Get to Know Me

I am Dr. Gustavo Kusi Monje, the author of the book Stuck in Yesterday: Visionary Practices for Building a Purposeful Future. I earned my PhD in Visionary Practice and Regenerative Leadership from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, NM and am currently a professor of College Writing and Literature at Northern Virginia Community College, where I have taught since 2006. Drawing from many years of teaching purpose-building principles to my students, my book, Stuck in Yesterday became a textbook in Spring, 2026.

Recognized by my native Quechua lineage as a Yachaq Paqo (Shaman of Wisdom), I integrate Andean spirituality with yogic traditions, leading treks and healing journeys in Peru.

I coach individuals and groups in purpose building, meditation, and other Indigenous wellness practices. I am the creator of @GustavoKusiMonje a Youtube channel with over 20,000 subscribers, and I hold a Yoga Alliance certificate in Tantra Yoga.

*This website was formerly titled and located at: www.gustavomonje.com. Gustavo Kusi Monje was formerly known as Gustavo Monje.

Headshot of Dr. Gustavo Kusi Monje, an Indigenous wellness educator based in Washington DC, smiling in front of a natural background.

My Story

In this video, I share the journey that led me to become an Yachaq Paqo (Quechua shaman of wisdom) and a dedicated teacher of Yogic philosophy. From a chance encounter with a monk on a Greyhound bus to tracing my lost ancestral Quechua roots in Bolivia and Peru, click below to learn the story of how two ancient paths became one calling for me.

Gustavo as a young quechua man and as a yogi

More About Me

Spiritual Certifications and Trainings

• Yachaq Paqo (Shaman of Wisdom) teacher training of Andean Practices – Pumaqanchi, Peru – 2024 and 2025.

• Anishinaabeg Lifeways for Health and Well-being – Santa Fe, NM – 2023​

• Quechua Philosophy and Healing: A Spiritual Excursion Through the Andes Mountains – Cusco, Peru – 2023​

• Tattvika (Master of Tantric Philosophy) Training – Bokaro, India – 2018​

• Life coach training from Leaders of the Heart – Rockville, MD – 2015

• 200 Hr. Tantra Yoga Teacher Training – Rockville, MD – Completed in 2018

​• Reiki Master Certification – Yellow Springs, OH – Completed in 2004​

Academic Education

• Doctoral Degree (PhD) – Visionary Practice and Regenerative Leadership – Southwestern College and the New Earth Institute – Completed in 2026 - Dissertation Focus: Three Indigenous Wellness Principles: Insights From the Quechua and Tantric Wisdom Traditions

• Graduate Certificate – Professional Writing and Rhetoric – George Mason University in Fairfax, VA – Completed in 2015​​

• Master’s Degree – Elementary Education – Howard University in Washington DC – Completed in 2006​

• Bachelor’s Degree – Cultural Interdisciplinary Studies – Antioch College in Yellow Springs, OH – Completed in 2005​

My Doctoral Research

Learn more about my PhD work in Three Indigenous Wellness Principles: Insights From the Quechua and Tantric Wisdom Traditions. Click to watch on my Youtube channel: @GustavoKusiMonje.

You

Get in Touch

If you have any questions, are interested in my courses, or want to book an appointment via Zoom, please click here to schedule an appointment with me.

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