Melissa Stangl holds a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. After several years conducting brain and lung cancer research and gaining managerial experience across a wide range of businesses, in 2015, she moved to the Amazon to support retreat operations alongside Shipibo healers. She is currently the Founding Partner and COO for Soltara Healing Center, an Ayahuasca center working with Shipibo healers in Costa Rica, with a focus on preparation, integration, reciprocity, & community building. Melissa serves on the Advisory Board of the Civic Courage Lab and collaborates with multiple organizations in the field. She is currently co-developing a national alliance of Ayahuasca centers in Costa Rica to implement frameworks for ethical standards, scientific research, education, and political advocacy.