Abhimanyu Sud, MD Has been a leader within the International Association for Human Values and the Art of Living Foundation for the last seven years. He is one of seven specialized faculty teaching the Foundation’s intensive YES!+ course for young professionals across Canada and is the regional coordinator for the Foundation’s activities in Toronto.
He is currently completing his training in Family and Community Medicine at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre. He graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Linguistics and Biology from Yale University in 2003.

Over the last 12 years, Dr. Sud has been instrumental in the development of a number of community and global initiatives, especially in the areas of youth empowerment, sustainable agriculture, peace building and indigenous solidarity. 

Living off the grid on an organic farm in Hawaii Andrew was inspired to study Sustainable Development. A Bachelor's Degree at the University of Massachusetts allowed Andrew to develop a unique course of study in the fields of sustainable agriculture, health and community development.

Upon graduation Andrew became certified by IAHV to teach stress and trauma relief programs in post-Katrina New Orleans. Andrew is currently a teacher of the IAHV's YES! (Youth Empowerment Seminar) for High School students.

Andrew has a great passion for education and thrives on the opportunity to expand his capabilities. His experiences at University and as an IAHV teacher have inspired the further development of Deepening Roots.

As an early childhood teacher and a student of environmental studies, Michael has explored introducing simple agriculture arts and experiential appreciation for nature in his curriculum. During his time at Lesley University Michael spent a summer semester with the Audubon Expedition Institute studying and working at Ravenwood farm focusing on various facets of sustainable living. Michael has continued to cultivate his interest in sustainability working for the Deepening Roots summer intensive program in Quebec.

LaShanda attended the first Deepening Roots workshop in Berkeley, CA in April 2010, as well as the summer program in June 2010, and now teaches workshops throughout the Bay Area. She has degrees in International Business and Accounting and is currently working towards becoming a certified Nutritional Consultant and Detoxification Specialist. She became interested in natural healing through whole foods and detoxification after personally implementing these methods to overcome a wide range of health issues. Deepening Roots has greatly expanded her definition of heath and views on living sustainability. The program has also allowed her to combine her passion for inspiring and educating individuals towards dynamic health and her love for making dishes that are flavorful and nutritious. She is currently collaborating on creating a Deepening Roots Recipe book.

Victor first came into contact with Deepening Roots in 2008 when volunteering in the organic garden at the Art of Living International Center in Canada. Returning in 2010 to attend two consecutive Deepening Roots Summer Immersion programs, he became the first Deepening Roots workshop facilitator in Europe.

Through studies in intercultural management and work as an ambassador for organic foods, he saw an increasing interest in society to make a shift towards sustainability. The Deepening Roots workshop is a concrete way for him to contribute to this wonderful change.

When not poking around in the soil, Victor can be found teaching YES!+ workshops in Sweden. He has lovingly been described as a modern day yogi with the head in the clouds yet with both feet firmly planted on the ground. In the soil, preferrably!

Jenny graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Environmental Design focusing on Landscape Architecture. She has gained valuable experience working as a residential landscape designer and in various greenhouses. However it has been her travels through South America, South East Asia and across Canada exploring the nature, geography and cultures of these places that has truly inspired her and has fostered a deeper connection to the land. She participated as a Deepening Roots summer training program participant in August 2009 and looks forward to coming back to share her passion for gardening and nature.

Jeff's involvement with Deepening Roots brings together his great passion for sustainable living and spirituality. His studies in international development and philosophy have made him seriously question our current social structures, along with their unhealthy impacts on communities and the environment. Upon traveling to New Zealand he was inspired by his experiences as a WWOOFer, learning about organic agriculture, and completing an intensive Permaculture Design Course. Jeff has facilitated workshops with Oxfam, raising awareness to issues of climate change and peak oil. With a firm belief that social change starts with individual transformation, he strives to be become more aware day by day.

Andrew Jones has been on a global adventure since leaving Australia for New York at age 6 months, travel has blessed him with many experiences encompassing independent travel through SE Asia and Europe, humanitarian aid and disaster relief work in the Balkans, Middle East and Asia/Pacific and the US. As an outdoor enthusiast and athlete, he has always been fascinated by how the body and mind work together to create unsurpassed energy and performance potential. Working as a permaculture designer, teacher and ecopreneur motivates deeper questions regarding regenerative culture and the abundant state which is our birthright. Andrew's teaching style is open and motivates each of us to recognize and share our knowledge and to see ourselves within a wider web of connections. Andrew is currently working to co-create a community Learning and Demonstration center - Baja BioSana in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Shenaqua Sookhoo-Jones had an international and vegetarian upbringing, exposing her to the healthier aspects of Indian, Cajun, French, and Chinese culinary traditions. She has transferred her knowledge of and passion for delicious food to the preparation of raw and living foods as part of her own healing journey. She takes great pleasure sharing the culinary good news.

Pierre is affectionately known as Santa. It is the gifts that he brings to the International Centre, along with his sense of humor, and his white hair and beard that have earned him this title. He is the father of the garden, planting and maintaining successive gardens for four years. His dedication and work in every aspect of the Center has resulted in his current position as co-manager, overseeing both financial and daily operations. Pierre has been with the Art of Living Foundation for 20 years. He is a teacher of Sahaj Samadhi meditation and of the Art of Living Part 2 Course.