Mission statement

Our mission at Saagara, is to improve health and raise consciousness of individuals throughout the world.

Saagara is an Ann Arbor based Digital Health Company, whose founders have an eclectic background in medicine, design, engineering, yoga and meditation. The Saagara team is dedicated to helping you maximize your overall health and well being, so that you may lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Through the use of software we make small changes in people's lives. We strive to make dramatic improvements in peoples' health and well-being. By combining technology, community, and raised awareness, we plan to do this on a global level. Our apps are available on various platforms, including the Apple Appstore, Google Play, Nook, PC, and Mac Appstore.

Saagara was established in 2009 and is located in the creative and multicultural city of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The Team

Name:

Dr. Nagabhushnam “Bobby” Peddi

Title:

CEO and Founder

Bio:

Firmly believes in Saagara’s holistic approach to medicine and health. He graduated with a Medical degree from Edinburgh University, but after training in surgery left Medicine to pursue an entrepreneurial path. At Saagara he focuses his medical training, interest in yoga, and passion for teaching and preventative health in developing the concepts behind Saagara.

Fun facts:

Closet karaoke singer. Used to fly airplanes. Has also jumped out of airplanes as evidenced in a YouTube video.

Daily mindful activity:

Japa

Favorite fruit:

Mango

Name:

Ashley Wyrick

Title:

Marketing and Social Media

Bio:

Farmer. Businesswoman. Athlete. With her super active lifestyle, Ashley is an energetic addition to the team and fits well into the culture at Saagara. Her business education and interest in social media made her a natural to manage our marketing and social media. Ashley is also laying down the blueprints for Saagara’s own rooftop garden.

Fun facts:

4 Year Varsity Cheerleader in College. Comes from a farm with 300+ dairy cows. Works weekends at her family’s apple orchard in the Fall.

Daily mindful activity:

Rollerblading around Portage Lake

Favorite fruit:

Apple

Name:

Carlos Marcano

Title:

3D Animator and Concept Artist

Bio:

Concept art and stories for video games sparked his imagination from an early age, making him draw his own ideas and begin writing for fun. During college, he began delving into digital art, 3D animation and game design. This experience combined with his mindful approach to life made him a great fit at Saagara.

Fun facts:

Best break-dancer at Saagara. From Puerto Rico. Learning to speak Korean.

Daily mindful activity:

Doing yoga and running for a half hour at least 4 times a week. Practicing deep breathing.

Favorite fruit:

Coconut

Name:

Matthew Oishi

Title:

3D Animator and Concept Artist

Bio:

He is the youngest member of Saagara. The multitalented Matthew Oishi impressed everyone with his self-teaching: from parkour to music composition. He also developed mad design and game engineering skills straight out of high school. His zen attitude and extreme fitness inspire the rest of the team at Saagara.

Fun facts:

Practices parkour. Composes music. Loves to cook.

Daily mindful activity:

Walking

Favorite fruit:

Kiwi

Name:

Milena Soc

Title:

Business Development

Bio:

A true Ann Arborite, she enjoys trips to the local farmer’s market, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, and shopping at small local businesses. At Saagara she wears many hats that one job title can’t seem to describe. Along with Ashley, she’s responsible for most of the laughter coming from Saagara’s office (sorry neighbors!). Milena graduated from the U of M where she studied Anthropology and Physics.

Fun facts:

Has some OCD tendencies which make her great at quality control. Infatuated with anything “natural” or “organic”. Owns several hats.

Daily mindful activity:

Driving in the morning with the music off in the car

Favorite fruit:

Peach

Name:

Steve Alvey

Title:

Creative Director

Bio:

His roots at Saagara began when he provided the creative inspiration for the popular Health through Breath software. Since then he’s become the creative mastermind behind many concepts at Saagara. This typeface addict combines his interests in UI and graphic design to produce some of the most stunning designs used in the mobile app industry.

Fun facts:

Survived Y2K. Sang opera onstage at Carnegie Hall. Has no idea when to fold.

Daily mindful activity:

Flossing

Favorite fruit:

Avocado

Advisors

We have a broad range of advisors who we consult on issues ranging from yoga, meditation, technology, and development.

Company culture

Life at Saagara revolves around creating a positive working environment and improving the health and consciousness of our team. Saagara believes in using wisdom practices, where employees are given the resources to reach their own balance and achieve personal growth. Our company benefits greatly from adopting the positive habits we promote. The office itself functions as a supportive family with a fun outlook on the day’s tasks and interactions.

Healthy Habits

Each week we get organic produce delivered to our office, which we use to make steamed vegetables and fruit smoothies. We also try to exercise or do Pranayama each day. Saagara strives to keep its employees in good health, believing that this will improve our ability to share our products with the world.

More recently we’ve begun emphasizing good working habits. This includes standing while you work, taking frequent breaks, and having an ergonomic workstation.