HER WORK & LEGACY

Lorena Saavedra Smith is a Pacha philosopher, ecopsychologist, and storyteller dedicated to helping individuals reclaim their emotional autonomy and reconnect with nature. Originally from Perú and replanted to the U.S., Lorena blends her Andean ancestral wisdom with modern healing practices to empower others on their personal and collective journeys to well-being.

With over 20 years of experience in the wellness industry, Lorena is an expert in stress management, emotional healing, and spiritual resilience. A military spouse, yoga therapist (C-IAYT), author, and poet, she uses her platform to educate, inspire, and guide individuals through life’s challenges, particularly those related to trauma, mental health, and cultural displacement.

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Lorena’s story is one of profound transformation. After immigrating to the U.S. by herself in her early twenties, she faced the trauma of abusive interpersonal relationships, migration challenges, and the emotional toll of replanting herself in a new environment. Her personal wounds became the gateways to her healing. Through years of embodiment practices and deep spiritual work, Lorena discovered her medicine—ancestral healing tools passed down from her Andean lineage.

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This deep connection to her roots became the foundation of her work. Lorena’s teachings are rooted in the principle of reciprocity with nature, guiding others to access their cultural heritage as a powerful tool for addressing mental health and stress. Her legacy is centered on supporting individuals, especially those from the Latino communities, to heal and rediscover their inner wisdom. Through her writings and presentations, she encourages others to embrace the healing power of nature and cultural connection to navigate the complexities of modern life.

As an author, Lorena’s book Awaken Your Roots: Reclaim Your Ancestry and Sovereignty by Heeding the Jaguar’s Call is a testament to her life's work, offering readers a pathway to self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. She is particularly passionate about accompanying and supporting those recovering from the trauma of acculturation and immigration. Through her words and work, Lorena invites readers to move beyond shame, anxiety, and perfectionism and to weave their dreams with the wisdom of their deep roots.

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Lorena’s mission is to empower individuals to harness their ancestral knowledge to overcome modern-day struggles and to reconnect with nature as a source of spiritual, emotional, and physical healing. She believes that through deep, cultural self-awareness, we can create a collective transformation toward a more balanced, connected, and thriving world.

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She’s a proud spouse of a US Navy veteran and splits her time between Perú and the Washington, D.C. metro area.