2023

Michelle Wong is a licensed acupuncturist and practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as Functional Medicine. She graduated from UCLA with Bachelor of Science, and from Dongguk University, Los Angeles with her Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine, and has studied in both Beijing and Seoul. Michelle believes in giving her patients to help discover and treat the root of the problem, so that the various symptoms resolve naturally. This includes aspects of emotional and spiritual health, which Chinese medicine has a long recognized and treats in symphony with the physical.

Elena Rios is an ANFT Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide, Nature Connection Mentor, Interdisciplinary Artist, and Cultural Practitioner. She draws inspiration from the stories of her late grandmother, a "curandera" and a "huesera,” who practiced these traditional healing ways. Elena’s journey toward deepening relationship with the healing power of trees, plants, herbs, and flowers has continued throughout her life. It has taken shape within the context of their use in Indigenous ceremony, dance, and song, including Danza Azteca Mexica.  Elena continues to participate in these circles of learning and ways of being. She currently guides Nature Immersion events at Taft Gardens and Nature Preserve, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and travels to destination locations upon special request.

Lanny Kaufer, Ojai herbalist and native plant educator, is enjoying his 47th year of leading “Herb Walks” and nature hikes in Ojai, Santa Barbara, and the surrounding area.  A retired public high school teacher with a Biology degree from the University of California, Lanny specializes in making learning about edible and medicinal plants accessible and fun for people of all ages. Lanny acquired much of his plant knowledge in field study with well-known herbalists and ethnobotanists, including the late William LeSassier and the late Chumash teacher Juanita Centeno.