Along with my Master Herbalist diploma, I am grateful to have extensive training in First Nations herbal traditions, particularly that of the Lil’wat Nation. Having my Permaculture Design Certificate supports my belief that growing in accordance with Nature is the sustainable way of now and the future.

One of my main mentors was the late Morgan Wells, Herbalist and Acting Chief from Mt. Currie. Some of the things he taught me include that in any given area, there are approximately nine local herbs that will treat the usual conditions that arise in the given region and climate. He also recommended that each year, a person should learn one herb very thoroughly. That means learn it in all its phases: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter. One should make it into as many appropriate medicines that can be thought of (being cautious of toxicity, of course) whether that is a tea, tincture, oil, salve, cream, dream pillow, vinegar, glycerite, amulet, etc. Be sure to meditate with this plant as well, to learn its inner secrets. Learning in this way, we will always remember the plant, its identification in all seasons, its myriad of uses and more.

Having taught for many institutions, including the UBC Global Studies Program, UBC Farm, Simon Fraser University, the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, the Canadian College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capilano College, Van Dusen Gardens, Squamish First Nations Witness Weekend, along with ten years in the Alternative Health Program at Douglas College, has helped me to share this knowledge and to never stop learning.