Founded by a lifelong traveler
Founders
Mark Michaelis
Mark will be your travel guide throughout this relaxing trip. He’ll bring you a soothing and stress-free experience throughout your vacation, whether it be in Oaxaca, The Camino, or Tulum. A seasoned traveler, he’s visited Mexico since he was 10 and is fluent in Spanish. A travel aficionado, he enjoys going to Reiki and Mezcal. His deep connection to Hispanic culture will guide you throughout this spiritual journey.
Catalina Carvajal
Catalina Carvajal will be your spiritual guide through this journey of self discovery and mindfulness. She is the visionary founder of Cata Just Being Yoga & Retreats. She is a certified 200HR Hatha Yoga and E-RYT 500Hr Yoga Teacher, Restoration & Yin Yoga, Aerial Yoga, and is a certified Sound Facilitator and Reiki Master. Born in Colombia, a vibrant country filled with cultural diversity and warmth, Catalina combines these qualities into her teaching. Though she is a teacher, she is continuously seeking opportunities to grow her practice and teaching. Her goal is to transform people’s lives through the power of yoga and find their true selves.
Who you’ll meet
Randall Stockton
Randall Stockton is the founder of Mezcal Educational Excursions of Oaxaca, combining decades of experience in Austin’s bar and restaurant industry with a passion for cultural travel. A University of Texas at Austin graduate, he moved permanently to Oaxaca after first visiting in 2003 and now explores the region’s family-run palenques. Federally licensed by the Mexican government, he educates travelers and professionals about mezcal, pulque, and local traditions, emphasizing ethical mezcal tourism and learning.
Gerardo Aguilar and Kristen Leahy
Gerardo Aguilar and Kristen Leahy launched Aguamiel in 2020 as a Sundays-only, hidden land-to-table countryside restaurant rooted in integrative health and clean ingredients. Their vision centers on empowering conscious consumption and reconnecting with food as a source of healing and connection. As the project evolved, Aguamiel expanded beyond dining to reflect their own personal growth and deeper values. Today, it offers more complete ceremonial and healing experiences, including the ancestral medicine of the temazcal (sweat lodge), which our travel agency will visit as part of the experience.
Daniel Rodríguez
Daniel Rodríguez curates immersive mezcal experiences that bring together culture, craftsmanship, and flavor. Through his signature Mezcal y Mole tastings, he guides guests through thoughtful pairings that highlight the rich complexity of agave spirits alongside Oaxaca’s iconic mole traditions. Each experience blends education, storytelling, and sensory exploration to create a deeper connection to the region’s culinary heritage.
Gabriel Sánchez
Born and raised in Oaxaca and proudly descended from the Zapotec people, Gabriel Sánchez offers culturally immersive tours rooted in deep local knowledge and tradition. From personalized city explorations to unforgettable Monte Albán tours, he creates meaningful experiences that connect travelers to Oaxaca’s history, archaeology, and living culture. Fluent in English and advanced in French, Gabriel ensures every guest enjoys a safe, comfortable, and truly memorable journey.
Silvana Corres Zenteno
Silvana is the General Manager of Hotel con Corazon, where she leads daily operations and ensures guests have a meaningful and comfortable stay. With a strong background in hospitality and social enterprise, she is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment while supporting the hotel’s mission of giving back to the local community.