Meet the Team

Ben Gilbert
Founder of Terra Sangha & Co-Founder of AIIH
Osteopath - Acupuncturist - Naturopath
Ben Gilbert is the heart and vision behind Terra Sangha, embodying a unique synthesis of over twenty years of clinical practice in osteopathy and acupuncture, a deep reverence for nature and sustainability, and a commitment to building new systems where people can truly heal and thrive. A graduate of the University College of Osteopathy (UCO) in London, Ben's journey includes founding and leading a successful multidisciplinary healthcare practice in the UK. He has cultivated a respected teaching practice, mentoring associate osteopaths in clinical training and leading advanced workshops and retreats for healthcare professionals. This extensive experience in both clinical care and education forms the foundation for his deep understanding of patient needs and clinic operations. Ben now channels this extensive practical experience into two interconnected organisations: Terra Sangha, a physical sanctuary for deep nature connection and integrative health, and the Association for Innovation in Integrative Health (AIIH), which works to validate and scale this holistic approach through research and professional collaboration. As a clinician, his practice has always been guided by the principle of supporting the body's innate wisdom to heal by addressing root causes rather than symptoms. This expertise directly informs ambitious international projects like the proposed Horizon Europe INNOHEALTH initiative, led by the AIIH, which seeks to scientifically validate integrative protocols combining clinical, somatic, mindfulness practices, and eco-social therapies. Driven to create a tangible sanctuary for this work, Ben applied his knowledge of permaculture, natural building, and land stewardship to design and build Terra Sangha from the ground up. Every aspect of the centre reflects his profound belief in the synergy between human and ecological vitality. Through his work with both Terra Sangha and AIIH, Ben embodies a unique synthesis of extensive clinical experience, ecological stewardship, contemplative practices, and strategic innovation. He welcomes collaborators, participants, and allies to join in building a more resilient and holistic future for healthcare.

Catherine Heartwood
Ayurveda - Detox - Somatic Trauma
Catherine has over 25 years of experience in the healing arts, combining yoga, meditation, breathwork, Ayurveda, detox, nutrition, herbalism, bodywork and somatic trauma release. Inspired by her own healing journey, her BSc in Psychology, as a certified Ayurveda Practitioner, and detox specialist, she integrates Eastern and Western approaches to the gut-brain for mental and emotional health. Empowering others with practical tools for self-healing through developing deep connections to themselves, the earth and the natural elements. Catherine innovated Detox programs, as the Wellness director, at The Sanctuary and Orion in Thailand and at Ubud Sari in Bali

Kristina von Petersdorff
Partnership Management, Innovation & Business Development
Kristina is a legal professional and project manager with over 14 years of international experience in legal protection, humanitarian crisis response, and strategy development. Trained in law (Bonn University), human rights (European Master’s Degree, Venice/Graz), and social innovation (Cambridge University Business School), she combines rigorous analytical and research skills with creative systems thinking and a strong capacity for operationalisation. Her career has focused on leading diverse teams in complex environments, designing strategies that safeguard vulnerable communities while fostering long-term resilience. Working across international, EU, academic, private sector, and civil society settings, she has coordinated advocacy, built cross-sectoral partnerships, and advanced sustainable resource allocation. Her frontline experience inspired her to explore the role of organisational culture and the need of holistic health models for the future of work in the humanitarian and adjacent sectors. Beyond her professional work, Kristina is deeply passionate about the relationship between the designed environment and mental well-being. She believes that historical buildings and sites carry a living energy and should be regenerated as vibrant spaces of life and community. Kristina channels her experience and knowledge into building partnerships for innovative research and developing regenerative business models that honour both human well-being and sustainable growth. She is a co-founder of the Association of Innovation in Integrative Health (AIIH) and it is her mission to empower AIIH’s multidisciplinary team to alleviate mental health suffering, improve quality of life, and create scalable models at the intersection of mental health, regenerative development, and heritage conservation—cultivating environments where individuals and communities can thrive.

Corinna Trione
Managing Director - Yoga - Bodywork
Corinna is a holistic bodywork therapist and experienced yoga teacher dedicated to exploring integrative approaches to health and wellbeing. Co-founder of the Association of Innovation in Integrative Health, her practice is rooted in the understanding that the body is both a tool and a gateway for healing, supporting balance between mind, body, and spirit. Trained in Alchemy of Touch™️, she works with the nervous system through techniques that combine both Eastern and Western traditions, including Deep Tissue, Thai Stretches, Acupressure and Joint Mobilisation. As a Vinyasa and Yin yoga teacher, she integrates somatic awareness to foster resilience, embodiment, and self-regulation. With over a decade of experience working in retreat environments, Corinna unites therapeutic practice with holistic nourishment, drawing on her background as a vegan and holistic chef. Her mission is to make health a universal asset accessible to everyone, empowering all beings to reclaim their wholeness and live in alignment with it.

Gayle Murphy
Sustainability - Trauma - Natural Health
Gayle is an holistic innovator in sustainability, trauma healing, and natural health. With a BSc in Geological and Earth Sciences from Brunel University, and certifications in life coaching, NLP, Permaculture and sustainable living and building; she combines scientific grounding with holistic approaches to create balance between people and the planet. In over 20 years of international project management, she led EU, international and national funded projects. As Founder of Global Green Events and past Chairperson of the Events Industry Council’s Sustainability and Social Impact Committee, Gayle has shaped industry-wide frameworks for sustainability, strategy, and stakeholder engagement. Alongside the sustainability leadership, Gayle is highly trained in trauma and attachment, with expertise in NeuroDynamic Breathwork, Compassionate Inquiry, Polyvagal Theory, and attachment-based therapies, specialised in neurodivergence, addiction, and CPTSD. Her mission is to unite people and industries in creating a healthier, more sustainable, and compassionate world, bridging systemic change with deep personal healing.
