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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 am the co-founder of Tambo Ilusion Retreat Center, a certified health coach, yoga instructor, Reiki master/teacher, wellness retreat leader, and a lover of tropical climates, animals, and nature.
As a lifelong student of wellness and personal growth, I’m deeply inspired by meaningful connections and soul-nourishing conversations. My mission is to empower others to cultivate vibrant health and wellbeing, enabling them to live with greater purpose, joy, and vitality. I truly believe that everyone deserves a compassionate guide on their wellness journey.
Originally from Montreal, Canada, I'm trilingual and now living my best life in the Amazon rainforest of Peru. After leaving the corporate world, I spent 13 years traveling and working abroad—the most enriching education I could ask for. Today, I've found home on a nature reserve, where my life partner, Armando, and I host intimate, authentic, and transformational wellness retreats rooted in nature, nourishment, and soul care.
One of the greatest joys of my life is sharing this sanctuary with my three beloved horses — Ayla, Knight, and Sky — who play a beautiful role in our offerings. Gentle, wise, and deeply present, they guide guests back to themselves through simple yet profound moments of connection.
I'm also the author of Divine Recipes from Johanne's Vegetarian Kitchen —a 500+ page wellness guide and plant-based cookbook filled with nourishing recipes, practical kitchen tips, mindful eating tools, and inspiration from my years of retreat hosting. It's a reflection of my deep love for holistic living and the healing power of food.
Creating a heart-based career I love has been a guiding force in my life. I thrive on connecting with others in meaningful ways and inspiring them to become the best version of themselves. Supporting people on their journey to thrive brings deep purpose and fulfillment on my own path.
Like many, I’ve stood at crossroads — and still do — and I’m consciously creating a life I truly love. Each step forward is rooted in resilience and guided by a growing sense of fulfillment.
“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 discover more about my training, specialties, and experience, and get a glimpse into the passions that bring me joy and inspiration.
I'd love to get to know you and support you on your 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 dimension to our wellness 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.
