Our Facilitators

Typically, one man and one woman from the list below co-facilitate the Inner Journey Intensive, supported by several other facilitators or trainees and a full complement of staff.

Michael Schiesser, M.A. (Psychology)

A former Buddhist monk, policeman, and therapist, Michael has been facilitating inner work groups since 1982. He created the Inner Journey seminars out of his desire to assist people on their paths towards awakening. As the founder of Inner Journey Seminars, Michael is responsible for course design, facilitator training, program development and holding the Inner Journey vision. He facilitates transformational seminars in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Neelama Eyers, B.A. (Comparative Religion)

Neelama Eyres’ vision, passion, and joy revolve around assisting people on their journeys of “remembering who they are.” Her background includes a B.A. in Comparative Religion, the study of Eastern spirituality and Western psychology, leading meditation  retreats, facilitating seminars and trainings, private coaching for individuals, couples, and teams, and co-authoring a book.
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Neelama’s training began in 1995, in direct hands-on sessions with students in personal growth intensives. Since 1998, she has worked in the field of personal transformation in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, as a life coach, facilitator, and trainer in transformational workshops—now under the umbrella of Inner Journey Seminars, an educational organization of which she is co-founder.

Jean-François "JF" Sauriol​, B.Eng., M.Eng. (Management)

After many years as an officer in the Canadian military and high-tech entrepreneur, JF is now an Inner Journey Coach and Facilitator. JF began a journey of spiritual and personal growth in 1997 and sharing this desire with his wife of 27 years, personal awareness and compassion became the foundation of his parenting 3 kids who are now blossoming young adults. Applying this vision in his personal, business world and in his martial arts practice continues to bring meaning and passion in all facets of life. JF helps clients grow in awareness of their very own body-mind-emotion-spirit combination and foster compassion for their human-ness so that lasting transformation can take place in their “self”, in their day-to-day lives and in their relationships at home and at work. 

Maria Marrongelli

Maria Marrongelli has a background in psychology and alternative health and has been running a successful private practice in transformational coaching and bodywork since 2001. She has also been facilitating experiential workshops both in the US and Canada since 2006. Maria has helped many people over the past 12 years to understand and experience the connection between body, emotions and mind as a way of moving beyond the limitations of human conditioning. Her work is fueled by her heart’s desire for everyone to fully live their own unique expression and awaken to their authentic self.

Jack Lafleur, M.A. (Counselling)

A former military and high school chaplain and long time  spiritual seeker, Jack has been facilitating personal and spiritual growth since 1993. He brings to the Inner Journey a wide range of experience which includes organizational health, spiritual direction, the study of martial arts, working  with trauma survivors, men's issues, teaching various forms of meditation and  Ken Wilber's Integral Model. Jack's work with people comes from a deep trust in transformational work and in a firm committment towards helping others awaken to their essential spiritual nature and fullness of psychological health. Jack currently works as an EAP counsellor and individual, couple and family therapist  in private practice.

Synandra Lechner, M.B.A.

Synandra Lechner has 25 years of diverse senior management experience in public and private sectors followed by 10 years of management consulting for a variety of Federal Canadian Goverment Departments. Her consulting assignments have focused primarily on organizational reviews, design, transition support, change management, group facilitation and training. Ten years ago she started down a path of personal growth which opened up a whole new world to explore - her inner world. It also exposed her to the benefits of experiential learning. Positive changes resulted in her work and personal life and these led her to become a trainee facilitator for the Inner Journey Intensive  Facilitating learning today, Synandra draws from her experience with goverment organizations, traditional professional development courses and experiential personal growth programs.