MEET THE TEAM
Ellen Christiaanse - Founder
Ellen obtained a Masters Degree in psychology, and a Doctorate in Information Systems at Harvard and MIT, and worked for many years in the academic and consulting world.
In 2005, she started to focus on what life was really about, and educated herself in healing techniques. In 2008, she dedicated her time to build Alaya Retreat Centre.
Ellen has worked with groups for over 20 years, and completed 2 years of the Four Cycles TM integrated healing program. She also has her Masters in Reiki, which allows her to teach reiki to other students and work as a reiki healer. In addition, she participated in a first level teacher training of Yin Yoga and has a diploma in sound therapy level I and II, to give healing with Quartz Bowls.
In 2017, she became educated as a horse assisted coach and animal reiki healer. With this, her circle was completed and she is now healing all types of animals.
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Pierluigi - Yoga Instructor, Reiki Healer
Pierluigi is a Hatha Yoga Instructor. He met yoga while he was living in London in 2016, driven by the need of get in contact with his true essence. This journey took him to Rishikesh, India three years later, where he became an Alliance Certified Yoga Instructor. Pierluigi teaches in Italy and Spain during festivals, and in retreat centers as well. His curiosity about the mystery of life leads him towards different traditions and practices that merge together during his classes in order to sustain the individuals to live in alignment between their body, mind and emotion.
Patricia - Chaos Coordinator
Patricia is the chaos coordinator, always with the best of smiles.
She is in charge of all customer service, coordination of events and retreats, as well as accounting and reception. She has a background in administration, accounting and finance.
She knows the best standards of customer service and has great communication skills, always prevailing in her charisma and sympathy, being her priority to ensure that all our customers enjoy an unforgettable stay.
In addition, in 2012 she founded the animal protection organization: ADAP. She has the position of founding president, her free time is dedicated to rescue, rehabilitate and find a new opportunity for abandoned animals, along with the management of the shelter they have located in the municipality of Sant Marti Sarroca, all in a totally altruistic way demonstrating the high level of empathy that characterizes her in every way.
Julio - Maintenance Maestro
Meet Julio, our maintenance maestro at the 1800s house! With his trusty toolbox by his side and a great sense of humor, he fearlessly takes on any repair challenge that comes his way.
As our go-to guy for all things maintenance, Julio is nothing short of amazing. He has a keen eye for detail and a wealth of experience in repairing fixtures.
But what really sets Julio apart is his sense of humor. He's always cracking jokes and making everyone laugh, even in the most stressful of situations. Whether he's repairing a leaky roof or fixing a broken staircase, he does it all with a smile on his face.
So, if you ever find yourself in need of a maintenance hero, look no further than Julio. He's funny, amazing, and always ready to tackle any repair challenge that comes his way!
Kalid - Multitask Hero
Meet Kalid, our jack-of-all-trades at the retreat center! From cleaning and kitchen help to repairs and animal care, there's nothing Kalid can't do.
Kalid first joined us in 2017, and quickly became a guest-favorite. His warm smile and friendly personality made everyone feel welcome, and his dedication to his work was truly impressive.
During his time away, our guests frequently asked about Kalid, and we're thrilled to have him back with us again. He's already made a huge impact, bringing his exceptional skills and infectious positivity to every task he takes on.
Whether he's scrubbing dishes, fixing a leaky faucet, or caring for our furry friends, Kalid approaches every task with enthusiasm and care. He's truly a master of all trades, and we feel lucky to have him on our team.
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Milou - Yoga Instructor
Milou is a compassionate and dedicated yoga teacher with a passion for helping people connect with their bodies and minds, bringing them back to their true nature. With a warm and welcoming demeanor, Milou creates a safe and supportive environment for students of all levels to explore their practice and discover their inner strength.
As a professional and respectful teacher, Milou brings a wealth of personal care, creativity and connection to her classes, always eager to learn and grow as a teacher. She is well-versed in a variety of yoga styles, including Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin (Yang). Her classes are carefully crafted to meet the needs of each student, with a focus on emotional and mental wellbeing, breath, and calming the nervous system.
Above all, Milou is an empathetic teacher who values the well-being of her students first and foremost. She takes the time to get to know each person in her classes and provides personalized guidance and support to help them reach their goals and/or work with the obstacles they are facing. Whether you're new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, Milou's classes are a wonderful opportunity to go inwards, deepen your practice and cultivate self-awareness.
MEET THE ANIMALS OF ALAYA
Alaya has our own rescue animals onsite, and you are welcome to bring your friendly pets with you for an additional fee. A portion of our pet fee, as well as a portion of the sales of our cava goes to ADAP, a local animal rescue.
