Plant Medicine

I am an herbalist, gardener, meditation and yoga nidra guide specializing in stress, anxiety, and PTSD management. My joy is educating local communities about a holistic approach to health utilizing guided meditation, yoga nidra, and plants. 

My Native American/Mexican paternal grandmother was an herbalist and healer. A few aunties, cousins, and myself have followed in her footsteps. She lived her life in San Antonio, TX (I was born there as well) and in our culture herbal preparations support us both spiritually and internally. Rituals have always been a big part of my families culture and often included a plant ally or food preparation, as a sign of respect and gratitude or offering.

My German maternal grandmother was also very holistic. Originating from and living her life in the Pfalz wine region of Germany, she believed there was a wine, tea, food, or essential oil for anything that ailed you. She was a lover of flowers and had a beautiful garden where she taught me the joy of flowers and plants. My mother, also from the Pfalz region of Germany and a talented gardener herself,  carried on the love for learning, food, tea, nature walks, and all things blooming or buzzing. Folklore and rituals are deeply rooted in my German culture and grounding oneself in nature has always been an essential part of life.

Growing up as an "Army Brat", I was given the gift of travel through most of my childhood and fell in love with foods, spices, cultures, folklore, rituals, and nature walks in many countries. My parents found Libertyville, IL when my father retired from the military and that's where we stayed. 

As Bernie (hubby) was working in Alaska, in 2010, I was the victim of a violent home invasion; I was pistol whipped and held at gun point.  In 2011 Bernie and I moved to Prairie Grove, IL and planted our roots. 

Having also experienced seven miscarriages, I understand what stress and fear can do to your body and mind. I understand anxiety attacks stemming from trauma. My father's PTSD from the Vietnam War and my mother's PTSD, as the survivor of an attempted murder, were my first experiences with the teachings of "control of the mind" and learning to breathe through stressful situations. Hiking through nature is one of my favorite pass times and I strongly believe in the healing energy of this earth and its precious plants.

I received my formal education through the Herbal Academy, International School of Herbal Arts & Sciences, and the Yogamu Institute. I am a proud member of Herbalists Without Borders and Women Caring for the Land Learning Circles by the Land Conservancy of McHenry County.