2024 Presenter Bios
Sarasvati Buhrman, Ph.D, C-I-AYT, E-RYT 500
Sarasvati is an Ayurvedic Medicine practitioner and Yoga Therapist, as well as a teacher of Yoga practices and philosophy. She received her bachelor’s degree in Biology at the College of William and Mary, studied Genetics at the graduate level, and received her Ph.D. in Sociocultural Anthropology at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She was first introduced to Ayurveda by her spiritual guru, Yoga master Baba Hari Dass, who trained her in the philosophies and practices of Ashtanga, Hatha, Bhakti, and Sattvic Tantra Yoga practices. She then studied Ayurvedic medicine and was qualified to practice by Professor R.P. Trivedi of Benares Hindu University. She served for four years on the board of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association and is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists and the Colorado Ayurvedic Medical Association. She has taught at the Rocky Mountain Institute of Yoga and Ayurveda in Boulder, CO, Metropolitan State College, the Naropa Institute, and various other Yoga teacher trainings. She maintains a private practice of Ayurvedic medicine and classical Yoga Therapy in Boulder. Her publications are available on her website www.Ayurvedicsolutions.com. Sarasvati taught at the first Wholeness Retreat!
Hunter Keefer Margolf, MS Aromatherapy & Maharishi Ayurveda
Hunter is an Interior Wellness and Occupant Health Designer dedicated to helping individuals achieve well-being through their living and work spaces. Holding an MFA in Industrial Design, as well as an MS in Aromatherapy and Maharishi Ayurveda, Hunter brings a unique, holistic approach to his work. As a certified Wellness Coach and Ayurvedic Practitioner, Hunter helps his clients create environments that support their overall health and well-being. He is a Professional Member of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) and NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals) and is the founder of OrganizeDwell, a professional organizing service. Hunter is also an active member of NAHA (National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy) and NAMA (National Ayurvedic Medical Association). He is currently expanding his Wellness Coaching practice through the MAYO Clinic Wellness Program in Rochester, MN. Outside of his professional pursuits, Hunter is a kindred spirit to all things plant and animal-related. He has a deep affection and affinity for dogs, and finds joy in their companionship. His love for nature and its healing properties extends beyond his work and into his personal life, where he nurtures his own indoor garden sanctuary and spends time with his furry friends.
Michael D. Patty L. Ac. DACM, Dip.Ac.
Michael graduated from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1999 and served as an adjunct faculty member at Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Denver for 5 years. Michael studied at the Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine in Harbin, China (2008). Michael started Bubbling Springs Acupuncture in 2000 in Estes Park, CO and moved his practice to Sheridan in 2005. He is a practitioner of Qigong and a member of the National Qigong Association (USA) since 1996. He has taught Tai Chi and Qigong since 1996 teaching TaiChi, Qigong, and the Tui na (Chinese Massage) as an adjunct faculty at Sheridan College. Retreat #21 for Michael!
Amanda Baker, BA, CYT 300, CMT
Amanda has a deep interest in and love of Ayurveda and Yoga and uses these healing practices in her work and daily life. She was certified as a yoga teacher through Aura Wellness Center in 2015 and received her Massage Therapist Certification from Sheridan College in 2018. She implements Swedish, Myofascial Release, neuromuscular, lymphatic drainage, trigger points, guasha and cupping therapies into her massage practice using Ayurvedic oils. Her time outside work is spent co-parenting Violet, overseeing Elijah’s many truck projects, hanging with family and playing keyboard with The Alley Kats.
Austin Taylor
Austin plays bass, guitar, drums and piano and is the lead singer and guitarist of his band The Alley Kats who have released songs into Apple I Tunes and Spotify and other music platforms. With his strong love for music; writing and performing he can be found playing band gigs and DJing. His spends his time co-parenting Violet with Amanda, traveling to concerts and being with his family and friends. Alley Kats will record their first album in October!
Cindy Baker, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Yoga Therapist
Cindy is celebrating 24 years of teaching Yoga and Ayurveda. She attended her first yoga class in 1977 and her first Ayurveda class taught by Dr. Vasant Lad in 1990 and graduated from the Rocky Mountain Institute of Yoga and Ayurveda in Boulder, CO as a Pancha Karma Therapist in 2002 and in 2003 completed the certification in Yoga Therapy and Ayurvedic Counseling. This school required students to be Yoga and Pancha Karma therapists if wanting the Ayurvedic certification. RIMYA had a strong focus on meditation (which seemed impossible at first) and on learning from the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and other spiritual treasures that explore the consciousness. Her first years of teaching were with people with cancer. Acknowledging Ayurveda and Yoga teaches to the person, not the disease caused Cindy to expand her practice. Yoga and Ayurveda are a way of life and can be adapted to any person, any faith, anytime, anywhere. Cindy also has used these practices for over 34 years in her work at hospice.