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 and Chinese Herbalist
Angeline Padron is a dedicated clinical herbalist and the founder of All Angels Healing, where she specializes in holistic healing modalities for animals. With a robust background in both Western and Chinese clinical herbalism, Angeline employs her extensive knowledge to craft individualized healing programs that address a wide range of health concerns in pets of all ages.
In addition to her proficiency in clinical herbalism, Angeline is also a certified flower essence practitioner and animal energy therapy practitioner. These modalities further enrich her holistic practice, enabling her to create a multi-faceted healing experience that supports the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of her animal companions. Furthermore, a mission that is particularly close to her heart is to offer end-of-life care to pets during their final stage as they transition from this life to their next journey, ensuring they receive care with peace, grace, and comfort.
Emphasizing a stress-free environment for both pets and their owners, Angeline primarily conducts house calls, bringing her services directly to clients’ homes. This personalized approach not only comforts the animals but also fosters a supportive atmosphere for their human companions during vulnerable times.
As well as her work at All Angels Healing, Angeline has served as the Office Manager at Acupuncture and Herbal Therapies since 2021. She is committed to continuous learning and growth within the herbal community and is a proud graduate of both the Western and Chinese Clinical Herbalism Programs at Traditions School of Herbal Studies.
Through her dedication to advancing her knowledge and maintaining strong ties within the herbal community, Angeline ensures that she offers the highest standard of care for her animal clients.
During her free time, Angeline volunteers at various sanctuaries where she cares for many types of animals such as primates, horses, donkeys, cows, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and turtles, among others. Alternatively, you might catch her joyfully immersed in nature, spending time with her Tree friends in the woods. Angeline loves searching for plant allies to photograph and identify, excited to share her discoveries with the world! Soon, she hopes to invite everyone to join her on these plant walks to share the valuable insights she has gained from her experiences with the plants!
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!
Emily
Clinic Support / Office Assistant, Western Herbalism Student
Laura
Clinic Support / Office Assistant, Graduate of Western Herbalism and Chinese Herbalism Student
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.
Laura is a lifelong student of both the natural world and movement arts. With a degree in Environmental Studies from New College of Florida, she lived the nautical life as a tallship sailor, marine science educator, and private sailing yacht captain. An eventual transition to life ashore led to a deep dive into permaculture - her gateway to herbal students.
She is currently enrolled in Tradition’s Chinese Clinical Herbalism program and is a graduate of the Western Clinical Herbalism program. When Laura’s not geeking out about plants or cooking something yummy from the yard, you can find the former gymnast and acrobat, swing dancing to live Jazz music around town.
Katie
Tea Truck Manager
Kaylee Davis
Front Desk Receptionist, Apothecary Assistant for Acupuncture and Herbal Therapies, Western Herbalism Student
“Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Kaylee moved to the Tampa Bay Area in 2017. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of South Florida. She was drawn to holistic wellbeing in her young adulthood, but it wasn’t until she experienced painful digestive imbalances upon returning home from a study aboard trip, that she really started taking her health seriously. She began diving into the world of Ayurveda, yoga, nutrition, & other self care techniques in 2018 & deepened these studies in 2021 when she experienced another painful imbalance in her womb space.
In 2023, She completed a 10-week internship with Banyan Botanicals, learning both western herbalism & Ayurvedic medicine while working on their organic medicinal herb and vegetable farm in Williams, Oregon. When she returned, she joined the Acuherbals team. She brings a loving presence & approaches each day, space & person with the intention of leaving them better off than how she found them. She loves helping out her team & can be found making medicine in the apothecary, sitting at the front desk, or making yummy drinks in the garden at Traditions Teas, Tonics & Coffee! She is currently enrolled in the Foundations of Western Herbalism program and plans to move onto advanced in 2026.
Kaylee stays pretty busy outside of her time at Acuherbals. You may find her working with native plants, teaching at the local Waldorf School, nannying children, or playing music with her partner in their band, Enter the Sun. She also enjoys crafting, cooking, dancing, and spending time connecting with nature.
Lindsay Kurz
Education Assistant at Traditions School
Emily (a.k.a. Emmy) is a student in our Western Herbalism program here at Traditions, and can be found helping out at the Front Desk and in the Apothecary. She has been immersed in the holistic health environment for several years, with previous experience as an administrative assistant at her sister’s acupuncture practice. In addition, Emmy has a degree in Music Composition, and she is on a mission to blend her wisdom in Music and Sound Therapies with her evolving skills as an Herbalist. Emily has an intense love and passion for Western and Chinese herbalism, and a deep desire to help others heal and heal themselves.
Emmy is excited to be a part of the Traditions family and we are happy to have her!
Jessica Inks
Traditions Tea and Tonics Server
Jessica Inks is passionate about serving up tea and coffee at Tradition’s Tea and Tonics.
Jessica earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability Studies from the University of South Florida. She has also interned with the City of St. Pete’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience specializing in urban forestry. She has special interest in working with nature and community, which lead her to work for AcuHerbals and Traditions. She’s following in her grandmother’s footsteps in understanding the powerful healing of herbalism.
In her personal time, Jessica enjoys creative writing, drawing, caring for her many houseplants, and exploring metaphysical healing.
“Remember that no matter where you find yourself in life, take care of your mind, body, and spirit!”
Florida grown and worldly shaped, Katie comes to the Traditions family with a wonderful mixed bag of talent. With a background in hospitality, Katie's strength is in bridging the community's energy with local businesses' support. When she's not on her phone updating socials, you can find her lost in thought in the sunniest spot. Stop by the tea truck to bat around fun ideas with her to see how we can support your awesome energy.