Meet The Teachers of Belonging

Travis Cartwright

CLINICAL HERBALIST
CO-FOUNDER OF ALTHAEA HERBALS

Travis is a clinical herbalist, herbal medicine maker, educator and co-founder of Althaea Herbals. He maintains a professional membership as a Registered Herbal Therapist (RHT) with the British Columbia Herbalists Association (BCHA). He received his formal education from Pacific Rim College and has furthered his study with The School of Evolutionary Herbalism.

Guided by nature, his practice integrates the holistic energetic system of Traditional Western Herbalism with modern scientific knowledge. Travis is honored to support individuals in their personal growth and healing with the use of herbal medicine.

Travis lives in Nelson, BC, where he forages and prepares various herbal medicines, teaches and runs a clinical herbal practice.

Marie Zak

CLINICAL HERBALIST & SOMATIC THERAPIST
CO-FOUNDER OF ALTHAEA HERBALS

Marie is a herbalist and somatic therapist. She works with the wisdom of the body and healing plants to support people to restore their nervous system and move through the world in authentic, embodied ways. She focuses on emotional and spiritual wellness, as well as psychosomatic conditions.

Marie completed her herbal studies through Pacific Rim College, and is a Registered Herbal Therapist with the British Columbia Herbalists Association (BCHA). She is the co-founder of Althaea Herbals. She completed her Somatic Relational Therapy training through Mariah Moser’s program, Opening to Grace.

Guest Interviews

Danielle Zak

SOMATIC THERAPIST
FOUNDER OF THE WELLNESS JOURNEY

I was born and raised in Nelson BC, my passion for dance lead me to move to Australia where I studied dance and movement. In 2017 my passion for dance took a pause after being hit by a car as a pedestrian. From there, a new passion was birthed and through my own healing journey, I discovered my desire to hold space and support others as they process emotions, traumas and everyday life experiences. I competed my relational somatic therapy training and am continuing to study person centred therapy. Within my sessions I use a combination of both these styles.

After being hit by a car, I developed chronic pain and nerve damage in my legs, through my lived experience and training I hope to support others who live with chronic conditions who would like to gain more autonomy and connection with their bodies again.

Danii is the founder of The Wellness Journey.

Taryn Stong

AROMATHERAPIST & RECOVERY COACH
FOUNDER MOONLORE AROMATHERAPY STUDIES & BOTANICAL PERFUMERY

Hello, I'm Taryn Strong, co-founder of the SHE RECOVERS® Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to connecting, supporting, and empowering women on their recovery journeys. My story is one of personal triumph over adversity, and I share it as a beacon of hope for all those navigating recovery in various aspects of their lives.

In my healing journey, I've embraced diverse and embodied approaches to recovery. As a Certified Aromatherapist, AromaPsychologist, Community Herbalist, Recovery Coach, and Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor, I've cultivated a holistic recovery practice steeped in ritual, ceremony, yoga, and the transformative potency of essential oils and aromatherapy.

As the founder of Moonlore Aromatherapy Studies & Botanical Perfumery, I am in awe of the power of scent and it’s ability to support us emotionally and psychologically. As of spring 2024, I will be guiding others to become Certified Aromatherapists with our online program.

Lux

CLINICAL HERBALIST & MEDICINE MAKER
FOUNDER OF HOUSE OF ORIGINS APOTHECARY

Lux (they/them) is a practicing clinical herbalist and medicine maker. Their passion for plants and nature has been present since childhood; ultimately leading them to study medicine, entheogens, and ceremonial arts. You can find their small batch medicines through House of Origins Apothecary.

Lux approaches healing using western medicine, folk herbalism and hermetic philosophy. They have a diploma of phytotherapy from Pacific Rim College, and have spent the last 8 years doing clinical practice and cultivating mystery school studies.

Lux specializes in menstrual care, womb healing, mental health and digestive disorders. You can also find them hosting classes and ceremonies in the community, it is one of their greatest joys to come together in healing and celebration. In their down time you can find them enjoying nature, hot springs and finding more ways to create beauty in the world. 

Sky Richard

CLINICAL HERBALIST
FOUNDER OF WHITE OWL MEDICINALS

Sky Richarde is a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild, and a herbal instructor at Pacific Rim College in Victoria BC where she teaches Herbal Energetics, Intro to Herbal Medicine, Fungal Foods and Mushroom Medicines, and the Nutritional Benefits of Wild Plants. She also supervises the free herbal clinic at the Victoria Native Friendship Center, and gives private herb walks in the local area.

Though teaching is Sky’s main passion, she also has a special interest in Sleep and Dream therapy, in which she has undergone advanced training with Dr Leslie Ellis, along with multiple shorter courses on the subject. She works to help people get the rest they need, and more fully enjoy their dream life through experiential embodiment of their dreams, and lucid dream exploration.

Sky is the founder of White Owl Medicinals.

James W Jesso

PSYCHEDELIC WRITER
HOST OF ADVENTURES THROUGH THE MIND PODCAST

James W. Jesso is a distinguished author, speaker, and podcast host focused on the transformative power of psychedelics. Through his books like Decomposing The Shadow (2013) his popular podcast Adventures Through The Mind (ongoing) and public talks, Jesso marries scientific rigor with heartfelt storytelling to explore mental health, spiritual growth, and learning to navigate the complexities of human life. A voice of balance and caution, he advocates for responsible psychedelic use while delving into the untapped potentials of the human mind.

You can find a catalogue of all his work on www.jameswjesso.com or a collection of most relevant links on his linktree at https://linktr.ee/jameswjesso

Taylor Rae Carson

CLINICAL HERBALIST & TAROT READER
CO-FOUNDER OF THE LONDON CREATIVE

Taylor Rae is a Clinical Herbalist with a diploma of Phytotherapy from Pacific Rim College in Victoria, BC. Throughout her life, she has had a natural connection & understanding of Astrology & the Tarot. She uses these modalities to assist her clients into alignment with their health, true nature & souls evolution.

From the personal experience of working through childhood trauma, depression, addiction, burnout, betrayal, chronic illness & extreme anxiety, she has compassionate insight for those who strive to heal.

She sees & bless' anyone who desires to learn, grow & reclaim themselves alongside the ancient wisdoms of the stars, plant allies & our innate inner knowings.

Explore Taylor Rae’s offerings at The London Creative.