About Dragonfly Awakenings

Our Healing Journey and Vision

Explore the heart and soul of Dragonfly Awakenings. Learn about our story, mission, team and how we create transformative healing experiences in Costa Rica.

our story

How We Came Together

Imagine this - three women, each with unique paths and aspirations, find ourselves drawn together by an invisible thread of destiny one afternoon in a swimming pool in Costa Rica.

Denise, a seasoned medium, past-life regression practitioner, reiki practitioner, and published author with a deep reverence for divine healing powers, crosses paths with Ramona, a visionary entrepreneur driven by a desire to create a sanctuary for self-discovery through the transformative potential of plants. Joining them is Teresa, a compassionate reiki practitioner and gentle yoga/mindfulness teacher with a profound empathy for human resilience and a therapeutic approach.

Despite our diverse backgrounds, a powerful connection sparks between us. We share a passion for healing, a deep respect for the interconnectedness of all living beings, and an unwavering belief in the inherent potential of humanity to transform through the process of plant medicine and its allies. Each of us had faced our own demons, battled through traumas, and emerged victorious with the help of psychedelic medicine and deep spiritual practice. Experiencing the transformative power of natural medicines firsthand, we decided we should open our own retreat center and thus the idea for Dragonfly Awakenings was born.

Our journey had only just begun. We dove deeper into the world of natural healing and in specific, integration, to help us build a center that catalyzed deep, long-lasting positive transformation. We embarked on a 9-month journey to become certified psychedelic Plant Medicine Integration Coaches through the Plant Medicine School and attended an authentic relating training, "The Art of Being Human," at Brave Earth. This wealth of knowledge alongside years of natural medicine and spiritual healing experience laid the foundation for Dragonfly Awakenings.

After 6 months of searching, we are now nestled in the lush rainforest of La Fortuna, Costa Rica, blessed with an abundance of nature, visits from exotic creatures and breathtaking views of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Our healing center offers a unique blend of psychedelic plant and other natural, spiritual medicine retreats with comprehensive integration support.

Unlike other centers, Dragonfly Awakenings places immense emphasis on preparation, navigation, and processing of  natural healing experiences. We understand that true healing and transformation extend beyond the ceremonies themself, requiring dedicated integration work. The name "Dragonfly Awakenings" is a powerful symbol of this transformative journey. The dragonfly embodies change, rebirth, adaptability, and self-realization, mirroring the profound renewal individuals experience at our center. We are committed to creating a safe and compassionate space where individuals can be seen, heard, felt, and understood. We operate with integrity and non-judgment, always striving for the highest good of all. Here, you are not just a client; you are a valued being embarking on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Dragonfly Awakenings provides the guidance and support you need to unlock your full potential and embrace the life you were meant to live.

Are you ready to awaken to your true self?

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sacred land

Our Magical Space

Located in the luscious Costa Rican jungle, we have designed a beautiful, safe space. With Zen areas, walking trails, accommodations, ceremony spaces and an abundance of flowers and trees, you have everything you need to relax, unwind and heal with Mother Nature.

The labor-force of love

Meet Our Contributors

Teresa, one of our founders and a reiki master and certified plant medicine integration coaches

Teresa Mauter

Co-Founder | Integration Coach

Lost? Broken? Craving a connection to your inner spark? I get it. My path wasn't paved with sunshine. Trauma, loss, and burnout led me to the vibrant shores of Costa Rica, where I embarked on a life-changing journey with plant medicines like Ayahuasca, Kambo and Psilocybin. Through their guidance, I found profound healing, discovered the power of self-love, and awakened the divine spark within. Now, as a certified Plant Medicine Integration Coach, I help others navigate their own darkness, unlock forgiveness, and cultivate radiant lives fueled by self-love and divine inner power.

Read my story
ramona, one of our founders and certified plant medicine integration coaches

Ramona Kaparakis

Co-Founder | Integration Coach

My transformative journey led me from a challenging upbringing to spiritual awakening in Costa Rica. I came from a difficult childhood, to a life full of love, light and joy. Embracing plant medicines like Ayahuasca, Iboga, Psilocybin, Huachuma and even master plants with indigenous master healers in the Amazon jungle, I healed the depths of my trauma. Now, I am on a mission to help others heal too. I embarked on a mission to become a Plant Medicine Integration Coach and am dedicated to guiding others towards healing, strength and self-discovery.

read my story
Denise, one of our founders and a medium, past-life regression practitioners and certified plant medicine integration coaches

Denise Murphy

Co-Founder | Integration Coach

Ever dream of leaving your unfulfilling life behind and finding true purpose? That's exactly what I did, trading in my "decent" existence for a healing retreat nestled in the lush Costa Rican rainforest. But it wasn't always sunny skies and howler monkeys. My path was paved with trauma, infertility, and loss, leading me to a deep sense of emptiness. Until one day, I woke up and decided "someday" was right now. Now, as a conduit for spiritual healing and Plant Medicine Integration Coach, I'm committed to guiding others to find their joy and live their best lives.

read my story

Rolf Engel

Construction Manager

Coming soon!

Rafael Hidalgo Salazar

Groundskeeper

With a heart rooted in family and a passion for growth, Rafael cultivates the magic of Dragonfly Awakenings. Hailing from a lively brood of eight in Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica, Rafael spent his younger years surrounded by the vibrant energy of nature. After honing his skills as a gardener and house painter for 13 years in Springfield, New Jersey, Rafael returned to his Costa Rican roots, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge & a deep appreciation for the land. Now, with the support of his wife, Luz Milda and their cherished 4 grandchildren, Rafael weaves his love for plants and family into the very fabric of our beautiful sanctuary.

Jacob 'Jaguar' Mau

Volunteer & Man of Many Talents

Jacob, known lovingly as "Jaguar," is a compassionate guide on the path to healing and transformation. Inspired by his mother's courageous journey through traditional medicine, Jacob embarked on his own spiritual quest in 2022.Seeking solace and recovery from substance abuse, he found himself drawn to the healing wisdom of the Amazon rainforest. Through deep immersion with Shipibo and Brazilian indigenous tribes, Jacob delved into the profound healing properties of master plants like Chiric Sanango and Bobinsana. It was during this time that he earned the esteemed title of "Soi Pino," meaning "Great Healer."In 2024, Jacob returned to the ancestral lands of his "home" tribe, the Yawanawa, in Brazil, participating in the transformative Vivencia ceremony. This profound experience led him through the depths of his own trauma, ultimately revealing a radiant core of beauty, light, and love.With unwavering purpose and integrity, Jacob is dedicated to providing a safe and personalized space for those seeking radical change. As your guide, he offers a compassionate and authentic approach, drawing from his own journey of healing and transformation.

Cameron Whiteley

Volunteer Business Advisor

My medicine journey started with Ayahuasca at the ripe old age of 22. After my own profound transformations and seeing the same hundreds of times in others, I felt the call to help natural medicines and their rightful carriers meet those in need of healing. After meeting and staying with Jaguar and Teresa (because they're angels), falling in love with the whole team and spending 3 months training in dietas with the Shipibo tribe, I am now honouring my business skills, medicine experience  and soul calling to help Dragonfly Awakenings with their beautiful, authentic mission.

Book a consultation call with one of our coaches
The soul of our center

Our Mission, Vision and Values

We are so excited and grateful to share our vision of becoming a world renowned healing, integration and wellness retreat center.

With love, our mission is to empower individuals on their path to healing and spiritual growth through diverse wellness retreats and effective integration.

We combine safe and transformative natural medicines, various alternative healing modalities and professional, trauma-informed integration to enable profound personal empowerment. We create a safe ceremonial container for every guest, so that lasting well-being and self-fulfillment is integrated into the tapestry of their lives. We help every guest connect with their higher self, awaken to their life’s purpose and make a positive impact on the world.

By honoring our calling, adhering to our values below and providing every guests with the most beautiful healing experience, we know we will become one of the worlds most reputable healing, integration and wellness retreat centers - an incubator for everyone's divine lights.

an integration journal for documenting and processing emotions and experiences that arise in healing ceremonies and retreats

Integration

At the heart of Dragonfly Awakenings is Integration, the cornerstone for profound, lifelong healing. Often missing from today's medicine experiences, we champion a journey of deep, safe transformation, ensuring every experience is integrated into the tapestry of your life.

someone healing their heart, body and being in the jungle, like at our retreat center

Healing

Healing in Mother Nature's embrace is our mission. We provide a sanctuary where emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual healing occur in harmony, guided by the wisdom of ancient practices, skilled healers and certified facilitators.

a safe, communal space

Safety

Safety is paramount in our sacred space. We're dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where you can explore, heal and grow with peace of mind, surrounded by professional care.

a big heart to represent the loving, compassionate service we offer in our retreats, integration and community

Love & Compassion

Love and compassion are the soul of our retreat. In every interaction and ceremony, we nurture a space of unconditional love, inviting you to connect deeply with yourself and others without judgement.

someone meditating to achieve deeper spirituality and connection

Spirituality

Our retreat is a haven of spirituality, where the mystical meets the tangible. We celebrate the spiritual journey and divinity of natural medicines, honoring the profound connection between the Self, Mother Nature, the Universe and Source.

scales of balance, to demonstrate the integrity in our ceremony, integration and business philosophy

Integrity

Integrity guides us in all we do. We're committed to honoring our clients, indigenous healers, the sacred medicines, and the land. With, authenticity, ethical practices and integrity, respect for you, our providers and ourselves always comes first.

a photo of indigenous and western professional healers to demonstrate our commitment to professionalism in all areas

Professionalism

Professionalism is woven into our retreat's fabric. Our team of certified integration coaches and skilled, vetted practitioners uphold the highest standards, ensuring your journey is both deeply transformative and expertly guided.

a strong, loving community, like ours at dragonfly awakenings

Community

Community is at our core. We foster a sense of belonging and connection, not just within our retreat, but also in our interactions with the local community, contributing positively to the world around us.

Do you feel the call to heal?

Contact Us

Please book a call or send us an email to find out more information about our natural healing, integration and wellness retreat center. The best decision of your life could be just one message away.

Thank you, we will get back to you soon!
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