I am a fully qualified Medical Herbalist, having earned my Diploma in Clinical Herbal Medicine from the International College of Herbal Medicine. Over six years of dedicated study, I completed my three-year diploma while balancing family life, raising four young children, and working part-time as a teacher. With the responsibility of a mortgage and a commitment to being there for my family, I sought out a program that allowed me the flexibility to study from home, making the online diploma a perfect fit.

Although degree programs were available, they required relocating to Auckland or Christchurch, which was not an option for me. The diploma course offered the flexibility I needed to stay close to my family while advancing my education.

My journey began with a Certificate in Herbal Medicine from Lotus Holistic Centre in Hastings, where my first tutor, Liz Gilbertson, greatly influenced my path. Shortly after, I embarked on my Clinical Herbal Medicine course under the guidance of Isla Burgess, a highly regarded herbalist and a key figure in my decision to pursue this profession. In my second year, I was also fortunate to learn from Valmai Becker, a highly skilled and experienced teacher in herbal medicine.

I feel privileged to have been taught by three of the most respected names in the field: Liz Gilbertson, Isla Burgess, and Valmai Becker. Their expertise and mentorship have profoundly shaped my approach to herbal medicine and continue to inspire my practice today.

Qualifications

During this time, I was fortunate to have a supportive and understanding husband who also pursued his qualifications through part-time study, later attending Wellington Polytechnic full-time. Before we started our family, I worked as a full-time primary school teacher.

I took a 10-year break from teaching to be a full-time mother to our four beautiful children, which remains the greatest achievement of my life. During this period, I took on a part-time role as a school bus driver, job-sharing with a colleague. This role provided me with an opportunity to maintain an interest outside of our busy home life while earning a small income. All of my children eventually attended the local school and rode the bus, allowing them to be together each day.

My journey into Herbal Medicine began when my children were young, as I started exploring complementary remedies. What began as small experiments grew over time as I discovered what worked best for us. By the time I became a qualified Herbalist, I had developed a range of remedies I trusted and continue to use today.