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 & CO-FOUNDER
Ashley Hardcastle is a Leadership Development Consultant, seasoned philosophy professor, and business professional dedicated to fostering personal and organizational growth. With a career spanning higher education and business development, she has taught philosophy at institutions such as Brookhaven and Tarrant College, the University of North Texas, and Strayer University. As a business development professional, she has cultivated strategic relationships with startups, corporations, universities, investors, and government funding agencies.
Her passion for self-care, well-being, and mindful living led to the founding of Zesa Wellness in 2016. Ashley believes that true fulfillment comes from cultivating balance in all aspects of life, and she created Zesa to share transformative practices that promote resilience, happiness, and sustainable success.
Ashley 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.
When she’s not leading Zesa and developing leaders, Ashley enjoys coffee, patios, beaches, and quality time with loved ones.
Dr. Maitri Vaidya, MS, DBA, FACHE
CHIEF WELLNESS OFFICER & CO-FOUNDER
Maitri is a Healthcare Executive transforming care through data driven, evidence based, quality initiatives. With a background in Healthcare Quality Management, Population Health and Mindfulness, Maitri has experienced healthcare’s operational challenges and opportunities across the continuum of care, believing preventive measures is the key to successful health. Currently, Maitri is the Chief Wellness Officer and co-founder of Zesa Wellness and the Corporate National Director of Regulatory and Accreditation with Alta Hospital Systems, Inc. in Los Angeles, California.
As an experienced yogi, meditator and instructor, Maitri created Zesa Wellness in 2016 with a passion and understanding that balance of the mind and body is crucial to creating a healthy lifestyle.
Maitri has 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), a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), a certified meditation instructor and has recently been trained to scuba dive.
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.
MARKETING
Anna GRANT RESEARCH & WRITING INTERN
Anna is dedicated to expanding the reach of wellness and mindfulness. With a passion for making wellness resources more accessible, she leverages her expertise in writing, networking, and organization to support industry growth and innovation.
Anna holds a BA (Hons) in English from Arizona State University and brings 15 years of managerial experience, excelling in project coordination and attention to detail. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and exploring vegetarian cooking.