Meet the Practitioners
Stephen Back - The Garden Guy
Growing and nurturing plants is very much a part of my DNA. I have been in the garden as long as I can remember. Growing up in New Jersey, my mother and I planted bulbs in the fall and eagerly awaited the first crocuses emerging in the snow. I later created
gardens in San Diego and Boston before discovering the gardening paradise of thePacific Northwest. The idea of our healing gardens evolved from the opportunities and. challenges of healing fifty acres of land scarred by a clear cut about a decade before we
acquired it. Much of the land is now growing as a legacy forest and a haven for wildlife. The five-acres dedicated to the gardens have rapidly matured into meditative healing spaces, because the soil here is rich and deep—a testimony to the ancient forests that
once stood on this land. The results have been remarkable. Despite our changing climate, the plants seem to feel a deep connection to their past and have established an Eden—a sanctuary, which has been so gratifying to nurture and sustain. We have adopted sustainable practices that allow the plants to thrive despite the colder winters and drier summers. It has thus been possible to achieve a four seasons garden where
there is literally something in bloom every day of the year. We invite you to come at any time of the year to share in the rich diversity of plant life that thrives in our healing spaces. The connection to our land has much to teach about achieving inner peace and resilience. I look forward to sharing with you our journey.
Alysa Zalma -- Yoga/Mindfulness Guide
Alysa received her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Certification through Sacred Paths Yoga in 2023, accredited by the International Yoga Alliance. Her journey with yoga began in 1993 during medical school, where she turned to mindfulness and movement practices to cultivate peace amidst the intensity of her training. Inspired by the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and the vibrant meditation community in Boston, Alysa deepened her personal practice through group and solo retreats while completing her psychiatry residency. Since moving to the Pacific Northwest in 1999, she has continued to study yoga and meditation with a variety of teachers, eventually formalizing her training decades later. Today, Alysa maintains a dedicated daily practice and integrates mindfulness and energy medicine into her work as a private practice psychiatrist. As the co-owner and director of the Surya Chandra Center, she shares yoga as part of a holistic path to healing and wholeness, often in collaboration with other modalities offered at the center.
Ashley Johnson - Hypnotherapist & Sound Healer
Ashley is a certified clinical hypnotherapist with a passion for guiding others back to their inner power through subconscious healing. Her journey began in holistic dentistry, where she supported patients with anxiety and became fascinated by the mind-body connection. After studying Clinical Hypnotherapy at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, Ashley deepened her work around trauma, anxiety, and empowerment—especially for mothers. Her own hypnobirthing experience inspired her to support women through pregnancy and postpartum with gentle, subconscious tools. Now, as a mother and healer, Ashley brings warmth, intuition, and deep presence to every session she leads—helping others reconnect with their healing potential..
Michelle Daily - Pilates/Fascia Release Instructor
Michelle discovered mat Pilates as a way to manage lifelong back pain, but it was her first experience on a reformer that truly captivated her. From that moment, she was hooked!
Her journey into bodywork deepened when she explored the powerful benefits of myofascial release through foam rolling. Learning to release tension and improve movement patterns firsthand cemented her holistic approach to wellness, where mindful movement and targeted recovery work hand-in-hand.
In 2018, Michelle earned her Pilates certification and has been passionately teaching ever since. Her mission as an instructor is to create an inclusive, empowering environment where every client feels successful, regardless of their level or ability. Michelle firmly believes Pilates is for everyone and takes pride in working with clients who have unique needs, knowing the transformative power Pilates can bring. She has extensive experience supporting individuals with neurological conditions such as MS and aphasia, scoliosis, post-cancer recovery, and those in larger bodies. She also enjoys traveling, reading, attending theater performances, and advocating for social justice causes close to her heart.
Your Spot Is Waiting
Join us for Stretch, Sound & a Grounded Stroll — a slow morning of movement, sound, and grounded connection across our 55-acre grounds. Saturday, September 12 · 10am–1pm · $65 (snacks & tea included).