Pierre began training in natural health care in 1992, working full time in 2000. He has instructed at more than 100 schools in the US, India, Mexico and Canada, including the renowned Ayurvedic Institute of Dr. Vasant Lad.

Pierre continues the luminous work of his incredible teachers (and holds certifications in most of these):: Paramahansa Yogananda (yoga meditation); Dr. Vasant Lad (Ayurveda); Dr. Barry Green (BodyMind therapy, natural health care trainer); Tim Miller (ashtanga yoga);  Kathy Green (viniyoga); Bataan Faiago and Chris Luth (t'ai chi ch'uan); Peri Ness (synergy hot yoga); Myriam Machado Baker (anusara yoga); Ray Castellino (birth and prenatal trauma); Edward Spencer (ashiatsu); the Acupressure Institute (oriental bodywork); Marshall Rosenberg (NVC); Kanta Masters and Dennis Holz (spiritual growth Source seminars), the American Sanskrit Institute

Pierre meets the established requirements for education and experience and is registered with the National Ayurvedic Medical Association, the Yoga Alliance (E-RYT500), and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, the national organizations for these health disciplines.  You can learn more about these organizations at: NAMA , Yoga Alliance , NCBTMB

Pierre is available for video/voice Ayurveda consultations and coaching. He is also in Indy several times a year for in person work.  For these consults, schedule directly with him at pcouvy@gmail.com 

Kathy brings decades of experience in personal development, and a career in the development of others, to her role as the school's academic dean and Teacher Trainer.  She is also a devoted student of Paramansa Yogananda and a yoga instructor.  She finds joy in the inner practices of yoga and brings those practices to her classes, retreats and life.

Melissa feels most alive walking in a deciduous forest with family and friends, gardening with native plants, playing with her Irish Setter, or practicing asana at Santosha.  She started teaching in 2018 and continues to learn from the teachers and community at Santosha.  She is a member of Self Realization Fellowship, and practices meditation that she may "be the change" a little more each day.

Yoga is the way I choose to live my life.  It is the lens through which I try to see all situations.  I am dedicated to the path and happy to share with those walking it with me.  My practice is rooted in the Ashtanga tradition and the Yoga Sutra written by the sage Patanjali.  I have found my spiritual home and community at Santosha.

Pooja Joshi - Ayurveda specialist, cook

Education Qualifications : Bachelor in Physical Therapy From - Srinivas University India | Masters MA in Health ProMotion and human performance - university of north Alabama

Certifies Ayurvedic clinical specialist from - California college of Ayurveda | Certified marma therapist with Dr lad

Certified Craniosacral therapist 1&2 | Currently student of Sanskrit learning through Vedic studies. To pursue masters in Ayurveda. thorough study of authentic textbooks.

I started practicing yoga as a way to find peace within. Through my teacher training and personal practice, yoga taught me so much about myself and helped me develop healthier relationships with both myself and others. I teach Level 1 yoga and enjoy creating welcoming spaces where students can slow down, reconnect, and feel at ease. In addition to yoga, I offer sound baths, Yoga Nidra, and forest bathing experiences. I am a Certified Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT). Outside of teaching, I am also a travel advisor and love helping people create meaningful experiences through both travel and wellness. Whether on the mat, in nature, or exploring a new destination, I believe growth and connection happen when we give ourselves space to slow down and be present.

Shiela has found a special home at Santosha as a yoga teacher and massage therapist.  She draws from her background of living at a meditation retreat center, training in bodywork, and her fascination with Ayurveda.  Her classes carry a nurturing, gentle and joyful feeling.

Pedra Sage - Yoga Teacher RYT200

Pedra has evolved into an encouraging and warm instructor. She has practiced since 2002. Her knowledge of the mind-body-spirit relationship has deepened through her interest in gardening, painting, and devotional meditation. As the owner of Sage Garden Designs, she creates beautiful places in nature to be inspired. Look for her periodic plant walks on the Santosha schedule! Pedra holds an RYT-200 Yoga Teacher Certification, a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, is a certified arborist and horticulturist, and uses nature to commune with spirit. A devotee of Paramhansa Yogananda and Kriyaban as of 2014, Pedra views yoga as a way of life!  She invites you to share peace, joy, and exercise with her as you practice this ancient science that is rooted in the divine.

Jonel is a social worker, community organizer and dedicated Mom. She is loving the discovery of meaningful community ritual, fresh, in person, different each week, at Santosha.

Theresa Nucciarone - Yoga Teacher RYT200

Theresa is a longtime runner, devoted animal lover, and creative spirit, who is always finding new ways to express herself. After moving back to Indiana from New York, she started Santosha‘s teacher training program in 2023, hoping to find and build community – what she found instead was a complete transformation. Diving into yoga, didn’t just give her a new skillset; it helped her get rooted in her higher self, becoming more fully the person she was always meant to be. These days, Theresa shows up – for herself, and, for her students, and all others that she meets– with a groundedness and warmth that’s impossible to miss on the mat.

Siobhan Mcevoy-Levy - Yoga Teacher RYT200

I offer a gentle, flowing level one asana practice (for strength and flexibility) with breathwork, meditation, simple chanting, and sometimes poetry and yoga nidra. The spiritual roots of yoga and body positivity are central to my teaching. Originally from Ireland, I also sometimes bring my Celtic roots into our practice themes. I became a yoga teacher aged 57, graduating from Santosha in 2025. Having experienced the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical benefits of yoga and meditation over many years, I trained to be a teacher to share these benefits with others. Outside of yoga teaching, I am a university researcher and professor.  I enjoy walking in the woods, art museums, traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family, especially my husband, adult son and animal companions (one dog, two cats, five hens).

Laura Gogis, RYT200

Laura was introduced to yoga only five years ago, at the young age of 45.  Initially seeking movement for her body, she was delighted to discover so much more!  She found a practice that quiets the restless thoughts and unveils a profound state of inner peace and joy. Laura is forever grateful to her teachers at Santosha. Laura warmly welcomes everyone to Santosha and to her class!  Together we will create a sacred space to practice yoga.

Anna Reese, RYT200

As a new 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher, I teach with a foundation in Ashtanga yoga, bringing an appreciation for mindful movement, breath, and presence to every class. I love having the opportunity to hold space for students of all levels while continually deepening my knowledge and skill in teaching the asanas. Outside the studio, I enjoy cycling, sound healing, golf, and writing, all of which inspire my approach to balance, curiosity, and lifelong learning on and off the mat.

Grace Bertsch, RYT200

I started coming to Santosha at the beginning of the 2026. My yoga journey started in 2020 during the pandemic when I was at a really low mental health point. Yoga has been so healing and I look forward to sharing that with others My interests include crocheting, traveling, being outside, spending time with family and friends, and eating good food.