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ABOUT
My Specialties & Passions
Rooted in mindful living and heart-led service
Yoga Instructor
Health / Wellness Coach
Reiki Master / Teacher
Vegetarian / Vegan Cook & Instructor
Retreat Leader & Host
Co-Founder of a Retreat Center
A rescued 3-toed sloth and me. Picture taken a few minutes before we released her in the wild.
Hi there, I’m Johanne.
I’m the co-founder of Tambo Ilusión Retreat Center, a certified health coach, yoga instructor, Reiki master/teacher, and wellness retreat leader — but above all, I’m a lifelong student of well-being, nature, and meaningful connection.
I’m deeply inspired by soul-nourishing conversations, honest self-inquiry, and the simple practices that help us feel more alive in our bodies and more at home in ourselves. My mission is to support others in cultivating vibrant health and inner balance, so they can move through life with greater clarity, joy, and vitality. I truly believe everyone deserves compassionate guidance on their wellness journey.
Originally from Montreal, Canada, I’m trilingual and now living in the Amazon rainforest of Peru — a place that feels like a true homecoming. After leaving the corporate world, I spent over 13 years traveling and working abroad, an education that shaped not only how I live, but how I hold space for others.
Having lived in the Amazon for over 15 years, my work is deeply influenced by nature’s rhythms. Everything I offer is designed to help people slow down, feel grounded, and come back into a sense of calm presence — where real change can happen.
Today, my life partner, Armando, and I steward a private nature reserve where we host intimate, grounded, and transformational retreats rooted in nature, nourishment, and presence.
One of the greatest joys of my life is sharing this sanctuary with our three horses — Ayla, Knight, and Sky. Gentle, intuitive, and deeply present, they invite guests into moments of connection that don’t require words. Through simply being with them, people often rediscover a sense of calm, authenticity, and embodied awareness— a kind of quiet, grounded magic that’s hard to put into words.
I’m also the author of Divine Recipes from Johanne’s Vegetarian Kitchen, a 500+ page plant-based cookbook and wellness guide born from years of retreat hosting. It weaves together nourishing recipes, practical kitchen wisdom, mindful eating tools, and reflections on the healing power of food — a celebration of holistic living and the joy of nourishment.
Creating a heart-centered career I truly love has been a guiding force in my life. I’m deeply fulfilled by connecting with others in meaningful ways and supporting them as they reconnect with themselves. Walking alongside people as they find more clarity, balance, and vitality brings a profound sense of purpose to my own journey.
Like many, I’ve stood at crossroads — and still do. I’m not interested in having it all “figured out,” but in consciously creating a life that feels honest, nourishing, and aligned. Each step forward has been shaped by resilience, curiosity, and a growing trust in the process.
“Each one of us can use our own personal journey to serve others and do rewarding work in the world that supports us and makes a real difference."
- Emily Rosen, Institute for the Psychology of Eating
As you explore this page, you’ll learn more about my training, experience, and areas of focus — and get a glimpse into the passions that continue to inspire and ground me.
I’d love to get to know you and support you on your own unique path to wellness and fulfillment.
Whether it’s here in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon — where the healing presence of nature and my three horses, Ayla, Knight, and Sky, add a soulful, grounding dimension to our retreats — or virtually from the comfort of your home via Zoom or phone, I’m here to walk alongside you.
My studies at the Institute for the Psychology of Eating opened my eyes to the profound ways our relationship with food mirrors our inner world.
We are all eaters, and each of us has a unique story with food — shaped by our upbringing, beliefs, emotions, and environment. For many, that relationship can feel challenging, frustrating, or confusing.
But here’s the beautiful truth: food has the power to transform our health — not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.
And yet, what we eat is only half the story. The other half is who we are as eaters. Our mindset, our nervous system state, our presence — all of these influence how we digest, absorb, and relate to food.
This is why my approach is holistic. I help people shift into the ideal state for nourishment and healing: relaxation.
Ask yourself:
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Does stress affect your appetite, digestion, or food choices?
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Do you eat while standing, rushing, or multitasking?
If you answered yes, you're not alone — and there is a better way.
I’m here to guide you in cultivating a new, more compassionate relationship with food — and with your Self. Together, we can explore gentle, sustainable ways to improve your health and create a more balanced, vibrant lifestyle.
Are you ready to feel at home in your body?
To nourish yourself with more ease and awareness?
To become a more peaceful, grounded version of yourself?
Let’s begin.
With my beloved horse, Ayla. We rescued her from a harsh life as a working horse. She's been with us for 11 years. It is therapeutic to spend time with her. Join me.
