I lived in Baltimore most of my life.  I was drafted into the military and joined the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was deported for 6 months off the coast of Vietnam.  After  that experience, I started attending college at UMBC and obtained my BA degree in Psychology.  I started my career as a substance abuse counselor, which is my main occupation.   

I run and work out daily to keep in shape.  This led me to wanting to learn how the muscles function and to address aching muscles. This path led me to attend and graduate 14 years ago from the Baltimore School of Massage. I have maintained my career as a massage therapist by working with professional athletes, University of Maryland athletes and private clients.

In my quest for massage certification CEUs, I attended a Qi gong seminar. While there I was introduced to herbal tonics and a company in California to purchase them. In the process of purchasing the tonics a technician told me about a school up the coast that was pretty good.  The owner of the company happened to be Ron Teeguarden. The school up the coast was and still is East West School of Planetary Herbology.  This confirmed for me that our steps have been measured for us , it’s up to us to take the first step.

I started the foundation level last year and I’m looking forward to starting the intermediate level this month. I have learned a lot this year, but I also realize I have a lot to learn. Not only have I learned about the energy of plants, but also my spiritual energy.

Upon completion of the advanced course next year, I plan on developing an institution to treat and teach people about the benefits of herbs. I will also grow and develop formulas for usage, with my biggest focus being on mushrooms. I believe that we are put on this earth to help as many people as possible.  Learning the spiritual energy of plants will help me continue this process.

One of the best things I like about East West (other than the instructors) is the feeling of flower power.  For those who were too young to experience it or those who have forgotten, to me it means having Peace and Love for the planet (plants, animals, and the environment) and to encourage Peace and Love for all people. This was a way of life (a movement) in the ’60s and at East West I feel it is alive and well.  I finally found my tribe.