COMMUNITY CLASS AND SERIES DESCRIPTIONS
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Join Gray Dean for a four-part series on Ayurvedic Herbalism and its impact on mental, physical and spiritual health. Understanding Ayurvedic Herbalism offers a chance to create personalized, natural treatments that address the root of imbalances, promoting overall well-being. Gray Dean’s expertise in Ayurvedic, Chinese and Western Herbalism also provide insights into holistic healing from multiple traditions.
CLASSES (Thursday from 6-8 pm):
Click on the LINKS BELOW to find out more about each class and to register for in-person or virtual.
HAPPY HORMONES: August 7
In-Person Class OR Virtual Class
MANAGING STRESS: November 13
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Join Tricia, Traditions’ School Director and an Acuherbals Practitioner, for a crash course in Anatomy and Physiology, designed to break down each body system and cover common disorders in an easy-to-understand format. Whether you're new to anatomy, preparing for your Foundations Class, or simply need a refresher, this course is tailored for all learners.
CLASSES (Thursday from 6-8 pm)
Click on the LINKS BELOW to find out more about each class and to register for in-person or virtual.
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM: August 14
In-Person Class OR Virtual Class
MUSCULAR SYSTEM: September 11
In-Person Class OR Virtual Class
SKELETAL SYSTEM: October 9
In-Person Class OR Virtual Class
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: November 6
In-Person Class OR Virtual Class
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM: December 11
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In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pulse and tongue diagnostics are essential for assessing a patient's health. The pulse offers insights into organ function and energy flow, while tongue observation reveals imbalances such as heat, cold, or stagnation. Gain a deeper understanding of these diagnostic methods by exploring the teachings of different Chinese masters, learning the proper technique for pulse-taking, and interpreting the various depths and positions as they relate to bodily disorders. Additionally, examine tongue images, their meanings, and the significance of sublingual veins in diagnosis.
Click on the LINKS BELOW to find out more about the class and to register for in-person or virtual.
Thursday August 21 from 6-8 pm
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In this comprehensive class series, we will explore the hidden insights that blood work can offer for optimizing overall health. You will learn to interpret key blood markers and understand how they reveal underlying conditions that may be impacting your well-being. The classes will dive into how specific markers influence metabolic health, providing you with tools to assess and improve your body's energy balance. Additionally, we will integrate Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts with modern laboratory tests, creating a holistic approach to understanding how blood work reflects both physical and energetic imbalances. This series will equip you with the knowledge to decode blood results and apply them to support a healthier, more vibrant life.
CLASSES (Thursday from 6-8 pm)
Click on the LINKS BELOW to find out more about each class and to register for in-person or virtual.
PART 2- Decoding Blood Work for Metabolic Health: August 28
In-Person Class OR Virtual Class
PART 3- Balancing Blood Work with TCM: September 25
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Making medicine from mushrooms offers numerous benefits, including their therapeutic properties that support immune function, cognitive health, and overall wellness. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, mushrooms also contribute to nutrition. In this interactive class, Ruthie will guide you through the basics of each mushroom and optimal strategies to harness their medicinal qualities. Be sure to bring two 8-ounce jars for the medicine-making portion, where you'll create one herbal concoction on your own and collaborate on another with the entire class. If you're curious about medicine making, this series is a fantastic opportunity to learn!
CLASSES (Friday from 6-8 pm):
Click on the LINKS BELOW to find out more about the class and to register for in-person or virtual.
Lion’s Mane: August 29
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In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of five seasons—Spring, Summer, Late Summer, Autumn, and Winter—highlights the cyclical nature of life and the profound connection between the environment and the human body. Each season is linked to specific elements, emotions, and organ systems: Spring is associated with Wood and the Liver; Summer is tied to Fire and the Heart; Late Summer is aligned with Earth and the Spleen; Autumn is related to Metal and the Lung; and Winter is connected to Water and the Kidneys. Understanding these seasonal transitions fosters harmony within the body and encourages mindful lifestyle and dietary adjustments to enhance overall health throughout the year. Each class in this series will explore one season in depth, providing valuable insights into seasonal foods, herbal preparations, and lifestyle practices that resonate with that season's unique energy.
CLASSES (Thursday from 6-8 pm)
Click on the LINKS BELOW to find out more about each class and to register for in-person or virtual.
EARTH SEASON: September 4
In-Person Class OR Virtual Class
Metal Season: October 30
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Nutrition For The Herbalist: a Western perspective - Friday, Sept. 5 from 6-8pm
Nutrition For The Herbalist: a Chinese perspective - Friday, Sept. 12 from 6-8pm
In these classes, you'll learn about different foods that can help manage specific conditions. Gain a deeper understanding of how diet can be used as a powerful tool for healing and wellness guided by the principles of Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
PURCHASE 2 CLASSES FOR A DISCOUNTED PRICE!
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In this class, you'll explore the essentials of nutrition from a Western Herbalist's perspective. Learn about macronutrients—proteins, fats, and carbohydrates—and discover the best food sources for each. Gain insight into how different foods can help manage specific conditions, from boosting iron levels to easing constipation. We'll break down the roles of vitamins and minerals, and how they support overall health. Additionally, you’ll receive easy-to-understand explanations of popular dietary approaches like the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), anti-inflammatory diets, and the Low FODMAP diet, all tailored to enhance your herbal practices.
Class is Friday, Septmber 5 from 6-8pm
Click on the LINKS BELOW to find out more about the class and to register for in-person or virtual.
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During this class, we’ll explore the natural energetics of foods and how they align with the changing seasons. You’ll learn about nourishing foods for the key organs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how specific foods can support TCM patterns and balance. This class will provide a deeper understanding of how diet can be used as a powerful tool for healing and wellness, guided by the principles of TCM.
Class is Friday, September 12 from 6-8pm
Click on the LINKS BELOW to find out more about the class and to register for in-person or virtual.
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Understanding and honoring the seasons is vital for deepening our connection with nature and enhancing our well-being. Each season brings unique rhythms and qualities that influence our physical and emotional states, guiding us in aligning our activities, diets, and practices with the natural world. Join Ruth Glass in a fun, interactive environment as you explore herbs related to each season. You’ll sip tea, sample recipes, create herbal medicines—all while having a great time. Don’t forget to bring two 8-ounce jars for your herbal creations!
Due to the nature of this series, it will only be offered in-person.
CLASSES (Thursday from 6-8 pm):
Click on the LINKS BELOW to find out more about each class and to register for in-person or virtual.
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In this series, you’ll gain insights into the causes of thyroid dysfunction, learn which tests provide a clear picture of thyroid health, and explore actionable steps to move from illness to wellness. Discover how to identify symptoms of thyroid imbalance, the best thyroid-specific nutrients, exercise routines, supportive herbs, and the impact of food and environmental toxins on your thyroid. Beyond informative lectures, each session will include in-class activities and homework for practical learning.
CLASSES (Friday from 6-8 pm)
Click on the LINKS BELOW to find out more about each class and to register for in-person or virtual.
PURCHASE SERIES FOR DISCOUNTED PRICE!
In-Person Class OR Virtual Class
PURCHASE INDIVIDUAL CLASSES
Thyroid-Triggers & Nutrition: September 19
In-Person Class Sept 19 OR Virtual Class Sept 19
Stress, Sleep & Movement: Oct. 24
In-Person Class Oct. 24 OR Virtual Class Oct. 24
Environmental Toxins, Self-Care & Moving Forward: November 14
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Introduction to Bach Flower Essences
2-Hour Workshop | Includes Custom Take-Home BlendCurious about flower essences and how they support emotional balance and energetic well-being? Join us for this hands-on, 2-hour introduction to the gentle yet powerful world of Bach Flower Essences.
In this interactive class, you’ll explore the philosophy behind Dr. Edward Bach’s system of 38 flower remedies, learn how flower essences are made, and discover how they can be used to support everyday emotional states like fear, overwhelm, grief, and indecision.
We’ll walk through the core remedies and give you tools to begin identifying which essences may be right for yourself or others. By the end of class, you’ll create and take home your own personalized flower essence blend to begin working with right away.
This class is perfect for:
*Herbalists, bodyworkers, energy workers, or wellness seekers curious about flower essence therapy.
*Anyone interested in deepening emotional wellness through plant-based vibrational remedies.
*Students considering our Flower Essences Certification Intensive (Oct. 4,5, 25, and 26) and wanting to explore before committing.
Click Here to Register for Saturday, September 27 from 10am to 12pm
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You won’t want to miss this special Medicine Making class! Tricia will take you on a deep dive into 10 different herbs that are used for First Aid, then make products you can take home with you and use in an emergency. From wound washes to salves to tinctures, you’ll want to stock up your Herbal Medicine Cabinet with these helpful herbal allies! Class fee includes herbal supplies for one formula to make and take home with you. Please bring a small jar (~8 oz) to take home your product (or more, if you'd like to make additional formulas at a discounted rate!)
CLASSES (Thursday from 6-8 pm):
Click on the LINKS BELOW to find out more about the class and to register for in-person or virtual.
Stress Support: October 2
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Birth and Postpartum Support Series
Maddy Ishmael is a registered nurse, birth doula, and public health practitioner who passionately embraces the power of plant medicine through both her personal and clinical experiences. With nearly a decade of expertise in women’s health, she has supported women through various stages of life, from infertility to pregnancy, birth, and beyond. In this two-part series, Maddy will share her knowledge to guide you through the stages of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery.
CLASSES (Friday from 6-8pm):
Click on the LINKS BELOW to find out more about each class and to register for in-person or virtual.
PURCHASE SERIES FOR DISCOUNTED PRICE!
In-Person Class OR Virtual Class
PURCHASE INDIVIDUAL CLASSES
Safe & Empowering Pregnancy & Birth: October 3
In-Person Class Oct. 3. OR Virtual Class Oct. 3
Nourishing Postpartum Support: October 10
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Flower essences are gentle, natural remedies derived from the infused essence of specific flowers, designed to support emotional and psychological well-being. Join us as we delve into the fascinating history and practical applications of flower essences. Participants who complete both Weekend 1 and Weekend 2 will earn their Flower Essences Practitioner Certificate. While attendance in the first class is required to take the second, you are welcome to join just the first class if you prefer (certification will not be awarded for this option). Embrace this opportunity to deepen your understanding and practice of flower essences!
Please note this class will not be offered online and will not be recorded.
CLASSES (Sat and Sun 10 am-5 pm)
Click on the LINKS BELOW to find out more about each class and to register.
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Menstruums are solvents such as water, alcohol, vinegar, and glycerin which are used in herbal medicine to extract active compounds from plant materials, with each solvent specifically chosen to capture particular constituents for effective remedies. By choosing the appropriate menstruum, herbalists can enhance the potency of remedies and tailor extractions to maximize their therapeutic properties, allowing for the creation of various preparations like tinctures, infusions, and glycerites. In each class, you will explore a different type of menstruum, create a collaborative herbal blend, and then design your own personalized blend.
Click on the LINKS BELOW to find out more about each class and to register for in-person or virtual.
Infused Oils: Thursday October 16 - 6-8pm
In-Person Class or Virtual Class
Alcohol Extraction: Friday November 7 - 6-8pm
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This series on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostics will cover key frameworks, starting with the 5 Element Theory, which explores how Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water correspond to organ systems and emotions, and how imbalances manifest. Next, the 8 Principles will focus on Yin/Yang, Interior/Exterior, Cold/Hot, and Deficiency/Excess, essential for understanding patterns of disharmony. We’ll apply these principles through case studies, such as diagnosing Liver Qi Stagnation and exterior wind-heat. Finally, complex cases will integrate both frameworks to show how TCM diagnostics guide holistic treatment planning.
CLASSES (Thursday from 6-8 pm):
Click on the LINKS BELOW to find out more about each class and to register for in-person or virtual.
The 8 Principles of TCM Diagnosis: November 20
In-Person Class Nov. 20 OR Virtual Class Nov. 20
TCM Detective: December 4
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Join us in our beautiful half-acre medicinal garden for an immersive, hands-on class where you'll learn to identify and utilize medicinal plants that may be growing right in your own neighborhood! After the class, you'll have the chance to purchase a variety of organic plants that we've lovingly cultivated in our garden.
Please note: This is an in-person event held at our school (6340 Central Ave.) with no virtual attendance option available. We look forward to seeing you there!
Community Class Offerings
Come join the fun and explore our engaging community classes! With a variety of topics to choose from, each class is designed to be interactive and informative.
Most of our sessions take place on Thursday evenings, with some special classes offered on Friday nights and weekends.
Most of our classes are offered in a hybrid format and are recorded. You can choose to attend in person or online, and you'll receive access to the recording, along with the slides and any additional handouts.
Don’t miss out on these exciting learning opportunities!
Here is a list of our upcoming classes! Virtual classes will be indicated on the picture!
Meet The Teachers!
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Bob Linde
Bob Linde’s journey to becoming a Registered Herbalist and Acupuncture Physician has been anything but conventional. From starting self-study in herbalism at age 10 to exploring a variety of careers—including commercial diving, treasure hunting, military service, and activism with Greenpeace—Bob eventually found his calling in natural medicine. As the owner of Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies and co-founder of Traditions School of Herbal Studies in St. Petersburg, Florida, Bob has designed comprehensive training programs for both Chinese and Western clinical herbalists and oversees a student clinic. He also consults for herbal product companies, grows medicinal plants, and is a frequent speaker at national conferences. An avid traveler and educator, Bob has shared his expertise on TV shows like Animal Planet and INTI TV’s “Sanaciones con Bob Linde.” His school offers a wide array of herbalism classes and continues to expand, nurturing a community of future herbalists and acupuncturists.
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Dr. Martina Kostova
Traditions acupuncturist, Dr. Martina Kostova, just completed a rigorous program at Pacific College of Health & Science to earn her Doctorate in Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization. This clinical doctorate program is similar to the programs taken by M.D.s and Chiropractors, focusing on developing clinical skills applicable to practice. Dr. Kostova's focus was on how to integrate Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with Western Medicine. Through extensive research, Dr. Kostova learned ways to connect and communicate TCM with Western medical perspectives. Her hope is that one day, she will be able to work in a hospital where TCM is incorporated with Western practices, along with integrative medicine practices such as massage, naturopathy, and meditation.
With her diverse education and keen teaching skills, Dr. Kostova provides community education in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
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Tricia Streit Perez
Tricia is the Director of Traditions School of Herbal Studies, where she designed and teaches the Anatomy for the Herbalist Class Series and the Physical Assessment for the Herbalist and Acupuncture Intensive. She also teaches in the Western Herbalism program when time permits. Previously, Tricia taught at Temple University, Florida State University, Florida International University, and for the Pinellas County School District. A Clinical Western Herbalist, Certified Flower Essences Practitioner, Certified Wellness Coach, and licensed teacher, she holds a Bachelor's in Sports Medicine, a Master's in Sports Management/Physical Education, and post-Baccalaureate studies in Biomedical Sciences. After guiding herself into remission from autoimmune disease, Tricia founded Mama’s Essentials, offering organic herbal products and wellness coaching. She focuses on empowering clients to make lasting lifestyle changes for optimal health. To book a service with her and explore more of her offerings, visit her website at Mama’s Essentials
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Ruth Glass
Ruth Glass is a clinical and folk herbalist, as well as an instructor at Traditions School of Herbal Studies. She holds two degrees in education and is a graduate of Traditions, having completed both the Chinese Herbal Program and the Western Herbal Program. Ruth also serves as a supervisor for the Western and Chinese student clinic.
Her teaching focuses on herbal medica, herbal medicine making, herbal first aid, and bioregional herbalism. A former president of the local chapter of the American Herbalists Guild, Ruth still has an active role coordinating all chapters of the Guild across the country.
In addition to her herbal work, Ruth created Forest and Hearth, where she offers nature programs for children and elders, along with creative writing classes that integrate herbalism, writing, and music. You can find her seeing clients at Acupuncture and Herbal Therapies, volunteering with various organizations, handcrafting herbal and art projects, or hiking the beautiful trails around Tampa Bay!
Forest and Hearth on Instagram
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Gray Dean
Gray Dean’s passion for plants was ignited by countless childhood walks in her grandmother’s garden and adventures in the woods of northeast Georgia. She completed a two-year program and clinical practicum at the Florida Academy of Ayurveda, along with the Chinese Clinical Herbalism Program at the Traditions School of Herbal Studies.
Now, Gray combines the rich traditions of Indian medicine with the principles of Chinese and Western Herbalism to create engaging and interactive classes. Her hands-on approach immerses participants in herbal medicine-making, providing practical knowledge and skills.
Gray also provides one-on-one herbal consults utilizing her diverse herbal tool kit. To book a service with her and explore more of her offerings, visit her website at www.sagerootswellness.com!
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Alissa Perrigo
Alissa completed her herbal training at Traditions School of Herbal Studies and is a Board Certified Advanced Holistic Nurse with a Master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University. As a Clinical Western Herbalist and Certified Flower Essence Practitioner, Alissa believes in the power of balance for achieving a healthier, more vibrant life. In her client consultations, she focuses on customized herbal teas, tinctures, and flower essences, along with dietary recommendations, energy balancing, and spiritual cleansing. You can book an appointment with her at Acupuncture and Herbal Therapies.
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Maddy Ishmael
Madeline "Maddy" Ishmael is a registered nurse, birth doula, and public health practitioner with nearly a decade of experience in women’s health. She has supported women through various stages of life, from infertility to postpartum. Maddy's global experiences, from Missouri to India and Africa, have deepened her understanding of cultural practices and alternative healing methods, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which she plans to study further at the Traditions School of Herbal Studies.
She holds a Bachelor's in Pre-Medicine and a Master's in Public Health from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and recently completed her Master's in Nursing from Utica University. Maddy's diverse background allows her to offer a compassionate approach to women’s health. You can make an appointment with her on Uterine Wellness and Wisdom.
