I’ve felt a connection with plants for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until my first move to the Southwest that I began to integrate them into daily life.  There I discovered how the native cultures traditionally used plants, and how they are still using them today.  It fascinated me, and inspired me to complete my Consulting Herbalist certification at Clayton College of Natural Health with Phyllis Light.  It also spurred my graduate research into the medicinal plants of the San Francisco Peaks, comparing how the 13 tribes in the region utilize these plants.  While I loved academia and research, my real passion was making medicine and helping others to resolve health conditions.   After using Michael and Lesley’s books for years as resources, I was thrilled to finally enroll in this program. 

East West has helped me develop my clinical and diagnostic skills tremendously as I work with clients through my holistic practice, Banyan Moon Botanicals. There I strive to heal the whole person by utilizing herbs, nutrition and lifestyle recommendations.  As a registered yoga teacher, I will often incorporate yoga therapeutics into my treatment plans.  I’m also an adjunct professor for Kaplan University’s Department of Health and Wellness, and a freelance writer for natural health magazines and regional herbal publications.

I love sharing this knowledge with others, and can often be found leading various medicinal plant walks, kids in tow.  My goal is to keep learning and to keep sharing.  There’s always another layer to peel back!