A Contemporary Medicine Woman
Hi there, fellow Starseed! My story is a tale of self-inspiration to restore my health and find spiritual guidance.
It is my destiny and purpose to navigate through my personal pain and learn from this human experience so that I can share my lessons with others. It doesn't make things easier, in fact it can make things much more difficult. But, I certainly prefer to look for the underlying meanings and deeper connections to my brothers and to my sisters, connections to my community - to you! I want to know the true me. I want to know the true you. Good and bad. How can anything be considered 'bad' if it brings about knowledge and growth? It's the silver lining to every story. Let's embrace our stories.
Your story.
My story.
Our paths cross;
and it becomes our story.
Here's a small piece of my story:
As a small child, I had many medical issues that could not be explained. When I was about 7 years old I started having bouts of intense and debilitating nausea and stomach pains. As I got older, I would get nauseous after every meal and at any stressful event; at the turn of a dime, basically all the time. Food became a trigger, a feared enemy instead of my friend. I have spent a deplorable amount of nights laying propped upright in bed, sleeping for 5 minute spurts, then jumping up and racing to and from the bathroom, sure that I was going to be sick to my stomach ... over and over again. Months and years passed like this and I began to become intolerant to many different foods. There were no clear patterns in the doctor's eyes. When I was 15 years old, I was informed by my doctor that although the results of my tests weren't conclusive, I was probably wheat and dairy intolerant (not allergic on test results). After many different CAT scans, Upper GI's, and Endoscopes ...all proved inconclusive, I was ready for real answers. No one had a solution for me, just more tests. I was tested for every illness under the moon and to no avail. Eventually, I was prescribed antacids for my stomach pains and anti nausea medication for my severe and chronic nausea. It was superficial. It wasn't healing me. It didn't help me feel normal... only slightly better for short periods of time. When modern medicine couldn't help me any further, I turned my attention to alternative medicine.
I graduated high school a year early so that I could try to heal my stomach issues and learn about a new type of medicine. I sought out my first herbal apprenticeship and went to live with Susun Weed in the spring of 2003 as one of her Shamanic Herbal Apprentices. I lived with Susun on her farm/ herbal sanctuary in Woodstock, NY for six weeks and learned about identifying and using medicinal herbs, spirit healing through Shamanic healing techniques, green allies, Tai Chi, Yoga, I was introduced to the Wise Woman Tradition and the 3 paths of healing (Wise Woman, Heroic and Scientific). Truth be told, I actually left a week early because my soul was still very raw at the ripe age of 17 years old. Susun has been a true Shamanic healer for me over the years... showing me how to face my pain, heal through my pain. Avoidance is not an option. We have to own our story (years later, I returned to Susun Weed and completed her year long Green Witch course). Her knowledge and plant expertise is the basis of my entire practice.
I began to heal myself and was enthralled to learn more.
Susun nourished my gut with raw goat's milk and freshly made yogurt filled with natural probiotics. My intestinal health improved drastically during the time that I lived with her. My sense of vitality, the light within... (my ojas) began to shine again when we practiced singing before each meal and consciously eating our food without distractions (what's ojas?!). We ate fresh, wild salads from the gardens with handmade herbal vinegars (a non heat cooking method to break down the cell walls of your plants) and beautiful healthy olive oil drizzles. We made nourishing herbal infusions and drank them daily to eliminate the need for chemical "supplementation". I began to learn how to let nature heal me.
It look me a long time, but learned how to integrate traditional herbal medicine into my modern lifestyle.
Over the next many years, I worked full time at spas and continued to attend school full time. I learned everything I could about healthcare and natural medicine. I enrolled in the Master Herbalist course through the American College of Healthcare Sciences for one year. After ACHS, I moved to Fairfield, Iowa and studied Ayurvedic Medicine at the Maharishi University of management where I was formerly trained in Transcendental Meditation with instruction from the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. I began to learn Sanskrit, dove into the world of Quantum Physics, and took several intensive courses on plant sciences and Ayurvedic Medicine, including pulse diagnosis. When I returned home to the Adirondack Mountains of upstate NY, I returned on my path of spiritual/ personal healing and it was at this time during my life that I faced one of my biggest fears. It was at that time I returned to Susun Weed with an open heart and an open mind. I completed her year long Green Witch correspondence course, which was a 13-moon journey in crafting wise woman folklore herbal remedies, creating a deeper connection to the earth and the plants, learning practical magic, focusing on nourishment, and learning about goddess spirituality/ Shamanism.
I was driven to expand my knowledge.
I completed an unaccredited 4-year Bachelor’s degree in Natural Health Studies through Clayton College of Natural Health in 2009. Over the years, I have had formal Reiki energetic healing training from Patricia Dionne-Dickson and Wanda Eagleton. I have earned the Usui Reiki Grand Master/ Teacher Certificate VIII (level eight) as well as many other modalities of Reiki and energetic imprinting techniques (complete list is below). Most notably, I am a Registered Healer (Reiki) and Healing Touch Practitioner (Reiki). I am also a non-denominational minister and have performed several marriages. The Bachelor of Natural Healthcare Studies was not accredited, so I chose to complete an accredited 4-year program in Psychology.
I studied for 8 years to earn the title of Holistic Health Practitioner.
As of 2017, the combination of my accredited Bachelor in Science in Psychology, and my non-traditional Bachelor of Arts in Natural Healthcare Studies qualified me to become a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.
I continue my studies every day.
As of September 2018, I am currently pursing my Master Degree Herbal Medicine through the American College of Healthcare Sciences.
I have recently taken classes at TMCI Global to further my knowledge of the Endocannabinoid System, including Dr. Sulak's class Core Knowledge of the Endocannabinoid System 2018 and the Role of the Clinician: Helping Patients Optimize Their Therapeutic Relationship with Cannabinoids.
Making natural remedies is my passion.
Every day is a learning ... aka healing ... adventure!
I have over a decade of experience formulating and making handcrafted herbal remedies and natural body care products. My formulas are mainly based on traditional Wise Woman Herbalist techniques, which use fresh plants and cold-infusion processes. Some products also include a small amount of essential oils (which is NOT a Wise Woman practice and should be recognized as something that is much different from mainstream Aromatherapy practices of today). I use organic and sustainably harvested essential oils in very small amounts, but always try to focus on whole plant extracts like flower waters and hydrosols. My herbs are organic and many times my herbs are harvested from local farms and friendly smiling faces. I'm conscious of using ethical companies to supply my other supplies and materials as well. Every product is carefully handcrafted in small batches, always using the most pure and effective ingredients available. Many products are vegan. All products are cruelty free, gluten free, paraben free, and contain no artificial colors.
Type(s) of Herbalism/ Alternative Modalities I Offer:
CBD Education
Wise Woman Herbalism
Traditional Herbalism
Ayurvedic Medicine
Energy Medicine
Shamanic Spirit Healing
Plant Spirit Medicine
Kitchen Herbalism
Natural Health Education & Training
*(In Progress) Master of Science in Herbal Medicine (American College of Healthcare Sciences)
*Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner (American Association of Drugless Practitioners)
*Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Granite State College)
*Bachelor of Arts in Natural Health Studies (Clayton College of Natural Health)
*1 Year of Study at the Maharishi University of Management focusing on Ayurvedic Healthcare
Herbal Medicine Training
*1 Year of Study at the American College of Healthcare Sciences - Master Herbalist Program
*Five Week Live-In Shamanic Herbal Apprenticeship (mentored by Susun Weed in Woodstock, NY)
*Wise Woman Herbalist - Green Witch Herbalist Certificate Course (one year distance apprenticeship with Susun Weed)
Hemp/ Cannabis Knowledge
*Healer (TM) Medical Cannabis Wellness Advisor Certificate 2019
*Certificate of Participation in Core Knowledge of the Endocannabinoid System (Dr. Sulak) 2018
*Certificate of Participation in Role of the Clinician: Helping Patients Optimize Their Therapeutic Relationship with Cannabinoids (Dr. Sulak) 2018
*Medical Cannabis Caregiver and Grower 2016 - 2017
Energy Medicine Training
*Formally trained in Transcendental Meditation® (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi)
*Registered Healer (INHA, International Natural Healers Association - A Community of Holistic Practitioners)
*Healing Touch Practitioner Certificate
*Usui Reiki Grand Master Certificate/ Teacher (with advanced training to Grand Master level VIII)
*Elemental Reiki Master Certificate/ Teacher
*Fusion Reiki Master Certificate/ Teacher
*Medicine Reiki Master Certificate/ Teacher
*Ama Deus Shamanic Healer (unofficial lineage)
*Fairy Light Ray Key Master Certificate/ Teacher (Fairy Light Mage Certificate)
*Ethereal Herbs 1 & 2 Certificate/ Teacher
*Ethereal Flowers Certificate/ Teacher
*Alchemy Reiki Certificate/ Teacher
*Doctorate in Metaphysical Sciences Honorary Certificate (Universal Life Church)
*Ordained Goddess Honorary Certificate (Official non-denominational Minister through the Universal Life Church)
Professional Memberships
*Herbalists Without Boarders
*General Member of the American Herbalist Guild (AHG), an association of Herbal Practitioners
*Hands-On Trade Association (fully insured)
Do you still want to know more?! Contact me directly!
It is my destiny and purpose to navigate through my personal pain and learn from this human experience so that I can share my lessons with others. It doesn't make things easier, in fact it can make things much more difficult. But, I certainly prefer to look for the underlying meanings and deeper connections to my brothers and to my sisters, connections to my community - to you! I want to know the true me. I want to know the true you. Good and bad. How can anything be considered 'bad' if it brings about knowledge and growth? It's the silver lining to every story. Let's embrace our stories.
Your story.
My story.
Our paths cross;
and it becomes our story.
Here's a small piece of my story:
As a small child, I had many medical issues that could not be explained. When I was about 7 years old I started having bouts of intense and debilitating nausea and stomach pains. As I got older, I would get nauseous after every meal and at any stressful event; at the turn of a dime, basically all the time. Food became a trigger, a feared enemy instead of my friend. I have spent a deplorable amount of nights laying propped upright in bed, sleeping for 5 minute spurts, then jumping up and racing to and from the bathroom, sure that I was going to be sick to my stomach ... over and over again. Months and years passed like this and I began to become intolerant to many different foods. There were no clear patterns in the doctor's eyes. When I was 15 years old, I was informed by my doctor that although the results of my tests weren't conclusive, I was probably wheat and dairy intolerant (not allergic on test results). After many different CAT scans, Upper GI's, and Endoscopes ...all proved inconclusive, I was ready for real answers. No one had a solution for me, just more tests. I was tested for every illness under the moon and to no avail. Eventually, I was prescribed antacids for my stomach pains and anti nausea medication for my severe and chronic nausea. It was superficial. It wasn't healing me. It didn't help me feel normal... only slightly better for short periods of time. When modern medicine couldn't help me any further, I turned my attention to alternative medicine.
I graduated high school a year early so that I could try to heal my stomach issues and learn about a new type of medicine. I sought out my first herbal apprenticeship and went to live with Susun Weed in the spring of 2003 as one of her Shamanic Herbal Apprentices. I lived with Susun on her farm/ herbal sanctuary in Woodstock, NY for six weeks and learned about identifying and using medicinal herbs, spirit healing through Shamanic healing techniques, green allies, Tai Chi, Yoga, I was introduced to the Wise Woman Tradition and the 3 paths of healing (Wise Woman, Heroic and Scientific). Truth be told, I actually left a week early because my soul was still very raw at the ripe age of 17 years old. Susun has been a true Shamanic healer for me over the years... showing me how to face my pain, heal through my pain. Avoidance is not an option. We have to own our story (years later, I returned to Susun Weed and completed her year long Green Witch course). Her knowledge and plant expertise is the basis of my entire practice.
I began to heal myself and was enthralled to learn more.
Susun nourished my gut with raw goat's milk and freshly made yogurt filled with natural probiotics. My intestinal health improved drastically during the time that I lived with her. My sense of vitality, the light within... (my ojas) began to shine again when we practiced singing before each meal and consciously eating our food without distractions (what's ojas?!). We ate fresh, wild salads from the gardens with handmade herbal vinegars (a non heat cooking method to break down the cell walls of your plants) and beautiful healthy olive oil drizzles. We made nourishing herbal infusions and drank them daily to eliminate the need for chemical "supplementation". I began to learn how to let nature heal me.
It look me a long time, but learned how to integrate traditional herbal medicine into my modern lifestyle.
Over the next many years, I worked full time at spas and continued to attend school full time. I learned everything I could about healthcare and natural medicine. I enrolled in the Master Herbalist course through the American College of Healthcare Sciences for one year. After ACHS, I moved to Fairfield, Iowa and studied Ayurvedic Medicine at the Maharishi University of management where I was formerly trained in Transcendental Meditation with instruction from the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. I began to learn Sanskrit, dove into the world of Quantum Physics, and took several intensive courses on plant sciences and Ayurvedic Medicine, including pulse diagnosis. When I returned home to the Adirondack Mountains of upstate NY, I returned on my path of spiritual/ personal healing and it was at this time during my life that I faced one of my biggest fears. It was at that time I returned to Susun Weed with an open heart and an open mind. I completed her year long Green Witch correspondence course, which was a 13-moon journey in crafting wise woman folklore herbal remedies, creating a deeper connection to the earth and the plants, learning practical magic, focusing on nourishment, and learning about goddess spirituality/ Shamanism.
I was driven to expand my knowledge.
I completed an unaccredited 4-year Bachelor’s degree in Natural Health Studies through Clayton College of Natural Health in 2009. Over the years, I have had formal Reiki energetic healing training from Patricia Dionne-Dickson and Wanda Eagleton. I have earned the Usui Reiki Grand Master/ Teacher Certificate VIII (level eight) as well as many other modalities of Reiki and energetic imprinting techniques (complete list is below). Most notably, I am a Registered Healer (Reiki) and Healing Touch Practitioner (Reiki). I am also a non-denominational minister and have performed several marriages. The Bachelor of Natural Healthcare Studies was not accredited, so I chose to complete an accredited 4-year program in Psychology.
I studied for 8 years to earn the title of Holistic Health Practitioner.
As of 2017, the combination of my accredited Bachelor in Science in Psychology, and my non-traditional Bachelor of Arts in Natural Healthcare Studies qualified me to become a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.
I continue my studies every day.
As of September 2018, I am currently pursing my Master Degree Herbal Medicine through the American College of Healthcare Sciences.
I have recently taken classes at TMCI Global to further my knowledge of the Endocannabinoid System, including Dr. Sulak's class Core Knowledge of the Endocannabinoid System 2018 and the Role of the Clinician: Helping Patients Optimize Their Therapeutic Relationship with Cannabinoids.
Making natural remedies is my passion.
Every day is a learning ... aka healing ... adventure!
I have over a decade of experience formulating and making handcrafted herbal remedies and natural body care products. My formulas are mainly based on traditional Wise Woman Herbalist techniques, which use fresh plants and cold-infusion processes. Some products also include a small amount of essential oils (which is NOT a Wise Woman practice and should be recognized as something that is much different from mainstream Aromatherapy practices of today). I use organic and sustainably harvested essential oils in very small amounts, but always try to focus on whole plant extracts like flower waters and hydrosols. My herbs are organic and many times my herbs are harvested from local farms and friendly smiling faces. I'm conscious of using ethical companies to supply my other supplies and materials as well. Every product is carefully handcrafted in small batches, always using the most pure and effective ingredients available. Many products are vegan. All products are cruelty free, gluten free, paraben free, and contain no artificial colors.
Type(s) of Herbalism/ Alternative Modalities I Offer:
CBD Education
Wise Woman Herbalism
Traditional Herbalism
Ayurvedic Medicine
Energy Medicine
Shamanic Spirit Healing
Plant Spirit Medicine
Kitchen Herbalism
Natural Health Education & Training
*(In Progress) Master of Science in Herbal Medicine (American College of Healthcare Sciences)
*Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner (American Association of Drugless Practitioners)
*Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Granite State College)
*Bachelor of Arts in Natural Health Studies (Clayton College of Natural Health)
*1 Year of Study at the Maharishi University of Management focusing on Ayurvedic Healthcare
Herbal Medicine Training
*1 Year of Study at the American College of Healthcare Sciences - Master Herbalist Program
*Five Week Live-In Shamanic Herbal Apprenticeship (mentored by Susun Weed in Woodstock, NY)
*Wise Woman Herbalist - Green Witch Herbalist Certificate Course (one year distance apprenticeship with Susun Weed)
Hemp/ Cannabis Knowledge
*Healer (TM) Medical Cannabis Wellness Advisor Certificate 2019
*Certificate of Participation in Core Knowledge of the Endocannabinoid System (Dr. Sulak) 2018
*Certificate of Participation in Role of the Clinician: Helping Patients Optimize Their Therapeutic Relationship with Cannabinoids (Dr. Sulak) 2018
*Medical Cannabis Caregiver and Grower 2016 - 2017
Energy Medicine Training
*Formally trained in Transcendental Meditation® (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi)
*Registered Healer (INHA, International Natural Healers Association - A Community of Holistic Practitioners)
*Healing Touch Practitioner Certificate
*Usui Reiki Grand Master Certificate/ Teacher (with advanced training to Grand Master level VIII)
*Elemental Reiki Master Certificate/ Teacher
*Fusion Reiki Master Certificate/ Teacher
*Medicine Reiki Master Certificate/ Teacher
*Ama Deus Shamanic Healer (unofficial lineage)
*Fairy Light Ray Key Master Certificate/ Teacher (Fairy Light Mage Certificate)
*Ethereal Herbs 1 & 2 Certificate/ Teacher
*Ethereal Flowers Certificate/ Teacher
*Alchemy Reiki Certificate/ Teacher
*Doctorate in Metaphysical Sciences Honorary Certificate (Universal Life Church)
*Ordained Goddess Honorary Certificate (Official non-denominational Minister through the Universal Life Church)
Professional Memberships
*Herbalists Without Boarders
*General Member of the American Herbalist Guild (AHG), an association of Herbal Practitioners
*Hands-On Trade Association (fully insured)
Do you still want to know more?! Contact me directly!
Always consult a medical professional. This website is not meant to be used to diagnose or treat disease. The information here is of a general and spiritual nature and should not be used in place of medical advice. Products have not been evaluated by the FDA and do not claim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.