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I went to college for Horticulture, and found it incredibly dry and removed from actual living Nature. It was very chemical-focused and had a lot of emphasis on golf courses and residential lawns. I started to seek alternatives to the idea of horticulture, which is basically how can humans use plants. I shifted my focus to, "what can I do for the plants?", and this is when another revelation sprouted. I found permaculture, which is essentially a system of intentionally living with the land and all that is provided. This was my missing link to right-relationship with the Earth. I got my Permaculture Design Certification from the Green Education Center in 2014 and began gardening, seed saving, foraging, and exploring my local ecosystem. My interest began to blossom in the realm of medicinal plants when I found the Florida School of Holistic Living. I spent 3 years learning about personal, family, and community herbalism. I was also fortunate enough to teach a series of gardening and permaculture classes there. This is where my passion for nature-based education began. In the mix of all of that, I found the local non-profit group, Fleet Farming, where I became the first paid employee. I worked as farm manager for almost a year, learning the ins and outs of urban small-scale farming. I learned the importance of community and collective effort.  Our small program began to grow and I became the Program Manager where I lead more public initiatives for the movement. Over time, I stepped down from this role and traveled to Peru, where I saw first hand how crucial community farming truly is. Plants, mountains, rivers - these are all revered. I was immersed in a culture where living with the land was not a new hobby but their way of life. I returned home, more inspired than ever. 

 

 

 

 

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Everything came together when I was approached by the director of The Living School Orlando (now Inspiring Minds Day School) to teach Gardening for their homeschool students. I had plenty of experience teaching adults and speaking to large audiences, but kids?  Would they like me or being outside? Will they be afraid of bugs and compost? I decided I would give it my best and show up with the intention of inspiring the children to enjoy playing in the garden. 3 years and many semesters later, I can say this has been the most rewarding and heart expanding jobs I've had! I realized my niche of being in Nature with children to show them the importance of connecting with the plants and animals - because they are the ones who will inherit the planet. They saw how rewarding it was to get dirty, pull grass, tend to seedlings, monitor insects, patiently wait for fruit to ripen. They learned to ID the local plants, how to prepare simple herbal remedies, and listen to the voices of nature. The garden grew more than food, it grew activists, environmentalists, naturalist, gardeners, earth stewards, ecologists, botanists, and farmers! It is crucial that the next generation feels uplifted & empowered to inherit this planet, which is why nature-focused education is paramount in my work.

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Currently I am open for mentorships, individual classes, and local plant walks.

Please get in touch if you're interested in having me speak or teach at your event or gathering.