Growing up in a family of first responders, I developed a deep passion for helping others. My mother, a retired paramedic, and my father, a retired police officer, were always ready to assist, and I felt that same call to service from a young age. It wasn’t until later, after many life experiences, that I fully embraced this calling.

In 2008, my life changed when I lost my husband, Spc. Richard Burress, to an IED in Iraq. That loss shifted my focus from a corporate career to nurturing quality of life for myself and my daughter. It was during this time that I discovered holistic medicine, which transformed our fast-food lifestyle into one of home-cooked meals and mindful living.

As I ventured into homesteading, I found my true calling in healing—not just for people, but for animals too. When one of my chickens fell ill, I used holistic remedies to nurse her back to health. That experience reignited my purpose, and since then, I’ve worked with many animals and humans, trusting both intuition and herbal wisdom to guide me.

As a Certified Clinical Herbalist, I’ve completed 3 years of Western and Chinese Herbalism with over 300 clinical hours, and I’m expanding my knowledge as a student of acupuncture and Chinese medicine at the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine. My practice blends wisdom from both Western and Eastern traditions, along with influences from my mentors in Cherokee, Ecuadorian, Caribbean, and Scottish cultures. Whether working with humans or animals, my mission is to help others live healthier, happier lives through the power of herbal medicine.

Education:

• Clinical Western Herbalism, Traditions School of Herbal Studies, 2019-2021

• Clinical Chinese Herbalism, Traditions School of Herbal Studies, 2021-2022

• Master of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, Dragon Rises College of Oriental medicine, 2022-2024

• Master of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine, 2024-current