I am a Medical Herbalist (dip. Phyto from Pacific Rim College), Spa Therapist (WCCMT), Holistic Health Coach (CHHC from IIN), and a Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor (BCRPA from Body Blueprint Fitness Education) and a Trainer of Fitness Leaders. Apparently, I can't stop learning and growing, just like all of you!
I was born and raised in beautiful Victoria, BC, where I grew up climbing trees, eating plants, and playing with animals. In my teenage years, I loved rollerblading, running, and experimenting with food and plants as natural beauty products and still do. I believe that nature provides us with everything we need for optimal health and beauty, and that ancient remedies and modern science work well together. Being outside is my inspiration for fitness and health. I work with clients with a broad range of health and wellness goals, including skin conditions, anxiety, strength training, hormone balance, and general support for well-being, using herbal medicine, fitness, nutrition and lifestyle guidance, and many home-care practices. My intention is to provide a positive, healing space, instilling confidence in every client, and working alongside plants to assist the body’s natural healing process. |
My Education
Before discovering my love of herbal medicine, I studied nursing, sciences, philosophy and nutrition at the University of Victoria and University of British Columbia. Within this time, I became interested in the healing properties of herbs and the prophylactic benefits of good nutrition.
I received my Herbal Medicine training at Pacific Rim College in Victoria, where I fell in unconditional love with herbs. I studied extensively for three years under professional Medical Herbalists, doctors, and other experts in health and graduated with honours with a Diploma in Phytotherapy (Western Herbal Medicine) in 2011. My education was comprised of a delightful blend of modern science and ancient tradition, providing me with the skills to work with hundreds of herbs alongside the conventional medical system. I have since taught Herbal Medicine and Nutrition classes and clinics at Pacific Rim College, which helped me grow as a teacher and a herbalist (and a human!). My training at Pacific Rim College has changed my life for the better, and given me the skills and passion to help others discover the magnificent benefits of herbal medicine as well. I highly recommend PRC and am always happy to talk about my experience there: www.pacificrimcollege.com.
While I was completing my herbal medicine training, I began studying online through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) based in New York City. IIN was another experience that brought me closer to my professional (and health) goals. I studied over 100 dietary theories, practical lifestyle management techniques, and innovative coaching methods with some of the world’s top health and wellness experts. My teachers included Dr. Andrew Weil, Director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine; Dr. Deepak Chopra, leader in the field of mind-body medicine; Dr. David Katz, Director of Yale University’s Prevention Research Center; Dr. Walter Willett, Chair of Nutrition at Harvard University; Geneen Roth, bestselling author and expert on emotional eating; and many other leading researchers and nutrition authorities.
After working with clients in clinic settings, I decided to expand my healing skills into my hands by studying spa therapies at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy, where I learned relaxation and beauty techniques. I then enjoyed working in a spa setting. I loved offering these relaxing treatments with a deeper purpose by incorporating herbs for health and beauty.
As a long-time employee with Body Blueprint Fitness Education, and Fitness enthusiast, I've recently become a certified Trainer of Fitness Leaders in Group Fitness and Personal Training with the BCRPA. I am a certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor with Body Blueprint Fitness Education and a large part of my practice involves fitness activity.
I know run my private practice, Little Island Apothecary, from home and from Body Blueprint Fitness Education, offering consultations long-distance over video and phone calls, creating fitness plans and coaching, and shipping custom blended herbs across North America (and further).
I look forward to speaking with you soon!
Lauren Waddell, RHT, CHHC