Those Who Tend the Shelter
Those who help guide, create, teach, and tend the day-to-day work of The Joyful Shelter LLC.
Founder/ President of the Board
Ramani Sharana has been studying holistic wellness practices for over 20 years. Although she began her journey with yoga at age 18, it was not until 2015 that she dove headfirst into what would turn into 11 years of intense teacher training in yogic traditions.
Ramani is a Bhakti (devotion) yogini at heart. She began with Yoga teacher training in this tradition, followed by a specialized children's yoga training that focused on children with special needs. Through these trainings, Ramani was able to register with Yoga Alliance as a 200RYT/RCYT.
Those who have studied the path of Hinduism know that "When the student is ready, the teacher appears." For Ramani this lead her to an amazing Ashram in India called Ma Sharanam Ashram, and to her teacher Swami Gurusharnanada (Swamiji).
It was while staying at Ma Sharanam that Ramani took a second 200 hour teacher training from Swamiji. This time she studied a spiritual based practice called Swakriya yoga (SKY). This provided Ramani with a greater knowledge in pranayama (breathwork), meditation, mantra and a spiritually based asana (poses) practice. She is 1 of only 2 people in the United States that is certified to teach SKY yoga.
It was there, in Ma Sharanam, on the banks of the Narmada River, that Ramani truly began to cultivate a love for Anandamayi Ma, a Hindu saint and realized being. A desire to create a world dedicated to Ma began to grow inside of her.
In March of 2019, Ramani received one of the most amazing blessings a Bhakti student can receive. She flew to Pune, India with Swamiji and took initiation with the honorable Ashok Babaji, into the Hindu tradition of Shri Vidya. By doing this she officially accepted Anandamayi Ma (Ma) as her guru.
Inspired by her initiation, Ramani decided to return to school. In 2023, she received her bachelor's degree, with honors, from Arizona State University in Religious Studies with a minor in Philosophy.
"First you create a place for you to deepen your practice. Then you welcome any who come for their own" ~Swamiji.
The Joyful Shelter was born from Ramani's desire to serve Ma and the world. It is a sacred space, an ashram, for people of all ages to come and live intentionally together, be stewards of the earth, creators of a sacred way of living and above all, be devotees to the Ishta's (personal understanding or image of God) that live in each person's heart.
A place where you can come to deepen your dedication to any special uplifting spiritual practices you may have, gain some if you do not current have while pursuing the guru (God) within.
Ramani is also a Reiki master, crystal healer, EFT level 2 practitioner, angel messenger, divination card reader, student of the elements, lover of living water, budding herbalist, and 1/1 spiritual coach. She uses tools like frequency devices, essential oils, singing bowls and knowledge of spiritual practices from several spiritual backgrounds, combine with her deep connection to Hinduism to craft ceremonies for people wishing to dive deeper into themselves.
In her free time, Ramani loves to be outside in nature, hanging out with her two amazing children and wife. As a vegetarian with vegan tendencies, she also loves to find ways to craft nourishing food all people can eat.
Director-Animal Husbandry
Meet Jonathan- and Rohan the senior animal in charge here at TJS.
Jonathan has been supporting those in rural life by working with and then eventually breeding, Anatolian Shepards, for over 5 years. His love of animals leads him to make friends with just about every animal he meets, including our neighborhood cows.
He is the person in charge of the care and maintenance for all of our animals on The Joyful Shelter. This currently includes dogs, rabbits, chickens, and goats with the future bringing sheep, ducks and maybe a cow or two of our own someday.
Those Who Hold the Vision
Those who serve and support the nonprofit mission of The Joyful Shelter, Anandamayi Ma Ashram & Retreat Center.
Board Member
Meet Elli
Elli is currently in her 3rd year of college studying International Business Trade. As a board member, once she is graduated, she will support TJS with any and all business needs and questions that arise.
Throughout her life, Elli has been exposed to many different faiths and keeps an alter at school with several deities and Ma close to help guide her education.
She is passionate about respectful communication without abandoning ones SELF.
Founder/Board Member
Meet Michelle
Michelle has been the support system for Ramani's Manifest-Generator dreams, as her wife, for over 14 years. She is always there with a hammer and tape measure each time Ramani decides a new chicken coop needs to be built or a yoga deck needs to be crafted.
She drives to all the kirtans, learns how to play the mantras on her guitar and attends all of Ramani's yoga classes.
She is "the man" behind the magic.
She has a seva heart. childlike innocence and quite strength. that The Joyful Shelter would not be the same without.
Director-Ananda Thali
Meet Danny
Danny has spent years in hospitality and food service, developing a deep appreciation for good food, good hospitality, and the experience of sharing a meal with others. His background includes managing busy food-service operations and leading hospitality teams, with a particular interest in building kitchens that are organized, welcoming, and capable of serving a community well. Danny will brings that experience and his genuine love of food to his role as Head Chef of Ananda Thali. This will be the farm to table kitchen space that will serve TJS as well as the local community.
Until Ananda Thali is operational, you can find a selection of Danny’s delicious food at TJS farm stand as well as at our local farmers market in Marquette MI, starting 2027.
Board Member
Meet Kayla Gonzalez
Kayla is a devoted yoga and meditation teacher, sacred space holder, and facilitator dedicated to creating experiences rooted in healing, connection, and personal transformation. Her work is guided by dignity, liberation, joy, and love, offering spaces where individuals can reconnect with themselves through mindfulness, embodied movement, and community.
She holds an RYT 800 certification through Empower Yoga Milwaukee, School Yoga Institute, and Maharishi Yogapeeth, with studies focused on intuitive wisdom and holistic psychology. Deeply inspired by yoga’s roots and Eastern spiritual traditions, she honors these lineages with humility and reverence in her teaching. She is also the founder of Resilient Joy.
Having traveled and studied throughout the Himalayas, Andes, Caribbean, and Central America, Kayla brings a global perspective to her work. She leads classes, workshops, trainings, ceremonies, and retreats that support self-discovery, spiritual growth, and authentic connection.
Kayla is honored to share this work in Milwaukee, around the world, and virtually with communities seeking greater presence, purpose, and well-being.
