Mission Statement
A non-profit organization inspiring transformation and the expansion of consciousness through a variety of healing arts modalities: yoga, meditation, dance, music and Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
History of TNHA
True Nature Healing Arts was founded by Branden Cohen in the mountains of Telluride, CO in 2000. We began our journey with Native American Spirituality with sweat lodge ceremonies and vision quests. In 2002, we moved the sacred fire to Lenado, CO, in the White River National Forest, 35 minutes from Aspen. During this period, Branden led sweat lodges, meditation classes and provided psychotherapy in Woody Creek, Aspen and Carbondale.
In 2007 we opened our second location, True Nature Healing Arts on Main Street in Carbondale, CO. In one 450 square foot room we offered several classes a day – yoga, meditation, music, dance, a men’s group and workshops on a variety of personal growth topics.
In 2010 we moved from Main Street to the Third Street Center, a collection of non-profits in one ecologically designed building. Our new 2000 square feet space, offers two studios for movement therapies, Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a treatment room and reception with retail and space to gather before and after class. With this expansion, we hired co-director and studio manager, Deva Shantay and an office manager, Priscilla Dickinson.
Branden, Deva and Priscilla are dedicated to providing the highest quality of aesthetics, energy, class offerings and teachers.
We hope you will join us in Carbondale for to deepen in your healing. Namasté.
Branden Cohen
Founder and Co-Director
Branden grew up in Michigan and moved to Colorado for undergraduate studies in environmental biology and psychology at the University of Colorado, Boulder. His studies continued in music, Native American spirituality, meditation, yoga and clinical psychology (MA).
Branden has two children, Sedona and Jiah. He lives, plays and co-directs TNHA with his love Deva Shantay. Branden continues to explore sacred music, meditation/yoga, Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Transpersonal Hypnotherapy. Of greatest importance to Branden is opening his heart, learning his life lessons and being of service to life.
To listen to Branden’s original music visit: www.soundcloud.com/brandencohen
Deva Shantay
Co-Director, Intuitive Guide, Yoga Therapist
Following a near death experience in the Vail mountains, Deva began a search for the deeper meaning of life. This journey brought her to yoga, a practice and a way of life that continues to deepen.
Deva is certified through both the Yoga Alliance (ERT-500) and Integrative Yoga Therapy (1000-hour) at the highest levels and is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists. Co-director and Yoga Therapist at True Nature Healing Arts, Deva also leads the IYT Yoga Teacher Training that begins each January and shares her intuitive gifts through her private practice.
When not at the studio you will find Deva enjoying all the Roaring Fork Valley has to offer. She loves to explore and deepen in life with her family, life experiences and her driving desire to learn new things.
Priscilla Dickinson
Office Manager
Priscilla moved from Arizona to the Roaring Fork Valley with her husband, Jeff, in 1985. They chose to live in Carbondale for the vibrant community and beautiful environment. Priscilla’s background in education led her to teach at the Mt. Sopris Montessori Pre-School before starting her own alternative school, Mtn. Sage Elementary, which eventually became the Carbondale Community School. A few years later, Priscilla became the administrator at the Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork were she worked until 2004.
In 1994, Priscilla and Jeff were blessed to give birth to their daughter, Sadie. In June of 2004, Jeff, Sadie, and Priscilla embarked on a sailing adventure to the Eastern Caribbean. They sailed for a year, loved the island life, and were caught in a hurricane (Ivan). They enjoyed their cruising/sailing life and may have stayed “out there” only their life in the Roaring Fork valley called them home.
Upon their return, Priscilla has explored several different opportunities such as being a waitress at the Village Smithy and Phat Thai, Office Manager at CCAH, assistant to the Carbondale Mountain Fair director, and Office & Business Manager at the Waldorf school. However, as life’s many paths unfold, Priscilla has found herself at True Nature Healing Arts and is thrilled to be involved in this new adventure to which she feels suits her well!