Ananda Team
In a Partnership with Yama Yoga Studios
At Ananda Yoga & Detox, our team is more than just a group of professionals – they are passionate individuals dedicated to creating an environment where transformation thrives. Each team member brings their expertise, warmth, and unique approach to wellness, ensuring that every guest feels supported, nurtured, and empowered.
Together, we strive to make your experience at Ananda a journey of self-discovery, healing, and holistic growth.
Valerie Jeremijenko
Director/Lead Yoga Teacher
Australian-born Valerie Jeremijenko (ERYT 500) is a seasoned educator, entrepreneur, and yoga teacher with over 35 years of yoga teaching experience in addition to extensive teaching, and program development experience across other multiple disciplines. She was a pioneer in the Middle East, founding Yama Yoga Studios in Qatar—one of the first yoga studios in the region—which thrived for over 15 years with multiple branches. Her background includes a strong foundation in creative writing, in which she holds both an MFA and a PhD. She has also worked extensively in dance education, production management, and non-profit leadership, consistently fostering the holistic development of students. Despite her impressive ventures in education and the arts her first love has always been yoga . . .
Arina Ormenisan
Detox Coordinator
Ari strongly believes that health is our birthright and the body knows exactly how to restore it when we get out of its way and create the right environment for healing.
She has done prolonged water and juice fasting and, shortly after seeing the impact of fasting on her body, she enrolled in a mentorship programme by the Hippocrates Health Institute based in Florida to learn the science behind detoxifying the body. She applied everything that she learnt about holistic healing and optimal nutrition and managed to reverse her health issues. She decided she wanted to teach others about wellbeing practices such as grounding, breath work, fasting, exercise, yoga, food combining, raw living food, nature’s role in our health and the impact that modern practices……
Somvadee Praspair
Operations Manager
Originally from Koh Phangan, Somvadee, affectionally known as So, brings a wealth of local knowledge and extensive experience in operations management to her role at Ananda Yoga and Detox Center. Her expertise encompasses overseeing the day-to-day functions of the resort, ensuring seamless coordination across departments, and maintaining strong relationships with local Thai partners and authorities. In addition, she manages our beachside restaurant, The Shell Lounge, where she also serves as head chef, curating a menu that reflects local flavors and detox friendly international foods. Her leadership and dedication are key to delivering exceptional service and unforgettable experiences for our visitors.