Our Principal Investigators lead groundbreaking work at the intersection of mindfulness, neuroscience, and consciousness studies. They design and evaluate evidence-based programs that deepen the scientific understanding of well-being. Through rigorous research and cross-disciplinary inquiry, they strengthen GoInwards’ commitment to credibility, impact, and innovation in holistic health.
Ph.D., MBBS | Neuroscience of Yoga | Mind-Body Medicine
Dr. Shirley Telles is a pioneering neuroscientist and physician internationally recognized for her groundbreaking research on the physiological and psychological effects of yoga and meditation. With over three decades of experience, she has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and conducted extensive clinical trials exploring how ancient mind-body practices can enhance mental and physical well-being.
Dr. Telles holds a Ph.D. in Neurophysiology and an MBBS in Medicine and Surgery. She has led numerous studies at the intersection of neuroscience and yoga, including large-scale trials on yoga for epilepsy, anxiety, and cognitive functioning. As Director of the Patanjali Research Foundation, she leads one of the world’s largest and most respected centers for yoga science and mind-body research.
Her work has significantly contributed to the global understanding of yoga as a therapeutic modality, shaping public health approaches and educational models alike. At GoInwards, Dr. Telles offers scientific guidance on integrating evidence-based yogic practices into social-emotional learning programs for children, ensuring their safety, efficacy, and developmental alignment.
Ph.D., Harvard University | Mindfulness Education | Holistic Child Development
Dr. William Meyer is an educator, author, and researcher with a deep commitment to integrating mindfulness into K–12 education. Over the past two decades, he has worked as a high school teacher, assistant principal, and curriculum developer, bringing innovative practices that support the social, emotional, and ethical growth of children.
Dr. Meyer received his doctorate from New York University with a focus on educational leadership, and he also holds a master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. His work bridges evidence-based mindfulness techniques with classroom learning to foster well-being, attention, and emotional regulation in young learners.
He is the author of several children’s books and guided meditation stories, including Healing Breath: A Guided Meditation Through Nature for Kids, which help children develop inner calm and self-awareness through storytelling. Dr. Meyer’s research and writing continue to shape how mindfulness is understood and applied in school systems across the United States.
At GoInwards, Dr. Meyer supports the design and implementation of story-based SEL programming, contributing his expertise in child development, mindfulness pedagogy, and educational transformation.
M.D., D.P.M. | Integral Yoga Psychology | Consciousness-Based Psychiatry
Dr. Soumitra Basu is a pioneering psychiatrist, author, and educator whose work bridges the fields of mental health and consciousness studies. Drawing on over four decades of clinical experience, Dr. Basu is internationally recognized for integrating the principles of Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga into contemporary psychiatric practice through a model he developed known as Consciousness-Based Psychology.
Trained in medicine and psychiatry in India, Dr. Basu has worked extensively with children, adolescents, and adults, and has served in both clinical and academic roles. He is a founding editor of NAMAH, the Journal of Integral Health, and the author of several influential publications, including Integral Health, which explores healing and self-development through the lens of yoga psychology.
Dr. Basu’s work emphasizes the role of inner transformation in mental health, offering tools that help individuals move beyond symptom relief toward deeper psychological integration and spiritual growth. At GoInwards, he provides foundational insight into consciousness-based approaches to healing and supports the development of curricula that foster inner awareness, balance, and well-being in children and adults alike.
GoInwards is an IRS 501(c)(3) Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), chartered to advance wellness through integrative health related awareness, prevention, intervention, and resilience-based educational programs.
FEIN 90-0609802
