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Nikolji, Nikol Giri, Nicole Jaquis, relativelyLocal, queer yoga teacher, non-binary sadhana guide,

EXPERIENCE

2025 May – October
 Omega Institute for Holistic Studies (Rhinebeck, NY, USA)
Staff and R&R Classes Faculty –  led classes on:
  • Traditional Hatha Yoga (āsana and prāṇāyāma)
  • Traditional Hatha Tantra Yoga Philosophy
  • Chakras
  • Cultural Appropriation
  • Karma Yoga.
2025 April
 Rainbow Mountain Festival – LGBTQIA Retreat (Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India
Workshop Facilitator – led classes on:
  • Deconstructing and Decolonizing the Gender Binary
  • Queering Yoga: Ardhanarishwar Sadhana, focusing on āsana, chakras and prāṇāyāma
2024 May – October
 Omega Institute for Holistic Studies (Rhinebeck, NY, USA)
Staff and R&R Classes Faculty –  led classes on:
  • Traditional Hatha Tantra Yoga Philosophy
  • Chakras
  • Cultural Appropriation
  • Karma Yoga
  • Beginner Sanskrit
  • Queering Yoga
  • DJ and Electronic Music Production
2023  February – April
 Yogama Berlin (Berlin, Germany)
Online Hatha Yoga & Pranayam Guest Teacher
  • Taught āsana and prāṇāyāma classes via Zoom.
2015 – 2023
 Uma giri Kutir at Taptkund Mahadev Mandir (Bageshwar District, Kumaon Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India)
Retreat Coordinator & Facilitator
  • Facilitated transformative sādhana retreats for aspiring yoga and meditation practitioners.
  • Taught yoga (āsana, prāṇāyāma and meditation) to local children, youth and young adults, both on site, as well as in nearby government primary schools
2014 – 2023
 YogAnga Retreat, at Santosh Puri Ashram – RYS (Haridwar, India)
Yoga Teacher
  • Taught Śatkarma (seasonal and daily cleansing and detoxes) during Hatha Yoga Teacher Trainings
  • Taught Traditional Hath Yoga (āsana, prāṇāyāma and meditation) to residential guests
2007
 City Parks Foundation, Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center (Bronx, NYC, USA)
Yoga Teacher (After School Program)
  • Transformed a gym full of rowdy under-served middle school aged children, into a group of calm and quiet, self-focused children, discovering and pushing the boundaries of their bodies and their breath through yoga and meditation.
2014 – onwards (hybrid)
 YogAnga Retreat, at Santosh Puri Ashram – RYS (Haridwar, India)
Curriculum Developer for Yoga and Ayurveda Programs
  • Used InDesign to produce course participant manuals (200, 300, 500 hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Trainings; one month Ayurveda Certificate Course; Sanskrit for Yoga Teachers); including typing in Sanskrit and International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration (IAST) for English Pronunciation.
  • Used InDesign to produce brochures, posters, and books (including above mentioned curriculum guides, as well as a Sanskrit Reader, ashram lineage mantra collection, kirtan song book and general guest information handbook).
  • Devised systems for and trained others to handle course registration, course / teacher evaluation, and certificate distribution.
    Maintained archive of lecture audio recordings, as well as general event photographs and videos.
  • Authored curriculum and ashram profile for entry on Yoga Alliance website.
2025 March
2024 April
2019 March – April
2016 June – August
2011 June – 2012 November
(on site – otherwise offering developmental support remotely)
 Space For Nurturing Creativity (Guptakashi, Uttarakhand, India)
Resident Teacher, Outreach & Development Associate
  • Shared responsibilities in raising & mentoring children & young adults in a communal household of more than 25 people, in a rural village in the Garhwal Himalayas, including meditation and bhajan (music) sessions.
  • Aside from our daily life, revolving around ‘śruti’ (Listening), ‘śvādhyāya’ (Study of Self), ‘samvād’ (Dialouge) and ‘samikṣa’ (Critique Sessions), which are the foundations of our Holistic Education methodology, regularly participated in and organized discussion forums, camps and workshops with other youth, teachers & activists interested in education as a means for social change.
  • Setup & administer website
  • Setup & co-administer Facebook page
  • Write grant / project proposals & collaborate in devising fundraising and program expansion strategies.
  • Designed letterhead, brochures & Powerpoint presentations (bilingual Hindi / English)
  • Wrote successful proposal, granting permission from the local school board director to expand scope, through implementing our curriculum and alternative teaching methodologies in surrounding local government primary schools, through initiating a partnership program.
  • Guided young adults in producing their own curriculum materials to be used in school partnership program.
  • Guided young adults in devising and maintaining personal professional resumes.
  • Taught Yoga, Swimming, English, Creative Writing, Arts & Crafts, Photography, Computers and mindful social media
  • Photograph & Video activities & events; guided others to do the same.
  • Participate in general household upkeep, including organic farming, composting and carpentry.
2010 – 2023 
(on site through 2011 – otherwise offering developmental support remotely)
 Ashram Paryavaran Vidyalaya [Ashram Environmental School] (Devprayag, Uttarakhand, India)
Resident Teacher, Curriculum Development & Outreach Associate
  • Member of mindful community nestled in the Indian Himalayas in Garhwal region, Uttarakhand, where we live, meditate, farm, trek, make music and run a school (of over 100 students) together.
  • Taught English, Arts & Crafts, Computers & Multimedia to both students (K-8th) and teachers.
  • Documented (Photo & Video) activities, trainings & events; including a series of Practical Math training videos.
  • Designed, developed & co-administered website; trained other staff members to update it.
  • Setup & co-administered Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/APVcommunity
2016 – 2023
 Government Primary School (Sumgarh, Bageshwar Dist. Uttarakhand, India)
Educational Support Staff
  • Created and delivered bilingual (Hindi / English) instructional materials aligned with government curriculum
  • Led classroom activities supporting student engagement and inclusive learning
  • Provided technology training (Windows, MS Office) for teaching staff
  • Integrated visual arts, yoga and mindfulness into the school day
2015 – 2023
 Uma giri Kutir at Taptkund Mahadev Mandir (Kumaon Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India)
Afterschool Program Coordinator & Facilitator
  • Hosted an informal afterschool program with local children and youth.
  • Developed curriculum and game like activities for teaching English to Hindi speakers.
  • Taught yoga (āsana, prāṇāyāma and meditation) to local children, youth and young adults, both on site, as well as in nearby government primary schools
  • Established partnerships with local schools and community leaders.
  • Led riverside cleanup campaigns and discussions around sustainability of the nature through recycling and trash maintenance in rural environments without government or private support.
  • Taught basic guitar and harmonium, digital photography and English, privately to local youth.
  • Maintained a community library and learning center (with plans for expansion into a bigger space).
2022 June
Saraswati Shishu Mandir Primary School (Saling, Bageshwar Dist. Uttarakhand, India)
Teaching Staff Trainer
  • Conducted teacher and classroom management assessment.
  • Offered various classroom management techniques to encourage maximum students engagement
  • Guided teaching staff through a series of practical activities for teaching English that work with / enhance the current government syllabus and books. 
  • Led staff through creating their own bi-lingual (game orientated) teaching materials.
  • Gave guidance how to maintain a Bi-lingual classroom and curriculum.
2018 May – June
Pinewood International School (Kapkot, Bageshwar Dist. Uttarakhand, India)
Teaching Staff Trainer
  • Conducted teacher and classroom management assessment.
  • Facilitated team building and staff bonding activities, including talking circles sharing personal stories of struggle and triumph.
  • Guided teaching staff through a series of practical scenarios to encourage changing the set up of their classroom, from desks and chairs in rows with the teacher in the front, to sitting in a circle on the floor among the students.
  • Guided teaching staff through a series of practical activities which they could utilize in the class room.
  • Gave guidance how to maintain a Bi-lingual classroom and curriculum.
2010 December – 2011 May
New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, Hamilton Fish Recreation Center (Lower East Side, NYC, USA)
Computer Resource Center / RECYouth (Reel Education & Communication for Youth) Coordinator & Multimedia Teacher
  • Coordinated Multimedia Education Program Development in a community based computer lab, maintaining facility of 10 iMAC G4s, 12 Dell PCs, printers, scanners, photography/digitalAV production equipment.
  • Developed & Implemented Curriculum for elementary school aged youth (After School Program), teens (RECYouth multimedia program), adults & seniors learning computer basics, media literacy, multimedia skills, including: digital photography, stop motion & Flash animation, electronic music & video production, web & graphic design.
  • Established and maintained partnerships with alternative education programs at City As School High School, Henry Street Settlement, New Museum, Rhizome and the MIX NYC “A Different Take” LGBT Video Production Program.
  • Developed assessment rubrics adopted across multiple centers.
  • Trained staff individually & through presenting at staff development workshops; managed interns.
  • Authored DVDs, developed & maintained websites, created online galleries of students’ productions.
  • Co-produced multimedia showcase events, screenings and exhibits.
  • Led Elementary and Middle School Students (in our After-School Program) to create a comic book about recycling, which got the attention of NYC Parks & Recreation’s upper management, resulting in their providing our park with recycling bins and scheduling weekly pick-ups for the recyclables we collected around our park.
  • Facilitated the production of student multimedia projects: over 35 videos, over 40 music tracks, several photography / graphic art portfolios and websites.
2007 July – 2008 February
 New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, Chelsea Recreation Center, CRC / RECYouth headquarters (Manhattan, New York City, USA)
RECYouth Administrative Assistant
  • Reorganized hard-drives to create archive of all multimedia content produced since 2003.
  • Developed archival file naming conventions to be used throughout all RECYouth Centers.
  • Developed multimedia marketing materials, including copy writing, website & brochure design.
2007 July – December
 New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, Sunset Park Recreation Center (Brooklyn) & Tony Dapolito Recreation Center (West Village, New York City, USA)
RECYouth (Reel Education & Communication for Youth) Coordinator & Multimedia Teacher
  • Taught Elementary to High School aged students: digital photography, stop motion animation, electronic music and video production.
  • Trained the Computer Resource Center (CRC) coordinator to implement the RECYouth multimedia curriculum upon my departure (job promotion).
2007 July – August
 New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, Sunset Park Recreation Center (Brooklyn)
Summer 2007 Girls’ Photography Program Teacher
  • Taught a group of student Interns (Summer Youth Employment Program) digital photography (manual settings for focus, aperture, shutter speed, and depth of field) with Sony a100 SLR cameras & Photoshop.
  • Facilitated production of print and web portfolios.
  • Curated exhibition at Director’s Guild Theater during the 4th RECYouth Multimedia Festival.
2007 July – December
 City Parks Foundation, Hook Productions, Youth Technology Program, Red Hook Recreation Center (Brooklyn, NYC, USA)
Web Development Consultant & Teacher
  • Developed Flash mp3 player and slideshows to showcase student’s work online
  • Taught basic HTML & CSS to Summer Youth Employment Program interns, enabling them to create their own profile pages..
2005 July – 2006 December
 City Parks Foundation, Hook Productions, Youth Technology Program, Red Hook Recreation Center (Brooklyn, NYC, USA)
Co-Coordinator / Video & New Media Teacher
  • Developed multimedia curriculum & equipment base for startup youth media production house.
  • Taught camera skills, video editing, graphic / web design to youth aged 13-18.
  • Projects included: producing documentary shorts about Red Hook, Brooklyn, specifically how the neighborhood is affected by waterfront redevelopment, gentrification and police brutality within the NYC Housing Projects.
  • Authored DVDs and developed website to showcase student work.
  • Gave outreach presentations at neighborhood schools and community organizations.
2025 November
 Undermountain Hospitality, Race Brook Lodge (Sheffield, MA, USA)
Housekeeper, Event Production and Restaurant / Bar Staff
  • Greeted and guided guests; sold tickets at the door for events.
  • Cleaned and decorated guest rooms and event spaces.
  • Set up spaces for concerts, festivals and other events.
  • Prepared and served drinks at the bar.
  • Served meals in restaurant, as well as delivered to various event spaces.
2025 May – October
 Omega Institute for Holistic Studies (Rhinebeck, NY, USA)
Guest Services Lead / Staff and R&R Classes Faculty
  • Assisted Campus Manager in training new staff in each facet of the department.
  • Lead morning shifts, including outgoing / incoming event period transitions days.
  • Performed opening and closing office procedures, including monitoring and responding to phone calls and emails, orienting guest to campus during late arrivals, and maintaining records of maintenance and housekeeping issues.
  • Managed inquiries and special requests, from guests, staff and workshop faculty providing timely resolutions.
  • Collaborated with Campus Manager and other departments, to coordinate daily operations and ensure delivery of exceptional customer service.
  • Addressed guest feedback and concerns, implementing corrective actions when necessary. Implemented compassionate de-escalation to handle guest escalations with presence, kindness and professionalism.
  • Maintained a positive and welcoming environment.
  • Coordinated and provided golf cart rides to guests and faculty with disabilities.
  • Assisted in the organization and distribution of campus Lost & Found.
  • Utilized two-way radio with professionalism and discretion, in order to efficiently communicate with other Guest Services staff and operational departments.
  • Taught other staff members and guests: various theory and practical classes on traditional Hatha Tantra Yoga Philosophy, Chakras, Mantras & Malas, Spiritual Bi-passing, Cultural Appropriation and Karma Yoga.
2024 May – October
 Omega Institute for Holistic Studies (Rhinebeck, NY, USA)
Guest Services Lead / Staff and R&R Classes Faculty
  • Managed inquiries and special requests, from guests, staff and workshop faculty providing timely resolutions
  • Collaborated with Campus Manager, and other departments, to coordinate daily operations and ensure delivery of exceptional customer service.
  • Addressed guest feedback and concerns, implementing corrective actions when necessary. Implemented compassionate de-escalation to handle guest escalations with presence, kindness and professionalism.
  • Maintained a positive and welcoming environment.
  • Coordinated and provided golf cart rides to guests and faculty with disabilities.
  • Assisted in the organization and distribution of campus Lost & Found.
  • Utilized two-way radio with professionalism and discretion, in order to efficiently communicate with other Guest Services staff and operational departments.
  • Taught other staff members and guests: various theory and practical classes on traditional Hatha  Tantra Yoga Philosophy, Chakras, Sanskrit, and DJ and Electronic Music Production
2014 – onwards (hybrid)
 YogAnga Retreat at Santosh Puri Ashram RYS (Haridwar, India)
Ayurveda Certificate Course Assistant, Fundraising Developer, Web & Social Media Manager, Sādhana Curriculum Developer, Haṭha Yoga & Prāṇayām Teacher, Hindi / English Translator, Travel Guide and Guest Liaison
  • Devised and executed fundraising strategy, successfully crowd-sourcing over 150,000 Euros.
  • Developed marketing strategies, maintaining website, Facebook page and digital newsletter.
  • Produced brochures, posters, and books (including curriculum guides for Hatha Yoga Teacher Training and Ayurveda courses, as well as a Sanskrit Reader, ashram lineage mantra collection, kirtan song book and general guest information handbook).
  • Devised systems for and trained others to handle course registration, course / teacher evaluation, and certificate distribution
  • Maintained archive of lecture audio recordings, as well as general event photographs and videos.
  • Authored curriculum and ashram profile for entry on Yoga Alliance website.
  • Assisted in ashram kitchen (mindful cooking), garden and general upkeep of rooms and spaces.
2015 – 2023
 Taptkund Mahadev Mandir (Bageshwar District, Kumaon Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India)
Temple / Ashram Mahant (caretaker)
  • Maintained temple / ashram / garden complex (fire ceremonies, kirtans, etc.)
  • Taught yoga (āsana, prāṇāyāma and meditation) to local children, youth and young adults, both on site, as well as in nearby government primary schools
  • Established partnerships with local schools and community leaders.
  • Led riverside cleanup campaigns and discussions around sustainability of the nature through recycling and trash maintenance in rural environments without government or private support.
  • Taught basic guitar and harmonium, digital photography and English, privately to local youth.
  • Maintained a community library and learning center (with plans for expansion into a bigger space).
  • Hosted drop in guests, providing food and lodging for short stays (accommodating sadhus and others traveling along nearby trekking routes).
  • Hosted aspiring yoga practitioners for transformative sādhana retreats.
2017 March – November
 Undermountain Hospitality, Race Brook Lodge (Sheffield, MA, USA)
Vibe Control: Wellness Facilitator, Web, Social Media & Print Marketing Manager, Photographer, Front Desk Receptionist, Community Farmer, Housekeeper, and Event Maintenance Staff.
  • Taught Hatha Yoga, Prāṇāyāma & Mindfulness Meditation, both for corporate retreats, as well as individuals and small groups of Lodge guests.
  • Further developed and maintained website, Instagram, Facebook, Mailchimp newsletters.
  • Managed Facebook Live streaming of Down County Social Club concerts.
  • Produced weekly print and web advertisements for local newspapers and online magazines.
  • Produced brochures and other marketing materials for soliciting wedding and retreat clients.
  • Produced weekly food and drink special menus for The Stagecoach Tavern, as well as concert posters for The Down County Social Club.
    Photographed rooms and spaces, as well as special events and retreats.
  • Greeted and guided guests; handled online and phone bookings.
    Grew organic vegetables for The Stagecoach Tavern and residential staff.
  • Cleaned and decorated guest rooms and event spaces.
    Set up sound and lighting equipment for weddings, concerts and other events.
2020 February – 2021 February
Cat Kabira Yoga (Bali, Indonesia)
Behind the Scenes: Web, Social Media & Print Marketing Manager, Virtual Assistant.
  • Produced digital and print promotional and student course material for retreats and trainings.
  • Scheduled posts to IG & FB page.
  • Set up virtual yoga studio to begin migrating her trainings to online (in the pandemic rush).
  • Zoom Support during online sessions.
  • Offered advice for and implemented restructuring website.
  • Copy edited website content.
  • Re-Organized categories and tags as well as adding SEO to older content on her website.
  • Added meta data to videos on her YouTube page.
2025 – Omega Institute, Staff and R&R Classes:
  • Karma Yoga within a Toxic Capitalist Society (part I & II) – Sharing stories and insights gleaned from 12+ years of seva in Indian ashrams, while citing and explaining various slokas from the Bhagavad Gita regarding true Karma Yoga.
  • The Soul’s Circular Journey through the Chakras, as explained to me by a Nath Yogi I met in Pashupatinath Mandir in Kathmandu, Nepal – Explaining the developmental stages of a human: from the moment the soul enters the body, drops down through the chakras through adolescence, and the effort it takes to bring that energy back up and eventually out through the top of the head where the soul initially entered.
  • The Predicament of Cultural Appropriation within the Spiritual Industrial Complex and how we can do better
 
2025 – Rainbow Mountain Festival (all India LGBTQIA retreat)
  • Deconstructing & Decolonizing the Gender Binary: and interactive group processing session
  • Queering Yoga: a Haṭha Tantra and Trauma informed approach, going beyond pronouns and brave spaces.
 
2024 – Omega Institute, Staff and R&R Classes:
  • Sacred Language Series – basic Sanskrit & Hindi: Devanagari (script) and International Academic Standard of English Transliteration
  • Karma Yoga within a Toxic Capitalist Society – sharing stories and insights gleaned from 12+ years of seva in Indian ashrams.
  • From Pratyāhār to Meditation: Digital Minimalism for the Modern Sadhak – Working towards citta vṛtti nirodhaḥ, settling the thoughts swirling in our minds, while living in the world bombarding us with impressions.
  • The Soul’s Circular Journey through the Chakras, as explained to me by a Nath Yogi I met in Pashupatinath Mandir in Kathmandu, Nepal – Explaining the developmental stages of a human: from the moment the soul enters the body, drops down through the chakras through adolescence, and the effort it takes to bring that energy back up and eventually out through the top of the head where the soul initially entered.
  • The Predicament of Cultural Appropriation within the Spiritual Industrial Complex and how we can do better as well-meaning white folks.
  • Queering Yoga: a Haṭha Tantra and Trauma informed approach, going beyond pronouns and brave spaces.
  • DJ / Electronic Music Production – Create Remixes, Mash-ups, & your own original tracks in Ableton Live and learn to live mix DJ sets in DJayPro
 
2023 – Skill in Action 75 hour online course, guest presenter
  •  Ardhanārishwar, Swara Yoga & Queering Yoga
 
2019 – Shakti Panel at the Rishikesh International Film Festival (Rishikesh, India)
  • Shakti, Feminism Rising and Gender Identity with in the context of Ardhanārīśvar
 
2018 – Goddess Panel at the Rishikesh International Film Festival (Rishikesh, India)
  • Ardhanārīśvar & Queering Yoga: Stories of Gender Equality and Feminism within Ashram Life

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

2023
 (2hr) Creating Safer Spaces: Trans Inclusion in Yoga and Beyond, with Tristan Katz via Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health (Online – USA)
 
 (75hr / Sept. 2022 – April 2023) Skill in Action Continuing Education Program radicalizing wellness spaces through the intersection of yoga and social justice, with Michelle C. Johnson Skill in Action (Online – USA)
2020
 (2hr) Expand & Affirm: Creating Space for Trans Wellness with Marc Settembrino, M Camellia, Daniel Sannito, Rebby Kern, and Puja Titchkosky (Prince Puja) via Trans yoga Project (Online – USA)
 
 (8hr) Dismantling Racism Training with Michelle C. Johnson, Skill in Action (Online – USA)
 
 (2hr) Your Movement Science is Racist Panel Discussion hosted by Jesal Parikh (Online – USA)
 
 (2hr) Elemental Actions Against Appropriaion with Susanna Barkataki via Off the Mat and into the World (Online – USA)
 
 (2hr) Decentering Whiteness from Wellness Panel Discussion hosted by Dianne Bondy (Online – USA)
 
 (6hr) The Yoga of Anti- Racism with Alicia Carlson & Verushka Gray via United We Om (Online – USA)
 
 (20hr) Race, Cultural Appropriation & Integrity with Kallie Schut, Rebel YogaTribe (Online – London, UK)
2018
 (3 day) Waking Up Weekend – Graduate Intensive Training, via Institute of Self Actualization (Denver, USA)
 
 (3 day) Waking Up Weekend, via Institute of Self Actualization (Denver, USA)
2011
 (3 day) Need for Social Transformation, a Practical Approach, via Gandhi Smriti (Jammu & Kashmir, India)
2025-2026
 (80hr) Become a Curriculum and Instructional Designer with Ali Parrish, via Teacher Transition (Online – USA)
2023
 (9hr) The Alchemy of Facilitation with Michelle C. Johnson, Tristan Katz, Stephanie Ghoston Paul, Rebby Kern and May Nicholson via Skill in Action (Online – USA)
2020
 (2hr) Skill in Action Workshop for Studio Staff with Michelle C. Johnson, Skill in Action (Online – USA)
 
 (6hr) The Proven Framework for Teaching Yoga Online, with Kelly McHugh, Digital Yoga Academy (Online – London, UK)
2010
(10 day) Practical Math Teaching Methodologies, Ashram Paryavaran Vidyalaya (Devprayag, India)
2020
 (200hr) Classical Ayurveda, Teacher Assistant with Dr. Alaknanda Puri, YogAnga Retreat at Santosh Puri Ashram (Haridwar, India)
2018
 (2 day) Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher Training, with Anneke Lucas, founder of Liberation Prision Yoga, (New York City, USA)
 
 (100hr) Classical Kundalini Teacher Training with Yogrishi Visvketu via Akhanda Yoga, (Rishikesh, India)
 
 (200hr) Classical Ayurveda, with Dr. Alaknanda Puri, YogAnga Retreat at Santosh Puri Ashram (Haridwar, India)
 
 (100hr) Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra, & Craniosacral Therapy Teacher Training with Cat Kabira (Costa Rica)
2015
 (200hour Yoga Alliance Accredited, 1 month) Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training with Mandakini Puri via YogAnga Retreat at Santosh Puri Ashram (Haridwar, India)
2014
 (500hour 3 months) Hatha Yoga Teacher Training with Ganga Puri, Mandakini Puri & Alaknanda Puri via YogAnga Retreat at Santosh Puri Ashram (Haridwar, India)
2025
 (8 Day) Satipathana Vipassana (2nd level) Meditation Course as taught by S.N. Goenka | www.dhamma.org (Dehradun, India) – SAT
2023
 (10 Day) Vipassana Meditation Course as taught by S.N. Goenka www.dhamma.org (Saranath, India) – SERVED
2022
 (10 Day) Vipassana Meditation Course as taught by S.N. Goenka www.dhamma.org (Surkhet, Nepal) – SAT
2017
 (10 day) Vipassana Meditation Course as taught by S.N. Goenka www.dhamma.org (Hiroshpur, India) – SAT
2015
 (8 day) Satipathana Vipassana (2nd level) Meditation Course as taught by S.N. Goenka www.dhamma.org (Dehradun, India) – SAT
2013
 (10 day) Vipassana Meditation Course as taught by S.N. Goenka www.dhamma.org (Dehradun, India) – SERVED (the entire month of October: two 10 day courses and one 3 day course)
 
 (10 day) Vipassana Meditation Course as taught by S.N. Goenka www.dhamma.org (Dehradun, India) – SAT
2012
 (10 day) Vipassana Meditation Course as taught by S.N. Goenka www.dhamma.org (Dharamshala, India) – SAT
2010
 (10 day) Vipassana Meditation Course as taught by S.N. Goenka www.dhamma.org(Dehradun, India) – SAT
2024
 (5 Day) Biodiversity, Traditional Knowledge & the Rights of Mother Nature, with Vandana Shiva via Omega Institute for Holistic Studies (Rhinebeck, USA)
 
 (21 Day) Outdoor Educator / Trip Leader India Course Backpacking / Treking / Camping / Backgrountry living skills, includuing: Leave No Trace Ethics, Map-Compass-GPS Navigation, Risk Management, Teaching Methodologies. via NOLS – National Outdoor Leadership School / Nanda Devi Outdoor Leadership School (Uttarakhand, India)
 
 (3 Day) Wilderness First Aid with via NOLS – National Outdoor Leadership School / Nanda Devi Outdoor Leadership School (Uttarakhand, India)
2024
 NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School / Nandadevi Leadership School) (Uttarakhand, India)
Outdoor Educator Outdoor Educator / Trip Leader India Course: Backpacking / Treking / Camping /
trekked – approximately 92 KM with a 6700 m Elevation Gains – over the course of 15 days
2022
 Taptkund Mahadev Mandir > Jhuni / Saudhara (Saryodam / Sarmool) Pilgrimage Trek (Uttarakhand, India)
trekked – approximately 17 KM with a 686 m Elevation Gain up to 1994m Altitude
2015
 Gangotri > Gaumukh Pilgrimage Trek (Uttarakhand, India)
trekked – approximately 18 KM with a 953 m Elevation Gain
 
 Taptkund Mahadev Mandir > Jhuni / Saudhara (Saryodam / Sarmool) Pilgrimage Trek (Uttarakhand, India)
trekked – approximately 17 KM with a 686 m Elevation Gain up to 1994m Altitude
 
 Shri Tungnath Temple, Panch Kedar Pilgrimage Trek (Uttarakhand, India)
trekked – approximately 3.2 KM with a 572 m Elevation Gain – up to 3465m Altitude
2012
 Badrinath > Vasudhara Falls Pilgrimage Trek (Uttarakhand, India)
trekked – approximately 8.8 KM with a 686 m Elevation Gain up to 3768m Altitude
2010
 Yamunotri Pilgrimage Trek (Uttarakhand, India)
trekked from Janki Chatti – approximately 5.2 KM with a 726 m Elevation Gain
2004
 Yamunotri Pilgrimage Trek (Uttarakhand, India)
trekked from Janki Chatti – approximately 5.2 KM with a 726 m Elevation Gain
2001
 Rishikesh > Gaumukh Glacier Pilgrimage Trek (Uttarakhand, India)
trekked – approximately 250+ KM with a 7,796 m Elevation Gain
1997-2000
 Appalachian Mountain Club (New English Area – USA)
Outdoor Educator for inner-city underserved youth in the Boston area, exploring the Appalachian Trail, White Mountains and
  • Wilderness First Responder
  • winter camping / trekking
  • canoe camping
2021
 (15hr) Digital Allyship Intensive with Monica Cadena, the people’s digital strategist (Online – USA)
2020
 (5hr) Pathways to Sustainable Course Production with Monica Cadena and Sarah Lipsett via Off the Mat and into the World (Online – USA)
2018
 (16 week) Elephant Academy: Mindful Social Media and Journalism Apprenticeship, via elephantJournal (Boulder, USA)
2009
 Proposal Budgeting Workshop, Foundation Center (New York City, USA)
 
 New Museum Development Workshop for Teachers, New Museum (New York City, USA)
2008
 Web 2.0 Activist Case Studies, Not An Alternative (New York City)
 
 Youth Views Teacher Training, Media Rights Watch, Paley Center for Media & POV (New York City, USA)
 
 New Museum Development Workshop for Teachers, New Museum (New York City, USA)

CERTIFICATATIONS

relativelyLocal - Nikol Giri, Nikolji, Nikol, Nicole Jaquis
Boycott Yoga Alliance
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Hours of Yoga Teacher Training Certificates

…and I still refuse to register myself

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SPECIALTIES

Sādhāna:

Traditional seven limbed Hatha Yoga system: Śatkarma (seasonal and daily cleansing and detoxes), āsana (postures), mudrā (gestures for connecting one’s individual prāṇic flow with the universal or cosmic force), pratyāhār (concentration towards removal of disturbance from sensory input), prāṇāyāma (expansion of the breath and prāṇa / vital energy), meditation (uninterrupted blissful flow of prāṇic energy), and ultimate samādhi (complete balance of the mind in all situations); Sūkṣma Vyāyām (subtle pranic exercises); Vipassana Meditation (as taught by S.N. Goenka); Yogic / Sanātan Dharmic / Buddhist Philosophy; Karma Yoga (seva – selfless service towards others, without concern or attachment to the fruits of one’s labor); Svadhāya (independent study and introspective study of the self).

Pedagogy:

Holistic Curriculum Development for co-learners of all ages, including Mindful Media Literacy. Authored Yoga Teacher Training Manuals (Hatha Yoga, Therapeutic Yoga, Sūkṣma Vyāyām, Ayurveda, Marmas, and Beginner’s Sanskrit). 

Creative Multimedia:

Camera (video and still photography); Sound Recording / Mixing, Music Production & Sound Design (Ableton Live); Video Editing (Final Cut Pro Studio & Adobe Premiere); Web & Social Media (CSS, HTML, XML, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Mailchimp, WordPress set up and Theme Tweaks, SEO); Photo Retouching / Brochure, Book and Magazine Layout / Graphic & Print Design (Adobe CC Photoshop & InDesign)

– consulting, guiding and teaching all of the above

LANGUAGES:

• simultaneous translation in the field • subtitling for video • typing Hindi, Sanskrit and IAST English Transliteration • creating bi-lingual content for education materials

0
Native English
0
Hindi Fluent
0
Sanskrit Studying
0
Spanish Familiar

Courses Taught

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    From Pratyāhār to Meditation: Digital Minimalism for the Modern Sadhak

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    2 Hours
    All levels
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    Working towards citta vṛtti nirodhaḥ, settling the thoughts swirling in our minds, while living in the world bombarding us with impressions.

    Free
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    Karma Yoga within a Toxic Capitalist Society

    Featured
    2 Hours
    All levels
    0 Lessons
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    0 Students

    sharing stories and insights gleaned from 12+ years of seva in Indian ashrams.

    Free
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    Queering Yoga

    Featured
    2 Hours
    All levels
    0 Lessons
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    0 Students

    an Ardhanārīśvar Inspired Sadhana: a Haṭha Tantra & Trauma informed approach, going beyond pronouns and brave spaces.

    Free
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    The Predicament of Cultural Appropriation within the Spiritual Industrial Complex

    Featured
    2 Hours
    All levels
    0 Lessons
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    and how we can do better as well-meaning white folks. Staff Class – recorded September 24, 2024 – Mulberry, Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, New York, USA  While my yoga journey has been decades, in 2018 I began witnessing on social media what I called "The Desi Diaspora Angry Yoga Teacher Uprising". South Asian yoga teachers throughout North America, Europe, etc. were organizing and sharing all the cringy moments they had experienced in white bodied led and filled commercial yoga spaces.                 Allow me to explain... and get ready to get uncomfortable...

    Free
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    The Soul’s Circular Journey through the Chakras

    Featured
    2 Hours
    All levels
    0 Lessons
    0 Quizzes
    1 Student

    The Soul’s Circular Journey through the Chakras as explained to me by a Nath Yogi (Isha Nath) I met in Pashupatinath Mandir in Kathmandu, Nepal. Staff and R&R Class - recordings: August 12, 2025 - Ram Das Library, Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, New York, USA August 6, 2024 - Ram Das Library, Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, New York, USA I share the developmental stages of a human: from the moment the soul enters the body, drops down through the chakras through adolescence, and the effort it takes to bring that energy back up and eventually out through the top of the head where the soul initially entered.

    Free
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PORTFOLIO

Endeavors...

sorted by:
Coffee with Nikol - Uma Giri Kutir at Taptkund Mahadev Mandir https://www.youtube.com/@Himalayanroutes02
Coffee with Nikol – Uma Giri Kutir at Taptkund Mahadev Mandir
4 days ago 16Views
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A YouTube video Raju shot and edited in 2024, while hanging around where I was living at Uma Giri’s Kutir at Taptkund Mahadev Mandir, in Sailing Village, District Bageshwar, Uttarakhand India. We make coffee, discuss life and my journey from NYC to Taptkund.
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relativelylocal - nikol, nicole jaquis, Himalayan Sadhana School Retreats - trekking in Himalayas, waterfall, Jhuni hemp charas hash village, Kumaon, sahastradhara,
Russian Guests vlog: trekking in Himalayas with Nicole Jaquis to Jhuni hemp village
December 8, 2022 3171Views
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Trekking to the village Jhuni in Kumaoni Himalayas (Uttarakhand) with Nikol Giri (Nicole Jaquis) and Tara Giri, documented by Russian YouTubers on their first trek in India.
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uttarakhand mom studio interview with Nikol Giri (nicole jaquis) - relativelyLocal in the media and press. Uma Giri Kutir at Taptkund Mahadev Mandir, Saling village, Himalayas, Kumaon, Bageshwar District, Uttarakhand, North India
Uttarakhand Mom Studio vlog: Nikol Giri interview at Taptkund
June 11, 2022 3242Views
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Slowly Slowly word has gotten around that there is a videshi (foreigner), who stays and takes care of this mandir property. So having heard about me, people travel here to meet me; occasionally YouTubers ask for an interview. Here is one from “Uttarakhand Mom Studio”
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2020 – Production Assistant: Google Maps Local Guide Video
March 8, 2020 1235Views
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An inspiring International Women’s Day story within Patriarchal India. As a Bi-Lingual (Hindi/English) Production Assistant, I joined an all female crew to shoot the Vapi Local Guide Putting Women-Owned Businesses on the Map. Meet the Local Guide Putting Women-Owned Businesses on the Map Shot the last weekend in January 2020;…
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relativelylocal media production, asha devi nirbhaya rape case verdict new delhi, ajplus, nicole jaquis
2020 – Production Assistant: India – AJplus – Nirbhaya Rape Case Verdict
January 18, 2020 1176Views
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Nirbhaya Rape Case Verdict on location in New Delhi, India The execution of four men convicted of gang raping a young woman in India in 2012 has been delayed indefinitely.⁣ ⁣The nation has been demanding greater protections against sexual violence. But has India become a safer place for women?⁣ ⁣ #Nirbhaya #India #Women…
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relativelylocal.com - Samuel og Bestefar
2019 – Fixer / Translator: Varanasi, India – Samuel og Bestefar
October 5, 2019 1185Views
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Samuel og Bestefar, Sesong 2 (Samuel and Granddad, Season 2) on location in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India Program manager and adventurer Samuel Massie has the world’s best friend in his own grandfather. Now that his grandfather is 82, Samuel wants to challenge his comfort zone and take him on a…
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Nicole Jaquis - padmasana - lotus - race brook lodge barn - relativelyLocal relativelyLocal - nicole jaquis - Himalayan Sadhana School - yoga in the modern world - holistic wellness consulting, sadhana guidance, my sadhana story, my yoga journey, non-binary yoga teacher
experience
July 3, 2019 4359Views
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12 years of Juna Akhara media-seva: 2004-2016 Ascetics with Cameras provided multimedia services, tools and training to Shiva's Army – the sadhus & sadhvis of Juna Akhara from 2004 - 2016. It was our mission to, not only provide multimedia tools to document and preserve the living-histories of these followers…
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2015 shiva shankara by sacr3d - production lead / fixer - nicole jaquis
production lead / fixer: music video – Shiva Shankara | Sacr3d Feat. Raamayan
October 16, 2015 1169Views
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Shiva Shankara 2015 – production lead / fixer for a Desi-Canadian crew, producing a music video throughout the lanes and ghats of Varanasi.
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Naga Rasta
production lead / fixer: music video – Naga Rasta | Sacr3d Feat. Raamayan
October 6, 2015 1411Views
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2015 - production lead / fixer: - music video – Naga Rasta | Sacr3d Feat. Raamayan on location in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India How I was involved... • scouted locations • arranged transportation and accommodations • secured extras / talent (including Hindi-English translation) • secured props / costumes
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SNC
Space for Nurturing Creativity, Shyamavan
August 3, 2012 2041Views
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Nicole Jaquis was a resident teacher and development coordinator at Space for Nurturing Creativity, in the Kedarnath Valley of the Garhwal Himalayas, between 2011-2013. She still assists remotely and occasionally visits, as she considers this one of the best places for sadhana.
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APV school - apvschool.org logo
Ashram Paryavaran Vidyalaya aka APV School
May 3, 2011 2839Views
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I spent nearly six months as a curriculum and outreach developer at Ashram Paryavaran Vidyalaya (Ashram Environmental School), a model school and teacher training center that provides holistic, mindful and education for children in the surrounding villages of Anjanisain (Near Devprayag) in Pauri District, Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. The…
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Kumaré
2010 – Field Coordinator: India – Docu-Film – Kumare
March 13, 2010 1238Views
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Kumaré on location in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India A documentary about a man who impersonates a wise Indian Guru and builds a following in Arizona. At the height of his popularity, the Guru Kumaré must reveal his true identity to his disciples and unveil his greatest teaching of all. Kumare <iframe…
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RECYouth
January 3, 2010 1093Views
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Three years facilitating multimedia production programs via NYC Parks & Recreation, empowering teens and young adults to express themselves and share stories that matter to them and their communities.
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computer resource centers NYC Parks & Rec
2005 – 2010 – NYC Parks & Recreation, Computer Resource Centers
January 1, 2010 810Views
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Multimedia Educator and Facility Coordinator I spent five years facilitating multimedia production and general computer education programs for children, teens, young adults, adults and seniors via NYC Parks & Recreation. Computer Resource Center (CRC)/ (now called) Media Education Programs are found in 32 recreation centers throughout the five boroughs. Over…
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City Park Foundation, Hook Productions, Red Hook Recreation Center
Hook Productions
August 1, 2007 1298Views
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Hook Productions was the pilot RECYouth program based out of the Red Hook Recreation Center, for which I was the video teacher along side an electronic music teacher from July 2005 - Dec 2006. After another trip to India I returned as a Web Development consultant in 2007. CityParks Productions…
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Bridging East & West, Maha kumbh Mela, Take Me to the River, Sangam, Allahabad, Prayagraj, India, relativelylocal.com nicole jaquis
2001 – Associate Producer: India – Docu-Film – Take Me to the River
May 18, 2004 1210Views
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Take Me to the River shot on location in Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh, India A documentary about the largest gathering in the history of the world, the Maha Kumbh Mela. Occurring in four overlapping twelve year cycles in four different locations (Allahabad, Ujjain, Haridwar, and Nasik), the Kumbh Mela is…
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WHAT FOLKS HAVE TO SAY...

I had the honor and privilege of being mentored by Nikol at Santosh Puri Ashram in India and on several guided trips in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains.

At the ashram Nikol was insightful, extremely helpful, and thought provoking in her questions and spiritual guidance.  Nikol is a true mentor that doesn’t tell you how to think, but gives you the tools to
think for yourself.  I know if it wasn’t for her, my stay at the ashram would have been nowhere near as impactful and valuable to me.

On our trips, Nikol planned our locations, transportation and places to stay.  She always offered multiple options for destinations and things to do. She spoke Hindi to the locals, which was incredibly important.  Every trip she planned and guided for me was better than the last!  Nikol was gracious at moving at my pace, an amazing photographer, and a wonderful spiritual guide.

I would recommend Nikol for any position that she chooses to pursue.  She is organized, passionate, hard working and a beautiful soul to be around.  She has forever made an impression on me and my way of thinking.  Any company would be lucky to have such an amazing woman on their staff!

Adrienne Reed

Adrienne Reed

Former Yoga Teacher and Studio Owner, Florida USA

We were traveling to India to make a Norwegian TVShow, Samuel og Bestefar, Sesong 2 (Samuel and Granddad, Season 2). We had heard great things about Nicole and chose her to help us around, as the fixer. This was the best choice! She really put her heart and soul into helping us makeing the best show possible. She spoke Hindi as a local, knew her way around everywhere and was always super flexible and always on the offering side. As a TV production plans often change, she was flexible and innovative, several times helping us find a better solution on the fly.

And the best thing, she is a wonderful soul who really makes you experience the best of India if you want to.

Samuel Massie

Samuel Massie

TV Ccreator and Host, TV2 NORWAY

I had a beautiful journey traveling through the sacred mystical land of India with Nicole. Together we visited Haridwar, Allahabad and Varanasi and attended the 2019 Kumbh Mela Ritual Gathering.

I am a citizen of the world, born in Canada to a South American father and a mother from the Dutch West Indies, by age 7 I had already traveled to 10 countries but have never before had the opportunity of traveling with a guide. Nicole is the ideal guide for the experienced traveler like myself who is seeking a deeper understanding of the culture and spirituality of this very powerful land. So, It was a privilege to experience the magic of India through the lense of Nicole’s 18 years of living experience and fluent Hindi which allowed me to discover subtle nuances and hidden treasures I would never have found on my own. 

Nicole is also a committed yogi in her own right and a spiritually grounded inspirational presence who is also capable of holding space for the inevitable internal awakening that India activated within one’s soul. Her knowledge of both the East and the West creates a sacred bridge for your consciousness to walk across on your own journey to spiritual and mental realization.

Thank you Nicole for sharing your sacred work and presence with the me and shining your light in the world. I encourage anyone considering a journey to India to do so under your intuitive and sacred guidance. Om Namo Narayan

Jaguar Womban (La Vonne Natasha Caesar)

Jaguar Womban (La Vonne Natasha Caesar)

Jaguar Womban is a multidimensional healing artist, Medicine Womban and Visionary Mother of The WOMBNation - based in Oaxaca, Mexico

Shall we collab’?

We thrive when we work together. Send me a message to see what’s possible.

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