Dr. Azul DelGrasso
Azul DelGrasso, PhD (Romani), is a multifaceted scholar-practitioner, artist, and ceremonialist with over 28 years of leadership in public health and capacity-building assistance. His distinguished career includes pioneering national programs that advanced HIV prevention, social equity, and trauma-informed care—work now bridged into his current focus on psychedelic consultation, ceremony, and consciousness research.
Throughout his public health career, Azul provided national training and technical assistance in Social Determinants of Health, Racial Equity, and Culturally Affirmative Care for LGBTQ+ communities, supported through Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Capacity Building Assistance programs. He championed sex positivity and harm reduction, spearheading the first rapid HIV testing program in Mexico in collaboration with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and CAPASITS Baja California. In 2010, as part of the Magic Johnson HIV Testing Tour, he tested high-risk individuals across all 48 continental U.S. states. Later, as one of Los Angeles County’s first PrEP Coordinators, Azul helped launch more than fifteen PrEP Institutes nationwide.
Having recently earned his Ph.D. in Transformative Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies, Azul’s research explores 5-MeO-DMT, unitive consciousness, and ecological identity—framing psychedelics as catalysts for collective and personal transformation. His lifelong relationship with ceremonial medicine, rooted in his Romani lineage, has informed his approach to trauma-informed facilitation, ethics, and integrative healing since the age of eighteen.
With dual Master’s Degrees in Latin American Studies (California State University, Los Angeles) and Ecopsychology(Naropa University), Azul bridges public health, consciousness studies, and social justice. After more than a decade in Los Angeles, he now lives in Denver, Colorado, where he is fully dedicated to his consulting practice, ceremonial facilitation, and academic research through his platform, Ascended Voices. His work continues to help individuals and communities reclaim voice, presence, and wholeness through conscious, ethical engagement with altered states and integrative healing practices.
CV PREVIEW
Full CV Available Upon Request
PROFILE
Scholar-practitioner and consultant with 28 years of experience in public health, life sciences research, and organizational transformation. PhD in Transformative. Proven expertise in curriculum development, healthcare program coordination, capacity building, and trauma-informed models that integrate ecological and psychological dimensions of wellness. Recognized for blending behavioral science, equity frameworks, and consciousness studies to advance holistic health, resilient teams, and inclusive systems. Dedicated to bridging research, consulting, and ceremony to empower individuals, organizations, and communities.
EDUCATION
California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), San Francisco, CA
PhD, Transformative Studies, Focus on Consciousness Studies, Recipient Kranzke Scholarship for Psychedelic Research, May 2025
Dissertation: “5-MeO-DMT and Unitive Consciousness: Reframing Self, Global Justice, and Ecological Renewal Through Entheogenic Rebirth.”
CIIS Committee: Alfonso Montuori, Ph.D., Valeria McCarroll, Ph.D., Angela Beers, Psy.D
Naropa University, Boulder, CO
MA, Ecopsychology, International Ecopsychology Society, May 2020
Thesis: “5-MeO-DMT and Nature Interconnectedness: Understanding Ecological Identity Through the Art of Living Resurrection”
Advisor: Travis Cox, Ph.D.
California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
MA, Latin American Studies, Golden Key Honour Society, December 2008
Thesis: “Border Health and Revolutionary Movements in Latin America”
Advisor: Manuel Aguilar, Ph.D.
Metropolitan State University, Denver, CO
BA, Major: Modern Languages, Chicano Studies. Minor: Fine Art, Philosophy. Phi Sigma Iota, May 2004
RESEARCH, SPEAKING, AND TEACHING INTERESTS
• Applied Behavioral & Bioscience Research
• Transhumanism, AI, and Organizational Transformation
• Framework & Playbook Development for Team Dynamics
• Systems Thinking & Transdisciplinarity Approaches
• Mixed-Methods Capacity Building & Program Evaluation
• Social, Cultural & Political Histories of Bioscience & Public Health
• 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) Research & Unitive Consciousness
• Psychedelic Phenomenology: History, Theory & Praxis
• Ecopsychology, Climate Justice & Social Movements
• Psychedelic Patient Navigation Services (PPNS) & Integration Practices
• Trauma-Informed Models in Altered States & Traditional Ceremonies of the Southwest
• Syndemic Theory, Neurodecolonization & Culturally Responsive Care
• Consciousness Studies & Collective Social Transformation
• Leadership Development & Organizational Change Management
• Entheogenic Gnosis & Living Resurrection Models
• Future of Work, Distributed Collaboration & Human-Centered Design
• Public Health Policy, Social Determinants of Health & Racial Equity Frameworks
• Thought Leadership, Storytelling with Data & Executive Communication
PRESENTATIONS
“Collective Visioning: Shaping the Future of the Psychedelic Movement through Indigenous Dialogue and Wisdom” 2025 MAPS Psychedelic Science Conference, Denver, Colorado, June 2025
“Psychedelics and Trauma-Responsive Practices: Addressing HIV-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Care Team Burnout” International Association of Providers of AIDS Care Continuum Conference 2025, San Juan, Puerto Rico, June 2025
“Navigating Healthcare Challenges for Latine Populations: Through Evolving Immigration Policies and Their Impact on Access, Stigma, and HIV Service” 2025 National Latinx Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada, May 2025
“Ecopsychedelic Practices for Addressing Eco/Social Crisis” The Nowak Society, Boulder, Colorado, December 2024
“Exploring Consciousness: Phenomenological Insights from 5-MeO-DMT Experiences” 24th International EUROTAS Conference, New College, Oxford, United Kingdom, September 2024
“Exploring Consciousness: Phenomenological Insights from 5-MeO-DMT Experiences” The Nowak Society, Boulder, Colorado, June 2024
“Exploring Consciousness: Phenomenological Insights from 5-MeO-DMT Experiences” The Science of Consciousness Conference, Tucson, AZ, April 2024
“Ecopsychedelic Practices for Addressing Eco/Social Crisis” Naropa University, Boulder, Colorado, April 2024
“Visionary Art as Evolving Consciousness” 2023 Annual International Jean Gebser Society Conference The Emergence of Integral Consciousness, San Francisco, California September 2023
“Utilizing Psychedelics to Treat HIV-Related PTSD: Understanding Prevalence, Safety Considerations, and Protocols” 2023 United States Conference on HIV/AIDS, Washington, D.C., September 2023
“Ecopsychedelic Practices for Addressing Eco/Social Crisis” Pre-conference Workshop—2023 MAPS Psychedelic Science Conference, Denver, Colorado, June 2023
“Visionary Art as Evolving Consciousness” The Science of Consciousness Conference, Taormina, Sicily May 2023
“Utilizing Psychedelics to Treat HIV-Related PTSD: Understanding Prevalence, Safety Considerations, and Protocols” 2023 National Latinx Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, May 2023
“Psychedelics & 5-MeO-DMT” Modern Hippie Podcast, November 2022
“But First, Therapy - Climate Anxiety, Psychedelics and Ecotherapy” Greenish Podcast, February 2021
“Culturally Responsive Care to Reduce Stigma” National Latinx Conference on HIV, HCV, & SUD, Virtual, 2020, 2021
“Providing Expedited Access to HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) at Denver Metro Health Clinic, a Categorical STD Clinic” National Latinx Conference on HIV, HCV, & SUD, San Antonio, Texas, 2019
“Developing Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Services in Native Communities” United States Conference on HIV & AIDS, Washington, DC 2019
“Cause Behind Cause, Undoing Racism to End the HIV Epidemic” United States Conference on HIV & AIDS, Washington, DC, 2019
“Overview of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis” Circle of Harmony HIV/AIDS Wellness Native American Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico 2019
“HIV Testing in Retail Pharmacy Settings, Curriculum Development & HIV Testing in Action” National HIV Prevention Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, 2019
“Outcomes of two Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis summits in the Midwest” National Ryan White Conference on HIV Care & Treatment, National Harbor, Maryland, 2018
“Abstract- Testing America” International AIDS Society Conference Rome, Italy, July 2011
“Rapid HIV Testing in Border Cities” Mexican National Conference on HIV/AIDS, Leon, Guanajuato November 2007
PUBLICATIONS
“Defining 5-MeO-DMT in Historical and Cultural Contexts," World Futures: The Journal of New Paradigm Research: Vol 80, Issue 1, 2024
“Visionary Art as Evolving Consciousness," Journal of Conscious Evolution: Vol. 19, Article 4. 2022
“Los Angeles County Latino Heritage Calendar and Cultural Guide” 2012-2024, Los Angeles, CA
“Becoming an anti-racist organization: racial identity caucusing as a tool in the journey.” Few TE, DelGrasso, A, Del Hierro M, Burnside HB, Sharp R, KaMashiriiche J. 2021. Denver Prevention Training Center.
“HIV Testing in Retail Pharmacies Trainer Guide and Manual”. CDC’s High-Impact HIV Prevention Interventions. Burnside HB, Bajaj SB, DelGrasso, A. 2018.
“Rapid HIV Testing in Transgender Communities by Community-Based Organizations in Three Cities-United States,” Public Health Reports / 2008 Supplement 3 / Volume 123 Atlanta, GA
“Rapid HIV Testing in Outreach and Other Community Settings in the United States, 2004–2006”, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, November 30, 2007 / Vol. 56 / No. 47, Atlanta, GA
CERTIFICATIONS
Certificate Psychedelic Therapy & Research (CIIS) Expected Spring 2026
Langevin Training:
Instructional Design for the Virtual Trainer
Advanced Techniques Writing Skills Polish Your Presentations
Maximizing Engagement in the Virtual Classroom
Writing Skills for Trainers
Advanced Instructional Techniques: The Art of Facilitation
Instructional Design for New Designers
Medicinal Mindfulness Psychedelic Sitters School Level I & II, 2021
LEAN Foundations, Management Systems, and Coaching for Continuous Improvement Certification
FEMA Introduction to Incident Command System Certification
FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) Certification
HIPAA Privacy & Security Certification
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) STDs for Non-Clinicians & Comprehensive Introduction to Effective STD/HIV Behavior Interventions
CDC Client-Centered 1:1 Interventions, Concepts for HIV, Integrating Rapid Testing and Counseling
CDC Master Train the Trainer (TOT): HIV Patient Navigation Services, HIV Testing In Retail Pharmacies. Social Determinants of Health
Centers for Council: Council Training II Way of Council Certification expected Fall 2025
Wilderness First Responder Certification expected Fall 2025
Officiant of the Temple of Awaking Divinity - Temple Acolyte Training 5-MeO-DMT, 2022
Zendo Project Volunteer Training – Burning Man 2022
School of Lost Borders: Mirroring the Four Shields of Human Nature, August 2021
Creative Strategies for Change Equity & Liberation Facilitator Training, 2019
Centers for Council: Council Training I Introduction to the Way of Council Certification, 2019
EFT Practitioner Training- Sonya Sophia School of Living Arts, 2017
Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki I&II- Tree of Light Healing, 2014
TEACHING AND ADVISING EXPERIENCE
Adjunct Faculty, Naropa University, Boulder, CO
Department of Environmental Studies, Ecopsychology, 2020-2023
Teaching Fellow, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA
• Transdisciplinarity: Complex Thought and the Pattern that Connects (Professor Alfonso Montuori), Spring 2022, 2023, 2024
• Self, Society, & Transformation (Professor Matthew Dillion), Fall 2022
Board Member, Telasofa / East Los Angeles Film Festival, Los Angeles, CA, 2013-Current
The East LA Society of Film and Arts (TELASOFA) was established in 2005 as an initiative by Bienvenidos Children's Services to introduce youth in East LA to filmmaking, photography, and theater in 2005 as a program by Bienvenidos Children's Services.
Board Member: Treasurer, ReVision, Denver, CO, 2024-2025
ReVision uses food as an entree into community self-sufficiency via our urban agriculture model, hiring and training community members to lead our food-based programs, youth education opportunities, and nurturing small businesses.
Board Member, Healing Empowerment Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 2022-2024
Holistic Empowerment Institute is a healing organization dedicated to merging evidence-based practices with the sacred. HEI combines Whole-person, Cultural Affirmation, and Intentional Spiritual Integration as primary tools to empower LGBTQI+ communities.
Conference Planning Committee Member, National Latinx Conference on HIV, HCV, & SUD, 2019-Current
Member, Chicano Art & Humanities Council (CHAC), Denver, CO 2004-Current
SKILLS & INTERESTS
• Technology Skills: Proficient in Office, Adobe, Digital Editing, Photography, and Video Editing, and working knowledge of AI-led programs.
• Language Skills: Fluent bilingual and bi-literate in English and Spanish, working knowledge of Italian
• Interests: Wilderness First Responder, Professional Photography, Nature-Based Mindfulness Practices
• Advocacy: Public Health Issues, Land & Water Sovereignty, Natural Medicine as a Biological Right
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
• Emergency Medical Services Association of Colorado
• International Ecopsychology Society
• Psychedelic Medicine Association