FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2025
Contact: office@americanherbalistsguild.com
www.americanherbalistsguild.com
A Warm Welcome to Our New Executive Director, Ms. Erika Galentin
From the Desk of Dr. Keren Dolan, Board Chair, American Herbalists Guild
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the American Herbalists Guild, I am honored and delighted to announce the appointment of Ms. Erika Galentin, MNIMH, RH (AHG) as the new Executive Director of the AHG.
Erika brings to this role a rare and powerful blend of clinical expertise, deep-rooted herbal knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to the vitality and sustainability of herbalism as a healing art and profession. Many of you already know Erika through her decades of contributions to our field—as a practicing clinical herbalist, educator, researcher, and advocate for both the plants and the people who work with them.
Her relationship with the AHG is longstanding and deeply rooted. Erika has offered years o f dedicated service as a member of the AHG Education Committee, where her clarity, vision, and thoughtful collaboration helped shape programs that support the growth and excellence of our professional community. Most recently, she served with distinction on the AHG Board of Directors, where her leadership and insight have been invaluable in advancing the Guild’s mission and values.
As we navigate the next chapter of the Guild’s evolution, Erika’s leadership comes at a moment of deep reflection and renewed vision. Her collaborative spirit, strategic insight, and grounded humility make her uniquely suited to guide the AHG in strengthening our community, amplifying diverse voices, and advancing professional herbalism across generations and traditions.
The AHG was founded with the intention of creating a professional home for herbalists— one rooted in respect, learning, and stewardship. Erika not only embodies these values, she has long been a living example of them.
We would also like to express our deep appreciation to the more than 20 highly qualified applicants who applied for the Executive Director role. The depth of experience, vision, and passion represented in this applicant pool speaks to the strength and vitality of the herbal community today.
A special thank you goes to our Hiring Committee for their thoughtful dedication
throughout this process:
Mimi Hernandez, MS, RH (AHG); Paul Bergner, RH (AHG); Emily Ruff; Essex Igyan; and
Sallie Dixon. Your collective wisdom, discernment, and service to the Guild were
invaluable.
About Erika Galentin, MNIMH, RH (AHG)
Erika Galentin is a clinical herbalist, registered with the American Herbalists Guild, and a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (UK). With over two decades of experience in clinical practice, herbal education, and medicinal plant conservation, Erika has devoted her career to bridging traditional herbal wisdom with modern science. She holds a degree in herbal medicine from the University of Wales and has served as a faculty member at several herbal education programs. Erika is also a passionate advocate for bioregional herbalism and the ethical stewardship of medicinal plants.
Please join me in extending a heartfelt welcome to Erika Galentin. We are thrilled to begin
this new journey together and look forward to the transformative possibilities ahead under
her guidance.
With gratitude and anticipation,
Dr. Keren Dolan, DCN, MS, CNS, RH (AHG)
Board Chair, American Herbalists Guild