family
Constellation therapist.
My children and I relocated to Puerto Vallarta in 2016 where I have since developed a private practice, as well as work with select institutions including Villa Ananda.
Terrie Sheik
Spa Administrator
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Lajja since an early age as our families grew up together. At her suggestion, I celebrated my birthday by attending a “Heart to Core Retreat” at Villa Ananda in 2010. My experience during that retreat built a deeper foundation of peace that has helped me navigate some of my life’s biggest challenges.
Customer service, hospitality, and event coordinating have always been my professional focus and passion. The bulk of my career has been spent as a Principal’s Assistant, Office Manager and head cheerleading coach at a public high school in Oregon. The opportunity to serve and support families, staff and students has always been exciting and fulfilling. Additionally, I’ve worked as a wedding coordinator providing a variety of services and planning oversight, all with one goal in mind, to help make a magical day come to life!
I’m excited to work with such an incredible and hospitable team at Villa Ananda. I look forward to supporting the guests and helping provide an exceptional experience.
We would love to hear from you! Please reach for more information about our Royal Program, Retreats & Rentals.
“Going anywhere after being here feels like a rebirth to Me.”
“Villa Ananda delivers a renewed sense of health, wellbeing and connection to oneself.”
“Villa Ananda offers a revitalized sense of health, well-being, and self-connection.”
“Staying at Villa Ananda was a transformative experience, enhancing my health. ”
