A passion for Ecological Landscape Design

MY STORY

I began my natural journey in 2012 when I paused my university studies to volunteer on many eco-projects in the Peruvian Amazon, California, and Mexico. I volunteered for several environmental conservation projects and community outreach programs for Indigenous youth in under-resourced communities. Working with Indigenous healers and traditional plant medicines has deepened my understanding of the connection between the spirit and our natural environment.

Upon entering the ancient wisdom of the Amazon, I knew then that my gift to this world would be working with plants to help people reconnect to the natural world harmoniously. Learning from the plants and Indigenous healers brought about a spiritual connection I had never known so deeply from growing up in an industrial society, where it is easier to separate from nature. I started walking the green path, where my travels took me down a less travelled road. My experiences taught me how plants work symbiotically. From the decomposing soil to the air we breathe, the natural cycles of our planet have remarkable healing properties that sustain life on Earth.

Although to be honest, my journey first began in my grandmother's garden. I would eagerly attend to her garden as young as 5 for pocket change—which sparked my passion from a very early age. I have always adored Nanny's gorgeous flowers throughout my life.

MY CREDENTIALS

My double major, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Social Anthropology and Environment, Sustainability & Society undergraduate degree is from Dalhousie University. I have continued my studies to deepen my knowledge of Ethnobiology at Athabasca University with my mentor, Dr. Janelle Marie Baker. In addition, I have my Landscape Design Certification from Toronto Metropolitan University.

I am finishing my diploma in the Restoration of Natural Systems at the University of Victoria. My research focuses on the ecological sustainability of horticulture within landscape design for a Canadian Climate, landscape restoration for climate solutions, and ethnobotanical (heritage) gardens in a Canadian Context.

By building alliances within our communities for climate action, we must also acknowledge our collective embodied ecological heritage, providing a space for reconciliation and healing.

Whether you find joy in an ornamental flower garden, are passionate about growing your food and medicines, or need consultation on becoming a steward of your landscape to regenerate it into a resilient and biodiverse ecosystem for all living things to enjoy— I am here to help!