Meet the Team

SoulCentro founder “Chor Boogie” aka Gnyangou is an internationally recognized visionary artist and an ordained Ngnanga (healer and seer) of the Bwiti tradition after completing a decade of study and service, the rite of passage, and multiple advanced initiations. His Bwiti name, Gnyangou, means the sun. Gnyangou brings his profound dedication to the Iboga medicine, the Bwiti tradition, and speaking truth. Gnyangou leads guests on annual journeys to Gabon.
@gnyangou

Coounder Elizabeth Bast experienced the Missoko Bwiti initiation, rite of passage, and immersive traditional Iboga provider training. She is a twice-certified, trauma-informed yoga teacher and a certified transformational coach for psychedelic medicine integration and addiction recovery. Along with her husband Gnyangou, she traveled to Gabon numerous times to study the traditional ways of knowing. Her Bwiti name is Mbeye, which means the river. Her Maboundi (women’s tradition) name is Moughessi, the mermaid spirit. Elizabeth brings attentive listening, compassion, and deep presence to guests.

Robert Chapman is a seasoned medical nurse who is uniquely qualified through his professional experience for supporting medicine work with the Holy Root. Robert guides guests through our medical intake screening process and consults with our onsite medical support team. He currently works for a stroke and cardiac center. Robert has also experienced the Missoko Bwiti initiation and rite of passage; he draws on 3 years of personal work with the medicine including 3 immersive visits to Gabon and 2 years of medical apprenticeship. His Bwiti name is Ngonde, which means the moon. He brings his medicines of compassion, humility, gentleness, dedication, and steady presence to SoulCentro.

Dr Douglas Rosales brings rich experience with 15 years of service supporting over 2000 people in traditional Bwiti Iboga plant medicine ceremonies with an excellent safety record. He has researched the medicine at length and is uniquely qualified to support healing with Iboga. His background in university psychology studies is an added gift. Douglas brings a sensitive and responsive presence to the work, ever available to support physically, mentally, and spiritually. His personal relationship with the sacred medicine shines through.

Jimena is a native of Costa Rica. She is currently studying Business Administration, and she is an important part of our management team. Additionally, she has a personal relationship with the medicine. Her integrated wisdom, understanding, and sensitivity is a blessing during onsite care. Guests appreciate her compassion, gentle presence, and attentiveness to detail.

Raul is a native of Costa Rica. He brings a decade of experience in property management. He has exceptional knowledge of the country’s systems, resources, and legal considerations. He is a community connector, bringing a vast local network to the SoulCentro family. He is an experienced real estate broker and local tour guide. Raul is always happy to help our guests with any needs they may have. Additionally, he has a personal relationship with the medicine and brings deep dedication to his work. With his background and education in real estate, intricate knowledge of Costa Rica, and relations with indigenous groups, he is ideal to consult with on real estate stewardship.

Pali is gifted at reflective listening and studying truth. Her presence is a gift for the guests of SoulCentro; she is often available for authentic conversation. Ever ready to laugh, she appreciates the divine humor in all things. As a survivor of significant personal trauma and loss, she has healed a great deal by her own intentions and also through the Iboga medicine and Bwiti tradition. She is deeply experienced in the ceremony container at SoulCentro.