Synthesizing ancient practices with a modern approach to well-being and happiness.
Zesa, in Sanskrit, means balance and with Zesa Wellness you will be exposed to evidence-based mindfulness programs taught through the practice yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. These programs provide skills and tools that aid in balancing the mind and body. When we improve the balance of the mind and body we inevitably increase our over all well-being. Our health, success, and happiness increases.
Through the practice of yoga, meditation and mindfulness we are able to gain numerous benefits that can lead to an overall improved well-being. We are able to cultivate a life that is full of wonder and happiness that stems from the foundation of creating a balanced lifestyle. Zesa Wellness is a way for you to pick-up up where you left off, continue, or begin a commitment to self-care.
Our Team
Ashley Hardcastle, MA, CWMF
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & FOUNDER
Ashley Hardcastle is on a mission to change the way organizations think about human performance. A philosopher, leadership strategist, and certified mindfulness facilitator, she founded Zesa Wellness in 2016 with a bold belief: that the most powerful competitive advantage any organization can build is a people-first culture rooted in well-being.
With a career spanning higher education, business development, and organizational leadership, Ashley has partnered with startups, corporations, universities, and government agencies to cultivate the kind of resilient, innovative teams that don't just survive pressure — they thrive in it.
She holds a Master's in Philosophy and is certified in Yoga, Meditation, Mindfulness, the Science of Happiness, and Mastering Business Development. She is also a Certified Workplace Mindfulness Facilitator through Mindful Leader and has been published in Teaching Philosophy and Sustainable Communities Review.
Ashley believes that when people are well, organizations excel — and she built Zesa to prove it.
INSTRUCTORS
Nilushka Melnick, MPH, ACC, LSSBB, CMWF
Nilushka is a Leadership Development Principal at Stanford Health Care, bringing over 20 years of experience in healthcare leadership. She specializes in translating organizational strategy into actionable initiatives that drive performance, enhance leadership effectiveness, and foster a culture of well-being.
A certified Leadership, Gallup Strengths, and Team Performance Coach, Nilushka is also a Workplace Mindfulness Facilitator and Mental Fitness Coach. With over 15 years of mindfulness practice, she is passionate about integrating mindfulness into leadership development to enhance resilience, creativity, and workplace harmony.
Her expertise in high-pressure healthcare environments fuels her commitment to health, wellness, and prevention, empowering leaders to cultivate personal growth and drive meaningful organizational change. Nilushka holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of California, Riverside, a Master of Public Health from Boston University, and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt—equipping her to lead continuous improvement within complex healthcare systems.
Dr. Maitri Vaidya, MS, DBA, FACHE
Maitri is a Healthcare Executive with a background in Healthcare Quality Management, Population Health, and Mindfulness. An experienced yogi, meditator, and certified meditation instructor, she brings a deep understanding that balance of the mind and body is essential to a healthy lifestyle.
Maitri holds a Doctorate in Health Leadership & Policy and a master's degree in Healthcare Administration. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ).