Student Profiles: Past and Present

Laurie B. Beggin is a graduate of the East West Professional Herbalist course and a practicing Professional Herbalist. She is a Master Gardener with 20 years of experience in herb gardens, cultivation, harvesting, storing and application. She has an extensive background in law, working as a Legislative Assistant to both a Senator and Representative at the Wisconsin State Capitol. She worked with the Forestry Committee and also worked with several Native American Tribes and their elders regarding the Native American Treaty Rights in the State of Wisconsin. It has been her calling to become a healer and in doing this she will be fulfilling a life-long dream of helping others toward better health through nature.

Kristi C. A. Beguin - received her B.Sc. from the Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA in Ethnobotany/Ecology. The majority of her studies were focused on mycology, botany and ethnobotanical uses of medicinal and edible plants. She has been studying and gathering medicinal plants and mushrooms in the southwest for over 15 years. She has taught many plant identification course, herbal history courses, and herbal preparation courses in her community. She plans to enroll in the Southwest Acupuncture college located in Santa Fe, NM to finalize her studies of acupuncture and TCM. Her eventual goals include teach, running a small clinical practice, writing and preparing specialized medicinal extracts of both fungi and plants.

Miles Coleman, Hello I am Miles Coleman. I am a black sash instructor in five animal and five family Kung Fu. I have been teaching and practicing the arts of Herbalism, Chi Gung, Meditation and Philosophy for 25 years. Currently I am the owner of the Healing Raven; a herbology and life style assessment practice. I have integrated Planetary Herbology, Reiki, Bio Magnetic Therapy, Chinese Herbalism and Warrior Shiatsu in my practice in Rhinelander, WI. I can be reached at (715) 369-7468 or hraven@newnorth.net (Miles is also an instructor at our annual seminar).

Michele Collins - I am currently a student at the East West school and live in North Carolina. I have a Masters degree in Public Health in Health Behavior and Health Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I have worked in a local health department developing, implementing, and evaluating community-based programs. I've also worked as a consultant conducting participatory evaluations, of school-based programs, health and safety programs for labor unions, and community-based programs for smaller non-profits. The work I've done as an evaluator has been about engaging the stakeholders in the process to help them gain useful, practical information. This work has been a good introduction for being an herbalist, as evaluation is about seeing the complex, holistic picture through the details and mirroring it back to people to help them move to another level within their program or organization - something I enjoy very much. Throughout the past seven or eight years of my life as a health educator/evaluator, I've also been studying herbs, shamanism, and reiki and using them all for myself, my cats, my family, and most recently, my friends. I enrolled in the East West course to deepen my understanding of herbs and to gain greater confidence to pursue the path of being an herbalist which has been calling to me for many years. It is important to me to build relationships with the individual plants by communicating with their spirits. I am constantly discovering how integral my shamanic work is to my work as an herbalist. I am also strongly interested in using herbs as a holistic approach to working with animals. My goal is to build an herbal practice that integrates and blends both herbal and shamanic healing practices. Last, but not least, I am a painter, using acrylics and collage.

Holly Dunbar, Herbalist, Masseuse: Holly Dunbar is incorporating the art and science of herbology into her busy massage practice in Maryland. A graduate of Baltimore School of Massage, Holly has been practicing massage for six years. Her practice is increasingly bringing in Eastern elements such as acupressure, moxabustion, cupping, and scraping as well as herbal medicine. The demand for herbal consultations is steadily increasing. Aromatherapy is a huge part of her practice as well, and shi is currently refining these skills with the direction of Jeanne Rose's Aromatherapy course. Holly has developed her own aromatherapy product line and markets these herbal/aroma blends on line at newmoonbody.com.  She welcomes fellow graduates and students comments and feedback via e-mail at: holly@newmoonbody.com. Holly is an avid proponent of client education and teaches many classes at the local Women's Center, which is a branch of the local hospital. Her teaching schedule has branched out this year to local community groups, an herb nursery, and her parent's farm for herb walks. Topics range from aromatherapy, herbal identification, herbs for menopause and more. An enthusiastic gardener she tends to many medicinal and culinary herbs, flowers and veggies in her garden, and considers the Earth as the ultimate teacher. She's also a flutist and performs with The Southern Maryland Concert Band.

Brian Fu, a computer programmer by day and a massage therapist by night. I am living in Houston Texas. I am also a disciple of the Tai chi master cheng jin cai, whom I have been practicing tai chi for the last several years. I believe the herbal studies at East West will enhance my life, and with my knowledge I can go out to help others.

Angela Gomez, age 37 and a practicing registered nurse.  I have been studying herbs and aromatherapy for years in small classes and seminars and decided to earn a formal certificate so I may be able to open an herbal store of my own one day.  I am just starting the program. E-mail: Angels5958@aol.com

Lissa Gomez - I am a 32 year-old housewife living in Aurora, Colorado. Until the end of my 28th year, I lived in Covina, CA and from January 2001 to July 2003, I lived in Fort Lewis, WA where my husband was stationed in the Army. After his service was up, he took a job at Northrop in Aurora, CO where we've lived ever since. We plan on eventually moving back to Washington - we just miss the abundance of water so much. I have an A.A. degree in Social Science from Foothill College in CA and I am planning on attending courses full-time in the Fall of 2004 when I will finish up my Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Sociology/Psychology and perhaps education). My main interests are art, philosophy, literature, ancient cultures, and even though I'm not a religious person, religious studies (I've always been fascinated by people's belief systems). I had originally planned on attending Metro State in Denver as an art student, but now that we've decided to to move to the Springs, my educational future is once again up in the air. Right before I moved to CO, I decided to enroll in this herbalist course with the original intent of becoming a kind of healer and furthering my studies by taking supplemental courses in different healing techniques. Although that still holds my interest, my main focus now will be in educating others about the benefits of herbs via either publication or through manufacturing products for bath, body, home , and general use. My goal is to have a complete understanding of the ways in which herbs can heal, enrich, and enlighten people and to pass on that knowledge to others. E-mail: verityessenza@msn.com

Aloha! My name is Jeannee' Kessell. Growing up in Oregon in a family that grew and wildcrafted herbs and food for a living, I have been growing, harvesting, and wildcrafting herbs for 24 years. I have been studying the medicinal properties of Western herbs and practicing their applications for 10 years. I have been extensively studying Hawaiian Plants and Medicines and practicing their applications for 5 years. I am a Direct Entry Midwife and have a small home-based practice here on the Big Island of Hawaii. Within this practice, I do clinical work and see several clients monthly. I have merged with the local W.I.C. program and teach their clients about birth. I am also involved with a traditional Lakota Native American church (The Church of the Four Directions-Big Island Chapter) where I have been offering my services to church members free of charge for the past 3 Years. The primary basis of this work being Native American herbal and spiritual healing.

I am currently a student with the East West school and am nearing the end of the Professional Herbalist Course. Upon completion I plan to go on to gain Professional Membership to the AHG via a Mentorship, and continue on to gain Board Certification in Botanical Medicine, with my primary goal being to help our beautiful islands by educating aspiring Herbalists. A small school would be ideal, as there is a great demand for more alternative schooling in Hawaii. The school would have much focus on Native Hawaiian Herbology.

Until a few years ago, I was unaware of the AHG or any type of set standards. Living primarily "off the grid" for many years, I believed there was absolutely no validation for my field of work. This new information inspired me. I now know I can reach my goal in a very dignified, honorable, validated manner and this is a blessing.

I was born with a deep love for both humans and plants and truly understand the importance and sacredness of their relationship. I am honored to be a part of enhancing this special relationship on our Earth Mother. foxlilly@zensearch.com

Linda Kingsbury, Ph.D: Author, Educator, and Consultant in Herbal Medicine and Natural Healing. My private practice, writing, and classes focus on Herbs and Spiritual Healing. I create herbal products including the award winning Spirit Herbs for Awareness Kit. Check out my website at www.spiritherbs.com to find out more about my work. I've been providing readings with the herbal tarot deck that Michael and Candis created for about 10 years now. I decided to learn from East West School of Herbology to deepen my clinical diagnostic skills, increase my knowledge of Traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic principles, and for the peer support. foxlilly@zensearch.com

Susan W. Kramer,Ph.D., AHG: A former lawyer and a graduate of the East West Herb Course. She was accepted as a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild in 1998. She has her own private herbal consulting practice in Atlanta, Georgia and hosts a weekly radio show where she discusses herbs and other topics related to health. Susan is also the host for the Tuesday evening chat room session and an instructor at our annual seminar. skramer@earthways.com.

Craig R. Lane, - I am a graduate of the East West School of Herbology in 1998. I have a healing practice that includes massage (an integration of Shiatsu, Energetics, and various massage techniques learned in various classes), nutrition counseling (I have a degree in Nutrition from Cal Poly San Luis >Obispo 1995, and am a graduate of The Kushi Institute of Macrobiotics Dynamics of Macrobiotics series 1996), cooking whole, organic foods, yoga, and an integration of yoga with acupressure, called Acu-Yoga. I am working on a book called 'The Truth About Nutrition". I have opened and operated two natural foods restaurants and two catering businesses. My current areas of work are in digestive ecology and plant alchemy (cultered foods like sauerkraut), maintaining an herb garden to make products from, lecturing and counseling, and basically being of service to the world. See www.shivawarrior.com or call 831-427-4554.

Brenda Mahkoonsahkwa Lindley is an herbalist with over 12 years of experience. She has for years been active in learning herbs and applying what she knows to help others. She is currently about to graduate from Michael Tierra's East West Herb School. She also has 8 years of experience as a Q.M.A; and 4 years of Surgical Technology studies at a local college. She has extensive knowledge in aromatherapy, conventional medicines, and homeopathy. She has her own herbal garden where she tends to and harvests over 40 different herbs for her use in herbal medicines. She frequently visits the woods and forest gathering species of plants that she does not grow at home. She specializes in Herbal Remedy Oils to treat a variety of ailments. She is very successful with the oils in the areas of: Muscle aches/pains; fibromyalgia; depression; migraines; PMS; female complaints; nerves; tension/stress; bronchitis; arthritis; relaxation; balding; sinusitis; allergies; male complaints and acne. Brenda also makes her own herbal lotions, tinctures, teas, decoctions, and sensuality and massage products. She also practices in herbal diagnosis and treatment plans, concentrating on whole body healing. Currently she works out of her own home in Lafayette, Indiana. She also travels in the Native American Indian circuit doing herb booths, demonstrations, free treatments, and frequently shares her knowledge with other competent persons. Upon completion of the herb course and final exam, Brenda's goal is to open her own shop where she will not only sell herbal medicine items, fresh and dried herbs, but also have an office for her diagnosis and treatments. She wants to bring this wonderful world of healthy living, herbal therapy, and knowledge into the area in which she lives, and hopes to build up clientele with people who are confident in the Way of Herbs.

Bodil P. Meleney: is a  Registered Polarity Therapy practitioner with a background as an RN and a graduate of East West Herb Course.  She has a private practice in Takoma Park, Maryland, where she also consults and teaches classes/workshops on health, herbal use and herbal growing. Starting fall 1999 she will be contributing articles on health and herbal topics to the Takoma Voice, a local publication on a regular basis.  She is also a studio artist, who creates one of a kind art furniture. bodil@purespeed.com

Gene Newsome is a graduate of the East West School of Herbology and completed a mentorship program with Dr. Tierra to become a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild. He is a PhD candidate in Holistic Nutrition at Clayton College. As a pharmacis and herbalist, Gene works under the direction of Dr. Bryan Turner, MD at Jordan Health and Wellness in South Jordan, Utah. Email at: chineseherbalist2000@yahoo.com or Snow Mountain Herbal Consultants at (801) 608.0218. 

Camellia C. Pratt: I became interested in herbs and alternative modalities after seeing my husband's health failing with the orthodox medicine.  After using dandelion tea for his ankylosing Spondylitis and having the "irreversible condition" reversed, and having his cancer go into remission with some beets and carrots, I was definitely interested.  I am a graduate of the International College of TCM (98), Bach Flower Registered Practitioner (98), Certified Iridologist (94), and a registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCM.P).I graduated from the East West Herb Course in 1998. I can be reached at dtcm26@hotmail.com and work out of Rainbow's End Wellness Clinic (www.rainbowclinic.faithweb.com).

Jim and Karla Reinhart: Jim, director of pharmacy at Selma Community Hospital, Selma, Ca. (raisin capital of world!) enrolled in the East West course in the spring of 1998. His wife, Karla, who is an RN supervisor of an OB department in Hanford, Ca. is also currently enrolled in the East West Herb Course and at the Clayton School of Naturopathy (correspondence). This past year they had a lot of fun with a medicinal herb garden which was featured in the local paper. They were even able to utilize some the herbs in preparing various tinctures and lotions for their own use. The biggest challenge for Jim and Karla is educating the medical community in the validity of phyto-medicinals and utilizing them along with allopathic medicines to the benefit of everyone. Their long range goals are to open a holistic clinic utilizing the best of both worlds in treating patients. Jim and Karla met Michael and Lesley at the AHG seminar in Pennsylvania this past August and are looking forward to the intensives this March (2000).

Judyth Shamosh AHG: is a graduate of the East West Herb Course and maintains an active herbal consulting business, herb garden and teaching in the Phoenix, Arizona area. She was active on the board of directors for one year. Presently her daughter is in the process of completing the course.

Howard B. Silvestre, CH AHG (Professional Member, American Herbalist Guild) Clinical Herbalist, Nutritionist, Lifestyle & Wellness Coach, Naturalist Consults By Appointment (also via phone/email).  Available for classes/lectures. Liquid Herbal Extracts Custom Formulated To The Client's Needs Phone/Messages 414-374-7716 -Or- Email howard@hearlandhealing.org
Howard B. Silvestre, Herbalist AHG: is a certified clinical herbalist, nutritionist, naturalist, educator and wellness coach.  He was accepted as a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild in 1998, and has been in clinical/private practice in Milwaukee, WI since 1996. Howard is a graduate of David Hoffmann's Therapeutic Herbalism program, and Dr. Tieraona Low Dog's Clinical Practicum Program at The New Mexico Herb Center/National College of Phytotherapy in Albuquerque, NM,  where he earned the distinction of Clinical Herbalist.  His current herbal educational and research endeavors include studying the  principles of Chinese and Ayurvedic Herbalism under the auspices of Michael Tierra (working on Lessons 31-36...the end is in sight!!!), as well as self-directed field study on the numerous native and non-native medicinal botanicals of southeastern Wisconsin. His other professional affiliations include the American Herb Association, Herb Research Foundation, United Plant Savers, National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, and International Emissary Attunement Guild (certified attunement practitioner). Howard offers personal health consultations and develops  supportive/preventive health care plans that are tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Custom formulated herbal extracts and lifestyle changes are the primary therapies he employs along with adjunct use of nutritional supplements, essential oils, flower essences, and referrals to other health care professionals as each situation may require. Howard also teaches classes and offers public lectures on the holistic applications of herbal therapies, and leads fun and informative "Herb Walks" to familiarize people with the abundant varieties of local medicinal plants and their health promoting uses.

Alan Tillotson AHG: Is a graduate of the East West Herb Course and is presently in clinical practice with his wife, Naixin at Chrysalis Medical Center in Delaware. He has since studied Ayurvedic medicine extensively in Nepal with one of the great masters of the area, a Dr. Manas. Alan's wife, Naixin is a Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor who was a teacher of herbal medicine at the traditional college in Shanghai. Alan, is one of the up and coming bright lights in the herbal world (check his paper on hepatitis C on the articles page of this site). He is having great success treating very difficult cases such as Hepatitis C and Multiple Sclerosis. Currently Alan is working on a book on herbal medicine due to be out in the next few months. Visit his website: www.oneearthherbs.com

Stephanie Tourles, I'm 37, a resident of Hyannis, MA, and a new student (10/1/99) of the 36-lesson herb course.  I've had many years of herbal education beginning with lessons from my grandfather when I was a child growing up in the North Georgia Smokey Mountains.  I learned much about Cherokee Indian medicinal herbs - their uses and identification.  My real interest has been in natural skin care since about the age of 15 when I began to formulate skin care products.  This lead to obtaining my Estheticians license from Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics in 1987.  I have a BS in Nutritional Science from the College of Life Science, Austin, TX (no longer in operation).  I completed Rosemary Gladstar's course in the Science & Art of Herbalism in 1996 and found it quite entertaining and educational.  Also in 1996, I received my International Certification in Aromatherapy from the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy.  I have professional training in reflexology from the International Institute of
>Reflexology and hope to receive my certification in the next year. My real love is writing about herbs and skin care.  I am the author of 4 books on this topic:  "The Herbal Body Book" - 1994, "Natural Foot Care" - 1998, "Naturally Healthy Skin" and "50 Simple Ways To Pamper Yourself" - 1999.  I hope to continue writing on natural health and healing when I complete Dr. Tierra's courses.  I'm sure that the knowledge I gain from these studies will be invaluable to me and my writing.  My desire is to educate all those who read my books about herbs and natural healing. I have a mail-order herbal soap and skin care company, "September's Sun Herbal Soap Company".  E-mail me at:  stourles@mediaone.net, give me your name and mailing address, and I'll send you a brochure.  I'd also love to correspond with any of Dr. Tierra's students, new or advanced.

Roy Upton AHG: Honored graduate of the East West Herb Course, one of the country's most respected herbalists, is presently directing and working on The American Herbal Pharmacopiea. This includes detailed monographs of medicinal herbs. This is a tedious process involving a select peer review process. Thus far, Roy has completed a few of the monographs and they have met with outstanding appreciation and recognition from herbalists and scientists from our country and throughout the world. Roy is a past clinical herbalist, vice president of the American Herbalists Guild and line director of Planetary Herb Products. Roy is author of several books including Echinacea and the St John's Wort Book published by Keats. The St John's Wort Book is the most comprehensive on herb safety in the English language. He is also co-author of the Botanical Safety Handbook published by CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. Thus far the American Herbal Pharmacopiea has four published monographs: St John's Wort, Hawthorn leaf with flower, valerian root and Hawthorn berry.

Craig Williams, L.Ac., Clinical Herbalist AHG, I have a private practice in Austin, Texas focusing mainly on the practice of Oriental Medicine.  I have a Master's Degree in Oriental Medicine and hold Diplomate status in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology with the NCCAOM.  I feel that the Professional Herbalist course was an incredible learning experience.  I cannot recommend it enough.  The course material is clear and cogent and Jill is an angel to talk to and answer questions.  I cannot imagine any course offering a more comprehensive study of true Planetary Herbalism.  I cannot thank Michael and Lesley Tierra enough for creating such a beautiful and complete course.  The integration of Eastern and Western herbal traditions is a critical work in progress a and it is our responsibility as herbalists to passionately strive toward this goal; this spirit is alive and well in the pages of the East West Course. Namaste and please feel free to email. Siddhimunic@yahoo.com