David Harshada Wagner is a meditation teacher, writer, and group facilitator classically trained in the traditions of Yoga, Vedanta, and Tantric Shaivism. Harshada is the founder and current Director of Banyan Education. 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 1999, Harshada created Working With Soul, a New Zealand-based training company specializing in self-knowledge workshops for medical professionals and in-depth training programs for hatha yoga teachers. 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. You can read Harshada's regular blog Under the Banyan Tree here.

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.

Harshada is student of Gurumayi Chidvilasananda and has been practicing Siddha Yoga since 1992.

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.

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! David is currently teaching meditation and stress management with Harshada at New Design High School.

Along with teaching meditation, David will be leading Banyan clients through the landscape of their dreams. Each of us has within us many questions, many answers, and vast stores of innate wisdom. David's dreamwork method is designed to help clients delve into the symbols and messages hidden in their dreams. David is an insightful, intuitive, and deeply committed teacher. We are grateful to have him on board. Click here to email David for more information about the dreamwork sessions or to schedule a free consultation.

Karen Harvey is a meditator, personal trainer, dancer, choreographer and a huge asset to Banyan. Karen was one of our first private meditation students and now assists Banyan in countless ways. She is a member of the Banyan Event Support Team and also offers private personal training and gentle yoga sessions for Banyan clients. Anyone who has the privilage of working with Karen experiences her as a gentle and powerful presence.

Samantha Elkrief spends her days as a legal advocate in New York City. In her private life she is a great student of meditation and a beloved member of the Banyan Event Support Team. Samantha has a vivacious inspiring nature, a great smile, and tremendous wisdom.

Where's everyone else? Our website- like Banyan itself - is a work in progress. There are many amazing people that help Banyan do everything it does. More bios and pics are coming soon.

Would you like to work for Banyan? We have many opportunities for work-study, intern, and part-time positions available. We are also looking for talented meditation teachers to join our team. Contact us for more info.