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 works as a tattooer.

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

She practices, researches and writes about folk herbalism, Appalachian ethnobotany and folk magic, traditional English witchcraft, primitive skills, gardening, and foraging.

Dr Raquel Costa

Special Guest Teacher

Dr Raquel Costa specializes in Clinical Aromatherapy, TCM 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 Aromatherapy, Raquel studied under Dr Fabienne Milet of Florame, France, and completed postgraduate studies in aromatic plants at the Univ of Coimbra. Raquel is the co-author of several scientific articles.

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, was 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 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 where she instructed healthcare professionals in Scientific Aromatherapy.

 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 teach and share her knowledge of scientific aromatherapy.

Olatokunboh Obasi

Special Guest Teacher

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

She is a board-certified Nutritionist, DCN (doctor of clinical nutrition candidate), Clinical Herbalist, and Birth Doula. She has been working in the wellness field for about 20 years.

Olatokunboh shares her leadership skills in health advocacy as a guest educator at several schools across the USA and the world. She has served on the Board of Directors of the American Herbalist Guild as the former chair 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. We're excited for her talk on Traditional African Medicine (TAM) and the contributions of the African Experience in Western Herbal Medicine.

Robin Kessler

Special Guest Teacher

Robin is a Clinical Aromatherapist and expert author and purveyor of Frankincense and other medicinal resins.

As a practitioner, Robin has extensive clinical experience as a hospice care Aromatherapist in New Jersey, which she lives and works. Together with her husband Dennis, she holds fun and informative Distillation Days at her home in the summer.

Dubbed the 'Queen of Frankincense', Robin works with companies and organizations to maintain the sustainability of these fragile trees.

Drawing from published research and hands-on experience, Robin authored 'Frankincense Resins: The Journey and Beyond', which outlines the origins, uses and benefits of these precious aromatics and their extracts.