Connor first came to Ayahuasca as an atheist struggling with depression, only to discover a profound spiritual connection he hadn’t realized was missing from his life. After several life-changing ceremonies, he felt called to deepen his understanding, leading him to the Amazonian jungles. There, he immersed himself in traditional plant dietas, learned to brew Ayahuasca, and studied both Spanish and the Shipibo language, along with ikaros—the sacred songs that guide Ayahuasca ceremonies. His natural ability to memorize hundreds of songs as a teenager translated into a deep connection with language and the intricate melodies of ikaros. Connor credits Teddy Romayna Rodríguez as a pivotal mentor in his healing journey. With wisdom and thought-provoking guidance, Teddy encourages deep reflection rather than offering direct answers. He challenges Connor to explore his own understanding, often responding to revelations with a simple yet profound phrase: "Asi es como funciona" (That’s how it works). Through this mentorship, Connor has embraced the balance between guidance and self-discovery, shaping his approach to working with plants and reinforcing the belief that, at times, we are our own best teachers. Committed to lifelong learning, Connor returns to Peru each year for further study and plant dietas. He shares a close, brotherly bond with Teddy, speaking with him daily and cherishing the opportunity to work alongside his extended family, including Teddy's grandfather, Tito Amasifuen Valera. In 2024 during a ceremony together, Maestro Tito received a vision and message, after which he gifted Connor with a Shipibo name, Niwe Metsa, which means "beautiful wind."

Tito Amasifuen Valera was born in the native community of Roaboya in Loreto, Contamana province. He currently resides in the community of San Francisco, Yarinacocha District. Known by his Shipibo name Senen Bea, which means "all equal," Tito’s journey into the world of healing began at the age of 25 when he had his first ceremony with Ayahuasca. This powerful experience started his journey in a year-long dieta with mucura and garlic shacha, which significantly deepened his understanding of the medicinal plants and their healing properties. Over time, Tito has built a profound connection with nature, especially with the plant spirits that guide his work. His knowledge and experience has been shaped by his deep respect for the natural world and the spirits that dwell within it. Through his work, Tito is able to help people heal from physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments, using the wisdom passed down through dreams and his relationship with the plants. Now at 86 years old and an elder in his community, Tito’s practice is rooted in asking meaningful questions and seeking answers through dreams. Driven by his deep connection to plants and his desire to help others, Tito continues his dedication to easing suffering and helping those in need. His work reflects not only his personal journey but also a broader belief in the transformative and healing power of nature.

Born in the native community of Panaillo, Inin Beso is from the Shipibo-Konibo lineage. Currently residing in Yarinacocha, he embarked on his journey with sacred plants at a young age, drinking Ayahuasca for the first time at 12 and beginning his plant dietas with Chiric Sanango and Bobinsana at 14. Inspired by his grandparents, who practiced traditional healing ceremonies, he chose to follow in their footsteps to help others. Trained by his grandparents and uncles, Inin carries the ancestral wisdom of the Shipibo-Konibo people, bridging the use of medicinal plants and ikaros in ceremonies. His primary motivation is to assist individuals struggling with traumas, addictions, and various ailments, offering spiritual healing through Ayahuasca ceremonies. His Shipibo name, "Inin Beso," translates to "smell or purification or perfume of plants." In addition to his spiritual path, Inin Beso is also a Physical Education teacher. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, often organizing teams for various competitions. Inin is active, playful, patient, kind-hearted, and a dedicated friend to many, as well as a loving husband and father. We are honored to have the husband and wife duo of Inin and Kesten visiting and joining us often for ceremonies and other events.

Shaleesa is a multi-talented individual, balancing spiritual practices with creativity and functional operations. From planning events and managing social media to executing daily and long-term goals and strategies for the church, she is a true taskmaster. Shaleesa currently runs women's circles and is often found organizing and leading various church workshops and events. As a somatic practitioner and ceremony facilitator, Shaleesa serves as an intuitive guide and guardian of the plants, calling on her plant dietas and spirit allies for support. She has been trained in trauma-informed somatic facilitation and integration practices, which she currently applies in her long-term volunteer work on a national psychedelic support call line and in private/local 1:1 somatic sessions using earth medicines such as Hapé and Sananga. Shaleesa has spent several months in Peru working with various Shipibo teachers and immersing herself deeply in Ayahuasca practices. She continues her spiritual work at home with plant dietas, balancing these immense commitments while raising and homeschooling her two children. She connects deeply with dreamwork, journaling, and animal guides along her spiritual path.