Robbie Priestley, PMP
Executive Director
Greetings! I’m Robbie Priestley, and I'm honored to be the Executive Director of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, reporting to President Susan Mokelke. My academic training was in computer science, business administration, and project management. I've had a successful career in business, but when I discovered shamanism it completely transformed my life. The role of Executive Director gives me the opportunity to combine my business background with my dedication to shamanism.
I also continue to be a shamanic practitioner and instructor. As a shamanic practitioner, I offer Core Shamanic healing sessions from a multidisciplinary clinic near my home on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. As an instructor, I’m a member of the FSS faculty, teaching shamanic workshops online and in-person. I enjoy encouraging students to explore and discover. My shamanic practice is informed by ancient shamanic tradition and focuses on empowerment.
The wild is where my heart truly resides. For many years I went “questing” in the wilderness as a mountaineer and outdoor adventurer. I climbed isolated mountains alone, and completed challenging solo hikes of the West Coast Trail and the Stein Valley Traverse. Nature is a powerful teacher and healer. Being solitary in the wild for days on end pushed my personal limits, and I learned who I truly am. Nature still calls to me, and I enjoy hiking alone to high places where my soul can soar with the birds on the wind, experiencing true freedom.
Student Feedback
"Robbie is a fantastic teacher. He provides clear organized instruction and takes the time, patience, and effort to hold space for each of his students. He successfully facilitates a class where communication is non-judgmental, safe, and empowering. He demonstrates a wealth of knowledge and experience, but does not hold himself above others. He generously shares his wisdom and his approach is personable, humble and compassionate."
"Robbie was incredible. His delivery was entertaining yet educational and professional. An exceptional experience that surpassed my expectations. I can't say enough good things."
"Robbie was an exceptional teacher. His delivery was precise, detailed, and thoroughly engaging. He communicated complex concepts clearly and succinctly, never deviating from the subject matter, and was highly effective as a moderator—skillfully steering discussions back to core themes without losing depth."
"Robbie struck me as a highly gifted educator. He quickly and quietly established a calming, safe space for a very diverse group of people bringing different personalities, gifts, problems and backgrounds into a single room. I appreciated the depth of his knowledge and mastery of shamanic learning in Michael Harner's developed curriculum."