Nayaswami Uma Ann Macfarlane, a long-time member of Ananda, lived for many years at Ananda Village in California as secretary to Swami Kriyananda. She is now a Kriyacharya, counselor, and teacher of Raja Yoga, on which she holds courses here at Ananda Assisi.

A student and teacher of yogic philosophy and spiritual science for 40 years, Uma has taught in Ananda communities in the United States, India, and many European countries. Born in England, she brings to her lessons rich content drawn from her long experience, a touch of insight, and a pleasant charm. To date, she teaches at the center in Assisi, Italy.

Uma's testimony about her experience as a teacher:

"Everyone, everywhere, seeks the same thing in life: a sense of peace, happiness, meaning in their existence, and fulfillment. Sometimes we wonder if it is really possible to reach these states. The teachings of yoga help us realize that we can achieve the deepest dreams and hopes of our heart. With techniques applicable to daily life, we can change and grow. If these life teachings are applied with sincerity and diligence, they are useful in all aspects of life: relationships, emotions, and response to changes and the continuous ups and downs of life.

Awareness and understanding bring joy and peace, and life transforms in new and wonderful ways. È a privilege and an honor to share these teachings with the many hundreds of people who come here to find rest, relaxation, renewal, and transformation.”

One of her students:

“I have 15 years of experience in the education sector, and for 5 years my job has been to hire teachers for a respected college preparatory academy, and I must say that Uma impressed me greatly, with her radiant smile and warm welcome. The fact that such a kind person can also be a serious and conscientious teacher is a blessing for everyone. She manages to make everyone completely at ease while sharing deep and meaningful emotions and experiences. It is so easy to absorb the content and wisdom of her lessons because she manages to open a path in people and remove any feeling of discomfort from their minds.” S. E. - San Clemente, CA, USA

Shivani Lucki, founder of the European School of Ananda Raja Yoga, is one of the founding members of the Ananda World Brotherhood Village in California, USA, where she lived from 1969 until 1985 when, with her husband Arjuna, she moved to Italy to assist in the opening of Ananda Europe.

She studied with Swami Kriyananda who awarded her the diploma of yoga and meditation teacher in 1973, the title of Ananda Minister in 1982, that of Yogacharya in 1993, and authorized her to give initiation into Kriya Yoga (Kriyacharya) in 2005.

In 1979 Shivani started the yoga preparation programs at Ananda World Brotherhood Expanding Light in California, USA and was coordinator of Ananda teachers and ministers in the United States. Since her arrival in Italy she has been involved in creating courses for guests at Ananda Assisi and training meditation teachers throughout Europe. She often travels worldwide giving lectures and seminars on Self-realization and Kriya Yoga.

He is the executive producer of the film Finding Happiness (Vivere la felicità), released in 2014 in the United States, Europe, and India.

Kirtani Shirley Stickney is on the path of Self-realization and has been a disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda since 1974. She arrived at Ananda Village in 1975, where she served for several years as co-director. In 1980, she was ordained minister by Swami Kriyananda and co-directed in Rome the first center for Ananda teachings in Italy. Since 1985, Kirtani has served Yogananda's work in Europe through the Ananda Center of Assisi, of which she is the spiritual director.  In 1993, she became the first Kriyacharya in Europe.

Anand Douglas Mark Stickney became a disciple of Yogananda and embarked on the path of Self-realization in 1973. He lived for many years at Ananda Village, California.

His experience, shaped by deep meditation, is highly appreciated by students of Raja Yoga.

In 2005 he was authorized by Swami Kriyananda to give initiation into Kriya Yoga.

He is co-spiritual director, together with Kirtani, of the Ananda community in Assisi, Italy. He often travels in Europe giving lectures and seminars on Self-realization and Kriya Yoga.

Jayadev Boris Jaerschky practices yoga and meditation following the tradition of Kriya Yoga of Paramhansa Yogananda, through his disciple Swami Kriyananda. He has lived and taught for more than thirty years at the Ananda center near Assisi. He has taught in numerous European countries and in India, Egypt, Russia, and the United States. He is the director of the European School of Ananda Yoga, where together with others he trains new yoga teachers, and he is the author of thirteen books, all best sellers! He sings with passion and has published devotional CDs.  Every year he leads a pilgrimage to India, to the sacred places of the Himalayas. He is a Kriyacharya, meaning authorized to give initiation into the ancient practice of Kriya Yoga.

Arudra (Antonijo Slisko) is of Croatian origin, but has been living in Italy for many years. Since he was young, his thirst for understanding and his great interest in consciousness, understood as the fundamental reality, have led him to explore meditation and spirituality, searching for tools to live increasingly in harmony with that higher consciousness.

In 2008, at the end of high school studies, he discovered Paramhansa Yogananda and his teachings and began his journey as a disciple. Since then, he has dedicated his life to living in contact with the Divine and sharing with others the many practical ways to experience It and bring it into their lives.

Since 2009 he has lived in Italy, in the spiritual community of Ananda near Assisi, a community founded on and based on the teachings of Yogananda. At Ananda, in the Yoga and Meditation Retreat, he leads courses on meditation, Superconsciousness, intuition, and how to spiritualize and transform one’s consciousness by sharing the principles and tools that have changed his life. Additionally, Arudra serves as coordinator of Ananda's meditation groups in Eastern Europe, also as minister and kriyacharya (a person authorized to transmit initiation into the sacred technique of kriya yoga).