AME’s TeaM

Through time I got to meet some amazing people, who are as excited as I am about helping others. I have hand picked every, single person working with AME, to ensure that the final experience would be nothing less of extraordinary. You can get to know the team below, their stories and why they chose to walk the path of healing and helping others to live a better life and become the best versions of themselves.

Deyana


FOUNDER, COACH, CBT PRACTITIONER

I created AME as a model after working in the travel industry for 15 years, running a number of training and development workshops and leading large teams in London. I am a certified CBT, Psychology and Life coach. My aim and role in the experience is to ensure that everyone leaves fully relaxed, re-energised and ready to face the world. All guests will leave the retreat armed with a practical tool kit they can use in every day life, making the retreat impact lifelong. I believe that we all can enjoy 5 days together but it is important that motivation and positive change do not stop there.

I will share the methodologies that helped me through tough times, and also my belief in nature and its powerful healing energy.

Read my full story here

Solenn


Therapist and healer

I don’t believe I have all the answers and I definitely am no guru, as this path is a lifelong journey. What I bring to the table is my raw experience, the theory of everything I have learnt and the skills I practised as a therapist for the past 9 years. I bring the understanding of the path to healing, having undergone it myself.

We all go through difficult moments in life. In reality, these are the best gifts in the world, if only you know where to look and if someone can show you how to access the diamond inside the coal.

Read Solenn’s full story by scrolling to the bottom of the page. Understand her inspiration and her path to becoming a sought after holistic healer and therapist.

Stephanie


body movement specialist

Stephanie Handjiiska is a body movement specialist. Professional dancer since the age of 5, Stephanie began her dancing career as a ballerina with the National Contemporary Dance Company in Bulgaria (Ballet Arabesque) to then receive multiple awards for her work as an independent choreographer. Dance took her touring the world (South East Asia, Middle East, Europe & UK) and had her working with names like ABBA, Michael Bublè and Nike.

Dance took Stephanie to the idea of holistic wellness through yoga, meditation, breathwork, barre and pilates. 

Stephanie has more than 10,000 hours of training under her belt and believes that movement belongs to everyone - all ages, body types, abilities and experience levels. 

Her training is aiming to be empowering, loving, fun and full of self-enquiry. 

When she's not teaching, Stephanie runs her own dance company and tours with her dance shows. Prepare to move and be moved! 

You can find Stephanie's blog about Creativity & Movement here

You can find Stephanie's dance work here

Connect with Stephanie on Instagram: @stephaniehandjiiska

Krasy


Fractional Chief Financial officer and chief strategy officer

At A Mindful Escape, we believe in holistic well-being, extending beyond physical and mental health to encompass financial wellness. Meet Krasy, our dedicated Fractional CFO, who brings a mindful approach to help manage our financial and strategic journey.

With a deep understanding of the intricate balance between fiscal responsibility and mindful living, Krasy is committed to guiding us on a path of sustainable growth. Drawing from years of experience in financial and strategic leadership, he ensures that our resources are aligned with our mission of providing transformative experiences.

Beyond numbers and spreadsheets, Krasy embodies our values of integrity, transparency, and mindfulness in every decision he makes. He fosters a culture of financial empowerment within our team, encouraging mindful spending and conscious investment in our collective vision.

Together, we embark on a journey of abundance and prosperity, guided by Krasy's wisdom and mindful strategic, business direction.

Chef Pan


Our Culinary Craftsman

At A Mindful Escape, we understand that nourishing the body is as essential as nurturing the mind and spirit. That's why we're thrilled to introduce Pan, our esteemed Chef whose culinary creations are a cornerstone of our retreat experience.

Hailing from the renowned Hyatt Sofia, Pan brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for mindful gastronomy to our kitchen. With a dedication to sourcing locally and seasonally, he crafts each meal with precision, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Pan's culinary philosophy is rooted in the belief that food is not just sustenance but a gateway to wellness and connection. His thoughtful menus reflect a harmonious blend of flavors, colors, and textures, designed to delight the senses and nourish the soul.

Beyond his culinary prowess, Pan embodies the values of mindfulness and intentionality in every dish he prepares. Whether it's a hearty farm-to-table breakfast, a vibrant plant-based lunch, or a decadent yet wholesome dinner, Pan's creations are a celebration of mindful eating and holistic well-being.

Emily


Digital Marketing Executive

Emily is at her final year at Breda University reading a degree in Bachelor of Creative Business. She already accomplished a lot by doing 2 exchange semesters - 1 in Alaska and 1 in Jakarta, has her own podcast and has worked on a number of short films and creative projects.

Emily shares our passion for travel, creativity and doing good in the world and we thought it was a perfect match.

Emily has been the voice behind parts of our blog posts, research into our workshop practices and in general keeping us all in line with what is cool and trendy out there in the world.

Learn more about her and her projects here.

Solenn’s story

Back in 2014, I was living the proper London Life : Taking a huge bite of what the bursting city had to offer. After many years of studies, I managed to get my first job in a marketing agency in Florida, before moving to London to climb up the corporate ladder. 7 years in, you could say “she has it all”: the job title in a well known global corporation working with famous international brands, the nice flat with a garden that fitted, a loving relationship, a fun and glamorous life filled with travels etc…

But then my Dad passed away after a 6-month battle with cancer and my world crumbled. I started to question what was truly important: was it the fame? The labels I was wearing (both literally and metaphorically)? The image I showed the world? The rat-race I was partaking in? Did I want to die young with the feeling that I’d missed my life?

I felt overwhelmed, lost, heartbroken, and soon realised my so-called friends were of no support because I suddenly had stopped being fun. The grief was too big, I did not know how to handle it… so I swallowed my pride and did something bold and brand new: I dared ask for help. I accepted being vulnerable for the first time. I looked and looked until I found what would soon become a different way of life. Meditation, therapies I had never heard of before, you name it! It was like a treasure hunt: I went after my well-being and discovered concepts such as self-love, self-esteem, guiding consciousness, healing of old wounds, inner child work, trauma release etc…

Reconnecting to the beauty, wisdom and power of nature was my saving grace. Little by little I regained a grip on life. It was not easy but I never gave up; for what I had started to see, I didn’t want to lose.

And I quickly learnt to practice the therapies that had helped me, paving the way for a new career, as I wanted to make it more accessible for people to help themselves and heal without having to go through the long search I experimented.

As time went on, I regained equilibrium. I felt an inherent inner joy, safer in my relationships, more balanced in my work as I had became a therapist on top of my corporate job, and I kept exploring healing, my inner world, and spirituality. A deep transformation was blooming inside of me, and I felt truly happy.

But then, in 2018, Life knocked on my door again, probably thinking I was not going fast enough and gave me a second big wake-up call. As if testing what I had learnt over these past 4 years it said: “so now you think you understand, how will you handle this?” And it presented me on a silver platter: betrayal followed by a heart wrenching break-up, leading to having to leave my home, and being made redundant! All this within a few months. Ouch! I had no choice but to get into 2nd gear and launched into even more healing work, exploring depths I didn’t know existed. Thank god I had my therapists and new true friends ready to lend a hand and I kept on learning, therapies, tricks and tips to help with the inherent daily pain of life. I stopped fighting and learnt acceptance as well as to see the gifts and lessons in every single challenge. From that moment my Life truly changed, because I stopped resisting what I could not control and started to love my pain, in the same way I loved joy. Faith, Connection and Confidence became my best allies and I never doubt anymore I’ll be able to handle what life throws at me, be it pleasant or not. I see Life as a dance partner, and sometimes she steps on my toes, that’s all.

We’re now in 2023 and most people I encounter these days tell me I bring them some peace and joy simply through being with them.  

My mission (and passion) is to help women heal their wounds and support them freeing themselves from what stands before their full potential, so they can live the life they truly desire.