Faculty

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, […]

Event Hosting Workshop: From Vision to Reality w/ Brian Fulp, Vishoka Meditation Retreat: A Khajuraho Practice Immersion,

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,

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 […]

Vishoka Meditation Retreat: A Khajuraho Practice Immersion, The Trail Home: Yoga, Hiking, & Community at Charit Creek Lodge,

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 […]

Maine: Breathe, Move, and Meditate, White Mountains Hut-To-Hut: A Yoga and Hiking Adventure, Himachal Pradesh: A Spiritual Adventure into the Himalayas, Shenandoah National Park: A Yoga and Hiking Wellness Retreat, South India: A Nourishing Spiritual Adventure, Great Smoky Mountains: A Yoga and Hiking Wellness Retreat 2027, Mount Kailash: Pilgrimage to the Heart of the Tradition 2027, Adirondacks: Yoga and Hiking in the High Peaks 2027, The Trail Home: Yoga, Hiking, & Community at Charit Creek Lodge, Gangotri National Park: Yoga and Trekking in the Himalayas, Mount Kailash: Pilgrimage to the Heart of the Tradition 2028,

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. […]

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, Volunteer Getaway Week: Recharge, Connect, Serve,

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 […]

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, […]

Maine: Breathe, Move, and Meditate, White Mountains Hut-To-Hut: A Yoga and Hiking Adventure, Shenandoah National Park: A Yoga and Hiking Wellness Retreat, Adirondacks Winter Adventure: Snowshoeing, Yoga & Meditation at Heart Lake, Mount Kailash: Pilgrimage to the Heart of the Tradition 2027, Adirondacks: Yoga and Hiking in the High Peaks 2027, Yosemite National Park: A Yoga and Backpacking Adventure 2027, The Trail Home: Yoga, Hiking, & Community at Charit Creek Lodge, Gangotri National Park: Yoga and Trekking in the Himalayas, Mount Kailash: Pilgrimage to the Heart of the Tradition 2028,

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 […]