Our Students

For much of my life, I have sought meaning beyond the tangible, searching for a deeper connection with the universe and my own existence. A quote by Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, "People are asleep; when they die, they will wake up," resonated deeply with me, illuminating the reality that many live without full awareness of their purpose. This realization set me on a journey of awakening—one that has been challenging, transformative, and profoundly fulfilling.

My journey into spirituality has not been a linear path, but rather an unfolding of experiences, struggles, and revelations. Moving to the United States was a pivotal moment in my life. Leaving behind stability, familiarity, and comfort, I found myself immersed in uncertainty. The turbulence of this transition was initially disorienting, but I gradually recognized it as a necessary catalyst for growth. Challenges, I learned, are not barriers but invitations to deeper self-awareness and alignment with my soul’s path.

The Spirituality, Mind, and Body (SMB) program at Teachers College emerged as a beacon during this period of existential questioning. As I explored graduate programs, I was drawn to SMB with a sense of certainty I had never felt before. Writing my statement of purpose felt effortless, as if guided by an unseen force. I knew in my core that this was where I belonged. This program was not just an academic pursuit; it was a continuation of my spiritual journey, a sacred space where I could explore the intricate connections between spirituality, psychology, and personal transformation.

Proper name pronunciation: HASH-EM

Best wishes,

Hashem Alawami

Amy Angelo is a professional astrologer, teacher, and entrepreneur dedicated to inspiring individuals to align with their soul’s deeper calling. A healer at heart, she is passionate about one-on-one connections, creating spaces of visibility and empowerment for those she serves. 

She hosts astrology events for corporations, fostering connection and celebrating diversity in NYC and beyond. Alongside her work in astrology, Amy is an experienced web designer (M.A. Web Design and Online Communications, University of Florida) consulting with spiritual entrepreneurs, artists, and small business owners to build a strong online presence.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Amy enjoys traveling, exploring sacred sites, walking labyrinths, communing with nature, sculpting with clay, practicing breathwork and Kundalini yoga, and swimming in the sea.

Connect with her at amy@amy-angelo.com and amy-angelo.com

Born in Oklahoma and raised in Indonesia, Jihan Basyah has long been drawn to the intersections of nature, culture, and spirituality. Her lived experience with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and the ongoing challenges of chronic hormonal imbalance sparked a deep curiosity about the body’s wisdom and a recognition that healing extends far beyond the confines of Western medicine. Her work is rooted in the central question: how does our relationship with land mirror our relationship with self? As we come to know ourselves more fully, she believes, we deepen our capacity to know and care for the communities around us.

Jihan is currently a graduate student at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she is part of the 2024–2025 Spirituality Mind Body Institute (SMBI) cohort and the Marketing & Communications Lead at the school's Coaching Club. Her studies explore how spirituality serves as a cornerstone in personal and collective healing journeys. She holds a Health Coaching Certificate from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and currently serves as Lead Steward at Othership, a wellness sanctuary in NYC offering immersive sauna and ice bath experiences paired with guided breathwork and emotional regulation practices.

Passionate about returning to her roots, Jihan plans to complete a yoga teacher training in her ancestral homeland of Indonesia—further weaving together tradition, embodiment, and healing as a way of life.

Leenor Benshalom is a divine expression of source consciousness; as are you. Although you may be more familiar with the term god, universe, higher power, and so on. Leenor believes that we are each individual rays of the same sun, the same source, as is suggested in certain kabbalistic texts. In this way, we are all intrinsically connected to a divine intelligence that lives within and around us, and to each other. Understanding that we each have this knowledge within our DNA waiting to be awakened, Leenor intends to guide as many as possible toward this
self-remembrance.

As a Los Angeles-based frequency facilitator, Leenor implements different variations of breathwork, meditation, and the use of crystal singing bowls to create an immersive experience allowing space for participants to enter a receptive and calming brain wave state. By shifting one's inner state and moving around stagnant energy, a change in awareness and a rising of one's level of consciousness occurs, oftentimes allowing for external shifts to follow.
Currently enrolled as a student in the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University, Leenor is dedicated to continuous learning and exploration of methods that leverage our breath, bodies, and mindfulness as portals to living healthier, more fulfilling, and authentic lives. Regardless of her future endeavors and destinations, her overarching aspiration remains rooted in leading a heart-centered existence characterized by
alignment, presence, and synchronicity.

Pablo was born and raised in Mexico City and holds a B.S. in Economics from ITAM. His professional experiences include roles in real estate, investment banking, artificial intelligence, and most recently, telecom.

Deeply concerned about the challenges that Mexico faces, such as inequality, gang violence, femicide, and pervasive machismo, Pablo is committed to finding ways to solve Mexico's most pressing issues. Convinced that these societal problems are exacerbated by the lack of adequate mental health and emotional well-being services, his goal is to provide comprehensive mental health support to Latin America.

Pablo aspires to empower the next generation to thrive emotionally and mentally, paving the way for a brighter and more equitable future for Latin America.

Nasimeh B.E. is a celebrated facilitator, coach, and artist with over a decade of experience crafting transformative programs that weave together creativity, embodiment, and mental health. Drawing on her background in the arts, somatics, and coaching, Nasimeh creates spaces that empower individuals and groups to connect, heal – and flourish.

Her work has been showcased in spaces as diverse as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Buzzfeed, UpWorthy, and the Disney Channel. Her viral videos have reached millions, and her daily illustrations bring joy to a growing online community.

As a certified yoga teacher (RYT 200), trained life coach, and current master’s candidate at Columbia University, Nasimeh brings a deeply integrative approach to her practice. Whether leading workshops, creating transformative art, or offering one-on-one coaching, she invites everyone to embrace their inner worlds with courage and care.

Follow her online: @NasimehBE

One night in 2020, spirituality knocked on Zhen’s door. Though it took him two years to recognize this special visitor, his life transformed profoundly. Embracing this spiritual call with open curiosity, Zhen wholeheartedly welcomed the guest in. Everything outward stayed the same, yet everything inward changed drastically. He came back to the present with a calming heart. Zhen is a proud alumnus of the University of Rochester 2024 cohort, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Business. Graduating Summa Cum Laude with the highest distinction in Psychology, he was also inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Enriched by the vibrant U of R dance community, Zhen has delved into various spiritual practices, including meditation, yoga, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and continuum movements. As a dedicated long-term meditator, mindfulness is a way of living for Zhen. With mindful intention, every moment turns into a meditation practice. Inspired by the teachings of Buddha, he embraces loving-kindness, acceptance, and impermanence of life as guiding principles. On his lifelong journey towards oneness, Zhen navigates the path of healing with a heart open to joy, pain, love, and suffering. He aspires to share the exhilarating wisdom of awakening with the larger world.

Kristen Magnatta works for the Division of Narrative Medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center where she currently coordinates and hosts division events and contributes to research. She graduated magna cum laude from Columbia University and Phi Theta Kappa from Bergen Community College, holding an AA and BA in Psychology. Her primary academic interests are psychology and philosophy. While a student at Columbia, Kristen worked as an undergraduate Research Assistant in the Columbia Couples Lab conducting interviews with study participants. She also volunteered as a Peer Mentor, providing support to new students as they acclimated to the Columbia community.

Kristen has prior professional experience in the field of early education. She spent six years teaching preschool and directing a Summer Day Camp program in New Jersey. Kristen enjoys serving her local community and has engaged in volunteerism with different populations spanning from kindergarten classrooms to veteran organizations. Outside of her profession and studies, you can find Kristen spending time in nature: visiting parks, or on the beach. Additionally, Kristen has interests in music, art, photography, and cherishes spending time with her family and friends.

Kristen is enthusiastic about integrating her academic interests with her professional and life experiences as she embarks on the next step in her academic journey. She is passionate about mental health and interested in exploring wellness practices and helping others learn how to cultivate hope. Kristen is also eager to learn how SMB approaches can be applied in clinical settings and to explore different therapeutic modalities.

Morgen Joy Sherwood, M.A., is a student of spiritual psychology at Columbia University. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from The New School for Social Research and a Bachelor’s degree in Film & Media from The New School in NYC.

A creative at heart, Morgen trained as a film and television actress at Stella Adler Studio of Acting and as a dancer in styles such as modern, jazz, contemporary ballet, and ballroom. She has since worked on various film projects and Broadway productions, both as a creative executive and as talent.

Morgen aims to bring her artistic vision into academia. She is a published author in psychology and a former member of the Center for Attachment Research, where she led her own research on romantic attachment and gender-based differences in emotion. She earned certification in adult attachment and reflective functioning through the Anna Freud Centre in London and also collaborated with the global NGO War Child in Holland, designing an intervention to support the mental health of refugee children in Uganda.

Through her work at the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Columbia University, Morgen is committed to integrating scientifically-validated therapeutic techniques with spirituality, art, and post-materialist thought. She challenges conventional clinical models, advocating for a more intuitive, heart-centered approach that embraces the complexity of the human experience.

Taraneh Tajdini is an Iranian-American multidisciplinary artist, photographer, and cultural collager whose work lives at the intersection of spirituality, cultural memory, and artistic expression. With a background in set design, storytelling, and visual media, Taraneh uses her creative practice to explore how meaning is made—individually and collectively—through art, ritual, and heritage.

She joined the Spirituality Mind Body program to gain deeper insight into how her innate spirituality—shaped by her Iranian culture—has served as a protective factor against depression and anxiety throughout her life. From the music and poetry to the ingredients in Iranian cuisine, she believes everything holds metaphorical significance and plays a vital role in the meaning-making process essential to human flourishing. Taraneh is passionate about bringing these values to those who weren’t raised with the same cultural frameworks, translating the essence of spiritually rooted traditions into accessible, resonant forms.

With this academic foundation, she is now building Poshti, a creative wellness agency that supports the emotional and spiritual well-being of artists. Her goal is to integrate spiritual wellness into spaces that often overlook it—especially within the music industry—so that creatives are supported not only in their work, but in their inner worlds as well.

Her photography project Iran on Film serves as a living archive of the country’s poetic spirit, capturing quiet, symbolic moments on analog film that offer a timestamp for a place many in the diaspora cannot currently return to. Through both her visual work and social media presence, Taraneh bridges cultures and generations—inviting others into deeper reflection, connection, and remembrance.

Connect with Taraneh at taratajdini@gmail.com.

Driven by a deep commitment to improving the human experience, Kris is passionate about designing collaborative systems rooted in authenticity, transparency, and love. With a degree in Strategic Design and Management from Parsons School of Design, she approaches challenges with an acute awareness of both individual and collective needs, prioritizing emotional and spiritual well-being over material pursuits.

Kris’s journey was profoundly shaped by her experiences in the hospitality industry, where she witnessed firsthand the toxicity and exploitation embedded in many work environments. In response, she co-owned and operated a neighborhood restaurant in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn for nearly a decade, fostering a space built on community and care. The onset of COVID-19 sparked a period of deep self-inquiry, leading her to reconnect with her Higher Self and
critically examine the belief systems shaping her thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Inspired by the groundbreaking work of Peter Levine, Gabor Mate, and Bob Thurman, Kris is drawn to expanding on their insights— particularly the ways in which capitalism’s fixation on material gain and status fuels suffering, disconnecting us from our true nature. She believes these systems keep us trapped in cycles of shame and illusion, with profound consequences
for our well-being.

During her time in the SMB Program, Kris seeks to explore the historical and cultural forces that gave rise to these values, designing interventions that challenge conventional notions of success, wealth, and power. Through this work, she hopes to illuminate our intrinsic interconnectedness and demonstrate that lasting happiness and well-being are found not in external achievements, but within ourselves and our relationships.

Carly is a Toronto native who stumbled upon the SMB program while researching graduate psychology programs but had trouble finding one that resonated with her. With two bachelor's degrees in business and psychology from Western University, she wants to pursue a greater understanding of psychology in her graduate studies. Teacher's College stood out to her because the SMB program focuses on spirituality and views people with compassion instead of regarding them as cases to be studied. She already practices spirituality in her daily routine and is curious to learn more about spirituality with empirical evidence. Currently, she is a research assistant in the Romantic Decisions Lab at Western University, helping to create a new measurement scale for couples' sexual preference compatibility, focusing on the under-studied LGBTQ community. In her free time, she also volunteers as a crisis support line listener at the Canadian Mental Health Association. While the future is unknown, she believes this program will bring her to her greatest calling. One day, she wishes to leverage her business and psychology background to bring spirituality to businesses so they can better understand their consumers' needs. Or she hopes to become a sex therapist!

“When you come alive, you naturally serve the world!”

Zoey is a conscious leadership coach (ICF PCC & CPCC) and cross-cultural marketing strategist who integrates spiritual wisdom with business innovation. Over the past 5 years, She has coached 300+ entrepreneurs and professionals, supporting them to overcome fear and anxiety, and embrace lives filled with love, trust, and hope. 

In her previous role as Marketer, she led the TikTok Shop Learning Center, created the first Live Streaming E-Commerce documentary with Harvard Business Review and produced 600+ courses as well as 50+ CEO lectures at Bytedance. She also launched the PICO 4 launch, one of Asia’s most influential VR campaigns. During her time at Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business, she led entrepreneurship programs for 250+ CEOs (from startups to public companies), achieving 200% growth in 2019-2020 through industry collaboration and coaching.

These journeys as a life coach in the spiritual world and a marketer in the business world have led me to a critical realization: the conventional leadership model, with its narrow focus on profit and growth, often neglects the broader, holistic impacts on employees, customers, communities, and future generations.

With Marketing Master in Germany and Master of Spirituality Mind Body at Columbia University, she also integrates her intercultural and spiritual knowledge in her role as a body-mind-soul influencer for 100,000 followers.

You can connect with Zoey by LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhuoying-zheng/