Robin Fann-Costanzo (USA) has practiced and taught Esalen® Massage for more than thirty years.
She is based in Asheville and integrates trauma awareness into her teaching approach. As Chair of the Esalen Massage and Bodywork Association and part of the EMGV26 team, she offers the workshop “An Esalen® Massage Approach to Trauma”.
Brita Ostrom
Brita Ostrom (USA) was part of the early Esalen® Massage circle in Big Sur.
A teacher and practitioner for over five decades, she helped shape the form and philosophy of the work — clarifying language, movement, and the interface between body and mind.
Her voice carries the experience of generations, from the baths at Esalen to today’s global gatherings. She continues to teach, reflect, and honor the lineage she helped build.
Anne-Kareen Thielen
Anne-Kareen Thielen (Germany), a physiotherapist for children, brings decades of experience in touch, movement, and bodywork. She integrates Esalen® Massage with dance, yoga, and Gestalt approaches. At EMGV26 she offers an early-morning Authentic Movement practice and the full-day workshop “Belly, Heart & Hands – From Structure to Flow in Esalen® Massage.”
Read moreIngrid May
Ingrid May (Germany) discovered Esalen® Massage as a young woman in Big Sur and later co-founded the Oasis School of Massage in Buenos Aires. She now teaches internationally. At EMGV26 she offers two courses: “Continuum meets Esalen® Massage” and “Working on the Neck.”
Read morePeggy Horan
Peggy Horan (USA) has practiced and taught Esalen® Massage since the early 1970s. A legacy teacher and co-creator of core trainings, she shares a presence-based, heart-centered approach that invites deep relaxation and self-connection. At EMGV26 she welcomes practitioners into a living lineage of touch, listening, and community.
Read moreElke Bartsch
Originally a social worker, Elke Bartsch (Germany) discovered Esalen® Massage during a difficult time — and found in touch what words could never reach. Her teaching weaves movement, mindfulness, and gentle trust in the body’s wisdom. She invites every practitioner to “follow your joy” and remember that Esalen Massage is, at heart, a love letter to humanity.
Read moreEva-Maria Leve
Meet Eva-Maria Leve, Esalen Massage teacher from Germany. Her journey to an embodied teaching practice inspires practitioners to trust their hands and come home to presence. She also organizes and coordinates Esalen Massage trainings in Germany, carrying the lineage with care and dedication. At the Gathering, she co-teaches with Nina Ottenheym a one-day workshop on Deep Structural Work for the Lower Back and Hips and offers a Morning Pilates Session.
Read moreNina Ottenheym
Nina Ottenheym (Germany) discovered Esalen Massage during a time of personal crisis — when touch became a path back to trust. In her teaching, exploration replaces fear, and the body’s wisdom leads the way. At the Gathering, she co-teaches with Eva-Maria Leve a one-day workshop on Deep Structural Work for the Lower Back and Hips, and offers gentle morning sessions of Yin Yoga and Breathwork — inviting grounding through movement, stillness, and attentive touch.
Read moreLili Imboden
Lili Imboden (Switzerland) is a co-organizer of EMGV26 and brings experience in presence, movement, and bodywork. She offers a Soul Motion Moving Meditation as an early morning practice and, together with Anne, leads the full-day workshop “Belly, Heart & Hands – From Structure to Flow in Esalen® Massage” for practitioners.
Read morePatrick Stockstill
Patrick Stockstill (USA) is a long-time practitioner of Esalen® Massage and the founder of Bhakti Massage. He brings a devotional and heart-centered approach, blending presence, movement, and touch. At EMGV26 he joins the Faculty and the organization team, supporting both teachers and practitioners.
Read more