Ashley was born in the United States, in the Midwest. She received her Doctorate in 20th Century British and American Literature, and a Master's degree in World Literature, both with a major emphasis in Philosophy and Trauma Theory. For years, she taught at state universities, private and community colleges before becoming aware of the dissonance between her professional and spiritual life. This recognition led her to Nepal and Tibet where she began studying yoga and meditation in earnest. Interestingly, the Buddhist monasteries and the cathedrals of the Himalayas paved the path for deeper learning with traditional plant medicines in Peru. She was searching for traditional healings and a way to integrate her quest for spirituality into everyday life. Ashley has been studying traditional plant medicine for 6 years and has recently become a Yoga Alliance certified yoga instructor.

Camila is the first point of contact with our guests. She was born and raised in Andean cities where she studied Social Communications. She has spent several years traveling and working in Latin America while thoroughly exploring its socio-cultural history and reality. She was a translator for our Shipibo teacher in Iquitos and, together with her husband Patrick, they were the first collaborators of the operational part of Kumankaya in the areas of Communications, Administration, and Hospitality.

At Kumankaya, Camila is in charge of bookings and communications. When she is at the center, she also offers reiki sessions and her natural products and handicrafts are part of our little shop.

Patrick was born and raised in the Netherlands, where his vibrant creativity led him to explore different fields of visual communications. He has been creating artworks of web design and photography for more than 14 years, while traveling through Europe, Asia and South America. He started studying holistic healing techniques in 2012, and has been working in that field since 2016.

At Kumankaya, Patrick is our webmaster and graphic designer, as well as a fundamental support in the Hospitality area.

Jesus was born in a small pueblo called Camora Michacán, where he lived most of his life before heading to California ten years ago to look for work. Within a year, he was called back to Mexico where he settled in Zapata and married Lupe Maya. They have one daughter together, Belinda, who also works at Kumankaya. Jesus is our most trusted employee and dearest friend. He has been with us since the very beginning, always proving himself a reliable worker and companion. Though he doesn’t speak much English, he loved to talk to guests.

For almost a year now, Annanias has been coming to Kumankaya to offer massages to the guests. Annanias comes from a long line of Mayan herbalists and healers, for his grandmother was a well-known sobradora. Annanias is 40 years old and has 15 years of spa and massage experience in the hotels of the Maya Riviera. He offers other services such as exfoliation and detoxification body wraps. Annanias was born in Felipe Carrillo Puerto where he met his wife Elizabeth and are now raising their two sons Alexandro 6 and Diego 3. Annanias is such a treasure, and we are so excited he has become a permanent member of our team.

Don Fidenzio was born in a small village called Tuzika, but he has been working and living in Felipe Carrillo Puerto for over 30 years now. Don Fidenzio has been married to Lillian for 36 years with 2 sons and 2 daughters, all of whom work for Kumankaya. Every single structure at Kumankaya has been built by Don Fidenzio and when he finished the maloka he commented, “This is the masterpiece of my life.” Don Fidenzio and his family have become ours now.

Meet the newest member of our Kumankaya team. Most likely, Jesus will be the first face you see, for he is our Kumankaya driver and representative. Jesus is 32 years old and has been working in the hotel and restaurant service for more the 15 years in and around the Maya Riviera, Tulum and Mahahual. Jesus is married to Alma with 2 kids, David 11 and Adriano 6. He is a valuable member of our staff and a dear friend.

Ina is Yoda’s sister and a pure sweetheart. It takes a lot to get this girl worked up. Most of the time, she can be spotted sunbathing in the morning, following workers around during the day, and playing with Latte in the sand piles. Ina loves taking long walks in the late afternoons.

Latte followed a bunch of workers to Kumankaya one day and never left. She is a bit of a nervous wreck but extremely sweet and innocent. She is the only dog we’ve ever seen that likes scratching her face in plants and smelling flowers. Her favorite thing in the world is taking afternoon walks with Sofia.

Daisy is our American import. She has been with Ashley for 15 years and was brought all the way from Illinois to Mexico. She has arthritis and can barely move now, but she loves affection and tenderness from people. She is a super loving and gentle dog.