About Us/ Yoga Retreat Center / THE GODDESS GARDEN

About Us

Last Updated on Thursday, 10 November 2011 22:26 Written by Administrator Tuesday, 08 February 2011 22:18

Resort • Healing Spa Costa Rica • Yoga Retreats Costa Rica• Retreat Center Costa Rica

The Goddess Garden Staff

Jacqueline Bürkler - Owner

Jacqueline was born in Switzerland where she grew up and achieved a pH. D. in natural sciences from the prestigious Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich. She always liked to travel and in early years traveled through Europe, Asia and the continent of America. She lived 13 years in Colombia before changing her home to Costa Rica in 1999. The serenity of the rainforest and the pristine beaches of the Caribbean Sea inspired the idea to create an intentional place for transformation.

Marcelo Ruiz - Keeper of the Land

Marcelo was born in Ecuador and at the age of nineteen went to live in Chicago where he got a degree in Art. He also attended Northwestern University where he obtained a teaching certificate. He taught algebra and geometry in public schools.

Among his interests are spirituality, meditation, shamanism, films, poetry,indigenous tribes, community service and Argentine tango dancing.

Tracy Morrissette - Head Chef

Feed your hunger, nourish your body, connect with your spirit at The Goddess Garden.  Tracy has honed her unique cuisine skills through over 20 years of experience in a diversity of settings.  Her personal path ranges from running a French Italian Bistro in Charlottesville, Virginia to Supervising Manager of Kitchen/Dining in a Buddhist Retreat Center in Northern California.  It was in this previous role where Tracy found her true passion and life-long commitment to creating dishes to nourish her guests - spiritually, mentally and physically - with palate pleasing layers of flavors in every meal.  With her thoughtful and dedicated approach to meal preparation, Tracy draws on her interests in ayurveda, raw food, and nutritional healing.   This spiritual connection with food and guests is what attracted Tracy to The Goddess Garden.  While she leads a simple lifestyle in Cahuita, Tracy's passion for food and the nourishment it provides is obvious in every bite! 

John Jairo Ocampo - Professional Therapist of the Ayurveda

Born in 1965 and growing up in Colombia, John Jairo made a point of helping others and sharing his healing gift with the people around him.  He moved to Switzerland at the age of 19 where he joined the First-Aid Association, eventually becoming president of the local branch.  He also enrolled in the volunteer fire fighters in his village at the age of 23.  He was in charge of first aid training for 10 years.  During a short stay in the Indian sub-continent in 2002, he contacted the Ayurveda and decided to dedicate the rest of his life to this philosophy.  Shortly after his return to Europe, he started his training and was soon recognized as an intuitive therapist by both of his teachers and his peers.  In 2005, he opened a successful Ayurvedic practice within a yoga center of the Geneva region.  John Jairo Ocampo moved to the Caribbean region of Costa Rica in 2007.  Locals and visitors may now enjoy the great benefits of his Ayurvedic treatments.