Philosophy
My vision is to encourage clients to live in alignment and harmony within their own bodies and with the larger ecosystem. I choose to do this through enhancing their perception of the possibilities that herbs, nourishing foods, and lifestyle choices can provide. By consistently taking steps on this path, they realize their heart's vision in life, and joy in their bodies. This welcoming comfortable space is where wellness lives!
Education & Licensure
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CNS - Certified Nutrition Specialist | Certification Board of Nutrition Specialists
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LDN - Licensed Dietician/Nutritionist | Delaware Division of Professional Regulation Board of Dietetics/Nutrition
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Masters of Science, Herbal Medicine - 2012 Tai Sophia Institute/Maryland University of Integrative Health , Laurel, MD
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Bachelor of Arts, Environmental Studies, with Departmental Honors - 1999 Washington College, Chestertown, MD
Spanish – Minor & Sigma Delta Pi Honor Society Member
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University of Costa Rica, San Jose, CR, Spring 1998 Semester Abroad
Professional experience
Herbal Medicine, Nutrition, & Wellness
Areas of Interest & Research: Women’s concerns, including sexuality, pregnancy, fertility, post-partum, stress, & self-care; Pediatric care, including herbal, dietary, and lifestyle options; Stress and nervous system care, including re-alignment with a healthy pace of living & being in joy with life; Digestive health & probiotics; Atopic conditions; Chronic fatigue; HPV; lymphatics. Promoting long-term sustainable life rhythms, wellness, & vitality.
Coursework In: Physiological systems (pathological and healthy); Herbs of the Western Materia Medica, both traditional and modern scientific uses (with selected Ayurvedic and Chinese herbs); Clinical assessment skills; Herbal phytochemistry & pharmacology; Medicine-making; Herbal safety & efficacy; Foods & nutritional inputs as medicine; Crafting unique herbal formulations to specific symptoms, constitutions, & individuals; Cultivating healing practices.
Herbalist, Nutritionist, Owner, Plant Wisdom Within, LLC - 2013 to present
Utilize deep listening, sharp knowledge of physiological systems, and informed assessment skills to craft personalized herbal formulations, nourishing food recommendations, and lifestyle enhancement to ease discomfort and promote vitality in clients.
Collaborative clinical setting. 1000+ hours of clinical service.
Dietetic Technician, CHEER Centers January to April 2012
Provided onsite nutritional education, individualized nutritional counseling, & led support groups for elder clients
Presenter, Tai Sophia Herbal Medicine Show - February 2011
Develop, create, & present herbal products to the public, promoting their use as viable, desirable wellness enhancement strategies.
Presenter, Public Lecture Series Probiotics in Pediatric Wellness - Dec 2011
Teaching Assistant, Tai Sophia Institute Field Studies - May 2011 Equinox Farm, Rutland, OH
Presenter, U.S. National Arboretum - Hot, Hot, Hot! The Secrets of Herbal Aphrodisiacs - Aug 2018
Educator, preschool through adult
Experience gained: Create, research, & present Spanish & Environmental Education programs in classroom & outdoor settings, designed to inspire children & adults of all ages & learning styles. Programs included week-long field trips, aquatic recreation, cave ecology, art, Native American history, nature walks, plant identification & use, Latin American cultural studies, and more. Grant-writing. Curriculum-writing to AIMS accreditation standards. Faculty advisor. Maintained 1000-gallon aquariums. Designed visual displays and program marketing materials.
Spanish Teacher, Gunston Day School August 2003 to April 2006 Centreville, MD
Spanish Teacher, The Jefferson School August 2002 to June 2003 Georgetown, DE
Environmental Educator, Cape Henlopen State Park May 2001 to Aug 2002 Lewes, DE
Children’s Librarian, Chattanooga HCB Library Sept 2000 to May 2001 Chattanooga, TN
Environmental Educator, Fall Creek Falls State Park March to Sept 2000 Pikeville, TN
Service Industry
Experience gained: Build & earn clients'’ trust in order to efficiently discern their desires & provide for their comfort from a heartfelt and skillful space. Landscape and maintain buildings and grounds for 55-acre, 5-building waterfront property. Oversee & assist contractor projects. Strengthen interpersonal skills.
Groundskeeper/Caretaker, “The Shore” May 2004 to September 2009 Centreville, MD
Waitstaff, Arena’s Deli & Beach Bar 2008-2009/ 2001-2003 /1996-2000 Rehoboth Beach, DE
Waitstaff/Housekeeper, Cherokee Park Dude Ranch June to Nov 1999 Livermore, CO
Professional Affiliations/Community Service
Volunteer Intern, Jim Duke’s Green Farmacy Garden 2010 & 2011
Member, United Plant Savers, 2010 to present
Member, American Herbalists Guild, 2015 to present
Student Delegation Representative, Tai Sophia: 2010 - 2012
New England Women’s Herbal Conference, 2010
International Herb Symposium, 2011, 2013, 2017
Traditions in Western Herbalism Conference, 2011
American Herbalists Guild Conference 2012, 2015, 2016
Homestead Farms Community Supported Agriculture Volunteer 2010 & 2011
Lifeforce Yoga to Manage Your Mood with Amy Weintraub, 2010 & 2011
Gateway to the Heart with Beth Seiwell & Ed Harrold, 2010
Goddess to the Core with Sierra Bender, 2008
Interests
Yoga, gardening, hiking, camping, kayaking, disc golf, Waldorf-homeschooling, slow food, contemplating, creating, being in joy
Travel
Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Cuba, Jamaica, Chile, Canada, Mexico, USA
Professional Perspective:
“As a practitioner, Joan joins a strong base of clinical and physiological knowledge with a compassionate, holistic, and spiritually-grounded approach... She honors her clients, colleagues and the herbal profession and holds healing space elegantly. It is a blessing to have learned and worked with her for the past few years.”
Ayo Ngozi
Colleague, Tai Sophia Institute
"What a wonderful visit! Thanks so much for helping me deal with the whirlwind of emotions I've had all bottled up! I used your salve overnight, and I'm pretty amazed how great my hands feel today. This is coming from someone who's tried just about every eczema concoction on the market for the past 25 years. Hail Joan!!!"
SM
Client
“Receiving healing work from Joan comes from her wisdom and inner knowing of herself first; she has done this work, and is now professionally trained to help you fulfill your dreams... [She] has a strong yoga/meditation practice that will help you understand the underlying imbalances that confuse the mind and close off your heart to learning. Getting back to our natural organic state, with the ebb and flow of nature is what Joan will teach you... Time spent with Joan will be motivating for you and a great resource for inner peace and outer abundance."
Ed Harrold
Director of Whole Self Healing, Comfort Zone Yoga Center
"Joan embodies a very real sense of compassion tempered with reality. …Her sense of fun and exploration is combined with a very peaceful and reassuring presence."
Gayle Rush
Colleague, The Jefferson School
2010 - present
2010 - present
