Dr. Jacques Mabit
Founding President of the Takiwasi Center
Medical Doctor, University of Medicine and Medical Techniques, Nantes (France), Diploma in Tropical Pathology (IMT-Anvers) and Naturopathy (Uni Paris XIII).
After a first experience in Africa in health projects with the Belgian Technical Cooperation and with the “Brothers of Men” association, he arrives to Peru in 1980 to lead the Lampa Hospital (Puno) as head of mission of "Doctors without Borders".
This experience will awake his interest in Peruvian traditional medicine systems and practices, which efficacy is verified by him clinically every day. This orientation is later consolidated (1984-1985) when he assumes other medical missions for NGOs in countries of Asia and Africa. He decides to study these ancestral resources in primal health since 1986, as an associated researcher of the French Institute of Andean Studies (IFEA). Then he went through many years of traditional medical learning in different regions of the Peruvian Amazon.
In 1992, he founded the Takiwasi Center where intercultural medicine is practiced, nurtured by native traditions and modern knowledge. Between 1996 and 2001 he served at the National Institute of Traditional Medicine of Peru as Director of the San Martin region. Because of his research he has been entitled as an honorary member of the Association of Psychologists of Peru, and as an Extraordinary Professor at the Southern Scientific University (Lima). He participates in the board of the Transcultural Psychiatry Department of the Peruvian Psychiatric Association and was elected a Fellow of Ashoka Foundation in recognition of his encouraging work as a "social entrepreneur". He is an honorary member of the Association of Psychologists of Peru (2005), and an associate member of the European Psychoanalyst Association (2014). He has been co-founder (1986), vice president (1986-1989) and president (2012-2016) of the Inter-American Council on Indigenous Spirituality (CISEI). Read more...
Dra. Rosa Giove Nakazawa
Co-founder and Responsible for the Biomedical Monitoring of the patients
Medical Doctor - University Cayetano Heredia (Lima). Post-graduate studies in Epidemiology (Ricardo Palma University), in Health Services Management (Ricardo Palma University) and Natural and Alternative Medicine (Fide Institute). Master’s Degree in Public Health, Epidemiology mention (Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Tarapoto).
She began studying and practicing traditional Amazonian medicines in 1986. She stands out for her important activities and contributions in the socio-medical sphere: former coordinator in the Regional Health Forum of San Martin on the working group "Traditional Medicine and Interculturalism", and in the National Health Forum on "Traditional Medicine"; She has been Dean of the Medical College of the San Martin Region; Directs a Private Medical Centre, "Sagrada Familia", in the city of Tarapoto. She defends the importance and urgency to preserve and integrate traditional medicine into the formal health system with a focus on intercultural respect. She is the author of numerous publications, including the first investigations on the treatment of addicts in the Takiwasi Center and the report of sustenance through which Ayahuasca has been declared Cultural Patrimony of the Nation by the Ministry of Culture of Peru. She has participated in several national and international congresses. Read more...
Fabienne Bâcle
Psychotherapist
French psychotherapist, graduated in specialized education (Lille 1977), Specific training in sexual abuse. Training and accompaniment of people at the end of life (Nantes, 1990), diploma of psychotherapist (School of Psychotherapist, Psychosynthesis, Paris 2000).
She worked in France from 1977 to 2003, in various institutions: adults with disabilities, children and adolescents with personality disorders, accompanying children victims of sexual abuse, psychotherapist in private practice. From 2003 to 2010 she worked as a psychotherapist at the Takiwasi Center, accompanying resident patients with problems of addiction, and accompanying people participating in personal development seminars, while learning the use of traditional Amazonian medicine.
From 2010 to 2014, she worked in Buenos Aires (Argentina) as a psychotherapist at the Runa Wasi center, accompanying people with addiction and other personality disorders, and as a psychotherapist at Fundación Casa Rafael from 2010 to 2012 (www. Casarafael.org), while returning every two months to Takiwasi to support the seminars of personal evolution with the resources of the traditional Amazonian medicine. Since March 2014, she returned to Takiwasi full-time, as a psychotherapist for the resident patients and assistant in the seminars for francophones.
LP David Alejandro Londono V.
Therapeutic Coordinator
Graduate of the University of British Savannah. He is also a bioenergy therapist (Berkana Institute, Bogotá, Colombia) and Qi Gong instructor (KF Men Kai Association, Buenos Aires, Argentina).
Since 2003, he worked as a clinical psychologist in private and public institutions, for family and group therapy. He places himself in perspective of global integration and focuses on person-centered approach and the Jungian approach. He has multiple experiences in various rehabilitation centers for addicts in Colombia, Argentina and Peru. He has been working with master plants and its relationship with psychotherapy for 10 years. He joined Takiwasi’s therapeutic team in 2013 and he is currently the therapeutic coordinator.
LP Veronika Kavenská
Therapeutic Coordinator
Ph.D. in clinical psychology, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic. Degree in psychology, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
Veronika Kavenská is also a Jungian therapist (CSAP partnership, Czech Republic, recognized by AIPA). She includes this approach in clinical practice. Researcher in the field of traditional medicine in Peru and its possible applications in psychotherapy, she wrote a book and several articles on the subject.
LP Uriel J. López Legaria
Psychologist in the therapeutic team
Psychologist by the Iztacala Faculty of Superior Studies of the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
Clinical Thanatologist by the Mexican Association of Tanatology, A.C.; Diploma in Logotherapy by the House of Studies Víktor Frankl, A.C .; Acupuncture and Massage by the Center for Psychological Studies and Care, A.C .; Existential Psychotherapist with training in Group Management by the Circle of Studies in Existential Therapy, A.C .; Specialist in Group Management by COLABORARE, Community in Group Management, S.C .; Workshop and lecturer in topics related to health, self-care, palliative care, tanatology and existential. He has practiced zen meditation according to Rinzai school for 9 years at Zendo Teotihuacan, Mexico.
LP Hugo Fernández Gómez
Psychologist in the therapeutic team
Degree in psychology from the UPV (University of the Basque Country), Spain. Master in clinical psychology (AEPCCC), Postgraduate in Gestalt therapy (Bidean Association, Spain).
Specialization in Gestalt therapy with PGI (Pacific Gestalt Institute, California, USA). Specialization in Gestalt and addictions (association APHIN A.C. Mexico). Teacher in Gestalt therapy training programs. Formed in theater, music, art therapy and psychodrama. As a therapist, his clinical practice is linked to work on drug addiction in community since 2009 in different communities in Spain. His private practice was linked to the clinic performing individual, family, couple and group therapy work. At this moment, he is interested in the articulation of the work of traditional medicine with psychotherapy.
Elbis García Torres
Nurse Technician
Nurse Technician and Empirical Ethno botanist. He is working as an ergo therapist in the Takiwasi Center.
His role is very important to the Center since, in addition to escorting patients in their daily activities, he is also in charge of preparing the purge and diet plants used during the treatment.
LP Guadalupe Arana Saavedra
Psycho Body Workshop
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, University of San Martín de Porres (Lima). Her interest in child and adolescent psychology and in working with children, led her to work as a teacher and tutor.
In the Takiwasi Center she conducts psycho body workshops with music from all over the world. This mind/body technique collaborates with relaxation, “getting in touch” with the body, and the therapeutic surface of repressed emotions.
Percy Pinedo
Social worker
Professor of Physical Education and Ergo therapist in the Takiwasi Center. Make physiotherapy and dance workshops in different institutions and schools.
He worked in the Prevention and Drug and Alcoholism Abuse Project of DEVIDA (2004-2005). Children's entertainer (1999-2011). Physical Education Professor I.E.I. 303 (1999-2009). Professor of Physical Education and Dance IEP "Cristina Garcia Blanco" (2002-2009). Dance Professor in the "Centro del Adulto Mayor" (1997-2011). Physiotherapy Professor (2005-2011). Psychomotor Professor in Kindergarten "My Little World" (2006-2008). He made the Basic and Intermediate Courses of Volleyball Coaches "Seed BCP - The Trade" with the former international coach of the national team of Volleyball. He is also a member of the BCC organization (Bossa Cofee Club) for general events in the city of Tarapoto.
Bruno Pelaez
Ergo therapist
Coordinator of the ergo therapy area at the Takiwasi Center. Provides aikido workshops.
He practices aikido since 2003, degree: Shodan by the Aikikai of Japan; Nidan: Spanish Association of Classic Aikido. He has worked as an educational technician in a semi-open center for children with conduct disorder in Spain. He has been professor of aikido in dojo Sangenkan, Torrejón de Ardoz.
Josué Villanueva
Psychologist in the therapeutic team
Degree in Human Psychology, Alas Peruanas University, Peru. Training in integrative psychotherapy.
Professional with extensive work experience in the private sector, who has been dedicating in recent years to social work in the regional area, in topics related to study, management, organization, training, facilitation of social processes, with emphasis on the productive area and environmental management. Proactive and empathic, aware of the idiosyncrasies of the Amazonian rural population. Currently counts with a degree in human psychology and has been undertaking a training in integrative psychotherapy.
Edgardo Tuanama
Empirical Ethno botanist
Native of the quechua-lamista indigenous community of Santa Cruz, district of San José de Sisa. Assistant healer at the Takiwasi Center. He received a healer's inheritance from his great-grandfather, an indigenous healer, he consolidated it in the community of Chazuta and exercised it since 2010 in the Takiwasi Center. Coordinator of the area of the Botanical Reserve.
Carlos Ijuma
Empirical Ethno botanist
Originally from the community of Chazuta. He has a thorough knowledge of the plant world due to a family inheritance. He’s in charge of preparing the plants for the diets and the ayahuasca. It supports the therapeutic processes in retreat-isolation condition that are carried out in the Botanical Reserve. He has worked at the Takiwasi Center since 1998.
José Vela
Empirical Ethno botanist
Empirical expert on plants and their properties. In charge of preparing the perfumes used in blowings (exhalations). Performs plant baths for resident patients and visitors. It is responsible for maintaining the botanical garden and conducting guided tours for visitors.
Padre Christian Alejandría
Catholic Priest
Diocesan Priest from the Jaén seminar. He is linked to the diocese of Moyobamba. He is also chaplain of the armed forces in the region of San Martin.
He has a long trajectory as a social ministry in difficult contexts such as the terrorist period. By order of his bishop, he assumed in 2003 the pastoral role of spiritual guidance to staff and patients of the Takiwasi Center. Participates actively in the psychotherapeutic evolution processes through plant sessions, and offers workshops to promote values. Takiwasi is a non-denominational NGO that however considers essential to extend the overcoming of psycho-emotional problems through the introduction to a spiritual dimension. As the mayor religious context of Peru is Christian, Father Christian assumes the liturgical service in the chapel of Takiwasi and the role of spiritual Christian direction for individuals and patients who request it freely.
Tito Flores
Psychologist
Degree in Psychology, César Vallejo University, Tarapoto, Peru. Specializing in the therapeutic approach to adolescents from the Gestalt approach and with training in the prevention of drug addiction and other social risks in primary health care, DEVIDA.
Member of the therapeutic team of Takiwasi, accompaniment in the rehabilitation process of drug addict patients and in ergotherapy activities.
María Virginia Erazo Erazo
Gestalt Psychotherapist
Graduated in Nursing from the Universidad de los Andes (ULA), Venezuela, with a postgraduate degree in Mental Health, trained in Gestalt Psychotherapy at the Gestalt Territory Institute, Venezuela. Studies in Theology at the Javeriana University, Bogotá, Colombia. 14 years of experience in the therapeutic approach for addictions in mixed therapeutic communities, both in Colombia and Venezuela.
Thibault Luycx
Therapist
Member of the therapeutic team of Takiwasi.
Kaori Lozada
Psychologist
Degree in psychology, César Vallejo University, Tarapoto, Peru. Training in drug addiction treatment by DEVIDA and training as an art therapist by the Center for Art Therapy and Gestalt of Peru.
She is responsible for the Area of Systematization, Compilation, Storage and Management of Therapeutic and Clinical information of the Takiwasi Center – Plus System. As a member of the therapeutic team, she accompanies patients in daily activities and as facilitator of workshops on psycho-emotional management.
Dr Tulena Isabel Suárez Ramos
Responsible of the evaluation and biomedical monitoring of patients
Medical doctor, surgeon, graduated from the National Experimental University of Los Llanos, Venezuela, specialization in Internal Medicine. Experience of 12 years in the treatment of patients with chronic non-infectious diseases.
Research Team
Jacques Mabit
Researcher Emeritus
Matteo Politi
Research and Development Manager
Jaime Torres
Researcher Emeritus
Veronika Kavenská
Clinical Research Assistant
Uriel López
Clinical Research Assistant
Gary Saucedo
Development of Clinical Systems
Fabio Friso
Communication and Dissemination
Laura Monteagudo
Research Assistant
Giorgia Tresca
Research Associate
Dr. Matteo Politi
Research and Development Manager
PhD in Chemistry and Technologies of Bioactive Substances at the Department of Bio-organic and Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Italy. Professional training in Naturopathy by the European Association of Traditional Medicines (AEMETRA), Popular University of Torino, Italy. Director of the Research and Development Department of the Takiwasi Center. He previously worked as Pharmaceutical Technical Director of the Takiwasi Laboratory of Natural Products (2016-2017). Specialist in: elaboration of nutritional supplements from medicinal herbs; phytotherapy and naturopathy; chemistry and metabolomics of natural products; regulatory issues and good manufacturing practices (GMP). He has worked as an associate researcher (postdoctoral) in different European projects (2003-2012). Practical experience in analytical chemistry applied to secondary metabolites of medicinal plants. Publication of 20 peer-review scientific articles in the area of natural products research; 2 technical reports for the European Commission; 24 presentations at scientific conferences; experience in supervision of young researchers and doctoral candidates.
Fernando Mendive Mazzino
Project Coordinator ATOP Peru
PhD in Molecular Biology - School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires. Post Doctorate at the Institute of Research in Molecular and Human Biology, School of Medicine, Free University of Brussels, Belgium. Member of the Academic and Teaching Board of the Diploma "Biodiversity and Intercultural Knowledge" Edgar Morin Complex Thought Institute, Ricardo Palma University, Lima, Perú. He served as Scientific Coordinator of the Takiwasi Center (2007-2017). He has a background of presentations at scientific conferences and publications in peer-review journals. He is currently responsible for the ATOP Peru (Ayahuasca Treatment Outcome Project) research project.
Sara Del Carmen García Arce
Clinical Research Assistant
Degree in Psychology - César Vallejo University, Tarapoto. Master in Psychology with mention in clinical psychology - San Martín de Porres University, Lima. Responsible for the implementation of the ATOP project (Ayahuasca Treatment Outcome Project) at the Takiwasi Center, for the evaluation and scientific validation of the use of traditional Amazonian medicine and psychotherapy in the treatment of addictions.
Elizabeth García Panduro
Clinical Research Assistant
Responsible for the area of data collection of the Plus System - System of Collection, Systematization, Management and Evaluation of Therapeutic and Clinical Information of the Takiwasi Center. Supervision and accompaniment of practitioners and volunteers of the Plus System. Clinical psychologist graduated from César Vallejo University - Tarapoto. International training in integrative psychotherapy with mention in existential analysis and logotherapy with certification from Viktor Frankl Institute, Vienna, Austria. Training in Bio-dance.
Joe Reátegui Tuanama
Research Assistant in Natural Products
Degree in Administration - César Vallejo University, Tarapoto. Responsible of the Biotrade Department of the Takiwasi Laboratory and of the development of the value chain of natural products based on the conservation and sustainable use of forest resources, with a focus on medicinal plants. Coordinator of the ethnobotanical research within the framework of the agro-sustainability projects executed together with the native communities, in accordance with the norms established by the National Institute for the Defense of Competition and the Protection of Intellectual Property (INDECOPI).
Gary James Saucedo Rojas
Development of Clinical Systems
Systems Engineer, Industrial Engineer. Systems Manager at the Takiwasi Center, responsible of the research data elaboration. Responsible of the Plus System- System of Collection, Systematization, Management and Evaluation of Therapeutic and Clinical Information of the Takiwasi Center. Development of the Plus system and the system for the ATOP project (Ayahuasca Treatment Outcome Project).
Fabio Friso
Communication and Dissemination
Degree in Communications - University of Padova, Italy. Responsible of the communication area at the Takiwasi Center. Social media manager, press releases and content of the website, translation of informative and scientific articles (languages: Spanish, English, Italian), fundraising, projects writing. Experience in cooperation projects, work with children of limited economic resources in Lima and training and accompaniment to Amazonian indigenous communities.
Marco Soffiato
Research Assistant in Natural Products
Biology Degree - University of Ferrara, Italy. Second level Master in Ethnobiopharmacy and Natural Products of Biodiversity - University of Pavia, Italy. Analyst of the area of Quality Control of the Takiwasi Laboratory and researcher in phytochemical analysis and pharmacognosy of the natural products derived from the Amazonian medicinal plants.
Laura Monteagudo
Research Assistant
Biochemistry degree, University of Murcia, Spain. Master in Clinical Neuroscience, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain. Specialization in mental health, she worked as a research assistant in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Hospital Gregorio Marañón (Madrid, Spain).
She worked for 4 years at Louisiana State University in New Orleans (USA) and at the Center of Excellence in Drug and Alcohol Abuse of said university, developing studies on the implications of the emotional system in chronic pain and its relationship with substance abuse, as well as investigating the potential benefits that the repeated administration of psilocybin could have in such diseases.
Kaori Lozada
Clinical Research Assistant
Degree in psychology, César Vallejo University, Tarapoto, Peru. Training in drug addiction treatment by DEVIDA and training as an art therapist by the Center for Art Therapy and Gestalt of Peru.
She is responsible for the Area of Systematization, Compilation, Storage and Management of Therapeutic and Clinical information of the Takiwasi Center – Plus System. As a member of the therapeutic team, she accompanies patients in daily activities and as facilitator of workshops on psycho-emotional management.
Gioria Tresca
Research Associate
Master’s in environmental anthropology at the University of Kent, UK. She is a social and environmental anthropologist, currently a research associate at the Takiwasi Center, and an applied ethnobotanist at l’Alberoteca consultancy in Switzerland, recovering heritage fruit varieties and related local ecological values and practices.
Her research addresses the dieta, the Amazonian practice of learning from plants and how it is being adopted into European cultural and natural environments. She is interested in reclaiming the ecological dimension of healing cultures and in exploring how developing one’s relation to the environment may challenge our understanding and stimulate our experience of what it means to be human.
Monica Gagliano
Research Associate
Professor of evolutionary ecology based in Australia. Currently, she is a Research Fellow of the Pianpicollo Research Foundation (Italy), Chief Scientist at Coherence Lab, Kaiaulu (Hawaii) and Research Associate at the Takiwasi Center. PhD Marine Ecology, James Cook University, Australia. She is an internationally award-winning research scientist, selected by Biohabitats as one of the 24 most Inspiring Women of Ecology.
Monica has pioneered the brand-new research field of plant bioacoustics, which for the first time, experimentally demonstrates that plants emit voices and detect and respond to the sounds of their environments. Her work has extended the concept of cognition in plants. Inspired by encounters with nature and indigenous elders from around the world, Monica applies an innovative and holistic approach to science. Monica’s studies have led her to author numerous ground-breaking scientific articles and books, including “Thus Spoke the Plant” (2018) and “The Mind of Plants” (2021).
Administrative Staff
Aracelli Reátegui
Administration Manager
Gary Saucedo
Laboratory Production Manager
Martin Huamán
IT Manager
Wilson Flores
Maintenance Coordinator
Deayana Montenegro
Field coordinator
Segundo Rojas
Treasurer
Luis Díaz
Logistics
Ermitaño Aspajo
Maintenance worker
Segundo Isuiza
Watchman
Tania Arévalo
Sales and Recepcionist
Llon Tuanama
Sales Assistant
Hermógenes Tuanama
Watchman
Martin Huamán Cuya
IT Manager
Technician in Computer Science and Computing since 1987, with skills in web development using tools such as: HTML5, CSS3, Bootstrap, PHP, Javascript and JQuery. Graphic design skills.
Gemma Aracelli Reátegui Acedo
Administration Manager
Accounting Technician, Instituto Superior Tecnológico Nor Oriental de la Selva. Experience in project management and administration.
José L. Rodríguez Vega
Laboratory Technical Director
Pharmaceutical chemist - National University of Trujillo, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry. Solid knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Practices in Storage (GPS) and ISO 9001:2008 - ISO 17025 standards. Experience in the area of validation of analytical techniques, physicochemical quality control of pharmaceuticals and related products.
Johnathan Vela Sánchez
Maintenance Coordinator
Responsible for the maintenance and repair of Takiwasi facilities of Takiwasi’s facilities. Operation and maintenance of heavy machinery. Electrical technician and carpentry experience.
Fernando Mendive
Head of Natural Products Laboratory
PhD in Molecular Biology - School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires. Post Doctorate at the Institute of Research in Molecular and Human Biology, School of Medicine, Free University of Brussels, Belgium. Member of the Academic and Teaching Board of the Diploma "Biodiversity and Intercultural Knowledge" Edgar Morin Complex Thought Institute, Ricardo Palma University, Lima, Perú. He served as Scientific Coordinator of the Takiwasi Center (2007-2017). He has a background of presentations at scientific conferences and publications in peer-review journals. He is currently responsible for the ATOP Peru (Ayahuasca Treatment Outcome Project) research project.
Oscar Rodriguez Del Aguila
Accounting Manager
Certified public accountant, graduated from the Private University "San Martin de Porres", specialized in costs and budgets, labor and tax legislation, financial management, advisory to the public and private sectors.
Gary James Saucedo Rojas
Laboratory Production Manager
Systems Engineer, Industrial Engineer. Production Manager Natural Products Laboratory. Systems Manager at the Takiwasi Center, responsible of the research data elaboration. Responsible of the Plus System- System of Collection, Systematization, Management and Evaluation of Therapeutic and Clinical Information of the Takiwasi Center. He is the author of articles and presentations at an informative and scientific level.
Dr. Matteo Politi
Director of Natural Products Laboratory
PhD in Chemistry and Technologies of Bioactive Substances at the Department of Bio-organic and Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Italy. Professional training in Naturopathy by the European Association of Traditional Medicines (AEMETRA), Popular University of Torino, Italy. Director of the Research and Development Department of the Takiwasi Center. He previously worked as Pharmaceutical Technical Director of the Takiwasi Laboratory of Natural Products (2016-2017). Specialist in: elaboration of nutritional supplements from medicinal herbs; phytotherapy and naturopathy; chemistry and metabolomics of natural products; regulatory issues and good manufacturing practices (GMP). He has worked as an associate researcher (postdoctoral) in different European projects (2003-2012). Practical experience in analytical chemistry applied to secondary metabolites of medicinal plants. Publication of 20 peer-review scientific articles in the area of natural products research; 2 technical reports for the European Commission; 24 presentations at scientific conferences; experience in supervision of young researchers and doctoral candidates.
Deayana Montenegro
Field coordinator
Degree in Forestry Engineering, La Molina National Agrarian University, Lima, Peru. Field coordinator of the project “Generation of added value in medicinal aromatic plants for the economic development and conservation of the Peruvian Amazon”. Experience in productive accompaniment and organizational strengthening of women's associations and Awajún native communities of Alto Mayo region.
