Faculty

Joshua Larson

Joshua's journey with the Himalayan Institute began in 2008 when, at just 12 years old, he felt drawn to its teachings. Two years later, a transformative trip to Cameroon deepened his appreciation for the Institute’s mission and its power to create meaningful change in the world and within individuals. After earning his undergraduate degree in […]

Aaron Luburich

Aaron is passionate about yoga, meditation, and wellness interconnected with nature. As a member of the HI Excursions team since 2019, Aaron is enthusiastic about creating and leading transformative experiences. Aaron’s “climb any mountain” energy inspires excursion participants to achieve their highest potential. In addition to his extensive experience on trail and in the field, […]

Alex Mckeone

Alex is an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist and 500-hour registered yoga instructor trained in the tradition of the Himalayan Institute. In addition, she holds certifications in meditation and mindfulness, yin yoga, breathwork, and relaxation techniques. She completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training with Susi Amendola, National Director of Stress Management for the Dean Ornish Program for […]

Himalayan Institute Core Faculty

Steeped in the wisdom of the sages, the Himalayan Institute Core Faculty brings you the authentic teachings of the lineage. Our faculty embodies decades of personal study and practice, and draws on the philosophical and practical teachings of the scriptures as well as the oral tradition that has been passed down from teacher to student […]

Volunteer Getaway Week: Recharge, Connect, Serve, Pocono Earth Day Trail Crew Getaway: A Karma Yoga Retreat, Pocono Trail Crew Getaway: A Karma Yoga Retreat, Volunteer Getaway Week: Recharge, Connect, Serve, Pocono Trail Crew Getaway: A Karma Yoga Retreat, Volunteer Getaway Week: Recharge, Connect, Serve, Volunteer Getaway Week: Recharge, Connect, Serve, Pocono Trail Crew Getaway: A Karma Yoga Retreat, Pocono Trail Crew Getaway: A Karma Yoga Retreat, Pocono Trail Crew Getaway: A Karma Yoga Retreat, Volunteer Getaway Week: Recharge, Connect, Serve, Pocono Trail Crew Getaway: A Karma Yoga Retreat,

Rolf Sovik

President and Spiritual Director of the Himalayan Institute, Rolf Sovik, PsyD, began his study of yoga and meditation in 1972. He is a student of H.H. Swami Rama and Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, and under their guidance has explored the teachings of the Himalayan tradition. He holds degrees in philosophy, music, Eastern Studies, and Clinical Psychology. […]

Parkinson's Group Day Retreat w/ Rolf Sovik & Panditji,

Ransom Hare

Ransom has been actively involved in the Himalayan Institute’s Humanitarian and Excursion activities in India, Mexico and Cameroon for over seven years. Since 2012, he has been part of the Excursion team leading groups to Allahabad, Khajuraho, and various sacred sites in the Himalayas including Dharamshala, Manali, Har Ki Doon, Gangotri and Tungnath, in India […]

Great Smoky Mountains: A Yoga and Hiking Wellness Immersion 2025, Post-Excursion Add-on Mount Leconte Overnight Hike, Yosemite National Park: A Yoga and Backpacking Adventure, Meditate in the Mountains - Adirondacks, Adirondacks: Yoga and Hiking in the High Peaks 2025, Johns Brook Lodge Add-on, Sacred Mandakini Valley: Yoga and Trekking in the Himalayas,

Ishan Tigunait

Growing up at the Himalayan Institute, Ishan Tigunait received his first spiritual lessons from Swami Rama of the Himalayas, and has continued his spiritual education for the past 30 years under the guidance of his father, Pandit Rajmani Tigunait. Pilgrimage has been a major part of his spiritual journey for over 20 years, leading him […]

Carrie Demers, MD

Board-certified in both internal medicine and integrative medicine, Carrie Demers, MD, is a holistic physician who blends modern medicine with traditional approaches to health. After receiving her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati, Dr. Demers went on to study massage, homeopathy, nutrition, herbal medicine, yoga, and Ayurveda. She has been the medical director of […]

Panchakarma Registration Application,

Shari Friedrichsen

Shari Friedrichsen has been teaching and studying yoga for more than 40 years and is a key facilitator at the Himalayan Institute’s Teacher Training & Professional Certification programs, nationally and internationally. She is a faculty member of the 500-hour teacher training program at 8 Limbs Yoga in Seattle, WA, and also conducts numerous classes, seminars, […]