Apprendre à me connaître

Hi, My name is Sunshyne!  I am a wife, homeschool mom of three, woman of faith, and lifelong learner. I have always been a science-minded person, so when I began exploring a more holistic approach to wellness, my natural curiosity got the better of me. I wanted to know why herbs worked, what was happening chemically, and how we could better understand the plants we have been using for generations.

My herbalism journey began after the birth of my first child, and the rest is history! What started as an interest in more natural approaches to family wellness grew into a much deeper passion. I was initially drawn to foraging and learning to identify the plants growing around me, discovering their traditional uses, and finding ways to incorporate them into everyday life. With a master's degree in geochemistry and a background in science, exploring the phytochemistry of medicinal plants felt like a natural extension of the way I think. The more I learned, the more I wanted to understand. I have spent countless hours reading books, listening to podcasts, taking classes, and studying on my own. When something captures my interest, I tend to dive in full throttle, and herbalism has certainly been no exception!

I currently work part-time as a high school chemistry and middle school science teacher, and I enjoy sharing what I learn with others through occasional local herb classes and guided herb walks. While my love of herbalism began with learning about the plants themselves, it has grown into a desire to help others explore herbal approaches to wellness. This is what has drawn me toward clinical herbalism. I want to deepen my understanding of how herbs can be thoughtfully and safely incorporated into individual wellness plans, while continuing to learn how traditional knowledge and scientific research can inform one another. I am especially interested in the science behind herbal medicine, exploring the research,and understanding how traditional knowledge and scientific inquiry can work together to inform thoughtful, responsible herbal practice. Through continued study and mentorship with Naomi at Laurel Tree Wellness, I am working to build the knowledge and practical skills to better support others on their wellness journeys.

My Herbal Education & Training
Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism - various classes (2020-2024)
Commonwealth Holistic Herbalism - various classes (2021-2024)
Certificate in Intermediate Herbalism, Herbal Academy (2024)
Certificate in Wildcrafting and Foraging, Herbal Academy (2023)
Advanced Home Herbalist Certificate, Sheep Hill Herbs (2023)
Master Clinical Herbalist Course, Heart of Herbs Herbal School (currently completing)
Certified Aromatherapy Course, Heart of Herbs Herbal School (currently completing)

When I am not teaching, studying, or working on herbal projects, you can usually find me outside botanizing, working in the garden (always trying to grow some new medicinal plant!), hiking, reading a book, or simply spending time outdoors with my family. I love experimenting with herbal recipes, getting to know new plants, and finding practical ways to incorporate herbs into everyday life.

Herbalism has become much more than an interest for me. It is a way of life, a continual process of learning, and another way to appreciate the incredible complexity of the natural world and the Creator who made it. There is always another plant to learn about, another question to investigate, and something new to discover and I wouldn't have it any other way!