Rebecca Beyer

Special Guest Teacher

Rebecca lives in the mountains of western North Carolina where she teaches people how to integrate the Old Ways back into a cyclical life, write books and articles, and work as a tattooer.

In 2018 I completed a Masters degree (MS) in Appalachian Studies and Sustainability, concentrating on Appalachian Ethnobotany at Appalachian State University. Despite my rough and tumble exterior, I love presenting in an academic setting.

I practice, research and write about folk herbalism, Appalachian ethnobotany and folk magic, traditional English witchcraft, primitive skills, gardening, and foraging.

Dr Raquel Costa PhD

Special Guest Clinical Teacher

Dr Raquel Costa specializes in Clinical Aromatherapy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Phytotherapy and Homeopathy.

Raquel has been in continuous professional practice since 2003, the year she opened her first clinic in Vila Verde, Portugal.

She is President of Associação Portuguesa de Aromaterapia (APA), and founder of the social project Hospital do Sorriso.

In terms of Aaromatherapy, Raquel studied under Dr Fabienne Milet of Florame, France; completed postgraduate studies in aromatic plants and essential oils at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra; and a training course in Aromadermatology with the Tisserand Institute.

Raquel is the co-author of several published scientific articles, including ‘Essential oils as a good weapon against drug-resistant Candida auris’ (Antibiotics, 2022).

Dr Omileye Achikeobi-Lewis

Special Guest Teacher

Omileye is an international author, artist, Fifth Generation Vision Keeper, trauma-focused licensed psychotherapist, Reiki Master, and doctor of Daoist Chinese medicine and acupuncture.

As a teacher who tells stories that connect cultures, Omileye seeks to awaken the Self and heal the ravages of planetary trauma.

As a trauma-focused psychotherapist, children’s yoga, and diversity trainer, she loves shifting old stories into ones of power.

Her book, My Heart Flies Open, published by North Atlantic Books, distributed by Penguin Random House and awarded a Kirkus Starred Review, has inspired many to embrace their authentic selves.

Rita Van Parys

Special Guest Teacher

Rita Van Parys qualified as a pharmacist with the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Ghent in Belgium in 1993, and was employed as a pharmacist in Belgium and the UK.

In 2009 Rita undertook training with the College International Aromatherapie Dominique Baudoux, and later joined its associated company, Pranarôm, a world leader in Scientific Aromatherapy.

It was here she instructed healthcare professionals in Scientific Aromatherapy.

Rita also worked as a pharmacist for HerbalGem, which specializes in gemmotherapy.

Rita completed further training in clinical aromatherapy with the Institute of Traditional Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy in London, in 2013, and in organic skin care formulation with Formula Botanica, in 2017.

Rita continues to share her knowledge of scientific aromatherapy through providing workshops and training..

Olatokunboh Obasi

MSc,RH(AHG),CNS

Special Guest Teacher

Olatokunboh is owner of the Well of Indigenous Wisdom School, an online and in-person international program in herbalism and the healing arts.

She is a board-certified Nutritionist, Clinical Herbalist, and birth Doula. She has been working in the wellness field for almost 20 years.

Olatokunboh shares her leadership skills in health advocacy as a guest educator at several schools across the USA and the world.

She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Herbalist Guild and chair the ARAC committee (Admissions Review Advisory Committee). 

Olatokunboh received her Master of Science (MSc) from the Maryland University of Integrative Health, and is a Clinical Nutrition PhD candidate there.