The Traditions Family
Bob Linde, AP, RH(AHG)
Traditions School Founder, Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies Founders, Clinical Supervisor
Bob Linde took a circuitous route to becoming a Registered Herbalist and Acupuncture Physician.
His career changed many times. Bob has been a commercial lobster and conch diver, treasure hunter, sail and canoe instructor, wilderness youth counselor, long-line fisherman, infantryman in Desert Storm, and GreenPeace worker. Now, he is focused as the owner of Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies, a multi-practitioner/multimodality practice in St. Petersburg Florida, and the Founder and Clinical Supervisor of Traditions School of Herbal Studies.
Bob designed the two-year Chinese and Western Clinical Herbalist Training Programs and supervises a weekly student clinic for both herbalists and acupuncturists in training.
Bob also consults as a product developer for herbal product companies for humans and animals, and enjoys growing many medicinal herbs in his yard.
He serves on the board of directors for the Florida State Oriental Medicine Association (FSOMA). Bob has presented at the FSOMA, Florida Herbal, FL Earth Skills, Good Medicine Confluence, and the American Herbalist Guild conferences.
Bob lectures regularly at colleges and organizations around the US. In addition he is a member of many organizations related to herbalism, alternative medicine, and nature conservation.
Bob has also been an avid traveler and travel writer. He has lived in Europe and traveled to the Amazon, Galapagos, Yukon Territory, Caribbean, and throughout the US.
Recently, Bob has completed 12 episodes for INTI TV, “Sanaciones con Bob Linde”, an exploration of indigenous people’s herbal practices. Also, he has appeared on Animal Planet and a number of other tv shows.
Ruth Glass, MA
Clinical Chinese and Western Herbalist, Traditions Instructor, Clinical Supervisor
Ruth Glass is a clinical and folk herbalist and also an instructor for Traditions School of Herbal Studies.
Ruth holds two degrees in education and she is a graduate of the Traditions School of Herbal Studies. She completed the Chinese Herbal Program and the Western Herbal Program. She fills in as a supervisor for the Western student clinic.
Ruth specializes in teaching herbal medica, herbal medicine making, and herbal first aid as well as bioregional herbalism. Ruth is currently the president of the local chapter of the American Herbalists Guild and is the chapter coordinator of all the American Herbalists Guild chapters.
She offers children’s and elder nature programs as well as herbal creative writing integrating herbalism, writing, and music.
She can be found seeing clients at Acupuncture and Herbal Therapies, volunteering with various organizations, handcrafting various herbal and art projects, or hiking the trails around Tampa Bay!
Tricia Streit Perez, MS
Traditions School Director, Clinical Herbalist, Educator, and Wellness Specialist
Tricia is the Director at Traditions School of Herbal Studies, where she designed and teaches the Anatomy for the Herbalist Series, Thyroid Wellness Workshop Series, Business of Herbalism Workshop Series, and the Physical Assessment for the Herbalist and Acupuncturist Intensive. She also assists in teaching within the Western Herbalism and Community Class programs, and is a Practitioner at Acupuncture and Herbal Therapies. Before joining the Traditions family in 2020, she taught Anatomy and Health Sciences in the Pinellas County School District and previously held teaching positions at Temple University, Florida State University, and Florida International University.
Tricia holds Clinical Certifications in both Western and Chinese Herbalism as well as a Flower Essences Practitioner Certification from Traditions School of Herbal Studies. She is a Clinical Western Herbalist, Clinical Chinese Herbalist, Certified Flower Essences Practitioner, Certified Wellness Coach, and a Certified Prenatal and Postpartum Fitness Specialist. Formerly, she was licensed by the Pennsylvania and Florida State Medical Boards as a Certified Athletic Trainer, in addition to being an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and licensed teacher.
Her earlier career was dedicated to Sports Medicine, where she spent over a decade traveling with and providing medical care for collegiate athletic teams. She earned her Bachelors in Sports Medicine, Masters in Sports Management/Physical Education, and completed post-baccalaureate studies in Biomedical Sciences.
After guiding herself into remission from autoimmune disease through intentional lifestyle changes, Tricia discovered the profound healing power of herbalism. Out of this journey, she founded Mama’s Essentials, her line of small-batch organic herbal products. Through her private practice, she also provides Herbal and Wellness Coaching to support clients on their own healing paths.
Tricia is passionate about educating and empowering others to create sustainable, lifelong changes that honor the body’s innate wisdom. Her mission is simple: to help you know and love your body, so you can give it what it needs to thrive.
Alissa Perrigo RN, HTP, AHN-BC
Clinical Western Herbalist, Traditions Community Class Instructor
Alissa completed her herbal training here at Traditions School of Herbal Studies.
She is a Board Certified Advanced Holistic Nurse with a Master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University. Alissa is also a Clinical Western Herbalist, and Certified Flower Essence Practitioner.
Alissa believes that keeping the body in balance is the key to living a healthier and more vibrant life.
When Alissa visits with clients she centers her work on formulated herbal teas, tinctures, flower essences, recommended adjustments to diets, as well as applied energy balancing and spiritual cleansing. You can find her and book an appointment with her at Acu Herbals.
Alissa also teaches the Flower Essence Community Class Series.
Gray Dean
Traditions Ayurveda Community Class Instructor, Chinese Herbalism Graduate
“My initial love of plants was sparked by countless walks in my Grandma’s garden and through wandering the woods of northeast Georgia as a child.
I completed a 2 year program and clinical practicum at the Florida Academy of Ayurveda, I enjoy sharing my knowledge & the beautiful tools of this ancient Indian medicine through my class offerings at Traditions School of Herbal Studies & by offering one-on-one consultations.
I am currently enrolled in the Chinese Herbalism program at Traditions and am enjoying blending the powerful tools of Ayurveda, Western Herbalism & Traditional Chinese Medicine to impact change in my clients’ lives.”
Gray teaches the Ayurvedic series at Traditions once a month!
To book a service with Gray, and explore more of her offerings check out her website here!
Martina Kostova, DACCHM, AP
Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies Acupuncturist, Traditions Community Class Instructor
Dr. Martina Pelevic is a dedicated acupuncturist at Acupuncture and Herbal Therapies who earned her Doctorate in Acupuncture with a specialization in Chinese Herbal Medicine from Pacific College of Health and Science. This rigorous clinical doctorate, on par with programs completed by M.D.s and Chiropractors, emphasizes advanced clinical training and the practical integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern healthcare. During her studies, Dr. Pelevic focused on bridging the gap between Eastern and Western medical approaches, developing strategies to improve communication and collaboration across these systems to enhance patient care. Her clinical focus is mental health, stress management, hormone balance, chronic pain, autoimmune disease, the role of genetic variations in tailoring adaptations to the patient, and much more. Her long-term goal is to work in a hospital setting where TCM is fully integrated alongside Western Medicine.
In addition to her clinical work, she is passionate about community education and regularly shares accessible insights into the principles and benefits of TCM at Traditions School of Herbal Studies, helping to make holistic healing more approachable and empowering for all.
Mike Leonard
Garden Manager
“My name is Michael Leonard. I am the garden manager at Acupuncture and Herbal Therapies. Five time self awarded winner of The Gardener of the Month title, I am a dedicated plantsman with skills that include, but are not limited to, watering the garden just before the plants die of thirst, picking endless amounts of renegade volunteers that find their way into beds and pots they don’t belong in, capturing juvenile seedlings as they try to escape the confines of their parents nursery and selling their bodies for profit, lifting heavy objects in and out of vehicles, and many more important activities deemed necessary by my superiors. I am a lover of the arts, music, cycling and my family. If you’re lucky enough to see me around, please don’t hesitate to stop and say hello!”
Angeline Padron
Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies Office Manager, Clinical Western Herbalist, Chinese Herbalism Student
Greetings, everyone! I'm thrilled that you've decided to spend some time getting to know more about me.
First and foremost, I would like to emphasize that my passion, genuine happiness, and purpose are all deeply connected to our beloved animal companions. I truly believe that honoring animals is essential and demonstrates our empathy and awareness of all forms of life. They offer us unwavering love and loyalty, and in return, it is our duty to treat them with the utmost respect, kindness, equality, and heartfelt care.
This is why I have committed my practices to include a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to supporting animals. My goal is to help them achieve balance, harmony, and healing in the body, mind, and spirit through a combination of healing modalities, which include plant medicine, flower essences, crystal healing, and energy work.
As a clinical herbalist specializing in animal care and practicing both Western and Chinese Herbal Medicine, I provide a unique perspective on identifying and fulfilling the specific needs of each animal. I take into account elements such as energetics, diet, stress levels, and general health to develop personalized wellness plans and herbal formulations that cater to the individual needs of every animal.
Reiki healing is a beautiful practice, and the significant effects it can have on animals, due to their sensitivity and intuition, are truly remarkable. In my practice, I offer both hands-on and hands-off techniques. The animals are always very clear with me on which method they prefer. I can then channel life force energy to help promote their balance and well-being. Additionally, some animals benefit from Crystal Reiki, where I use specific crystals to enhance the flow of energy, intensify the healing vibrations, and focus on particular areas of the body or energy centers. The combination of Reiki energy and crystal healing creates a synergistic effect that aids in physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness.
Over the course of my ten plus years of experience in energy healing, I’ve witnessed firsthand how animals reciprocate healing energy, which is incredibly heartwarming and highlights the deep connection and understanding that can exist between humans and animals.
As a flower essence practitioner, I can attest to having personally observed the beneficial effects that these essences have on animals, aiding in their emotional well-being. The healing energies from flowers are believed to work on a subtle energetic level, assisting in emotional balance, alleviating stress, and fostering inner tranquility. These essences deliver gentle yet profoundly effective healing vibrations.
For animals undergoing the transition from this life to their next journey, they particularly benefit from the gentle and soothing energy of Reiki, along with flower essences and the calming vibrations of certain aromatic herbs. This blend of energies fosters a feeling of tranquility, safety, and understanding of the transition that is taking place. I am not only present to support and nurture the animal, but also to offer solace to the family during this deeply emotional and challenging time. This is where I feel most grounded, connected, and advanced in my craft. It is in the 'in-between'—helping families during these challenging times when our loved ones, our animal companions, are getting ready to depart and separate from us for the time being.
I aspire to grow and expand my knowledge every day, allowing me to better support and connect with the hearts and souls of as many animals as I can through my love and healing practices.
When I am not working with four-legged friends, you will find me out in the middle of the woods somewhere, sitting with the trees and feeling VERY HAPPY. I will be on the hunt for plant allies to photograph and identify, so that I can show them off to the world! Soon, I will ask you all to join me on these plant walks so that I may share my lessons from the plants with you. Oh, yeah! Did I mention that I am very good at making medicine—ALL kinds of plant medicine! Well, if you didn’t know, now you know!
This is me!
Most people would call me a teacher, facilitator, herbalist and medicine maker, astrologer, a proud aunt, and friend, but I think the best way to describe myself would be a student. I am a forever student of life. My favorite things to do are spend time in nature, with plants, with those I love, read, create, and play. My creations are always evolving as well as how I spend my time.
I have spent most of my adult life thus far teaching 3rd-8th graders and traveling the world. Sometimes both at the same time. Kids and traveling have taught me the most. Back in 2018, I found herbalism through experiencing my own illness, and have been devoted to walking the medicine path ever since. That path has taken me to and through many wonderful experiences over the last seven years, and has most recently led me here to Traditions.
I’m looking forward to getting to know you all here in this wonderful, plant-loving community. :)
Jun Bustamante
Apothecary Manager at Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies, Chinese Herbalism Student
Jun is a certified hypnosis practitioner, mind-body practitioner, integrative life coach, and music artist based in St. Petersburg, FL.
In 2024, she felt called to expand her path in the healing arts, with a growing passion for Herbal Medicine. This led her to begin her studies at Traditions School of Herbal Studies, where she is currently training in the Clinical Chinese Herbal Medicine Program and seeing clients during student clinic. Alongside her studies, Jun serves as Apothecary Manager at Acupuncture and Herbal Therapies, where she combines her diverse background in holistic practices with her dedication to plant-based healing.
Kaylee Davis
Front Desk Receptionist, Apothecary Assistant for Acupuncture and Herbal Therapies
You’ll find Kaylee at the front desk or apothecary at Acupuncture and Herbal Therapies, lending a hand when the team needs extra support!
Kaylee is a lifelong dancer and graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. Her love for Ayurveda and holistic health began in 2018 after experiencing reverse culture shock and a bunch of digestive issues upon returning home from a study abroad trip to Paris, France. This experience made her recognize the emotional and spiritual component to health and well-being, which inspired her to embark on a personal health journey. This journey included Ayurvedic practices, emotional healing, prayer, lots of Ecstatic Dance, and a 200-hour Yoga Teacher certification course. Three years later, she experienced another period of imbalance within her womb space and internal world. This deepened her relationship with herbalism, nutrition, holistic healing methods, and herself as a cyclical being.
Just a few months before joining the AcuHerbals team, Kaylee completed a 10-week immersive internship with Banyan Botanicals, where she delved deeper into Ayurveda and gained hands-on experience working on their organic medicinal herb and vegetable farm in Williams, Oregon. This time of deep connection with Mother Earth and herself only solidified Kaylee’s love for herbalism and continues to inspire her to build relationships with the amazing plants around us and those that fill the walls at our apothecary.
In addition to her role at AcuHerbals, Kaylee does landscaping work with native plants, nannies, and plays music with her partner in their band, Enter the Sun. She is currently working to build a life of service that combines her love for nature and herbalism with her other interests and lessons she has learned. She dreams of helping others connect with themselves and the earth through cyclical living, self-care, movement, play, and nature connection.
Lindsay Kurz
Education Assistant at Traditions School
