Facilitator Bios

Typically, one man and one woman from the list below, co-facilitate the Inner Journey Intensive, supported by several other facilitators or trainees, and a full complement of
staff.


Michael Schiesser

Neelama Eyres
Jack Lafleur
Divyanand Curcarro
Maria Marrongelli
Synandra Lecher
Jean-Francois “JF” Sauriol

spiritual teacher michael schiesser

Michael Schiesser

Michael’s facilitation career spans 32 years in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. He is a spiritual teacher and co-founder of the Inner Journey Institute and of Healing Divorce LLC. Michael has created and facilitated a vast number of workshop intensives and seminars for individuals and for organizational leaders.

Michael studied under many renowned spiritual teachers of our time, such as Osho and Sri H.L. Poonja, the last living disciple of the Indian saint, Sri Ramana Maharshi. Michael went on to explore and train in therapeutic modalities of the Human Potential Movement, Transpersonal Psychology, aspects of Gestalt therapy, bioenergetics, rebirthing, and the healing arts. He also trained as an acupuncturist under Professor J.R. Worsley, who introduced Chinese Five Elements acupuncture to England and the United States.  More about Michael »

Neelama Eyres

Neelama’s vision, passion, and joy revolve around assisting people on their journeys of “remembering who they are.” Her background includes a B.A. in Comparative Religion, the study of Eastern spirituality and Western psychology, leading meditation and yoga retreats, facilitating seminars and training workshops, counseling homeless people, teaching children, coaching men, women, and couples, and authoring a book.

Since 1998, Neelama has worked in the field of personal transformation in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, as a life coach, facilitator, and trainer in transformational workshops—now under the umbrella of Inner Journey Seminars, a not-for-profit organization of which she is co-founder.  More about Neelama »

Jack Lafleur

A former military and high school chaplain and long time spiritual seeker, Jack has been facilitating personal and spiritual growth since 1993.  He brings to the Inner Journey a wide range of experience which includes, organizational health, spiritual direction, the study of martial arts, working  with trauma survivors, men’s issues, teaching various forms of meditation and  Ken Wilber’s Integral Model.  Jack’s work with people comes from a deep trust in transformational work and in a firm committment towards helping others awaken to their essential spiritual nature and fullness of psychological health.  Jack currently works as an EAP counsellor and individual, couple and family therapist in private practice.

Divyanand Curcarro

Divyanand feels that after completing his B.Ed, his true education began with the discovery of eastern philosophies and spirituality. These studies led him to the teachings of a Himalayan master who stressed the practice of the journey inward, meditation, as the road to freedom. As a life coach and meditation teacher, Divyanand cherishes being part of the transformation of seekers that discover that inside themselves, behind the veils of human conditioning, lives the joy that we usually search for outside. This joy is their authentic self. Divyanand has been involved with Inner Journey Canada for the past eleven years, both as a participant and a facilitator.

 Maria Marrongelli

Maria Marrongelli has a background in psychology and alternative health and has been running a successful private practice in transformational coaching and bodywork since 2001.  She has also been facilitating experiential workshops both in the US and Canada since 2006.  Maria has helped many people over the past 12 years to understand and experience the connection between body, emotions and mind as a way of moving beyond the limitations of human conditioning.  Her work is fueled by her heart’s desire for everyone to fully live their own unique expression and awaken to their authentic self.

Synandra Lechner

Synandra Lechner, MBA, has 25 years of diverse senior management experience in public and private sectors followed by 10 years of management consulting for a variety of Federal Canadian Goverment Departments. Her consulting assignments have focused primarily on organizational reviews, design, transition support, change management, group facilitation and training. Ten years ago she started down a path of personal growth which opened up a whole new world to explore – her inner world. It also exposed her to the benefits of experiential learning. Positive changes resulted in her work and personal life and these led her to become a trainee facilitator for the Inner Journey Intensive  Facilitating learning today, Synandra draws from her experience with goverment organizations, traditional professional development courses and experiential personal growth programs.

Jean-Francois “JF” Sauroil

Jean-Francois “JF” Sauriol B.Eng, M.Eng (Management). After many years as an officer in the Canadian military and high-tech entrepreneur, JF is now an Inner Journey Coach and Facilitator. JF began a journey of spiritual and personal growth in 1997 and sharing this desire with his wife of 27 years, personal awareness and compassion became the foundation of his parenting 3 kids who are now blossoming young adults. Applying this vision in his personal, business world and in his martial arts practice continues to bring meaning and passion in all facets of life.

JF helps clients grow in awareness of their very own body-mind-emotion-spirit combination and foster compassion for their human-ness so that lasting transformation can take place in their “self”, in their day-to-day lives and in their relationships at home and at work. 

“I’ve worked with Michaal and Neelama over the last 5 years, and working with them is like a psychological and spiritual tune up! I always come away with practical steps to address issues in my life, which has helped me achieve my goals and feel happier and healthier in the process. Their work has had a cumulative effect that has greatly enhanced my life skills and capabilities.”
Kevin F. - Management Consultant - Washington, DC