Psilocybin Facilitator Training Certificate Program
The Psilocybin Facilitator Training Certificate Program is specifically designed to support education and training for legal adult-use psilocybin facilitation under state regulatory models. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychoactive tryptamine found in more than 200 species of fungi, with lineages of practice stewarded by traditional cultures globally.
Program Overview
Naropa’s 2025 Psilocybin Facilitator Training (PFT) Certificate Program is grounded in a Healing Justice framework, an approach that centers the experience of those most impacted by structural oppression. This model seeks to demystify healing by empowering community members to engage in harm reduction and community care. Our program embodies these commitments by offering mentorship and apprenticeship-based training that emphasizes small group instruction, active learning and skill-building practices within a comprehensive curriculum. The PFT program is taught by a core team of experienced Lead Educators who provide both didactic instruction and lead small group Pods through the program, closely mentoring each trainee while encouraging peer support and collaborative learning. Program participants gain foundational competencies in psilocybin facilitation, including the traditional roots of natural medicine, trauma-informed care, set and setting, and much more.
Naropa’s PFT certificate is an Approved Training Program for Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) under the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and is an Approved Training Program under Colorado’s Natural Medicine Program (NMP) as established by the Natural Medicine Health Act (NMHA).
Learn more about NCPS certificate programs and compare offerings in our Program Comparison Guide.
Live Info Sessions
Join our program educators and certificate leadership for a live online Info Session and Q&A!
Simple advance registration is required. Click the links below to register.
Info Session with
Audra Barber, MA
Wilhelmina De Castro, LCSW
November 7, 2024
10:00 am – 11:00 am MST
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Info Session with
Audra Barber, MA
Victor Cabral, LSW
Live Info Sessions
Join us live online to ask questions and learn more about the new PFT Certificate program! Click the links below to register.
Info Session with
Audra Barber, MA
Alessandra Santos Pye, LPC
November 4, 2024
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm MST
Info Session with
Audra Barber, MA
Wilhelmina De Castro, LCSW
November 7, 2024
10:00 am – 11:00 pm MST
Info Session with
Audra Barber, MA
Victor Cabral, LSW
Key Program Dates
Applications Open: Oct 25, 2024
Applications Close: Nov 24, 2024
Admissions Status: Opens Oct 25, 2024
Program Start: Jan 21, 2025
Practicum Opportunities (Program Add-on): 2025-2026
Program Ends: June 2025
Key Program Dates
Applications Open: Oct 25, 2024
Applications Close: Nov 24, 2024
Admissions Status: Opens Oct 25, 2024
Program Start: Jan 21, 2025
Practicum Opportunities (Program Add-on): 2025-2026
Program Ends: June 2025
Live Info Sessions
Join us live online to ask questions and learn more about our 2024 program!
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
5:00 – 6:00 pm MST
Open House w/ Diana Quinn, ND
& Victor Cabral, LSW
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
5:00 – 6:00 pm MST
Open House w/ Diana Quinn, ND
& Victor Cabral, LSW
Applications Open
May 1st!
What Makes Us Unique?
As North America’s leading institution of contemplative education, Naropa University is uniquely positioned to offer an innovative, experiential learning approach that is community-based, mindfulness-infused, and socially engaged. Like all education at Naropa, our psychedelic studies programs are grounded in mindfulness and compassion practices—a training approach we believe to be essential for ethical and engaged psychedelic practitioners. Program participants will receive a deep foundation in principles of social justice, the Indigenous roots of natural medicine practices, and the powerful relationship between healing and spirituality. Naropa is proud to be one of the first fully accredited universities to train the new vanguard of psychedelic therapists and facilitators.
Program Philosophy
Naropa’s PFT certificate program is grounded in a Healing Justice framework, an approach that centers the experience of those most impacted by structural oppression. This model seeks to demystify healing by empowering community members to engage in harm reduction and community care. Healing Justice is a community-led response to interrupt, transform, and intervene on collective trauma to sustain emotional, physical, mental, spiritual, and environmental well-being. The Healing Justice framework is informed by and incorporates principles of Liberatory Harm Reduction—empowerment-based strategies with decades of revolutionary practice in building collective power through support for self-determination and body autonomy.
The PFT certificate program philosophy centers Indigenous lineage carriers, encourages right relationship with the sacred mushroom, and demonstrates the importance of reciprocity with traditional stewards of ceremonial and entheogenic technologies. NCPS’ psilocybin facilitator training is rooted in respect for the sovereignty of the client, facilitator, lineage, and the mushroom itself.
NCPS anchors the PFT certificate philosophy in these ideologies in recognition that the state regulatory model of psilocybin facilitation aims to increase access to natural medicine healing modalities, from which traditional communities have been disenfranchised through colonial suppression and the War on Drugs. We recognize that limitations to access and injustice persist within existing frameworks, and we strive to dismantle barriers to access, particularly for underserved communities.Â
Please see the Center’s Integrity Commitments for more details and resources.Â
Psilocybin Facilitator Training Program Format
The PFT certificate is a 6-month, virtual learning program that provides hybrid instruction with dynamic live class sessions accompanied by asynchronous content that participants can engage at their own pace in accordance with the program timeline. Reflection activities, knowledge checks, and assessments are woven throughout the curriculum to ensure that trainees get the most out of their education.
Following the 6-month didactic learning period, trainees will be eligible for an experiential Practicum to engage in direct skillbuilding as psilocybin facilitators under the supervision of experienced mentors.
Program Modules & Schedule Overview
Participants will move through the 6-month program with a series of monthly modules. Attendance at live class sessions and Pod Groups is required; please see the program’s Attendance Policy details. Live Classes: Weekly Wednesday evenings on Zoom, 5:00-7:00 pm Mountain Time(MT), January 22 – June 25. Pod Small Groups: Pod Small Groups: Second and fourth Tuesday of each month (either 12:00-2:00 pm MT, 4:00-6:00 pm MT, 6:00-8:00 pm MT). Pod Group formation will include consideration of time zone. Independent Work: Plan to spend an additional four to five hours per week on learning activities including asynchronous content, readings, reflection journaling, assignments, and facilitator self-care activities.  | |
| Module 1 | Traditional Roots, Healing Justice, Health Equity
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| Module 2 | Presence, Ethics, Harm Reduction, Boundaries
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| Module 3 | Trauma Informed Care, Establishing Rapport, Screening and Intake
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| Module 4 | Preparation, Set and Setting, Safety Planning
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| Module 5 | Administration, Navigating Challenging Experiences
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| Module 6 | Integration, Group Work
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During this 6-month program, participants will be guided through distinct monthly modules. Topics include Traditional Roots of Natural Medicine, Healing Justice, Ethics, Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, Set and Setting, and much more.
Program Modules & Schedule Overview
Participants will move through the 6-month program with a series of monthly modules. Attendance at live class sessions and Pod Groups is required; please see the program’s Attendance Policy details.
Live Classes: Weekly Wednesday evenings on Zoom, 5:00-7:00 pm Mountain Time(MT), January 22 – June 25.
Pod Small Groups: Pod Small Groups: Second and fourth Tuesday of each month (either 12:00-2:00 pm MT, 4:00-6:00 pm MT, 6:00-8:00 pm MT). Pod Group formation will include consideration of time zone.
Independent Work: Plan to spend an additional four to five hours per week on learning activities including asynchronous content, readings, reflection journaling, assignments, and facilitator self-care activities.
Module 1
Traditional Roots, Healing Justice, Health Equity
- Traditional Cultural Use and Decolonial Approaches to Psilocybin Facilitation
- Racial Justice and Intergenerational Trauma
- Empathy vs Compassion and Facilitator Self-Care
Module 2
Presence, Ethics, Harm Reduction, Boundaries
- Facilitator Best Practices and Core Competencies
- Mitigating Risk
- Abuse of Power and Ethical Facilitation
Module 3
Trauma Informed Care, Establishing Rapport, Screening and Intake
- Trauma PhysiologyÂ
- Trauma-Informed Communication Skills
- Determining Client Eligibility
- Safety Considerations and Referral in Screening
Module 4
Preparation, Set and Setting, Safety Planning
- Developing Therapeutic Rapport
- Informed Consent
- Developing a Safety Plan
Module 5
Administration, Navigating Challenging Experiences
- Dosing Strategies and Subjective Experience
- Challenging Behaviors in Administration Sessions
- Traumatic Stress, De-escalation, and Safety in Administration Sessions
Module 6
Integration, Group Work
- Integration Modalities and Resources
- Boundaries and Group Dynamics in Group Facilitation
- Providing Individual Care and Navigating Challenging Experiences in Group Administration Sessions
+ Program Add-on: Practicum
In addition to the successful completion of an approved training program, state licensure for psilocybin facilitation in Oregon and Colorado requires the completion of a 40-hour Practicum. The practicum is an in-depth opportunity for trainees to facilitate a non-ordinary state of consciousness experience under the guidance of a qualified supervisor. Specific practicum requirements differ in each state.
Psilocybin Practicum with Cora Center – Portland, OR – 2025 Dates and Costs TBD
NCPS practicums at Cora Center include in-person training and experientials comprising 40 hours. Travel and lodging expenses are not included in the practicum cost. Registration will prioritize Oregon residents seeking licensure.
NCPS Psilocybin Practicum Opportunities – Colorado – 2025 Dates and Costs TBD
Registration will prioritize Colorado residents seeking licensure. Current PFT trainees will be eligible for practicum after successful completion of the program. Practicum specifics are to be determined, and more details will be announced as they become available.
+ Future Training & Education Opportunities
Consultation
Colorado’s regulations indicate that following successful completion of all didactic and practicum requirements, 50 hours of consultation over a six month period will be a required component of licensure for psilocybin facilitators in the state. The Naropa Center for Psychedelic Studies plans to introduce a consultation program in early 2025 to accommodate licensed psilocybin facilitators, with priority given to those seeking Colorado licensure who have completed Naropa’s PFT certificate program.
Continuing Education and Peer Support
Colorado’s regulations state that 20 hours of continuing education will be required every year for psilocybin facilitators to maintain their licenses. NCPS plans to introduce continuing education in 2026 to accommodate licensed psilocybin facilitators.Â
In addition to state-approved training, practicum, consultation period, and continuing education, NCPS believes that best practices for psilocybin facilitation training include a multi-phase approach that includes consultation, ongoing peer support, and a community of practice. As we prepare for Colorado’s regulatory model to launch in 2025, we are developing a framework for an accessible and comprehensive multi-phase training and practice environment to support the safe, ethical, and equitable delivery of psilocybin services in Colorado and beyond.
Oregon
Oregon psilocybin facilitator licensure does not currently include consultation or continuing education requirements like those described above for Colorado. Regardless, NCPS welcomes trainees seeking Oregon licensure who are interested in deepening their learning by participating in these additional education and training opportunities as they become available.
Future Training & Education Opportunities
Consultation
Colorado’s regulations indicate that following successful completion of all didactic and practicum requirements, 50 hours of consultation over a six month period will be a required component of licensure for psilocybin facilitators in the state. The Naropa Center for Psychedelic Studies plans to introduce a consultation program in early 2025 to accommodate licensed psilocybin facilitators, with priority given to those seeking Colorado licensure who have completed Naropa’s PFT certificate program.
Continuing Education and Peer Support
Colorado’s regulations state that 20 hours of continuing education will be required every year for psilocybin facilitators to maintain their licenses. NCPS plans to introduce continuing education in 2026 to accommodate licensed psilocybin facilitators.Â
In addition to state-approved training, practicum, consultation period, and continuing education, NCPS believes that best practices for psilocybin facilitation training include a multi-phase approach that includes consultation, ongoing peer support, and a community of practice. As we prepare for Colorado’s regulatory model to launch in 2025, we are developing a framework for an accessible and comprehensive multi-phase training and practice environment to support the safe, ethical, and equitable delivery of psilocybin services in Colorado and beyond.
Oregon
Oregon psilocybin facilitator licensure does not currently include consultation or continuing education requirements like those described above for Colorado. Regardless, NCPS welcomes trainees seeking Oregon licensure who are interested in deepening their learning by participating in these additional education and training opportunities as they become available.
Ready To Apply?
Applications open on October 25th, 2024. See the Application Process and Policies page for further details on applicable credentials.
Applications open Oct 25th! Learn what you'll need to submit below.
Preparing Participants for Work as Psilocybin Facilitators
Naropa offers its Psilocybin Facilitator Training (PFT) certificate as an Approved Training Program in both Oregon and Colorado, meeting state regulatory requirements for psilocybin facilitation training.Â
Colorado’s regulatory model offers a tiered approach to training and licensure, with a tier for DORA licensed clinical providers to practice under the scope of their training in the provision of psilocybin services. A second tier confers licensing for eligible adults who have completed state-approved psilocybin facilitator training, similar to Oregon’s state regulations. Naropa’s PFT certificate program welcomes trainees seeking licensure in Oregon, as well as trainees eligible for both levels of Colorado licensure. Both groups will receive identical training within Naropa’s PFT program.
Who Can Become a Psilocybin Facilitator?
In accordance with OPS rules in Oregon and NMP rules in Colorado, Naropa’s PFT Certificate program eligibility criteria are commensurate with state regulatory models, as follows:
- 21 years of age (by January 1, 2025)
- High school diploma or equivalentÂ
- Resident of the United States
- Professional license in good standing, if applicable (for Colorado’s Clinical Facilitator tier)
Legal psilocybin facilitation regulation is an evolving and complex landscape. Please see additional information below, and visit the PFT Application Process & Policies page for further eligibility details.
Where Can Psilocybin Facilitators Practice?
Psilocybin facilitation under the state regulatory adult use model is an emergent and evolving field. Naropa’s non-degree PFT certificate program is designed to prepare facilitators for licensure in Colorado and Oregon. Because regulations vary state by state, additional training may be required for credentialing depending on the legal context of the facilitator’s intended practice location. The future trajectory and guidelines for psilocybin facilitation vary by region, regulatory agency, and protocol, and are subject to changes in federal, state, and local guidelines.
It’s an exciting time in the psychedelic landscape. Oregon and Colorado have implemented pathways for legal access to psilocybin facilitation, with other states and jurisdictions currently pending legislation. Naropa’s PFT certificate program is an Approved Training Program for Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) facilitator training and required state higher education accrediting agencies, and is one of the first programs to become an Approved Training Program under Colorado’s Natural Medicine Program as established by the Natural Medicine Health Act (NMHA). Read the press release for more details.
Regulatory Snapshot: Oregon
Oregon voters passed ballot Measure 109 in 2020, establishing the Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) division of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), with final regulatory rules published in 2022. Oregon is the first state in the nation to implement a regulatory framework for psilocybin services. OPS conducted a public commentary feedback period, developed revised rules, and began accepting applications for licensure in 2023. Oregon’s licensed psilocybin facilitator requirements include completing an approved 120-hour training program, 40-hour practicum, and OPS exam. Â
Naropa’s Psilocybin Facilitator Training certificate is an Approved Training Program for Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) facilitator training, and portability of psilocybin facilitation licensure is anticipated between Oregon and Colorado.Â
Oregon Licensed Facilitator Requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or older.
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.Â
- Must be an Oregon resident (please note, this requirement expires in January 2025).Â
- Must pass a criminal background check.Â
- Must complete a psilocybin facilitator training program (including 40-hour practicum) with a curriculum approved by Oregon Psilocybin Services, prior to applying for licensure.Â
- Must pass an exam administered by Oregon Psilocybin Services.
Regulatory Snapshot: Colorado
In the 2022 general election, Colorado voters approved Proposition 122, the Natural Medicine Health Act (NMHA), and in 2023 the Colorado Legislature passed SB23-290, the formal implementation bill for Proposition 122. This measure decriminalized adult possession of psilocybin mushrooms and other natural medicines. SB23-290 also creates the regulatory framework to oversee natural medicine in the state. Final regulatory rules will be established by Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agencies’ (DORA)  Natural Medicine Program in 2024, and the full scope of the law will take effect in 2025. Colorado’s licensed psilocybin facilitator requirements were finalized in 2024, and include completing an approved 150-hour training program, 40-hour practicum, 50 hours of consultation within a six month period for licensed facilitators, and 20 hours of continuing education every year.
Naropa is proud to be a leader in Colorado in developing psilocybin facilitator training as well as contributing input on the safe, ethical, and equitable delivery of psilocybin services under the NMHA.
Colorado Licensed Facilitator Requirements:
Colorado’s regulations specify that psilocybin facilitator requirements include two tiers of licensure: Facilitator and Clinical Facilitator. The Facilitator tier includes those who have completed a 150-hour state-approved training program, a 40-hour practicum, and 50 hours of consultation. The Clinical Facilitator tier includes those who have completed the above requirements in addition to maintaining a clinical license under DORA, and will be eligible to operate within the scope of practice of their license in addition to psilocybin facilitation. Colorado psilocybin facilitator licensure further requires that eligible facilitators be at least 21 years of age and complete Basic Life Support or equivalent education. Prospective facilitators must submit an application and application fee (not included in PFT program tuition) to DORA to receive licensure.
Regulatory Snapshot: Oregon
Oregon voters passed ballot Measure 109 in 2020, establishing the Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) division of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), with final regulatory rules published in 2022. Oregon is the first state in the nation to implement a regulatory framework for psilocybin services. OPS conducted a public commentary feedback period, developed revised rules, and began accepting applications for licensure in 2023. Oregon’s licensed psilocybin facilitator requirements include completing an approved 120-hour training program, 40-hour practicum, and OPS exam. Â
Naropa’s Psilocybin Facilitator Training certificate is an Approved Training Program for Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) facilitator training, and portability of psilocybin facilitation licensure is anticipated between Oregon and Colorado.Â
Oregon Licensed Facilitator Requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or older.
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.Â
- Must be an Oregon resident (please note, this requirement expires in January 2025).Â
- Must pass a criminal background check.Â
- Must complete a psilocybin facilitator training program (including 40-hour practicum) with a curriculum approved by Oregon Psilocybin Services, prior to applying for licensure.Â
- Must pass an exam administered by Oregon Psilocybin Services.
Regulatory Snapshot: Colorado
In the 2022 general election, Colorado voters approved Proposition 122, the Natural Medicine Health Act (NMHA), and in 2023 the Colorado Legislature passed SB23-290, the formal implementation bill for Proposition 122. This measure decriminalized adult possession of psilocybin mushrooms and other natural medicines. SB23-290 also creates the regulatory framework to oversee natural medicine in the state. Final regulatory rules will be established by Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agencies’ (DORA)  Natural Medicine Program in 2024, and the full scope of the law will take effect in 2025. Colorado’s licensed psilocybin facilitator requirements were finalized in 2024, and include completing an approved 150-hour training program, 40-hour practicum, 50 hours of consultation within a six month period for licensed facilitators, and 20 hours of continuing education every year.
Naropa is proud to be a leader in Colorado in developing psilocybin facilitator training as well as contributing input on the safe, ethical, and equitable delivery of psilocybin services under the NMHA.
Colorado Licensed Facilitator Requirements:
Colorado’s regulations specify that psilocybin facilitator requirements include two tiers of licensure: Facilitator and Clinical Facilitator. The Facilitator tier includes those who have completed a 150-hour state-approved training program, a 40-hour practicum, and 50 hours of consultation. The Clinical Facilitator tier includes those who have completed the above requirements in addition to maintaining a clinical license under DORA, and will be eligible to operate within the scope of practice of their license in addition to psilocybin facilitation. Colorado psilocybin facilitator licensure further requires that eligible facilitators be at least 21 years of age and complete Basic Life Support or equivalent education. Prospective facilitators must submit an application and application fee (not included in PFT program tuition) to DORA to receive licensure.
Program Educators
Director
Diana Quinn, ND
Naropa Center for Psychedelic Studies ⓘ
Dr. Diana Quinn (she/her) is a licensed naturopathic doctor, healing justice practitioner, and psychedelic educator. She identifies as a queer mestizo Chicana and has nearly 20 years of service to BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities. Dr. Quinn is the Director of Clinical Education at the Naropa Center for Psychedelic Studies, where she supports the Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy program and directs the Psilocybin Facilitator Training certificate program. In the emerging field of psychedelic therapy, she works to build more just, ethical, and safe approaches to delivery of care. Her work in psychedelic education centers historically excluded communities, offering anti-oppressive curriculum and training for psychedelic facilitators in both the medical and adult-use models. She serves on numerous advisory boards where she brings a dedication to ethical integrity, equity, accessibility, and Indigenous reciprocity in the psychedelic field.
Program Educators
Victor Cabral, LSW
Naropa Center for Psychedelic Studies ⓘ
Victor Alfonso Cabral, LSW, is an Afro-Latinx professional deeply dedicated to serving historically marginalized communities. Drawing from his personal and professional experiences, Victor approaches his work with empathy and strategic insight. His varied career includes contributions to policy development, community outreach, training and education, and community mental health services. He is a licensed social worker and therapist in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with training in MDMA/Ketamine/Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy and Internal Family Systems.
As the former Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs at Fluence Training, Victor was instrumental in guiding policy initiatives, shaping inclusive training curricula, and fostering connections among key stakeholders in the field of psychedelic medicine.
Prior to joining Fluence, Victor served as Deputy Director for the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of Advocacy and Reform where he helped shape regulations for youth detention centers and residential treatment facilities. He facilitated the establishment of the first Racial Day of Healing in Pennsylvania history and developed accessible trauma training for Pennsylvanians.
He is actively involved in a documentary film titled ‘We Are The Medicine’, which seeks to highlight the importance of BIPOC voices in the psychedelic community (www.PictureAColorfulWorld.com) He was recognized in the Students for Sensible Drug Policy’s “40 Under 40 Outstanding BIPOC Leaders in Drug Policy” and received the 2022 Emerging Social Work Leader Award from the National Association of Social Workers of Pennsylvania.
Wilhelmina De Castro, LCSW
PRATI ⓘ
Wilhelmina De Castro, LCSW (She/They) serves as PRATI’s Interim Executive Director and is trained in KAP (Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy) through PRATI and MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy through MAPS. They support organizations in building justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, systems, and cultures. Wilhelmina also works as a lead therapist in a Psilocybin Phase 3 Clinical Trial for Treatment-Resistant Depression and sits on the Advisory Board for Thank You Life.
As a Queer, Filipinx, non-binary person, they are deeply committed to anti-oppressive work, diversifying the psychedelic space, and uplifting the voices of BIPOC and LGBTQIA2s+ people. Wilhelmina is currently practicing KAP with individuals, groups, and families, and offering low-cost/donation-based KAP. She specializes in the areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. She has significant experience in working with the Queer folx and People of the Global majority and communities that have been impacted by global and systemic oppression.Â
Candace Oglesby, LCPC
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy ⓘ
Candace Oglesby is the program director for an online educational companies Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) certificate program and a licensed professional counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland. Candace began her career as a psychedelic-assisted therapist in 2020, when she sat on her first study as a clinical trial therapist, which studied the effects of psilocybin in cancer and TRD patients. Since then, she has gained training in Ketamine, MDMA, and 5- MeO- DMT assisted therapies.Â
In addition, Candace is the founder and owner of Jurnee Mental Health Consulting, LLC, a consulting business that provides support to individuals and businesses looking to deepen their understanding of mental health while also providing support and resources to global majority communities. Candace also serves as a DEI mental health consultant, trainer, speaker, and mentor within the psychedelic community. When Candace is not acting as psychotherapist, consultant, trainer, and mentor, she is spending time with her husband, family, and friends. Candace believes that cutting-edge therapies and techniques should be made available to everyone despite race, sexual orientation, gender, or socio-economic status.
Esteban Orozco
Psychedelic Legacy ⓘ
Esteban Orozco (he/they) has a passion for liberatory pedagogy, radical care, and intergenerational healing. He’s the son of a midwife and a medicine man. Their ancestry is Wixarika and Chicanx. His spirituality is a blend of indigenous and Buddhist practice. They have taught permaculture, trauma healing, decolonized nutrition, and psychedelic education for 5+ years, primarily on Ohlone territory. Esteban has also trained with curandera Veronica Igelsis, learning indigenous healing traditions. Esteban is a co-founder of Psychedelic Legacy, a BIPOC psychedelic training program. He is a graduate of ERIE, and has facilitated integration groups for 5+ years. A graduate of Oaksterdam and the Alma Institute. And a former mentor in the SSDP Psychedelic Pipeline. Esteban currently resides in Portland, OR and works as trauma healing facilitator for Healing Together. He is completing a masters in Project Management at CSU and offers peer volunteer support on the Fireside Project hotline.
Syre Saniyah, PhD, LP
Liberation Centered Healing ⓘ
As a Black, queer, transmasculine, gender expansive, polyamorous, and kinky healing practitioner Syre is passionate about working with those who are marginalized in society. Syre practices from a liberation centered multidimensional feminist perspective centering collaboration and embodied liberation. Syre is committed to energy work and psychedelic medicine as a path toward liberation and healing intergenerational wounds. Syre is a Co-Founder and Director of Programming of Cora Center, a liberation centered, queer and BIPOC led psilocybin service center in Portland, OR that centers serving marginalized communities.Â
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Syre completed training in MDMA assisted psychotherapy with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). He has an OHA approved certificate in Psilocybin Facilitation from Alma Institute and a Certificate in Psychedelic Assisted Therapies from Naropa University. Syre is the Director of Liberatory Practices and a Lead Educator on the teaching faculty at Alma Institute, Inc. as a part of the Psilocybin Facilitator Certificate Program. He is an educator with the Integrate x Evolve Queer Facilitation Training team and a Core Faculty member and Cohort Integration Leader at Naropa University in the Psychedelic Assisted Therapies Certificate Program. Syre has a certificate in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and is a Psychedelic Assisted Therapist.Â
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Syre graduated with a Master’s Degree in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University and a Ph.D in Counseling Psychology from Fordham University in New York City. He has been a fully licensed psychologist since 2010. He is a Registered Yoga Teacher (Hatha & Kemetic), a Level II Ra Sekhi Kemetic Energy Medicine Practitioner, as well as a Usui/Holy Fire Reiki Master. Syre is also the founder of Liberation Reiki, a path of Reiki that centers the energetic intergenerational healing of BIPOC and queer folx.
Alessandra Santos-Pye, LPC ​
The Chrysalis Institute ⓘ
Alessandra Santos Pye is a psychedelic assisted therapist, psychotherapist, facilitator and artist. Her clinical approach and facilitation offerings center relational dynamics rooted in anti-oppression, ceremony, restorative justice, trauma informed care, and the expressive arts. Born in São Paulo, Brazil, original territory of the Tupi Guarani, her identity is multifaceted by Indigenous, West African, and European culture and ancestry. She is the Founder and Creative Director of the Chrysalis Institute, with the mission to expand the spectrum of opportunities available to emerging BI&POC artists by supporting self-exploration, self-care, and contemplative practices. She is at home in group retreat environments and values crafting experiences that are both engaging and restorative. Alessandra has earned post-graduate certificates from the Center for Psychedelic Studies and Research at the California Institute of Integral Sciences and the Naropa Center for Psychedelic Studies. She currently offers sublingual ketamine assisted therapy in her community to clients wishing to address symptoms related to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and many other mental health challenges.
Collaborations and Acknowledgements
Naropa University is honored to work with many individual and institutional contributors whose expertise helps strengthen the ongoing development and integrity of our certificate program. Contributors include members of our faculty, staff and leadership teams, as well as prominent leaders in the field of psychedelic studies, who provide programmatic and advisory support that enhances the depth and efficacy of our offerings. Please visit the Naropa Center for Psychedelic Studies for information and details, including valued program Sponsors and Supporters.Â
Ready To Apply?
Applications open on October 25th!
See the Application Process and Policies page for further details on applicable credentials.
Learn more about NCPS certificate programs and compare offerings in our Program Comparison Guide.
