Ayniglobal Team
J. E. Williams, OMD (Santiago)
President & Founder
Dr. Williams is pioneer in integrative medicine and the President and Founder of AyniGLOBAL. He is the author of The Andean Codex (2004) and Light of the Andes (2012), as well as works of poetry and books on natural medicine. He was the academic dean of East West College of Natural Medicine and has taught at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He divides his time between Peru and on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida.
Sebastian Pauccar Flores
President of Ayniwasi
Sebastian is a traditional Pampamisayoq, a Q’ero healer and ceremonialist, who considers himself a “servant” of Pachamama and the Apus. He helps people return to balance with nature and guides serious seekers in the shamanic ways of the Q’ero. Sebastian is the president of Ayniwasi, a residential and cultural center near Cusco, founded by Ayniglobal.
Marybeth Bernhard, MPH, CPH
Co-Director USA Affairs
Marybeth is a Certified Public Health Practitioner who earned her Master’s degree in Public Health with a specialization in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from George Washington University. She also holds degrees in Psychology and Mass Communication Studies with a concentration in Public Relations from Towson University. Marybeth has worked as a researcher in the Bionutrition Research Program at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and as Associate Staff Scientist at the Life Sciences Research Organization.
Alexander Montoro, MPIA
Co-Director USA Affairs
Alex graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a master’s degree in international affairs and a focus on environmental sustainability and development planning. He lives in Washington D.C. and is employed by the U.S. Department of Commerce doing work in environmental economics.
Peruvian Affairs
Nicolas Pauccar Calcina
Director of Peruvian Affairs
Nico is an indigenous Q’ero and activist working with the Q’ero Nation and local government in Cusco to improve social and political relationships, and to improve the quality of life of Q’ero people while preserving traditional culture and ancestral homeland.
International Affairs
Grabiela Flores
Director of Latin American Affairs
Gabriela is a Mexican activist and conservationist who served on the executive board of the International Community Foundation from 2000 to 2010. She founded La Duna Ecology Center in La Paz, Baja California Sur in 2008. Gabriela’s focus is on sustainable community development beyond borders. She divides her time between Baja California Sur, Mexico and San Diego, California.
USA Groups and Reciprocity Circles
These groups are composed of initiates and other leaders who embrace the principle of Ayni. Our leaders serve as coordinators for groups in their local area, act as tour leaders in Peru, or serve in other capacities to further the mission of Ayniglobal.
Dawn Dickson, MSW, LICSW
Seattle, Washington
Dawn is the leader for Ayniglobal groups in the Pacific Northwest. She has degrees in psychology and social work, and is currently a psychotherapist in private practice in Seattle. She has 20 years experience in the medical field working with cancer patients and families, providing support, counseling, and advocacy to patients who are suffering, including those who are facing end-of-life. Dawn has completed her second level of aynikarpay initiation in Cusco. She brings insight and balance from her clinical work and spiritual training to her students. She is also a group leader for shamanic tours in the Andes.
Dr. Richard Colfin (Aumdoc)
Atlanta, Georgia
Know as Aumdoc, Rick Clofine, D.O., practiced medicine for 22 years in Atlanta, Georgia. He is board certification in both Obstetrics & Gynecology and Integrative-Holistic Medicine, and as an Osteopathic Physician (D.O.), incorporated bodywork into his medical care. Complemented by a lifelong interest in shamanism and spirituality, his work manifests a profound respect for the body, individualized wellness, and helping others reconnect to the natural world. Now retired from medicine, he resides in the mountains of northern Georgia, where he finds fulfillment in teaching the shamanic way to others. Aumdoc received his aynikarpay initiation under Sebastian and Santiago in 2007.
James Powell (Deva)
Austin, Texas
Deva is a ceremonialist, shamanic healing practitioner, yoga instructor and spiritual coach. He brings over a decade of experience and a deep sensitivity to his clients and students who come from all walks of life. He was trained in Peru and Mexico in both Shipibo and Huichol healing modalities. Deva is a student of Q’ero philosophy and Andean wisdom. He lives and practices in Austin, Texas.