Dear friends of the Mind Body Spirit Institute,
As many of you know, this May, MBSI is bidding a fond farewell to our Scholar and Founding Director, Alejandro Chaoul.
By founding MBSI in 2018, Ale has made a tremendous impact by initiating a visionary legacy. Through his leadership, he has created a living framework that empowers us to carry this work forward with integrity and intention, expanding our reach and deepening our ability to serve and support the community through these transformative practices and teachings. |
When I first met Ale, I was immediately struck by his presence and the way his spirit seemed to captivate the entire room. I had simply wandered into the Jung Center, not knowing what to expect, and we ended up talking for hours about MBSI and the meaningful work unfolding there. I left feeling a deep sense of awe. |
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It was exactly what I had felt Houston was missing, and yet here it was, thriving within the gem that is the Jung Center. This is exactly what I see people love about him—his ability to connect easily and effortlessly.
When we asked the MBSI advisory board members to reflect on his work with us, they had this to say:
“I have been inspired by Ale's dedication, discipline, and caring concern over many years. His leadership includes this transition to supporting Jasmine Shah to carry on the work of MSBI—another wise decision. Here's to many more years of health, flourishing, and leading others in the work of meditation and expanded awareness.”
-Tom Cole
“There are people who lead, and there are people who shift something in the world. You have done the latter. Through the Mind Body Spirit Institute, you gave us a place where ancient wisdom could be lived, not just taught. And in doing so, you touched lives in ways that ripple far beyond what can be seen. As you step into your new chapter, I know that what you have set in motion will continue to evolve and expand in ways we may not yet see but will certainly feel.”
-Mila Golovine
“I met Ale in 2014 in Buenos Aires airport, waiting for a flight to Houston that was significantly delayed. Ale told us he worked at MD Anderson and that along with two others, they started an Integrative Medicine Center at the Main Campus. He shared a brochure. About a year later, I discovered I needed MD Anderson’s expertise; I found the brochure and contacted Ale. We met at the Main Campus for coffee. He showed me around Mays Clinic, the Integrative Medicine Center and introduced me to several people. I am honored to have gotten to know him and his wife since then and consider them to be dear friends.”
-Kati Neidig
Though he will be missed, we are incredibly grateful for all of the passion, care, and effort that Ale has poured into establishing and expanding the Mind Body Spirit Institute over the years. Between our extensive public programming calendar and our workplace consultation program, MBSI has been able to bring accessible and inclusive mental health education to countless individuals across Houston and beyond.
To Ale: thank you for building a safe space for us. For the staff, faculty, advisory board, and many many students, the Mind Body Spirit Institute has become a home away from home. We wish you the best of luck, and can’t wait to see what you do next.
Warmest wishes,
Jasmine Shah (MBSI Director)
P.S. If you'd like to stay connected with Ale and up to date on his events in the community, click HERE to head to his website or reach out to him at info@alechaoul.com. |
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