As a toddler growing up in Ohio, I knew two things: 1) I loved to garden with my aunts and 2) heal things that ailed (people, pets, bugs, etc). I chose nursing as a career and eventually became a Family Nurse Practitioner. For 30 years I loved it and for the most part, it loved me right back! However, there was always a little piece missing, some deeper connection that was absent. It took a major health challenge in my early 40’s plus rapid changes in how healthcare was being structured (i.e., more pharmaceuticals, less time to listen) to realize I no longer wanted to be a part of that system. I studied shamanism, became a Reiki master…and enrolled in herb school. When I walked into the first day of class, I felt like I had come home. Fast forward three years: I graduated from the Clinical Herbalist program at Sacred Plant Traditions in November 2013 and the following month I opened The Elderberry. I believe that everyone can benefit from the amazing power of plant medicine. If you struggle with integrating herbs into your life or want more clarity about herbs, our certified, experienced herbalists can help. We know herbs, including the science behind them. We cater to both experienced and novice herb seekers. Whether you’re confused or unsure of which herbs to use for a specific problem, or want feedback on an herb formula, we’re here to help you sort out the facts from the hype.

Sydney is a graduate of Sacred Plant Traditions’ community herbalist training program. She holds a BA in religious studies from the University of Virginia and is particularly interested in studying the healing practices found in ancient Hindu and Buddhist texts. She is also a certified Reiki master practitioner in the Holy Fire tradition. She is interested in how the spirit and plant world intertwine and working within these realms to help people sustain better health and happiness. “I am so thrilled that my path has led me to hear the call of the plants and practice as an herbalist and Reiki master here in Charlottesville. I am committed to the life-long exploration of all the ways in which herbs can help us heal on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. I strive to practice herbalism with a holistic, preventative, and energetic approach. I began working as an apprentice at the Elderberry in 2015 and since then have developed a deep love for this space and all that these women do in the community. They work from a place of passion, intelligence, and most importantly, love. I am honored to be a part of this inspiring group of students, teachers, and healers.” For more information about Sydney and how she can support you in meeting your health goals visit www.sydneybatson.com, email [email protected], or check her out on Instagram @sydney.batson.

Our Senior Consultant and Education Director Heather Wetzel, MEd, RH, has been serving the Charlottesville community as a certified clinical herbalist since 2008. A seasoned herbal educator, she teaches classes at a wide variety of venues from private homes, fields and garden gatherings to Sacred Plant Traditions clinical program, Robust Roanoke and West Virginia University on-line. She also handcrafts delicious herbal products plus offers herbal consultations and coaching sessions during which she creates customized formulations for each client. Her practice is a unique combination of Traditional Western herbalism and Qest4 Bioenergetic technology. For more information about Heather and how she can support you in meeting your health goals and most vibrant well-being, please visit www.heathersherbals.com, follow her on Instragram/Facebook or better yet, call her at 434-760-5409 to discuss how a session might benefit you.