WHO WE ARE
New Life Ayahuasca was created in 2014 by Matthew Mormello and Jeanae White. Through the power of plant medicine, both Matthew and Jeanae were able to completely transform their lives. It is with a deep and humble respect for sacred plant medicine that the vision of New Life Ayahuasca was born.
NLA was founded by Matt and Jeanae, who both came to Costa Rica to receive ibogaine treatment for opiate dependency. After their treatments, they rededicated their lives to helping others and exploring the healing powers of plant medicine. After ibogaine, they continued their journey of personal healing by participating in ayahuasca ceremonies. Changed by the powerful medicine, they continued to participate and assist in ayahuasca ceremonies. Seeing the trans-formative power ayahuasca has, they pursued their dream of opening an ayahuasca retreat facility.
Costa Rica has the perfect weather and laid back atmosphere for an individual seeking to expand and enhance their spirituality and connections to life. We are located in San Ramon, about an hour from the capitol of San Jose and SJO airport. Our facility is situated on 20 acres of land filled with lush vegetation and multiple fruit trees. We harvest the fruit which is available during our breakfast buffets and throughout the day. Unlike the United States, ayahuasca is not illegal in Costa Rica, allowing us to provide safe spiritual ceremonies.
Drew Blackwelder
Drew helps us prepare the center for each retreat. He sits in ceremonies and takes the guests to waterfall.
Val Blackwelder
Val helps clean and get the center prepared for each retreat. She also assists with food prep.
Brian Murphy M.Ed, LCSW
Brian Murphy is a therapist who works off-site via phone sessions for pre or post plant medicine support.
Matthew Mormello
Owner - Ayahuasquero
Mat leads the ceremonies for all our retreats, he has been training for the last 4 years under the guidance of Don Ron Wheelock in Iquitos, Peru
Our staff is here to support you in any way we can. Ayahuasca has played in instrumental role in each of our lives helping guide us toward healthier lifestyles choices both physically and emotionally. It is with continued gratitude, passion and respect for ayahuasca that we facilitate retreats in Costa Rica, hoping that we can assist others in their own journeys to experience the trans formative power of sacred medicine ayahuasca.
Matthew and Jeanae are founders of NLA and live on site. They are assisted during retreats by Drew and Val. Brian Murphy offers integration support via phone sessions.
Jeanae White
Owner - Yoga Instructor
Jeanae leads our yoga classes, prepares all the food for the and is our Kambo practitioner. She also sits in ceremony to assist Matt.