Taya Stanley
Taya StanleyTaya Stanley has lived in the unique circumstances of being exposed to shamans and spiritual teachers since birth. This kindled in her the deep desire to comprehend our physical and spiritual nature and pass that healing on to others. She was raised in the Sierra Foothills of California near the Emigrant and Carson Iceburg wilderness areas. Her upbringing fostered a strong love for the human spirit and respect for nature, its beauty, power, intrinsic balance and ability to heal.

She continued her exploration of the human condition in her studies at the University of California Santa Cruz. There, her research on the relationship between external influences on internal psychology and perception led her to be awarded Highest Honors in Anthropology in 1997.

From 1997 to 2005 she lived in both Europe and the United States working as the International Coordinator and Training Consultant for Sundoor School of Transpersonal Education. During this time she completed her graduate studies at the Japanese founded Institute of Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine College Berkeley and Five Branches School of Traditional Chinese Medicine. After finishing her studies with an internship at Hong Zhao Medical University in China, she achieved a Masters of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine specializing in Medical Qigong, becoming a Nationally Accredited Diplomat in the field, State Licensed Acupuncturist and Primary Health Care Provider.

In 2005, she founded The Yellow Mountain Institute with Barbara Briner. Through the Institute they offer seminars and classes in both United States and Europe. In 2006 she and Barbara Briner also co-founded The Sierra Acupuncture and Integrative Health Center in Sonora, California with Joy Evans and John Evans. The Center offers itself as a health resource for the local community and teaching Center for graduates of the Yellow Mountain Institute and Sundoor.

Today Taya Stanley splits her time between seeing clients and teaching locally, at the Sierra Acupuncture Center, and teaching abroad. She and Barbara Briner are currently working on a book focusing on the confluence of western medicine, modern psychology and Eastern teachings on health and the human spirit.