I started my herbal journey nearly a decade ago with the western herbal world's fairy godmother, Rosemary Gladstar. Rosemary's infectious teachings about the plant world sparked a passion and drive within me to learn more about the natural world and myself. I completed Rosemary's home study course, The Science & Art of Herbalism. Throughout the course, I discovered how many herbal medicines I could not only make for myself but how beautifully they helped my family, friends, and neighbors. At the urging of one such neighbor, who was amazed at how quickly she recovered from a head cold after some herbal tea, elderberry syrup, and fire cider, I started an herbal products business, Emerald Dragonfly Apothecary, where I shared my herbal creations with others.

Through the word "daffodil" dropping into my brain one day, I made my way to the teachings and medicine of Asia Suler, who seamlessly wove in the intuitive world of herbalism (flower essences, stone medicine, other worldly journeying, ancestral healing, and many other methodologies). Her daffodil flower essence works some powerful magic on navigating change and difficulty (even for fussy babies!). I completed her Intuitive Plant Medicine course and have taken many of her workshops. She has been particularly helpful in navigating the world as a highly sensitive person.

 

I soon found myself deeper in the plant spirit world with wonderful teachers and guides, Pam Montgomery (for a valerian plant spirit initiation) and Jen Frey (for an elder plant spirit initiation). As I journeyed into the plant world, I discovered another love for stone medicine and completed two in depth Daoist stone medicine trainings with Sarah Thomas. Stone medicine was the perfect complement to herbal creations and I love creating stone grids all over the home, especially where the medicine is being made! I have a deep love and respect for the 5-phase theory of Chinese medicine and many of my teachings are woven with the wisdom of this ancient medicine. 

​

All the while, I kept up a regular meditation and mindfulness practice, with Tara Brach as my main source of inspiration and teachings. She offers an incredible library of free teachings and guided meditations on her website. So much of our own wisdom is missed if we cannot learn to slow down and listen. 

​

As my passion for plants grew, so too did my desire to have space to grow them in. I made the move from the city to the country to follow my dream of growing my own herbal medicine and creating serene space where others could drop into themselves more completely.

​

As I settled into my new home, I began offering teachings locally and have taught classes on building a home apothecary, navigating grief, and remedies for sleep at the Shenandoah Valley Herbal Gathering, hosted by Sacred Roots in Shepherdstown, WV.

​

And now my dream has become a reality. I have a garden full of medicinal herbs, land that holds a peaceful elemental magic, and the cutest creatures (canine, feline, human, stone, and plant) that fill a loving home, waiting for those curious about the natural world to come join us for the journey!