August 2010: Donielle Baker

Donielle Baker - Clinical Master Herbalist student

What inspired you to begin studying natural health?
My own issues with fertility were the very first things I began to study. Once I saw a change in myself and reversed all symptoms I'd been having with my PCOS, I began looking into what I could do for my family as well. Then it just seemed to make sense that we use what God has given us in order to heal our bodies!

Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you?
"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" - Hippocrates
While not necessarily inspirational per se, it is the one quote that always brings me back to my purpose - using food to heal the body.

What do you plan on doing with your studies upon completion?
My goal is to be able to not only understand the health and well being of my family, but to offer assistance to couples struggling with infertility. One in six couples now struggle with conceiving and/or sustaining a pregnancy and it causes so much pain. Both emotionally and physically. I want to do whatever I can to help these couples overcome their specific issues and go on to have a healthy baby.

How are you currently using the information you've learned through your studies at Vintage Remedies?
While I just got started a few weeks ago, I've already been able to implement some of the teachings into my own life and the book of Vintage Remedies is quickly becoming essential in my natural health library!

Do you have a blog / website / book that you've produced on the subject of natural wellness?
I blog at www.NaturallyKnockedUp.com about increasing the odds of conception through natural living and nourishing foods. I'll also be launching an eCourse on July 12th that will walk couples through 12 weeks of topics pertaining to diet, natural living, alternative infertility therapies, and natural family planning. While it will have information pertaining to infertility, it's for everyone looking to have a happy, healthy pregnancy and baby!

What else should we know about you?
I wasn't always such a "hippie" (my husbands new name for me!). I was always quite conventional - until I started to see how much better I felt and how much healthier my family was. My last pregnancy ended in a beautiful, empowering, natural birth of my daughter and through that I learned yet again how well our bodies work when we allow natural instincts to set in and support through natural means instead of overpowering with medication. For me it was the experience I needed to send me completely into natural health!

June 2010: Andrea Howard

 

Andrea Howard, Holistic Wellness Professional student

What inspired you to begin studying natural health?
My journey into natural health began with the birth of my two children.  Suddenly, I was in charge of two other little bodies and I wanted only the best to nourish them.  I fell in love and made it a lifestyle choice for my family.  It’s pure, simple, and just makes sense.

Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you?
I am inspired by this quote from the artist Michelangelo, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”  It is a beautiful reminder of the power of vision and determination.

What do you plan on doing with your studies upon completion?
I believe knowledge is to be shared and continued.  So, I plan to teach and help others discover their own natural wellness.

How are you currently using the information you’ve learned through your studies at Vintage Remedies?
Currently, I am applying what I’ve learned by implementing new routines and solutions in my own family that are grounded in holistic thinking.  Living out this example has led to me being able to answer questions of friends and advise them in making lifestyle changes.

Do you have a blog/website/book that you’ve produced on the subject of natural wellness?
My blog is entitled Dwell Well, the pursuit of wellness.  I created it as my companion during my studies at Vintage Remedies to help me process, retain, and share my knowledge and experiences with others.  If it becomes inspirational and contagious to even one, it’s worth it.  Visit at www.dwellwellblog.com.

What else should we know about you?
By trade, I am an art educator.  I am passionate about both art and students and helping them see and experience all things creative.  Although a stay-at-home-mom now, I plan to return to teaching in the near future.  I am already working on meshing art with natural wellness and have some pretty exciting projects and challenges in store for my future students.