This is my story.

Finding my passion for herbs was the result of personal frustration and some fortunate turns in my path. I was a few years out of college and by most “normal” standards, a very fortunate and successful young professional. The problem was I constantly felt “blah”. Productivity at work was a result of my stubbornness and will, but focus and motivation was too often a struggle. The consistent drive for fitness and physical activity through high school and college seemed to have vanished. I couldn’t remember the last time I laughed the kind of laugh that reaches your bones. I didn’t feel “bad,” but I didn’t feel good, either. Other than suggesting I lose a few pounds, allopathic practitioners had little for me. I was frustrated and hell bent on finding a different way.

Then came yoga. I decided to check out a class at Steamtown Yoga on a whim. Through movement and what seemed like buckets of sweat, things start to shift on all levels. Lara offered a teacher training that year, I jumped right in, and met my good friend Martha. Acupuncture somehow came up in one of our conversations. She suggested I give it a try, so I did, and found yet another piece of wellness. Through these modalities, I identified physical/ mental/ emotional components in my life that were contributing to the “blahs” - and found the courage to change them. As luck would have it, Maya at Four Winds Acupuncture Clinic also uses herbs in the Traditional Chinese Medicine pharmacopeias. I felt something spark and bought my first herb book - Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. I loved the idea of expanding my personal wellness efforts and maybe, one day, helping others to do the same.

And the rest is history, as they say. The plants called and I followed.

Education and Experience:

I would be remiss if I didn’t express my deep gratitude to all those who led me to the start of my herbal path and those who continue to guide me and share their knowledge, wisdom, and experience - only a few are listed on this page.