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Our Team

jessica

Jessica Khurana

Founder

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jay

Jay K.

Chief Financial Officer

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Tawnya G.

Med. Coordinator / RN CCRN

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frank

Frank Pepe PA

Medical Staff

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emilio

Emilio C.

Meditation Coach

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Dr. Roger Quiroz MD

Medical Doctor

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Josefina Curandera

Josefina M.

Curandera

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andrew

Andrew D.

Somatic Integration Specialist

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ari

Ari S.

Staff Mycologist

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allison shuttleworth

Allison Shuttleworth

RN, MSN, BCEN

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Karen Lopez

Karen Lopez

Psychotherapist

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ashvinddr

Dr. Ashvind S. Ph.D.

Advisory Team Member

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claudia

Claudia R.

Head Chef

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juanito

Juan José N.

Sous Chef

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Eleusinia Origin Story

Eleusinia Retreat was born out of my personal journey of finding successful relief from my debilitating headache condition, Hemicrania Continua, through psilocybin treatment. Inspired by this transformative experience, I embarked on a search for a psilocybin retreat, only to discover a lack of inclusive spaces within the psychedelic retreat community that embraced rationalism.

Initially, I felt that my skepticism and inquisitive nature were unwelcome amidst the spiritually and mystically inclined atmosphere prevalent in the psychedelic community. Determined to bridge this gap, I founded Eleusinia Retreat as a manifestation of my vision—a place where an authentic cultural psychedelic retreat converges with the latest advancements in neuroscience and psychopharmacology. It embodies the best aspects of all approaches.

My goal has been to establish a retreat that strikes a harmonious balance between clinical environments and the profound spiritual aspects that can enhance these transformative experiences. Maintaining a program firmly rooted in medical science, while preserving the integrity and reverence for the original mushroom culture, became paramount. New Age influences and misinformation were consciously avoided, ensuring that Eleusinia Retreat remains a bastion of authenticity and respect.

At Eleusinia Retreat, we celebrate the fusion of science and spirituality, cultivating an environment where both are honored. It is a place where individuals can embark on their personal journeys with the utmost confidence, knowing that they are immersed in a program guided by medical expertise, cultural reverence, and unwavering respect.

Less woo, more you.

A place where exceptional experiences lead to engaging discussions and enduring relationships.
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Jessica Khurana

Jessica K., founder of Eleusinia Retreat, is the visionary behind the sanctuary’s mission to unlock the therapeutic potential of psilocybin within a safe, structured, and compassionate environment. Her path into this work began as a patient: she turned to psychedelics to manage hemicrania continua, a debilitating chronic headache condition, finding it kept her approximately 80–90% pain free and revealing the profound potential that psychedelics can offer.

When she first considered a retreat to support her experience, she was put off by what she found. Overly mystical settings, questionable guidance, and prices she felt were unjustified led her to navigate the process independently. Knowing that not everyone has the same access, confidence, or safety net, she decided to build the retreat she wished had existed and founded Eleusinia in 2021.

Since then, Jessica has helped guide and oversee over 115 retreats, supporting approximately 1,500 participants, nearly 400 group dosing sessions, and roughly 4,800 individual psilocybin experiences, making her one of the most experienced retreat facilitators in the field. Her leadership has shaped Eleusinia into a program that combines rigorous safety standards, multidisciplinary expertise, and deep respect for the therapeutic potential of psychedelic medicine.

Jessica is personally involved in every aspect of each retreat. She delivers the classes on the neuroscience of psychedelics and mushroom cultivation, facilitates every session, and can be found leading the kettlebell circuit training offered each morning. This hands-on presence reflects her commitment to ensuring that every guest receives consistent, experienced, and attentive care throughout their time at Eleusinia.

Drawing on her background in business, Jessica brings operational clarity and integrity to the organization while carefully cultivating a team that blends modern scientific and medical expertise, therapeutic support, and traditional healing perspectives. Eleusinia weaves together neuroscience, medical oversight, and openness to the spiritual without imposing any single doctrine or framework on guests. Her core philosophy is one of autonomy: the retreat is designed to send guests home with skills, tools, and independence rather than dependence on a facilitator or program.

Her personal journey continues to inform the ethos of Eleusinia, ensuring that every aspect of the retreat experience remains centered on guest safety, care, and meaningful transformation. She has described building Eleusinia as the most rewarding endeavor of her life.

Jay K.

Jay serves as Chief Financial Officer of Eleusinia Retreat and plays a central role in the development and stewardship of the organization. Originally trained as an attorney, Jay stepped away from legal practice to help co-create Eleusinia alongside his wife, Jessica, bringing his analytical thinking and organizational leadership to a new mission focused on healing and personal transformation.

Over the years, Jay has also become one of the retreat’s most experienced psychedelic guides, having facilitated and supported more than 1,500 participants across approximately 4,800 individuals’ psilocybin sessions. His presence in holding the guests through psilocybin experiences is characterized by steadiness, thoughtful listening, gentle guidance and a deep respect for the vulnerability of the psychedelic process.

Raised in a conservative South Asian household, Jay never expected his professional journey to lead into the psychedelic healing space. Yet he has found profound purpose in this work, witnessing firsthand the life-changing experiences guests often undergo. His combination of legal training, operational leadership, and extensive facilitation experience helps ensure that Eleusinia maintains both high ethical standards and a deeply supportive environment for those seeking personal growth and healing.

Tawnya G. RN CCRN

Tawnya Gilbert is a U.S.-trained and licensed Registered Nurse and Certified Critical Care Nurse (RN, CCRN) who serves as the Medical Coordinator for Eleusinia Retreat. With more than 20 years of experience in intensive care and postoperative nursing, she brings a rare combination of clinical expertise, emotional intelligence, and compassionate presence to the retreat environment.

In 2021, Tawnya began formal training as a Psychedelic Integration Guide through Fluence, deepening her ability to help guests translate profound psychedelic insights into lasting life changes. What Tawnya is most proud of is that her longterm work at Eleusinia was instrumental in the education provided to the state of Colorado as they began to certify psilocybin practitioners in 2025. Once she graduated from Fluence with her Psychedelic Integration and Harm Reduction post graduate program, Fluence asked for her help creating educational lectures for the practitioners in the state based on her experience at Eleusinia. She also hosts the Eleusinia Podcast, where she explores topics related to healing, creative integration, and conscious living.

At Eleusinia, Tawnya has supported and served as the medical coordinator and integration specialist for over 85 retreats, 1,200 participants, 400 group dosing sessions and 4,300 individual psilocybin experiences, ensuring that each participant receives attentive care before, during, and after their experience. Her medical training allows her to monitor safety and wellbeing of guests, while her Fluence training gives her some of the most formal academic preparation available to provide top-tier, grounded emotional support and creative integration techniques throughout the psychedelic process.

Tawnya is passionate about bridging modern medical care with holistic and integrative approaches to wellbeing. She incorporates creative integration practices and nervous system awareness to help guests navigate non-ordinary states safely and meaningfully.

Frank Pepe PA

Frank Pepe, PA-C, is a seasoned Physician Assistant with more than 20 years of experience in emergency medicine, bringing a deep clinical perspective to the medical team at Eleusinia Retreat. His career has given him extensive experience in high-pressure medical environments where calm decision-making and patient safety are paramount.

In the psychedelic space, Frank has supported over 1,000 retreat participants and approximately 1,500 psilocybin sessions, combining medical oversight with thoughtful integration support. His ongoing study of the neurobiology, pharmacology, and psychology of psychedelic medicines allows him to bridge modern medical science with emerging psychedelic therapies.

Frank also maintains a long-standing personal commitment to contemplative practices including meditation, breathwork, tai chi, and reflective journaling. His approach to healing emphasizes balance between body, mind, and environment.
Outside of clinical work he may find himself climbing mountains, trail running with his dog, or camping in remote landscapes. This deep connection to the natural world informs the grounded presence he brings to guests during their retreat experience.

Emilio C.

Emilio Castelló is a meditation and breathwork facilitator, emotional intelligence specialist, and psychedelic integration guide at Eleusinia Retreat. He plays a central role in preparing and supporting guests through their experiences, helping cultivate the internal clarity, stability, and openness needed for meaningful psychedelic work.

Over the course of his time at Eleusinia, he has supported approximately 1,000 guests across 88 retreats and more than 3,400 individual psilocybin sessions. This depth of direct facilitation reflects both his experience and the high standard of care that defines the Eleusinia approach.

In recent years, Emilio’s role has expanded to include some of the most important touchpoints of the retreat experience. He facilitates one-on-one integration sessions, guiding guests through structured processes of reflection and meaning-making that help translate profound inner experiences into lasting insight, direction, and personal change. He also contributes to retreat operations and hospitality, helping ensure that every aspect of the guest experience is held with consistency, attention, and care.

Emilio studied Physics at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and holds certifications in yoga and socio-emotional learning, including training with the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune. Since 2004, he has studied meditation and mind-training practices informed by Buddhism, psychology, and neuroscience with teachers across Mexico, India, Nepal, and Thailand.

With over two decades of experience in contemplative and somatic practices, Emilio brings a grounded, attentive presence to his work. He is deeply interested in the intersection of consciousness, science, and psychedelics, and is committed to helping guests integrate their experiences in ways that are clear, embodied, and sustainable over time.

Dr. Roger Quiroz MD

Dr. Roger Quiroz, M.D., serves as the on-call physician for Eleusinia Retreat, ensuring that guests have access to experienced medical oversight throughout their stay. A licensed family medicine practitioner, Dr. Quiroz brings a balanced approach that combines conventional medical training with a thoughtful interest in emerging psychedelic therapies.

As part of the Eleusinia medical team, he provides guidance, evaluation, and support that helps maintain the retreat’s strong safety standards and guest wellbeing. His presence allows participants to engage in their experiences with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Dr. Quiroz graduated from Anáhuac University Medical School in Mexico City and currently serves as the medical director of the Con Salud clinic in Valle de Bravo, Mexico. Through both his clinical practice and his work with Eleusinia, he remains committed to delivering compassionate, comprehensive care that addresses the physical, psychological, and emotional dimensions of health.

Josefina M.

Josefina Maza is a traditional curandera whose healing work draws from generations of Indigenous wisdom rooted in the cultures of Oaxaca, Mexico. A descendant of Mixtec, Zapotec, and Mayan lineages, she carries forward traditions known for their deep understanding of plant medicine, herbalism, and energetic healing.

Having facilitated every mushroom ceremony since Eleusinia’s inception retreat, Josefina has supported and held space for over 115 retreats, nearly 1,500 participants, the retreat’s 400 group dosing sessions and 4,800 individual psilocybin experiences, offering grounding spiritual presence and ancestral perspective within the retreat’s multidisciplinary approach to healing.

Josefina grew up in Cozumel, surrounded by traditional healing practices, though she initially stepped away from this path following the loss of her mother and pursued a career in the corporate world. Eventually she felt called back to her ancestral roots and has since dedicated herself fully to supporting others through healing work.

Josefina offers compassionate guidance to individuals navigating challenges such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and chronic pain. Her work integrates traditional spiritual practices with the modern therapeutic framework of Eleusinia, helping guests reconnect with themselves, their bodies, and a deeper sense of meaning.

Andrew D.

Andrew is the Somatic Integration Specialist at Eleusinia Retreat, where he guides meditation, breathwork, and embodied movement practices that help guests prepare for and integrate their psychedelic experiences. He has facilitated in over 60 retreats at Eleusinia, working with over 750 guests, more than 200 group sessions and 2,500 individual doses, all the while bringing a calm, trauma-informed presence that helps participants feel safe, grounded, and supported throughout their journeys.

With nearly a decade of experience in evidence-based movement science, biomechanics, nervous system regulation, alongside various Yoga lineages, he is skillful at guiding guests to turn psychedelic insights into practical, embodied changes in their everyday life. Additionally, his training in therapeutic bodywork, including myofascial therapy, craniosacral therapy, structural integration, and Ayurvedic practices, he has a refined ability to help people understand, overcome and rewrite patterns held in the body and mind.

As one of the original members of the Eleusinia team, Andrew is known for his joyous energy, steady warmth and thoughtful guidance. He is especially skilled at supporting guests navigating chronic health challenges, addiction recovery, and body-based healing, helping them reconnect with their bodies and integrate their experiences in a grounded, sustainable way.

Ari S.

Ari serves as Eleusinia Retreat’s on-site Mycologist, where he oversees the cultivation and care of the retreat’s mushrooms with a deep respect for both ecological systems and the transformative potential of psilocybin. During his time with Eleusinia, he has contributed to retreats as part of the hospitality staff and team of guides, supporting more than 300 guests and over 1,000 individual psilocybin experiences. He is key in helping maintain the quality, consistency, and integrity within the retreat setting.

Before joining Eleusinia, Ari spent years working across the hospitality and adventure tourism industries on four continents, traveling to more than 40 countries while leading catering experiences, mountain biking excursions, and hiking expeditions. A skilled paraglider pilot with a lifelong connection to nature, he brings an adventurous spirit and a global perspective to his work with guests and the broader Eleusinia team.

With a strong interest in ecology, fungi, and sustainable cultivation practices, Ari combines scientific curiosity with hands-on cultivation expertise. His work reflects Eleusinia’s commitment to approaching psychedelic medicine with care, precision, and deep respect for the natural world.

Allison Shuttleworth

Allison Shuttleworth is a master’s-prepared, board-certified emergency nurse with over 35 years of experience in trauma-informed medical care. Her clinical background spans medical, surgical, and psychiatric emergencies, providing her with a deep understanding of how the body and nervous system respond to both crisis and healing.

After first attending Eleusinia Retreat as a guest, Allison felt profoundly inspired to support others on similar paths of growth and transformation. She later joined the team in July 2025, and has since supported nearly 300 individual psilocybin sessions and over 100 individual guests.

Allison integrates her extensive medical training with continuing education in psychedelic therapy and integration practices. Her approach blends evidence-based medicine with somatic and nervous-system-oriented modalities, helping guests feel safe, embodied, and supported as they navigate non-ordinary states of awareness.

She incorporates techniques such as craniosacral therapy, somatic experiencing, and nervous system regulation to support deep integration following psychedelic experiences.

Outside of her work, Allison lives aboard a classic ketch in the San Francisco Bay with her husband Dave, where the rhythms of the ocean provide daily grounding and inspiration.

Karen Lopez

Ana Karen Lopez graduated from Universidad Anáhuac México Norte in 2020. She holds diplomas in crisis intervention, emotional management, and non-verbal communication. Currently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in cognitive behavioral therapy, enhancing her understanding of thought processes and emotional regulation.

At Eleusinia, Ana Karen offers profound reflection sessions, emotional guidance, and support, helping participants to focus on the present moment and maximize their experience. Her expertise aids in integrating the retreat’s insights, fostering new perspectives and emotional balance.

In addition to her contributions at Eleusinia, Ana Karen runs an integral clinic in Valle de Bravo, positively impacting the local population. She supports children, adolescents, and adults, raising awareness about the importance of mental health and its impact on all aspects of life.

Dr. Ashvind N. Adkins Singh, Ph.D.

Dr. Ashvind N. Adkins Singh, Ph.D., earned his doctorate from Louisiana State University in 2008, specializing in clinical psychology with minors in neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. As a vital member of the Eleusinia advisory team, Dr. Singh offers valuable insights and guidance, contributing to the overall well-being of retreat participants. Beyond his role in advisory services, he is available to provide additional support through post-retreat integration services, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic approach to mental health.

Dr. Singh’s extensive career spans diverse settings, including nursing homes, developmental centers, psychiatric hospitals, and community mental health centers. In addition to his clinical expertise, he serves as an executive coach and consultant for a wide array of organizations globally, including hospitals, foster care systems, government agencies at various levels, and private entities. With an impressive portfolio of over 70 publications, Dr. Singh has presented and trained clients worldwide, showcasing his passion for the transformative power of education and healing. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience and education in clinical psychology, psychopharmacology, mindfulness, neuropsychology, health and well-being, lifestyle change, and leadership coaching, Dr. Singh offers a truly individualized and informed approach to his diverse range of professional endeavors.

Chef Claudia R.

Claudia Rebollar serves as Head Chef at Eleusinia Retreat, where she creates nourishing plant-based meals designed to support guests throughout their retreat experience. Originally from Valle de Bravo, Mexico, Claudia graduated from the Technological Institute of Higher Studies of Valle de Bravo (TESVB) with a specialization in traditional Mexican cuisine and has worked professionally in kitchens for more than 17 years.

For the past four years, Claudia has led the culinary program at Eleusinia, carefully designing meals centered around fresh vegetables, seeds, spices, and seasonal ingredients. Her approach combines nutrition, creativity, and attention to each guest’s individual needs, helping create an environment that feels both delightful to the palate and restorative during the retreat process.

Known for her thoughtful attention to detail and warm hospitality, Claudia believes food can play an important role in emotional and physical wellbeing. Her cooking is intended not only to nourish the body, but also to create moments of comfort, connection, and positive sensory experience for guests throughout their stay.

Chef Juan José

Juan José Nava Francisco serves as Sous Chef at Eleusinia Retreat, where he helps create thoughtful and delicious meals that support guests throughout their healing journey. Originally from Valle de Bravo, Mexico, he graduated from the Technological Institute of Higher Studies of Valle de Bravo (TESVB) and brings more than 13 years of culinary experience across multiple areas of professional kitchen work.

For the past four years, Juan José has collaborated with the Eleusinia culinary team with a particular focus on fresh breads, lightly sweet dishes, and balanced flavor compositions that incorporate seeds, seasonal fruits, and aromatic spices. His work emphasizes quality, creative attention to detail, and mindful consideration of the unique dietary needs of retreat guests.

Known for his calm presence and respectful approach to hospitality, Juan José helps create a dining experience that feels supportive, comforting, and aligned with the overall intention of the retreat. His attention to texture, aroma, and presentation contributes to the atmosphere of care and mindfulness that defines the Eleusinia experience.

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