Symposium Speakers

A Research Scholar in the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University, has dedicated her career to sustainable agriculture and rural community development. Her work in medicinal herbs, native botanicals, hemp, organics, and other specialty crop research and extension efforts has made her a respected figure in the field. Margaret's leadership role in the WNC Medicinal Herb Growers Group and the WNC Woodland Stewards, her position as Associate Director of the Appalachian Forest Farmer Coalition, and her service on the Forest Grown Verification program of the United Plant Savers are testament to her commitment and expertise. Her passion for plants, soil ecology, and natural patterns is evident in her work and will be shared with you during the field trip. 

 Dr. Lindsay Chimileski, RH(AHG) is a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist at Hawthorn Holistic Health in Hamden, Connecticut, with an enthralled devotion to plant and fungi medicines. In her work, she emphasizes that we are a part of nature, not separate from it and focuses on treating the whole person, fully acknowledging, and celebrating the interwoven layers of the body, the mind, the spirit and all the intangibles impacting our health and well-being.

An associate professor and extension specialist in the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University, is a leading authority in the field of Chinese Medicinal Herbs. With over 35 years of research and knowledge sharing, she has become a trusted source for farmers and gardeners nationwide. Her focus on native woodland botanicals, hops, truffles, Chinese medicinal herbs, and hemp has led to significant contributions to the field. She is the primary author of the book “Growing and Marketing Ginseng, Goldenseal and Other Woodland Medicinals.” Jeanine and her family operate Our Tiny Farm, raising and boarding miniature donkeys. 

Dr. Christopher Hobbs, RH(AHG), is a fourth generation, internationally known herbalist and mycologist, licensed acupuncturist, herbal clinician, research scientist, consultant to the dietary supplement industry, expert witness, botanist, public speaker, and author of over 20 books and numerous articles with over 40 years of experience.

Dr. Hung a practicing ND/Traditional Chinese Acupuncturist and herbalist at Wholehearted Naturopathic and Wellness in Naperville, IL. The main clinical specialties at the center include women and men's hormonal and reproductive health, digestive health, mental health, and wellness and cardiometabolic health. In her clinic she uses a wide variety of preformulated herbs from Western and Eastern traditions, as well as individualized herbal tinctures.

Mel Kasting, RH(AHG), is a practicing clinical herbalist and educator. As Clinical Director at the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine, she helps clients to get the support they need while guiding them through the process of preparing for and participating in clinical practice. She is also member of the AHG Board of Directors and  chair of the Education Committee. In her clinical practice, Mel recognizes the significance of addressing personal and societal traumas as an integral part of the healing journey.

Janet Kent is a clinical and community herbalist living and practicing in Southern Appalachia. She a co-founder and core faculty member of the Terra Sylva School of Botanical Medicine. She is also co-founder and clinician at the River Island Community Herb Clinic in Marshall, NC.

Bob Linde, RH(AHG), owns Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies and the Traditions School of Herbal Studies in St. Petersburg Florida where he has served the Tampa Bay community for over 35 years. Bob sees patients four days a week, supervises intern clinic three nights a week and teaches most weekends.  He recently completed twelve episodes for INTI TV, “Sanaciones con Bob Linde”, an exploration of indigenous people’s herbal practices.  Learn more about him at Acuherbals.com and Traditionsherbschool.com

Richard Mandelbaum, RH(AHG), is a clinical herbalist with a private practice, online and in person, in the southern Catskills Mountains of New York. In addition, he teaches classes in clinical herbal medicine, phytochemistry, medicine making, field botany, and foraging.  Founder and faculty at the Arbor Vitae School of Traditional Herbalism, he is also on the faculty at David Winston’s Center for Herbal Studies and the Won Institute of Graduate Studies.

Renee Crozier Prince, RH(AHG), is a clinical practitioner, specializing in cancer and traditional healing and the founder of the Four Elements School of Traditional Medicine where her focus is bioregional herbalism, conservation, and addressing the needs of underserved communities. Trained as a traditional healer, she spends time in several countries each year furthering her practice as she is passionate about balancing traditional and modern methods of healing.

Robert Dale Rogers, RH(AHG), has been a teacher and clinician for over 50 years. He is author of The Fungal Pharmacy and Medicinal Mushrooms: The Human Clinical Trials and more than 60 other books. His next book on medicinal lichens will be released in December 2024. In addition, he teaches herbal and mushroom medicine at two universities and is an Herbal Elder of Canada.