Hi! I’m Natalie — though some know me as Thalia — and I’m the founder and heart behind Surfers For Strays. I moved to Troncones in 2007 to teach yoga and quickly fell in love with the ocean, the rhythms of coastal life, and the incredible people and animals that live here. Though I grew up in the U.S., I was actually conceived in Mexico, and I’ve always felt that my soul chose this land for a reason. Giving back to the communities here feels like living my svadharma — my passionate purpose.

In 2009, I adopted my first cat, Coco and started surfing — two life-changing experiences that forever shifted my path. I went on to spend four years living at Casa Kitty, building a grassroots network to help stray animals or "callejeros". In 2017, Surfers For Strays was born from that love and community spirit. 

In the early days, we faced plenty of challenges — limited resources, learning to build a team, and figuring things out as we went. But the spirit of Mucho Aloha — heartfelt connection, service, and trust in the right people arriving at the right time — always carried us through. Now in its eighth year, SFS continues to grow with soul and purpose, guided by that same principle that helped shape its roots.

I’m so proud and honored to be part of a “pack” so dedicated to community care, animal rescue, and education. I love bringing people together — whether through spay/neuter clinics, adoption events, or dreaming up our next big vision in Saladita, “El Sanctuario,” a healing center for nature, animals and humans alike. 

When I’m not in rescue mode, you’ll find me surfing, loving on my 3 legged Chihuahua "Coco", teaching yoga at @templosaladita, offering Thai yoga bodywork at Yoga del Pacifico, or planning my next wellness adventure to Thailand (www.thailandwellnessadventures.com). I’m inspired daily by the animals, the ocean, and the amazing people who help make this all possible.  Muchisimas gracias to everyone out there representing the spirit of Mucho Aloha, it's the heart of SFS!