Our Story
In 2018, Benedetta decided to create a NPO to promote Yoga in the Belgian healthcare system.
Convinced by the efficacy of complementary approaches, Sarah and Lieve embarked with her on this project
and were joined later by Emily.
A few years later, in Belgium, Benedetta connected with Lieve (middle) through Sarah.
team
benedetta schiavetti
Founder
I’ve been working in international organisations as a researcher and as a consultant in supply, management and quality of essential medicines in resources-limited settings. I did a specialisation in pharmacological sciences and medical anthropology. It broadened my view of the different social and cultural beliefs regarding diseases and care.
I’ve been practicing Haṭha Yoga for 15 years. Also, being aware of the limited scope of action of pharmacological treatments, my interest in integrative practices grew over time. In my opinion, the healthcare system would be more effective with the integration of non-invasive, cost-saving, holistic approaches such as Yoga and Yoga Therapy.
Benedetta is a pharmacist and researcher in public health.
That’s why in 2018 I decided to found Yoga in Healthcare. To make yoga affordable and accessible for patients through health institutions and to build a Belgian network. A network of stakeholders sharing the vision of an integrated healthcare system.
emily gold
Yoga and yoga therapy consultant
Faced with seizures from a benign brain tumor in 2008, I learned of the healing power of Yoga, turning to my regular practice as a relief for the physical and mental pain I was experiencing. This healing path led me to pursue Yoga teacher training, beginning in 2013 and I became a Yoga therapist in 2017.
lieve goeman
Co-founder
I worked for many years as a physician in primary healthcare settings in Belgium as well as abroad, in Africa and Southeast Asia, in health development programs. My education and work experience have given me a very broad insight in all kinds of health systems worldwide, both at macro and micro levels. Overall, I learnt that, for a human being to be healthy and happy, more is needed than the access to conventional medicine and the control of the standard health determinants. By that I mean a shelter, peace, food and water. People can benefit, additionally and enormously, from the availability of integrative therapies such as Yoga and Yoga Therapy.
Sarah is a general practitioner specialised in tropical medecine.
Medicine is being challenged more and more in this new era, where a more holistic approach to the patient as a person and patient centred care are key. Raising resilience and self-confidence through the ancient practice of Yoga should be made accessible to all.
sarah swannet
Co-founder
I am a doctor and a mother. I graduated in 2003 and I have been working several years in Africa with Doctors without Borders. Nowadays, I’m working in different areas of primary healthcare medicine – still in contact with a particularly vulnerable population. I am working in a medical house in Brussels. Besides that I also work in a center for HIV/STI screening and in a center for vaccination of small children.
I believe that Yoga is a useful contribution to conventional medicine practice, since not all can be cured with a ‘magic pill’ or intervention.
veronica voltolini
