INSCAPE RECOVERY

Carlos Alvear Lopez, m.d., Medical Director

Dr. Carlos graduated from the School of Medicine at the University of Anahuac in Mexico, then received additional clinical training at Harvard University from 2001- 2002. Since 2001 he has led a center of integral health in Malinalco, cultivating organic medicinal plants and refining them into herbal formulas. In 2012, Carlos co-founded Sapientia, an integrative model specializing in emotional support through neurotransmission balance — with the aim of treating and preventing ailments like depression, anxiety, insomnia and dementia. His practice incorporates medical models from around the world, including Chinese medicine and shamanism. He has conducted workshops and consultations in Mexico, South Africa, Spain and Switzerland.

Andres Limon, Medicine guide

Andres has been a guide of some kind for over 20 years, beginning with ocean and land expeditions that helped him find his own healing from extreme migraines through contact with wild nature. While living on a small Mexican island in the Caribbean he met a traditional healer from the native Wixarika community who introduced him to the path of sacred plants and fire ceremonies. For the last ten years, he has been leading and supporting ceremonies within Native American traditions.

PETRA BAra, medicine guide

After travelling through many countries, Petra found a connection to the world of plants while visiting the Canary Islands. Later, she started a small business making organic tobacco and flower blends, which she personally uses in ceremonial settings. She has done ceremonial work since 2008, and feels fulfilled working in a natural setting while applying her unique methods and sprightly energy to the care and cultivation of different plant species.

Joe rosenheim, director

After being addicted to opiates for a decade, Joe underwent ibogaine treatment in central Mexico in 2016. He stayed in Mexico and for two years was a counselor with Living Clean Ibogaine. Before arriving in Mexico he was homeless for two years, and he is thankful his family helped him to transition out. He previously worked as a journalist, waiter and paralegal and enjoys ping pong.

claudia barbabosa, general manager

Claudia worked for Nestle for nine years in the areas of nutrition, marketing, public relations and employee training. For three years she was the regional nutrition coordinator in Central Mexico for the consumer goods company Unilever. Claudia has a private practice as a nutritional coach and as a life coach, and she holds certifications in infant nutrition, sustainable nutrition and inquiry-based coaching. Claudia's other pursuits include painting, meditating, camping and contemporary dance.

Laura Villavicencio Bangle, psychologist

Laura received her Master’s in social psychology and family systems from El Instituto de Estudios Superiores Sowelu in Mexico City, and studied general psychology and cognitive behavioral psychology at Universidad de las Américas Puebla. She has had a private practice in Toluca, Mexico since 2014, and has worked with various organizations since 2013 in the area of social trauma. Laura is first aid certified and has had a yoga and meditation practice since 2000. She is known for her laughter and careful listening. 

Mariana Sáenz Arroyo Valenciar, psychologist

Mariana studied psychology at Universidad Iberomericana University and got her Masters from El Colegio de Saberes. She has worked with various institutions throughout Mexico that focus on addiction, mental health and social reintegration. She has had a private practice since 2019, in which philosophy and psychoanalysis are fundamental parts of her work. On the hobby side, Mariana is an avid crafter of pottery.

Martin Winkler, project manager

Martin grew up in California and worked as a gardener, financial operative, pizza guy and, in more recent years, a driverless car operator. Martin enjoys troubleshooting computers and making electronic music, though also playing songs on guitar. Martin surprises with his athleticism and was a ping pong champion on the rehab circuit. He came to Inscape as a participant in early 2020 — after ibogaine treatment at Ibogaquest — and joined the Inscape staff that fall.

Pablo Alvear, M.D.

Dr. Pablo Alvear got his medical degree in Mexico City, then studied Chinese medicine at the College of Natural Medicine in Melbourne, Australia. He has a Certificate in Sports Medicine from the University of New South Whales in Sydney and studied Osteopathic Manipulation techniques at Victoria University in Melbourne. He runs SHEN CLINIC, an integrative medicine clinic in Toluca, and does treatments at Inscape that include acupuncture, NADA Protocol, Low Laser Therapy and Phytotherapy. 

Melania Moctezuma Chacòn, yoga instructor

Mel has been studying and practicing yoga since 2000, and was certified a yoga instructor in 2010. Her teaching is based mostly on Hatha Yoga, holding longer postures and becoming aware of breath, body sensations, and emotions. She encourages students to let the body guide of the practice, helping participants find through bodily experience the door to self-awareness and enjoyment of the present.

Jorge chaudon aceves, music & sports instructor

Jorge is a musical therapist who employs percussion instruments and the didgeridoo. He focuses on using sound as a tool for exploring rhythm and inducing concentration and various emotional states. Jorge has played the drums in local rock bands and teaches both music and physical education at the Ecomundi School near Malinalco. He engages his students with his playful humor and enthusiasm.

Mandy-lee birkoltz, horse therapy & janzu

Mandy was born in South Africa and grew up in a rural small town, always in contact with animals, farming, trading, art and sport. She is a lover of animals, particularly the horses she cares for with empathy and a keen eye. She studied body therapy and has been doing various types of body work since 1993, including the aquatic therapy Janzu that she shares at Inscape. Mandy traveled the world for many years including on various sailboats – crossing the Atlantic Ocean, racing in the Caribbean and cruising with family and friends. In her free time she also loves creating art in various forms.