Ray Crist
Founder of the Jaguar Path

Ray Crist is a globally recognized leader in yoga and Modern Shamanism rooted in the Q’ero lineage. As the founder of The Jaguar Path School of Modern Shamanism and The Science of Healing, Ray is dedicated to an academic and experiential approach to Shamanism in the contemporary world. 

Previously an acclaimed Vogue fashion photographer, Ray’s journey of healing began with a stage 4 cancer diagnosis in 2003, leading him on a profound path of healing and self-discovery. Given mere months to live by doctors after surgery to remove his right kidney and participating in a study with the NIH, Ray traveled to Peru and was taught to heal himself by indigenous healers of the Q’ero Nations. He underwent a remarkable process of apprenticeship and initiation, culminating in his appointment as Kuraq Akulleq by Don Sebastian Pauccar Flores. This honored title recognizes him as a seer and visionary bridging the Q’ero lineage with the Western world. 

Ray’s mission is to share the teachings of the Q’ero tribe with the world, enabling individuals to unlock their inner wisdom and potential. He is globally renowned alongside his wife, Nina for their collaborative workshops, retreats, and trainings that promote the practices of Shamanism, Tai Chi, and Yoga as complementary tools for building a more resilient and purposeful life.

Nina Crist
Director of the Jaguar Path 

Nina Crist is a martial artist with over 27 years of experience, a healer, and a teacher known for her dedication to making ancient practices accessible to modern individuals from all walks of life. Nina has explored various martial arts styles, including Karate, Aikido, Jiu-Jitsu, Tai Chi, Chi Gung, and Kung Fu, and she holds a black belt and the title of Master. As a director of  The Jaguar Path School of Modern Shamanism and The Science of Healing, Nina combines her extensive multidisciplinary martial arts experience with a passion for sharing the transformative powers of ancient wisdom. 

In addition to martial arts and Shamanism, Nina teaches Yoga and energy work at esteemed institutions worldwide. She offers expansive knowledge in pranayama, mudras, meridians, postures, alignment, and the subtle body. In her teaching, often alongside her husband Ray Crist, she focuses on nurturing each individual’s potential, guiding them toward their highest selves with wisdom and grace. Together, Nina and Ray are world-renowned for their collaborative workshops, retreats, and trainings that promote the exploration of Shamanism, Tai Chi, and Yoga as complementary tools for building a more resilient and purposeful life.

Barbara Vaccar
Organization Consultant

A compassionate and visionary leader, Dr. Barbara Vacarr has spent 30 years spearheading bold initiatives that inspire individuals and organizations to create meaningful change in the world.

 Barbara has been the CEO of Kripalu Center, President/CEO of Goddard College, and pioneered the PhD in Adult Learning and Human Development program at Lesley University. Her inclusive, uplifting approach to leadership has sparked profound paradigm shifts in workplace culture. 

 Barbara is an organizational consultant, a coach, an ordained interspiritual minister, and holds a PhD in psychology and human development. She sits on the boards of the Findhorn Foundation and the Berkshire Center for Social Justice and consults numerous mission-driven organizations. In her practice, Barbara facilitates embodied experiences that nurture presence, authenticity, gratitude, and awe—a sense of reverence for the magic and mystery of life.

Bridget LeRoy 
Mentor and Teacher

Bridget co-founded The East Hampton Independent in 1993, which became The Independent newspaper, and functioned as the arts editor and company president for the first seven years, returning as managing editor in 2015. During her tenure, she was the recipient of more than four dozen regional and national awards for journalism and editing. She has interviewed everyone from Steven Spielberg to Martha Stewart, from the Clintons to Julie Andrews, Linda Ronstadt to Jane Fonda. 


Bridget also co-founded CMEE, the Children's Museum of the East End. She bought, renovated, and ran the New London Inn from 2004 to 2010, and created the "Gnus of Gnu London" community art project, which raised money for an arts center in New Hampshire.  

Stacey Gibbons
Mentor and Teacher