About Us
Michaela
Facilitator/Real Estate Agent
Michaela's story is one of discovery, reinvention, and a deep passion for helping others live their best lives. After a successful 12-year career as an air traffic controller in Canada, Michaela felt a calling to pursue a more fulfilling path as a Master Pilates Instructor. Over the next two decades, she helped thousands of people develop stronger, more resilient bodies and minds through the transformative Pilates method, as well as complementary practices like yoga and Theta Healing. Michaela's infectious enthusiasm and genuine care for her clients allowed her to guide them on profound journeys of physical, mental, and spiritual growth.
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After attending a Focus on Mexico tour group in Ajijic, Michaela found a breathtakingly beautiful place to call home. After meeting and marrying Ricardo, Michaela has found yet another way to make a difference - by helping others discover the joys of Ajijic and find their own perfect homes for retirement. With a heart full of gratitude and a deep appreciation for the beauty that surrounds her, Michaela continues to thrill at the opportunity to enrich the lives of all who cross her path, inviting them to come and experience Ajijic's magic for themselves and live their best lives ever.
Minna
Tours/Seminars/Assisted Living Finder
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Minna grew up in the beautiful Ribera de Chapala area and has always been known for her kindness, friendliness, and helpful nature. As a local she can offer a deeper appreciation and understanding of what it is like to live in the region. Minna shares her understanding with a background in real estate, having worked in the office at Lake Chapala Real Estate for a number of years. With her extensive knowledge of the Lakeside communities as a Uber taxi driver, Minna is uniquely qualified to guide visitors and locals alike, providing an insider knowledge of each neighborhood’s potential and offering an authentic, local experience.
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Ricardo
Facilitator/Real Estate Agent
Author of "The Ultimate Retirement Guidebook To Visiting & Retiring To Lake Chapala", Ricardo is uniquely suited to run the Retire In Lake Chapala organization. Born and raised in the vibrant city of Vancouver, British Columbia, Ricardo pursued a degree in Business Administration and Marketing, equipping himself with the skills and knowledge to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of commerce. However, it soon became clear that Ricardo's true calling lay in the genuine desire to make a positive impact on people's lives.
Ricardo strives to provide prospective residents with an abundance of honest, straightforward information. His deep understanding of the local community, coupled with his genuine enthusiasm for the area, allows him to guide newcomers through the process of relocation with unwavering support and transparency. For those of you seeking a fresh start in the vibrant and welcoming community of Lake Chapala, Ricardo is your man.
Katie
Real Estate Agent
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Originally hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Katie Ibarra made the decision to become a permanent resident of the picturesque town of Chapala, Mexico in 2010, trading the Midwest for the sun-drenched shores of Lake Chapala. Katie has maintained fluency in both English and Spanish, allowing her to seamlessly navigate the vibrant multicultural community she now calls home. A passionate traveler, Katie has explored numerous countries and immersed herself in a wide array of cultures, yet she always finds herself grateful to return to her adopted hometown of Chapala, a place that has captured her heart.
Katie's infectious enthusiasm for the Chapala lifestyle, combined with her high standards and dedication to her craft, make her the ideal real estate partner for those seeking to experience the beauty and vibrancy of this enchanting lakeside community.