Saturday, June 7th Class Descriptions
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9:00 am - 10:30am Classes:
Herbs Talk! with Amy Asherah
Combining therapeutic writing with healing herbs, we will invite some of our rooted allies to speak to us through meditative writing. Listening to the intelligence of herbs, our writing can be a vessel for insights, empathy, and humor. We may be surprised to hear what they say!
Ayahuasca and Mental Health with Carlos Tanner
For 22 years, Carlos Tanner has worked closely with healers in the Amazon, deeply engaged in the sacred traditions of ayahuasca. As the founder of the Ayahuasca Foundation, established in 2009, he has organized transformative healing experiences in Peru and hosted research demonstrating how ayahuasca retreats significantly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, providing compelling evidence of their therapeutic potential. This talk will explore the fascinating healing traditions of ayahuasca, revealing how this ancient plant medicine enables individuals to identify and release false beliefs, negative emotions, and stagnant energies. Drawing from decades of experience and research, Carlos will share how these time-honored practices foster profound psychological and emotional healing, offering practical insights into steps we can take in our daily lives to enhance mental health, inspired by the ideologies and methodologies of Amazonian ancestral traditions.
Restorative Herb Circle with Su Cousineau
Learn through doing and being. Join in circle to experience herbs that support mind/body rest and resilience. Su will highlight some favorite herbs in these categories, and a few related practices. There'll be a little bit of lecture, some fresh and dried herbs to explore, herbal teas & tinctures to sample, a guided plant spirit meditation and a mini herbal spiritual bath practice. Folks are welcome to participate fully or observe as comfortable.
Tree Walk with Alex Klein
Join local herbalist Alex Klein for a walk to get to know what medicinal and edible plants--both wild and planted--are growing around the neighborhood. We'll go over how to identify some common and interesting urban species of plants and trees, discuss how they came to call this neighborhood home, and how to go about harvesting and using these plants ethically and sustainably.
Combining therapeutic writing with healing herbs, we will invite some of our rooted allies to speak to us through meditative writing. Listening to the intelligence of herbs, our writing can be a vessel for insights, empathy, and humor. We may be surprised to hear what they say!
Ayahuasca and Mental Health with Carlos Tanner
For 22 years, Carlos Tanner has worked closely with healers in the Amazon, deeply engaged in the sacred traditions of ayahuasca. As the founder of the Ayahuasca Foundation, established in 2009, he has organized transformative healing experiences in Peru and hosted research demonstrating how ayahuasca retreats significantly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, providing compelling evidence of their therapeutic potential. This talk will explore the fascinating healing traditions of ayahuasca, revealing how this ancient plant medicine enables individuals to identify and release false beliefs, negative emotions, and stagnant energies. Drawing from decades of experience and research, Carlos will share how these time-honored practices foster profound psychological and emotional healing, offering practical insights into steps we can take in our daily lives to enhance mental health, inspired by the ideologies and methodologies of Amazonian ancestral traditions.
Restorative Herb Circle with Su Cousineau
Learn through doing and being. Join in circle to experience herbs that support mind/body rest and resilience. Su will highlight some favorite herbs in these categories, and a few related practices. There'll be a little bit of lecture, some fresh and dried herbs to explore, herbal teas & tinctures to sample, a guided plant spirit meditation and a mini herbal spiritual bath practice. Folks are welcome to participate fully or observe as comfortable.
Tree Walk with Alex Klein
Join local herbalist Alex Klein for a walk to get to know what medicinal and edible plants--both wild and planted--are growing around the neighborhood. We'll go over how to identify some common and interesting urban species of plants and trees, discuss how they came to call this neighborhood home, and how to go about harvesting and using these plants ethically and sustainably.
11:00am - 12:30pm Classes:
Flower Essences for the Times with Maribeth Swan
An introduction and overview to the vibrational medicine of Flower Essences as a self love practice to enhance our well-being and nervous systems in these changing times. Respectfully co-creating Mother Essences (both direct and indirect method), utilizing kinesiology and intuition in communication with plants and in preparation of dosage essences. We’ll delve into the gifts of Lily of the Valley, Miniature Blue Iris and Tiger Lily for uplifting our Spirit. We’ll explore Black Eyed Susan, Bleeding Heart, and Multiflora Rose for their capacities to nourish our hearts. And we’ll discover how Catalpa Tree, Joe Pye Weed, and Serviceberry are Essences that support our healing from within.
Natural Building in New England with Emily Wang
Did you know that a house can be plant-based, too? The growing movement of natural building draws upon local plants and minerals, community support, ancient arts, and modern science to empower us to build homes that are better for everyone. This class will introduce you to natural building materials that are appropriate for our climate, why they work, and how to get involved. You'll not only hear about materials like straw-bale walls, clay plasters, and adobe, but also touch and handle samples.
Essential Oils & Aromatherapy with Linda Patterson
Essential oils are an amazing complement to herbs. Their ability to kill infections, air borne microbial, and reduce stress make them important allies in our ever challenging world. In this workshop we will cover which oils are helpful for different conditions, how to apply them for their greatest impact, and how to work with them in ways that are both safe and affective.
Nourishing Nervines with Katie Munn
Being a human in the 21st century our nerves are frazzled! Stress and anxiety are common experiences that most individuals have at some point in their lives. Prolonged experience to stress effects the body in a multitude of ways. This class will discuss the physiology of stress, how it effects the body and how we can apply herbs and lifestyle choices to support our wellbeing.
Heart Spirit Plant Walk with Laura Torraco
Join herbalist Laura Torraco for a gentle plant walk exploring the nourishing connection between plants and the heart—both physically and emotionally. As we move through the landscape, we’ll meet plant allies known for their calming, uplifting, and heart-strengthening qualities. Laura will share insights into the ways plants support resilience, deepen connection, and offer care in times of grief or transition. This walk invites you to slow down, listen, and engage with the plant world through all your senses
An introduction and overview to the vibrational medicine of Flower Essences as a self love practice to enhance our well-being and nervous systems in these changing times. Respectfully co-creating Mother Essences (both direct and indirect method), utilizing kinesiology and intuition in communication with plants and in preparation of dosage essences. We’ll delve into the gifts of Lily of the Valley, Miniature Blue Iris and Tiger Lily for uplifting our Spirit. We’ll explore Black Eyed Susan, Bleeding Heart, and Multiflora Rose for their capacities to nourish our hearts. And we’ll discover how Catalpa Tree, Joe Pye Weed, and Serviceberry are Essences that support our healing from within.
Natural Building in New England with Emily Wang
Did you know that a house can be plant-based, too? The growing movement of natural building draws upon local plants and minerals, community support, ancient arts, and modern science to empower us to build homes that are better for everyone. This class will introduce you to natural building materials that are appropriate for our climate, why they work, and how to get involved. You'll not only hear about materials like straw-bale walls, clay plasters, and adobe, but also touch and handle samples.
Essential Oils & Aromatherapy with Linda Patterson
Essential oils are an amazing complement to herbs. Their ability to kill infections, air borne microbial, and reduce stress make them important allies in our ever challenging world. In this workshop we will cover which oils are helpful for different conditions, how to apply them for their greatest impact, and how to work with them in ways that are both safe and affective.
Nourishing Nervines with Katie Munn
Being a human in the 21st century our nerves are frazzled! Stress and anxiety are common experiences that most individuals have at some point in their lives. Prolonged experience to stress effects the body in a multitude of ways. This class will discuss the physiology of stress, how it effects the body and how we can apply herbs and lifestyle choices to support our wellbeing.
Heart Spirit Plant Walk with Laura Torraco
Join herbalist Laura Torraco for a gentle plant walk exploring the nourishing connection between plants and the heart—both physically and emotionally. As we move through the landscape, we’ll meet plant allies known for their calming, uplifting, and heart-strengthening qualities. Laura will share insights into the ways plants support resilience, deepen connection, and offer care in times of grief or transition. This walk invites you to slow down, listen, and engage with the plant world through all your senses
12:45pm - 1:45pm Class:
Embodied Movement with Caitlin Barry
Deepen your connection to your body through mindful movement, focusing on experiencing sensations within your physical form rather than just achieving perfect postures. Learn to incorporate elements like breathwork, gentle stretches, and subtle awareness to explore the inner layers of your being. This class is suitable for all levels and aiming to cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and presence within the body. Please bring your own yoga mat for this class.
Deepen your connection to your body through mindful movement, focusing on experiencing sensations within your physical form rather than just achieving perfect postures. Learn to incorporate elements like breathwork, gentle stretches, and subtle awareness to explore the inner layers of your being. This class is suitable for all levels and aiming to cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and presence within the body. Please bring your own yoga mat for this class.
2:00pm - 3:30pm Classes:
Herb Drug Interactions with Ryn Midura
Herb-drug interactions are best understood not by rote memorization or by consulting a database, but by learning the ways herbs and drugs work in the body. Herbalists working today need to be able to navigate this information efficiently, because we will rarely have the chance to work with clients who are not taking any pharmaceuticals. This class will teach critical perspectives and methods of investigation which will allow you to assess the reality of safety cautions and interaction warnings, and give good - safe - advice to your clients.
Address Hormone Imbalances with Plant Medicine with Denise Rodriguez
Hormone imbalance is something that many of us experience, yet we aren't really sure what it means. In this class we’ll cover the anatomy of our cycle. We'll discuss how herbs can help us balance our hormones naturally and talk about why it can sometimes be difficult to figure out what herbs to use.
Approaches for Sleep, Anxiety & Stress with Gayle Nogas
This transformative class focuses on harnessing the power of herbs to tackle common challenges like sleep issues, anxiety, and chronic stress. Use practical knowledge to create your herbal toolkit for better sleep, reduce anxiety, and enhance well-being. We'll cover herbs to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer and nourishing herbs for a healthier nervous system. You'll also be introduced to herbal allies that can quiet racing thoughts and soothe overwhelming emotions, and learn how to choose the right adaptogenic herbs that support your body’s stress response
Mushroom Cultivation with Michael Del Rio
During this workshop presentation we will discuss basics of mycology and fungal life, fungi life cycle, cultivation of outdoor mushrooms including Shiitake Mushrooms on logs, Oysters and Winecaps in wood chips.
Urban Forage Ramble with Iris Weaver
Even in the middle of the city you can find wonderful wild food and herbal medicine plants! We are surrounded by an amazing abundance of plants that are edible and/or medicinal, both wild and cultivated. The weeds and many plants in your parks, the sidewalk, even your garden and backyard are actually nutritious food and healthy medicine. Come take a walk around the Armory and nearby streets to see the abundance of useful plants. We’ll discuss plant identification, safety, and uses. Bring a camera and/or notebook to keep track of all you will learn.
Herb-drug interactions are best understood not by rote memorization or by consulting a database, but by learning the ways herbs and drugs work in the body. Herbalists working today need to be able to navigate this information efficiently, because we will rarely have the chance to work with clients who are not taking any pharmaceuticals. This class will teach critical perspectives and methods of investigation which will allow you to assess the reality of safety cautions and interaction warnings, and give good - safe - advice to your clients.
Address Hormone Imbalances with Plant Medicine with Denise Rodriguez
Hormone imbalance is something that many of us experience, yet we aren't really sure what it means. In this class we’ll cover the anatomy of our cycle. We'll discuss how herbs can help us balance our hormones naturally and talk about why it can sometimes be difficult to figure out what herbs to use.
Approaches for Sleep, Anxiety & Stress with Gayle Nogas
This transformative class focuses on harnessing the power of herbs to tackle common challenges like sleep issues, anxiety, and chronic stress. Use practical knowledge to create your herbal toolkit for better sleep, reduce anxiety, and enhance well-being. We'll cover herbs to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer and nourishing herbs for a healthier nervous system. You'll also be introduced to herbal allies that can quiet racing thoughts and soothe overwhelming emotions, and learn how to choose the right adaptogenic herbs that support your body’s stress response
Mushroom Cultivation with Michael Del Rio
During this workshop presentation we will discuss basics of mycology and fungal life, fungi life cycle, cultivation of outdoor mushrooms including Shiitake Mushrooms on logs, Oysters and Winecaps in wood chips.
Urban Forage Ramble with Iris Weaver
Even in the middle of the city you can find wonderful wild food and herbal medicine plants! We are surrounded by an amazing abundance of plants that are edible and/or medicinal, both wild and cultivated. The weeds and many plants in your parks, the sidewalk, even your garden and backyard are actually nutritious food and healthy medicine. Come take a walk around the Armory and nearby streets to see the abundance of useful plants. We’ll discuss plant identification, safety, and uses. Bring a camera and/or notebook to keep track of all you will learn.
4:00pm - 5:30pm Classes:
Rest Circle: Empowering Change Makers and Activists with Ali Schmitt
Rested people can change the world. When we are rested we can see the challenges ahead of us clearly and make meaningful steps towards change. Daring to Rest yoga nidra is an empowerment tool designed to teach us to rest so we can rise and be change makers in the world. In this rest circle, we will rest, reflect and share. Yoga nidra is a sleep based guided meditation that supports rejuvenation, healing and access to intuition. Please bring something to lay on & something to stay warm - like a yoga mat and a blanket - for this class.
Herbal Mocktails with Angela Hofmann
Shake, stir, and sip your way to the perfect alcohol-free indulgence at our Mocktail Creation Class! Hosted by Angela Hofmann, founder of Nüssli118°, this workshop will teach you how to craft sophisticated, refreshing drinks using fresh ingredients, herbal infusions, and nutrient-rich superfoods. At Nüssli118°, we believe that every sip and bite should be as nourishing as it is delicious, and our mocktails are no exception—bursting with flavor, antioxidants, and adaptogens to uplift your mood and energy. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast looking for a healthier twist or simply love a beautifully crafted beverage, this class will inspire and delight. Expect to mix, muddle, and taste your way through vibrant, Instagram-worthy drinks—without the hangover! Grab a friend, bring your curiosity, and get ready to elevate your beverage game with us. Cheers to delicious, feel-good sipping!
Abundant Herbs for Trying Times with Juliette Carr
In these trying times, herbs can be the soil of a deeply-rooted support system, both for ourselves and for our community at large. There is no need to buy something when so much effective medicine grows everywhere you look! Often when there is a clear need, the perfect herbs are generously more easy to find than usual, and this spring that has certainly been true of our heart-soothing herbs. Join Juliette Abigail Carr, Registered Herbalist (AHG) and Family Nurse Practitioner, to learn the most effective, locally abundant herbs for stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, and depression based on years of clinical experience as well as gardening and wild-crafting here in New England.
Ayurvedic Travel Tips: Staying Balanced On the Go with Bhanu Patel
Join Bhanu Patel, Ayurvedic Practitioner and founder of Soma Ayurved, for a practical and inspiring class on how to stay grounded, nourished, and well while traveling. Drawing from Ayurveda’s holistic approach to wellness, Bhanu will share time-tested tips for maintaining balance during movement—whether you're flying across time zones or heading out for a weekend retreat. You’ll learn how to prepare for travel with Ayurvedic routines, pack a supportive herbal toolkit, and adapt your food, sleep, and self-care practices on the road. Bhanu will also guide you through simple breath and grounding techniques to soothe the nervous system and support digestion, immunity, and mental clarity while away from home.
BIPOC Nature Therapy Walk with Cole Huang
Cole Huang (he/him) is a queer & trans, neurodivergent nature therapy guide whose practice is inspired by forest bathing, a phrase translated from Japanese which means immersing yourself in a natural setting. Join us outdoors to slow down and tune in to your surroundings with a series of invitations that will help you connect to the everyday nature that is present around us. As people of color, being in an affinity space can be soothing for our nervous systems. Let's spend some time simply noticing tree branches swaying in the breeze, taking a break from the high energy space indoors to decompress together. We will wander slowly around the Armory, taking in the nature that exists in this setting. We will end the walk by gathering in a circle, sharing herbal tea, and offering a cup of tea to the land as a gesture of reciprocity with nature. This walk is intended as a space specifically for people of color to connect and learn together.
Rested people can change the world. When we are rested we can see the challenges ahead of us clearly and make meaningful steps towards change. Daring to Rest yoga nidra is an empowerment tool designed to teach us to rest so we can rise and be change makers in the world. In this rest circle, we will rest, reflect and share. Yoga nidra is a sleep based guided meditation that supports rejuvenation, healing and access to intuition. Please bring something to lay on & something to stay warm - like a yoga mat and a blanket - for this class.
Herbal Mocktails with Angela Hofmann
Shake, stir, and sip your way to the perfect alcohol-free indulgence at our Mocktail Creation Class! Hosted by Angela Hofmann, founder of Nüssli118°, this workshop will teach you how to craft sophisticated, refreshing drinks using fresh ingredients, herbal infusions, and nutrient-rich superfoods. At Nüssli118°, we believe that every sip and bite should be as nourishing as it is delicious, and our mocktails are no exception—bursting with flavor, antioxidants, and adaptogens to uplift your mood and energy. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast looking for a healthier twist or simply love a beautifully crafted beverage, this class will inspire and delight. Expect to mix, muddle, and taste your way through vibrant, Instagram-worthy drinks—without the hangover! Grab a friend, bring your curiosity, and get ready to elevate your beverage game with us. Cheers to delicious, feel-good sipping!
Abundant Herbs for Trying Times with Juliette Carr
In these trying times, herbs can be the soil of a deeply-rooted support system, both for ourselves and for our community at large. There is no need to buy something when so much effective medicine grows everywhere you look! Often when there is a clear need, the perfect herbs are generously more easy to find than usual, and this spring that has certainly been true of our heart-soothing herbs. Join Juliette Abigail Carr, Registered Herbalist (AHG) and Family Nurse Practitioner, to learn the most effective, locally abundant herbs for stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, and depression based on years of clinical experience as well as gardening and wild-crafting here in New England.
Ayurvedic Travel Tips: Staying Balanced On the Go with Bhanu Patel
Join Bhanu Patel, Ayurvedic Practitioner and founder of Soma Ayurved, for a practical and inspiring class on how to stay grounded, nourished, and well while traveling. Drawing from Ayurveda’s holistic approach to wellness, Bhanu will share time-tested tips for maintaining balance during movement—whether you're flying across time zones or heading out for a weekend retreat. You’ll learn how to prepare for travel with Ayurvedic routines, pack a supportive herbal toolkit, and adapt your food, sleep, and self-care practices on the road. Bhanu will also guide you through simple breath and grounding techniques to soothe the nervous system and support digestion, immunity, and mental clarity while away from home.
BIPOC Nature Therapy Walk with Cole Huang
Cole Huang (he/him) is a queer & trans, neurodivergent nature therapy guide whose practice is inspired by forest bathing, a phrase translated from Japanese which means immersing yourself in a natural setting. Join us outdoors to slow down and tune in to your surroundings with a series of invitations that will help you connect to the everyday nature that is present around us. As people of color, being in an affinity space can be soothing for our nervous systems. Let's spend some time simply noticing tree branches swaying in the breeze, taking a break from the high energy space indoors to decompress together. We will wander slowly around the Armory, taking in the nature that exists in this setting. We will end the walk by gathering in a circle, sharing herbal tea, and offering a cup of tea to the land as a gesture of reciprocity with nature. This walk is intended as a space specifically for people of color to connect and learn together.