Harshada Wagner

is a meditation teacher, writer, group facilitator, and yogi classically trained in the traditions of Yoga, Vedanta, and Tantric Shaivism. Harshada is the founder and current Director of Banyan Education in the USA and Adhishtana Living in Mumbai India. His teaching style is dynamic and unique, approachable to students from all walks of life. Harshada has been walking the spiritual path for over 20 years and has spent the last decade teaching meditation and self-empowerment to people all over the world. In 2003, Harshada initiated a first-of-its-kind pilot program at Mount Sinai Children's Hospital using meditation as a therapeutic modality for young patients and their parents. He offers corporate stress management consulting through B.E.S.T. Coaches, is a regular contributor to numerous on-line blogs and magazines, and is currently authoring a book on meditation.

Harshada specializes in offering our personal meditation training. Click here to email Harshada for more information about the training or to schedule a free consultation.

Anushri Anandaraja Wagner, MD is Banyan's patron saint and serves as our medical advisor. Originally from New Zealand, Dr. Anu works at Mount Sinai Hospital where she is the director of their Global Health Center. Trained as a pediatrician, "Dr. Anu" is also an avid meditator and advocate for complementary medicine.

After the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Anushri traveled with Harshada to Eastern Sri Lanka to conduct humanitarian relief projects. Anushri oversaw the medical operations, while Harshada ran happiness clinics providing art and play therapy for kids in the tsunami camps.

Kalima Karen Harvey is a meditation teacher, personal trainer, dancer, choreographer and a huge asset to Banyan. Kalima was one of our first private meditation students and now assists Banyan in countless ways. She is a member of the Banyan Events Team and also offers our Love Your Body personal training sessions. (click for more info)

Anyone who has the privilege of working with Kalima experiences her as a gentle and powerful presence. Kalima has most recently created the Dancing in Freedom Workshop where she guides students into an exploration of joy, healing, and deep release through the practice of dancing.

Jesse Johnson is a meditation teacher, dancer, choreographer and a member of the Banyan Events Team. She is also proud to be a Math Teacher! She teaches math to New York City high school students and also serves as a freelance educational consultant. Jesse is a bright light and a gifted teacher, bringing both joy and practicality to the practice of meditation. Jesse's meditation sessions are powerful and intimate and she knows how to bring out the very best in her students. We are so very proud and fortunate to have her on our team.

Nisha Gautam-Shah is a teacher, trainer and youth empowerment specialist. Nisha, originally from Delhi, served for many years as a counselor for young people in India. She is a veteran meditator and an expert trainer. Nisha now lives with her husband in Washington DC where she is a project assistant with Psycho-social Assistance Without Borders. Nisha is also a Laughter Yoga instructor. Laughter Yoga is a practice from India where the particiapnts engage in laughing excercises to de-stress and induce numerous physical and psychological benefits.

Nisha was instrumental in making our street kids program happen in India. She is fluent in both English and Hindi and has great teaching skills in both languages. Nisha will be helping facilitate our new programs in Washington and also assisting with our upcoming events in India.

David Dillon is a teacher, writer and dreamwork facilitator. He is a long time meditator and graduate in Anthropology from Skidmore College. He has a vast array of talents including dance, choreography, and traditional blacksmithing! Last year David offered his expertise teaching meditation and stress management with Harshada at New Design High School.

Mira Trezza originally from Bulgaria, is our most recent team addition. Mira will be coordinating our New York City events and helping to organize Harshada's meditation tour. She brings years of management experience and deep commitment to her own transformation to everything she does.