THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PURPOSE
Our Team
Chris Sifton
Innovation & Future Experiences
Chris Sifton is an entrepreneur, investor, and innovator with 30 years of experience designing and investing in mixed-reality experiences around the world, with a current focus on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
At iRETREAT, Chris brings a forward-thinking perspective on how innovation and technology can complement meaningful human experiences, supporting the continued evolution of spaces and programs centered around mindfulness, connection, and wellbeing.
Cameron Yarker
Architecture & Mindful Design
Cameron Yarker is an Australian architect, design leader, and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience creating award-winning residential projects. As Co-founder of Design Australia Group, he brings together architecture, creativity, and extensive experience in the development of high-quality spaces.
After participating in the Monk Life Project in Chiang Mai, Cameron deepened his connection with mindfulness and meditation, an experience that inspired his book Monkey Mind to Monk Mind. Today, he supports the development of new iRETREAT projects, helping create spaces where mindfulness, meditation, and wellbeing can continue to be shared with people from around the world.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PURPOSE
Our Advisors
Pranapda (Pam) Phornprapha
Wellbeing & Conscious Leadership
Pranapda (Pam) Phornprapha is a Thai entrepreneur and business leader whose experience spans automotive, music, retail, and social impact. She is a Director of Siam Motors Group and the founder of Dragonfly360, a platform that brings together personal wellbeing, inclusive leadership, and positive social change.
At iRETREAT, Pam brings a perspective rooted in conscious leadership and the belief that meaningful transformation begins from within, complementing iRETREAT’s approach to mindfulness, personal growth, and holistic wellbeing.
Kris Narongdej
Business & Development
Kris Narongdej is Chairman of KPN Group, one of Thailand’s established private business groups, with extensive experience in investment, property development, hospitality, and strategic management. His career also includes leadership and board roles across major property and business organizations in Thailand.
At iRETREAT, Kris brings his experience in business and development to support the growth of retreat destinations that combine thoughtful design, nature, hospitality, and wellbeing.
Nirvana Chaudhary
Leadership & Social Impact
Nirvana Chaudhary is Managing Director of CG Corp Global and a Nepalese entrepreneur and philanthropist with extensive experience in international business, leadership, and social impact. He is also actively involved with the Chaudhary Foundation, supporting initiatives across education, health, community development, and humanitarian work.
His commitment to bringing business, spirituality, and social responsibility together aligns naturally with iRETREAT’s vision. Through initiatives including Shashwat Dham, he has supported spaces and programs dedicated to spiritual development and wellbeing, bringing to iRETREAT a perspective that connects conscious leadership, positive impact, and inner growth.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PURPOSE
Our Specialists
Anthony Jude Tan
Hospitality
Anthony Jude Tan brings over 40 years of experience in hospitality and medical wellness, including leadership roles as COO of TRIA Integrative Wellness at Piyavate Hospital and CEO of Vitallife Wellness Center at Bumrungrad International Hospital.
Since 2021, Anthony has supported the growth of iRETREAT Wellness Meditation Destinations, combining his expertise in wellness and hospitality with a personal understanding of mindfulness gained through his experience of Buddhist monastic life.
Mark van Ogtrop
Hospitality
Mark van Ogtrop brings over 40 years of international experience in hotel management, development, and asset management across three continents. His career includes senior leadership roles with leading hospitality groups such as Dusit, Accor, The Peninsula Group, Golden Tulip, Sheraton, and Louvre Hotels Group, where he led the growth of its Southeast Asian portfolio to more than 30 hotels.
At iRETREAT, Mark contributes his extensive hospitality and development expertise to creating retreat destinations that combine thoughtful guest experiences, quality operations, and environments designed to support rest, wellbeing, and personal transformation.
Pansak Sugkraroek, M.D.
Integrative Wellness
Dr. Pansak Sugkraroek is a physician and Assistant Professor specializing in Integrative Wellness Medicine, with extensive experience in anti-aging, regenerative medicine, reproductive endocrinology, and hormone health. His work brings together medical science, preventive care, and lifestyle to support long-term health and wellbeing.
As part of iRETREAT’s multidisciplinary wellness team, Dr. Pansak contributes his medical expertise to programs such as Vital Reset, integrating medical assessment with nutrition, meditation, movement, and lifestyle practices to support longevity and holistic wellbeing.
Sirawaj (Sean) Itthipuripat
Neuroscience & Human Performance
Dr. Sirawaj (Sean) Itthipuripat is an Assistant Professor in Neuroscience whose research explores the neural mechanisms underlying attention, learning, and memory. His work combines advanced neuroscience methods, including EEG, fMRI, brain stimulation, machine learning, and computational modeling, to better understand how the brain processes information and adapts through experience.
At iRETREAT, Ajarn Sean brings a scientific perspective to the exploration of meditation and wellbeing, helping bridge contemplative practices with our understanding of the brain, attention, and human potential. His expertise contributes to iRETREAT’s vision of integrating ancient wisdom with modern science to support meaningful and evidence-informed approaches to wellbeing.
Sandra Gómez
Integrative Wellness & Innovation
Sandra Gómez is a meditation and sound healing practitioner with a multidisciplinary background spanning Systems Engineering, neuroscience, and contemplative practices. Her journey has included training in Thailand, India, and the United States, alongside participation in neuroscience research exploring meditation and the brain. She has guided thousands of people worldwide, bringing together self-development practices, scientific understanding, and a compassionate approach to inner wellbeing.
At iRETREAT, Sandra contributes to program development and innovation while facilitating meditation, mindful movement, and sound healing experiences. Her work explores how science, contemplative practices, sound, and technology can come together to support greater awareness, balance, and harmony.
Stephanie Bianchi
Neuroscience & Mindfulness
Stephanie Bianchi is a Molecular Biologist and Neuroscientist whose work explores the connection between the brain, human behavior, and inner wellbeing. With a strong foundation in scientific research, she brings together modern neuroscience and contemplative practices to offer a holistic understanding of the mind and human experience.
As a Mindfulness Trainer and Peace Leader, Stephanie translates scientific knowledge into practical tools for cultivating self-awareness, emotional resilience, and inner balance. At iRETREAT, she contributes to programs that bridge science and meditation, helping make mindfulness accessible and applicable to everyday life.
Dr. Jing Xuan Kang
Nutrition
Dr. Jing Xuan Kang is a world-renowned expert in Omega-3 research, former Harvard professor, and founder of the Omega-3 & Global Health Institute. With more than 230 scientific publications, his pioneering work in nutrition and health has received international recognition, including from the NIH, Nature, and Discover.
As part of the multidisciplinary team behind Vital Reset, Dr. Kang leads the program’s nutrition component and Omega-3 protocol, bringing decades of scientific research into a practical approach that combines nutrition with meditation, movement, medical assessment, and lifestyle practices to support long-term health and longevity.
Chef Num
Culinary Wellness
Chef Num, founder of Samuay & Sons, is an internationally recognized Thai chef known for reimagining Isaan cuisine while honoring its traditions, ingredients, and cultural roots. His approach combines modern culinary innovation with a strong commitment to sustainability and thoughtful local sourcing.
As part of Vital Reset, Chef Num brings this philosophy into the retreat experience through nourishing, thoughtfully prepared cuisine that connects nutrition, local ingredients, and wellbeing, making food an integral part of the journey toward healthier and more sustainable living.
Ashley Edelman
Mindfulness & Human Regulation
Ashley Edelman is a Human Regulation Expert, breathwork facilitator, and mindset coach whose work explores the connection between the nervous system, mindfulness, and personal transformation. Through retreats, immersive experiences, and coaching, he helps people cultivate greater self-awareness, emotional balance, and connection with themselves.
After participating in Monk Life Project, Ashley deepened his meditation practice through Buddhist monastic training in Thailand. Today, he integrates this experience with breathwork and nervous system regulation, bringing to iRETREAT a practical approach to mindfulness that helps translate contemplative practices into everyday life.