Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy Staff & Credentials

CEO of Anahat Education Group, Inc. (AEG), President of the International Association of Interpersonal Hypnotherapists (IAIH), and the Founder and Executive Director of the Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy (IIH), the first State-Licensed Postsecondary Vocational Hypnotherapy Institute through the US Department of Education’s Commission for Independent Education – License #3448. Matthew is also the founder of Silent Light Publishers (SLP) and the Interpersonal NLP Society.

Monica’s career in consultative sales spans nearly 50 years, with over 20 of them in Residential Real Estate. She earned her degree in Computer Network Administration from Keiser U and brought those combined skills to her role of Admissions Director here at the Institute in 2014. Monica has always been passionate about community and helping others achieve their highest goals so they can realize the true potential that each of us has as our birthright. 

Hailing from the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Monica has spent over 30 years living, working, and raising three wonderful children on the Gulf Coast of Florida, and still wakes up every day with overwhelming gratitude that she gets to make a living helping people achieve their goals and make their dreams come true.

Monica also serves on the Board of Directors at Project 180, a residential program geared toward helping formerly incarcerated citizens reenter society in a positive, productive way. She dedicates her work with Project 180 to the memory of her beloved son Joe, who lost his fight with addiction in 2003.

Nidhisiya Kokila brings to her role over eight years of extensive experience in Data Analytics, Operations, and Marketing. Holding a master’s degree in Computer and Information Sciences from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, she seamlessly integrates her analytical acumen with strategic business insight. Currently serving as Director of Operations at the Institute, Nidhisiya exemplifies a commitment to orchestrating efficient operations and driving impactful initiatives.

Driven by a profound desire to effect positive change, Nidhisiya is dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence within her team and beyond. Her leadership ethos is characterized by a relentless pursuit of collaboration and empowerment, ensuring that each team member is positioned for success. With a focus on continual improvement, Nidhisiya remains steadfast in her mission to elevate organizational performance.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Nidhi is a proponent of lifelong learning and personal growth. She views education as a catalyst for transformation and endeavors to inspire others to pursue their aspirations with diligence and determination. Whether leading strategic initiatives or extending support to her community, Nidhisiya‘s unwavering dedication to making a positive impact serves as a beacon of professionalism and excellence.

Certified Hypnotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Transpersonal Hypnotherapist, certified by the state licensed Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy. She is a member of the International Association of Interpersonal Hypnotherapists and certified through the HypnoBirthing® International Institute as a HypnoBirthing® instructor. Jennie is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT – Yoga Alliance) and a Divine Sleep® Yoga Nidra practitioner.

Luis Gallardo is the Founder and President of the World Happiness Foundation and World Happiness Fest, platforms that unite and amplify the impact of thousands of knowledge and practice leaders on human development, happiness, and well-being worldwide.

Luis is the author of “Happytalism,” “The Exponential of Happiness,” and “Brands & Rousers,” and he is the director of the Gross Global Happiness program at the University for Peace of the United Nations.

He holds an MBA from IMD in Switzerland, an MA in Peace Studies from the Richardson Institute at Lancaster University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Sociology. Luis is a certified Mental Health Coach and Master NLP Trainer.

Rene Brent is a Certified Clinical and Transpersonal Hypnotherapist, Director and instructor In Orlando, Florida for the last 7 years, and a proud graduate of the school. Rene is passionate about this work and teaching in order to create well-trained Hypnotherapists. Rene has also been an RN for 33 years and has worked in ICU, Trauma/ER, and Recovery Room.

Prior to her certification as a Hypnotherapist Bianca worked as a head coach and trainer, sharing her love of personal fitness and assisting people to both commit themselves and learn the skills needed to achieve their goals. Now focused on the practice of Hypnotherapy, she explains the transition this way: “I see myself as your facilitator, to guide you on your journey, open your subconscious mind to change and–as a personal trainer–also show you ways to implement your mental and physical strategies to achieve your goals.” Bianca is a Director and Instructor in Tampa, Florida.

Rebecca Zayas is a Certified Clinical, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Hypnotherapist. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Central Florida and attended Stetson University’s Graduate School of Counseling. She is also a Lead Instructor and Mentor for the Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy and a Member, Examiner, and Presenter for the International Association of Interpersonal Hypnotherapists (IAIH).

Kati graduated from the Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy in June 2022 and is certified by the International Association of Interpersonal Hypnotherapists as a Certified Hypnotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and Transpersonal Hypnotherapist. She holds a master’s degree in clinical exercise physiology and a bachelor’s degree in applied behavioral science. She is a Board member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has professional experience working for Baldridge Award-winning companies St. David’s HealthCare and Motorola.

Matthew’s path started when he had a profound spiritual experience that led him to searching for life’s truths. After studying and practicing meditation and energy healing, Matthew found the institute of interpersonal hypnotherapy where he graduated as a clinical and Transpersonal Hypnotherapist. Matthew truly believes that no one is lost or broken, but they have forgotten the truth of who they are. He is honored to share his heart and to remind people of the love that has always existed inside of them.

Ligia MA, FT, FAAGC, CPC, CHT, is the founder of My Meaningful Life, LLC and The Center for Transforming Lives in Miami, Fl where she consults with individuals and families; by offering coaching/support, groups and workshops. Ligia is the author of three books on grief.

Mary Hayes has long been regarded as an authentic, empowering, and insightful Intuitive Counselor and Medium. Mary’s fresh approach to this long-standing profession is remarkably effective yet most enjoyable. For over twenty years, she has helped her clients with life direction, soul connection, personal enrichment, and so much more. Mary now has a private practice at her office in Winter Park, Florida, and continues to travel throughout the state to meet with private groups and individuals. By also working online, she is able to offer her services worldwide.

Joe Garcia is a Certified Clinical & Transpersonal Hypnotherapist and an alumnus of the Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy. With a background in corporate leadership and entrepreneurship, Joe’s journey from business development to spiritual exploration led him to the world of hypnotherapy. Experiencing a profound calling and personally experiencing the transformative power of hypnotherapy, Joe dedicated himself to assisting others on their journey. Joe is the Founder of Viva Hypnotherapy in Miami, FL, where he specializes in working with business owners and sales executives who grapple with feelings of being stuck, lost, or powerless. Utilizing the incredible power of hypnotherapy, Joe guides his clients toward rediscovering their path and unlocking their untapped potential within.

A graduate of the Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy, Don is a Certified Clinical and Transpersonal Hypnotherapist. His experience with hypnosis goes back to 2006 when he attended a stage hypnosis training program in Las Vegas. Since then, he has been fascinated with the power and potential of this healing technique. A veteran, Don holds degrees in mathematics, philosophy, and marketing. He offers business consulting services and teaches at several universities. Don has an active hypnotherapy practice in Vero Beach, Florida.

Iris Feraldi is a certified clinical and transpersonal hypnotherapist dedicated to personal growth. She finds joy in guiding others on their journey of self-discovery. With a deep gratitude for her calling, she combines learned insights to facilitate transformative change. Beyond her practice, Iris enjoys yoga, outdoor adventures, and creative upcycling projects.

Since she was a young child, Elizabeth has felt a natural draw toward exploring (as theSufis say) “that which transpires behind that which appears.” Along the way, this fascination inspired encounters with Buddhist, Taoist, Advaita Vedanta and other nondual traditions. Yoga asana, qigong, and poetry-writing have all played a central role in the unveiling, stabilizing, and expression of the nondual understanding. Living in not-knowing means to clearly understand that the conceptual mind will never be able to describe, define, or in any way grasp the Pure Awareness that is our essential nature. This gives rise to a kind nonconceptual knowing—a clarity, confidence, and comfort—that is indestructible. In her day-to-day living, Elizabeth endeavors to remain undistracted from and in ever- new ways enjoy and appreciate This.

Elizabeth is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in health, wellness, and spirituality-related topics. Her editing work has ranged from PhD dissertations, contemplative essays, website copy and blog posts to full-length book manuscripts. Her own published books include Meditation Now, Taoism for Beginners, A Year of Taoism, and the co-authored When Therapy Doesn’t Work: A Mindfulness Guide to Emotional Repair.

Diletta considers herself a daughter of art as her family has always been dedicated to the world of the arts. Her training started in high school and she obtained a degree in traditional Painting from the Academy of Fine Arts -Accademia Albertina-, and with the subsequent Master in Advanced Digital Artist, both in Turin, Italy. Later she worked as a concept artist, teacher of Fine Arts and Illustrator for various Italian and foreign projects and companies. Currently she is dedicated to illustration and graphics for IIH.

From inception to publishing, Kim provides clarity to hopeful authors about their purpose in writing a book and a foundational structure to execute their vision to a wider audience. Her two-decade career in Hollywood as a movie producer and screenwriter adds that special edge of storytelling and crafting a story that entertains as well as evokes emotion. Kim is now working with IIH to get the works of Matthew J. Brownstein into more hand and hearts.

Sara Ajna is a Certified Clinical and Transpersonal Hypnotherapist, graduate of IIH, founder of WealthMind Hypnosis, and author of the children’s book, You Are The You-niverse. She is committed to helping individuals break through emotional and mental blocks, reconnect with their inner strength to achieve their full potential, and empower them to create the life they truly desire. Having faced her own challenges, Sara deeply understands the barriers that can prevent individuals from feeling confident, balanced, and at peace. She’s dedicated to guiding her clients on a journey of self-love and purpose. Known for her compassionate and supportive approach, Sara creates a safe space for real transformation—whether it’s gaining clarity, releasing old patterns, or stepping into a healthier, happier version of oneself. With a deep belief in the mind’s ability to create lasting change, she guides each person to uncover their true potential and live a life aligned with their highest vision. In her free time, Sara enjoys creating art that inspires healing and spending time in the Florida springs with her loved ones.

Esteban Londono’s metaphysical journey began 20 years ago when he read Many Lives Many Masters, by his future teacher, Dr. Brian Weiss.

In response to a family crisis, Esteban was guided to accept the role of adviser for individuals dealing with the impact that addictions have on relationships, the aftermath and the subsequent road to healing and forgiveness. He has been an active mentor in this capacity for over 17 years. Esteban is trilingual, speaking fluently in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

His healing work has extended throughout the USA and to Colombia.

Esteban’s credentials are vast:

• Clinical/ Transpersonal Hypnotherapy
• Master Practitioner of Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP)
• NLP Life Coach
• *Certified Past Life Regressionist/ Progressionist
• **Master Angel Certified Practitioner
• Instructor & Coach in A Course In Miracles
• Ordained Interfaith Minister
• Bachelor in Science

Corey Benschop is a seasoned digital marketing specialist and website designer with a unique background and a decade of experience in enhancing online business presence. Originally a commercial electrician, Corey shifted gears in 2013, leveraging his analytical skills and entrepreneurial spirit to found his own web design agency. His approach to digital marketing is rooted in the philosophy that a website is not just a visual showcase but a crucial conversion tool. Combining this strategic outlook with his expertise in creating tailored, effective websites, Corey empowers business ownersóand specifically hypnotherapistsóto transform their digital footprints into robust tools for business growth and client engagement. His mission is to make sophisticated web design and marketing strategies accessible, helping professionals to not only attract clients but effectively engage them in the healing journey. Corey is also a proud graduate of IIH.

Natalia Urquiza-Manzano is a dedicated mental health and substance use therapist, known for her compassionate approach and commitment to holistic healing. With a bachelor’s degree in religious studies and psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree in counseling from Nova Southeastern University, Natalia has been practicing in the mental health field since 2017.

Driven by personal experiences and a desire to inspire others, Natalia specializes in humanizing mental health and substance use struggles. Through her personal path of recovery, growth, and academic pursuit, she has gained a profound appreciation for the power of education and resilience. Natalia’s dedication to continued learning led her to become a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Certified Transpersonal Hypnotherapist in 2024, further enhancing her ability to support her clients.

Currently serving as a Clinical Supervisor at Agape Behavioral Healthcare, Natalia is committed to connecting with individuals who are struggling while lovingly empowering and guiding them towards recovery.

What sets Natalia apart in her profession is her intuitive and creative approach to problem-solving. She empowers her clients to make their own decisions and recognizes them as the heroes of their own journey. Drawing from a diverse toolkit of modalities and techniques, including art, music, Reiki, and clinical hypnotherapy, Natalia ensures that each client receives personalized and effective care.

In her career, Natalia embodies compassion, love, and acceptance. She finds joy in witnessing the courage of her clients as they take their first steps towards recovery. With an open mind and a compassionate heart, Natalia Urquiza-Manzano is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those she serves.