The Transcendent Path
Honoring the Sacred Traditions of Herbal Medicine
Deeply immersive herbal education rooted in ancestral plant wisdom, seasonal cycles, and embodied herbal practice.
Welcome to the journey into plant medicine.
This Path Is For…
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✔ feel called to deepen your herbal + spiritual practice
✔ want grounded community and embodied learning
✔ want to explore real traditional modalities of healing without the commodification by trend cultures
✔ seek healing through land, ritual, and seasons here -
❌ are looking for a quick fix or online checklist course
❌ want theory without hands-on connection
❌ prefer disconnected self-paced learning
❌ are looking to join an herbalism program just to make yourself an influencer
Our paths are always evolving…and these offerings have transcended to a place that reflects more deeply in alignment with where I am on my own, and what feels most needed for our community.
If you want to learn with me, there are few different ways to do so. See below for more details about upcoming offerings for 2027 and beyond
For those who what to dip their toes in or want to dive in completely, our seasonal immersion days are designed to welcome you, no matter where you are on your path of herbal study.
You can join us for one day, or all of them - each immersion day is offered as a separate registration. The Seasonal Immersion Days are designed to not just be an herbalism class, but a day of embodied practice, presence and relationship.
These are not traditional “classes” in the structured sense, but flow with the cycles of nature. They are living, breathing days of intention, practice and circle.
We will gather in the gardens and on the land, hands in the soil, meeting the plants where they are in their cycle, and allowing the day to be guided by what is blooming, what is ready to be harvested, and what medicines are asking to be made.
Each immersion will unfold organically, as we explore the medicines, practices, and lessons of the seasons, and how they are uniquely showing up for us at that time.
Sometimes these immersion days will fall the day before or after special weekends with guest teachers, to be announced still. Camping option available
*These classes are open to anyone at all skill levels with a willingness to learn, get hands in the soil, and immerse themselves in herbal medicine!
Young adults 13 and older are welcome to register as well, when accompanied by an adult, if they have an interest in this practice.
Seasonal Immersion Days
Join us for one day, or the full seasonal cycles.
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It is our intention to provide you with the highest quality information about working with plants and the natural world to support yourself and your community.
Safety and accuracy are key, and this is why we uplift the voices that we do here, and offer mainly in-person herbalism classes. It is our belief that while online education is accessible, no completely online program, no matter how detailed, can replace the relationship, experience, and vital tools gained through in-person learning.These experiences are imperative for accurate plant identification, plant relationship, experiential learning, and community.
Throughout the Year You Will:
Learn plant identification through direct observation and relationship with the plants.
Receive hands-on experience in gardening, harvesting, and ethical wildcrafting.
Explore the ethics of herbal practice and our responsibilities to the plants, the land, and one another.
Explore various modalities of remedy preparation, including teas, vinegars, cordials, tinctures, glycerites, electuaries, hydrosols, flower essences, infused oils and balms, poultices, and so much more.
These are not simply classes in the practical skills of herbalism. These offerings are an invitation to embark on a personal and spiritual journey through the seasons, learning to weave plant medicine and magic into everyday life.
Rooted in earth-based spirituality, we navigate the seasons, discovering how their shifts unveil patterns, practices, and intentions behind each turn of the Wheel of the Year. Each gathering unfolds organically, guided by what is growing, blooming, ready to be harvested, and asking to be worked with at that time. We allow the season itself to shape our experiences, weaving together practical skills, traditional wisdom, and embodied plant relationship.
We honor the Munsee and Mohican peoples, whose ancestral lands we live and work upon and whose relationships with this land continue today. Our work is rooted in a commitment to reciprocity, ethical practice, and remembrance, honoring the original peoples of this land while tending to our own unique ancestral heritage and the relationships we cultivate with the living world.
Our offerings are for those who approach herbalism with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to cultivate relationship over time. We value lived experience, ethical practice, and the sharing of knowledge in ways that honor the plants, the people, and the traditions from which we learn.
This is a path of discovery, transformation, and belonging for those called to walk in deeper relationship with the earth and her medicines.
Come for one day or join us throughout the seasons. These gatherings are open to all experience levels, with a willingness to learn, get your hands in the soil, and immerse yourself in herbal medicine.
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2027 Dates
May 29th or 30th
June 19th or 20th
July 10th or 11th
August 14th or 15th
September 11th or 12th
October 2nd or 3rd
November 6th or 7th
Dates are estimates, subject to change, and will be confirmed later this winter.
Private long term study apprenticeship or internship may be available on a case by case basis
Reading the Body - Legacy Teacher
Carrying forward the traditions and wisdom of our elders - of those who walked before us - is integral to the practice of herbal medicine. As an educator, I carry forward the ongoing responsibility to honor the lineages from which we learn, to continue deepening our own understanding, and to pass these teachings forward with integrity.
I am honored to carry forward the legacy of William LeSassier through the teachings of Margi Flint, from whom I received my certification as a Reading the Body Legacy Teacher. This work explores the art of visual assessment, cultivating a deeper understanding of the body through its visible signs, markings, and patterns.
My studies with Margi Flint, David Winston and Richard Mandelbaum - all students of William LeSassier - have allowed me to study and carry forward multiple facets of William’s work and clinical teachings.
I offer Reading the Body and Drop Pulse Testing through two-day intensives and shorter introductory courses, hosted on my land in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts and at select locations elsewhere. These offerings provide opportunities to explore these approaches to observation and assessment, whether you are beginning your studies or deepening an existing clinical practice.
For those who wish to pursue a more in-depth study of this lineage and its clinical applications, aspects of William’s work, including Triune Formulation Theory, are also woven into my Herbal Clinic program.
If you are interested in studying or hosting this Reading the Body work, please be in touch.
Herbal Clinic
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Our Herbal Clinics program is designed for those that have completed an in depth clinical herbalism training through an approved outlet, and also want to learn how to practice clinically while still having the heartbeat, magic and wonder of herbalism remain alive in your clinical practice.
I have always dreamt of running a free or low cost herbal clinic. Through this offering, that becomes a reality.
In this 9 month program students will join me in monthly free herbal clinics. We will see clients together for one full clinic day per month, and then meet one week later to go over the cases and finalize client recommendations. Each student will build protocols for these clients and strengthen their clinical observation and skill. Each clients formula cost is covered by your enrollment.
In this program you will:
Create client intake forms, including legal statements of understanding
Learn ethics of practice
Confidently see clients and learn how to do in depth intakes
Learn how to see the whole person, and not just their health goals or disharmonies
Learn how to Read the Body, and strengthen diagnostic skills
Practice using Triune Formulation Theory for building client formulas when applicable
Build effective client formulas and protocols and learn how to create recommendations that are realistic for the client based off their individual needs
And so much more.
This is a hybrid in person~online program.
Some clients will be seen in person, some virtually. No requirement to be in person to participate as a student. Serious applicants only.Tuition: $3,333 - $4,444 sliding scale
Dates are TBD and will be set up when we have enough students.
Class size is limited to 7 per year. Each year accounts for 120 hours of clinical study and will receive a certificate.No certificate from any herbal school or institution legally authorizes or licenses an individual for practice. All classes are for educational purposes.
Gatherings & Guest Teachers
Since our beginnings as a Philadelphia storefront, community has remained at the heart of our work. Now rooted in the forests of Western Massachusetts, Transcending Roots continues to honor and highlight the diverse traditions, lineages, and lived experiences that weave together our broader herbal community.
We deeply value quality, relationship-based herbal education, and the sharing of knowledge across generations and traditions. We are honored to welcome experienced teachers and practitioners to our home in the Berkshires throughout the seasons, creating opportunities for connection, continued learning, and the exchange of wisdom.
Our Commitment
It is our intention to provide you with the highest quality information about working with plants and the natural world to support yourself and your community.
Safety and accuracy are key, and this is why we uplift the voices that we do here, and offer mainly in-person herbalism classes. It is our belief that while online education is accessible, no completely online program, no matter how detailed, can replace the relationship, experience, and vital tools gained through in-person learning.
These experiences are imperative for accurate plant identification, plant relationship, experiential learning, and community, and you will find that in all the offerings within our community.
We honor the Munsee and Mohican peoples, whose ancestral lands we live and work upon and whose relationships with this land continue today. Our work is rooted in a commitment to reciprocity, ethical practice, and remembrance, honoring the original peoples of this land while tending to our own unique ancestral heritage and the relationships we cultivate with the living world.
Our offerings are for those who approach herbalism with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to cultivate relationship over time. We value lived experience, ethical practice, and the sharing of knowledge in ways that honor the plants, the people, and the traditions from which we learn.
This is a path of discovery, transformation, and belonging for those called to walk in deeper relationship with the earth and her medicines.
Come for one day or join us throughout the seasons. These gatherings are open to all experience levels, with a willingness to learn, get your hands in the soil, and immerse yourself in herbal medicine.
Our Expectations
You will get out of this what you put into it.
Our offerings meet you where you are. Each class has a focus on seasonal medicines, associated body systems and earth spirit holidays.
In each class, you’ll gain foundational herbal skills such as plant identification, medicine making, understanding body systems, and applying herbal remedies to everyday ailments. You’ll learn about plant synergy and energetics, diving into the rich, complex world of herbal interactions, and meet a beautiful community.
This work asks something of us beyond the acquisition of knowledge.
Herbalism is a practice rooted in relationship, reciprocity, and responsibility: to the plants, the land, our communities, and the traditions that have been carried forward through generations. The knowledge shared here is not simply a commodity to be collected, packaged, or leveraged for personal gain.
It is a living relationship that asks us to approach our learning with humility, integrity, and a willingness to be changed by what we encounter.
This program is for those who feel called to deepen that relationship, to practice with intention, and to carry these teachings forward in ways that honor their roots and give back to the communities and living world in which they reside.
If your primary interest is in building a personal brand, gaining influence, or using herbalism as a vehicle for profit or status, this may not be the right space for you.
We welcome those who wish to share their work with the world, including through their livelihoods, but we ask that the desire to serve, to cultivate meaningful relationships, and to honor the integrity of this work remain at the heart of the people we want to welcome into this space.
“The experience of the herbal apprenticeship program with Kim has been transformative in my personal, communal, spiritual and professional life.
The richness of the program’s offerings are in the informational, applicational and spiritual aspects that embody the heart and soul of the herbalism path.
Lead by a wise, experienced, heart-centered and integrity-lead facilitator, Transcending Roots program wholesomely accesses both skill/science and practice/spirit, making for a comprehensive experience for any new or experienced herbalist.”
- Lynn Gallagher, Third Year Student
How to Prepare
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….you should prepare to stay a for a long day. Herbal medicine is slow, patience, still. Our classes will gather beginning at 10 am, and go until 4 or 5 PM.
Our dates may be followed or preceded by other offerings from guest teachers you can register for separately.
Camping is an option for the evening before class, or for extended weekend offerings.
*In addition to in person classes, there will be a follow up virtual meeting, usually for about one hour, that will allow time for integration, Q&A
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Herbal infusions, snacks and clean mountain water will be provided, in addition to all of the teachings and medicines I will share.
You need to bring your own meals, but we encourage community shared meals.
Please plan to bring a dish to share for a potluck style intentional and nourishing community meal for our lunch, in addition to anything else you need to be comfortable.
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What Else to Bring:
You should have good shoes, gardening gloves, shears, collection baskets, and any additional medicine making supplies you may want to use outside of what we make together in class.
We will provide more details on what you need for each class in the weeks prior to the gathering.
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We recommend those traveling from outside of the area arrive Friday so you can be on time for class Saturday morning, or plan to arrive promptly.
We will not wait to begin class for late arrivals and we appreciate your timely arrival. -
You may choose to plan to take care of your own lodging (recommendations provided) or stay on the land upon approval, (note: camping may not be an option for every circle and is rustic!).
Local lodging recommendations in under 30 minutes from us:
Vrbo or AirBnB are options as well - in Becket, Lee, Lenox, Pittsfield, Dalton, or Stockbridge
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Our home is sustained by a small septic system, and we’re grateful to share this land in a way that honors its natural rhythms and limits. When larger groups gather here, we invite guests to use outdoor facilities when possible, with respect and care.
A wash station will always be available and thoughtful accommodations are always made for those who are bleeding or have mobility needs, so that everyone feels supported and welcome in this shared space.
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Payment is due upon registration. You can choose to pay in full, or pay in installments through Klarna.
For the Full Program Only: If payment plans through Klarna are not available to you, please reach out and we can arrange alternative payment plans if needed.
Space is incredibly limited, and registrants will be accepted on a first come first serve basis.
Tuition includes all that is listed above, including teachings, infusions, supplies for medicine making, harvesting plants we grow here on our land, and all preparations made throughout the year together.
Work trade discount options are available on a very limited basis. Please reach out to us to inquire.
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75% refund if cancellation occurs up to 15 days before the program starts.
40% refund if cancellation occurs within the first 2 weeks days of the program.
No refunds will be issued after the first 30 days. However, we can discuss arrangements for making up lost time.
Contact Information:
For questions or more information about the programs, please email us
Work trade discount options are available on a very limited basis.
"This was my first herbal apprenticeship, and it was such a beautiful learning experience. Kim really opened the garden door for me and helped me hone in and slow down, by getting to know one plant very well. I see the Earth with new eyes because of this apprenticeship. I see the lineage of my ancestors, and the TCM wisdom that is fading from my family. It is because of this apprenticeship journey that I felt called to dive deeper into the medicine of my ancestors. The community of women brought together through this apprenticeship is something I am truly grateful for as well. We all came from different levels of experience, different backgrounds, but centered around our gratitude and connection to the Earth. Kim's wisdom runs deep and her passion for the plants and their gifts are seen in how she teaches, through hands-on experiences. Making medicine, gathering flowers, spring greens, summer berries, I live more in tune with the seasons thanks to this apprenticeship. And she was so welcoming to my little 2 year old joining in and learning alongside, which was truly so so special."
- Steph, First Year Student
Welcome to the journey of remembrance.
The path awaits…Step into a living tradition of land, lineage, and reciprocity.
I look forward to walking this path with you and welcoming you to the herbal community.
You’ll build relationships that will last a lifetime.
"We all wake up with the same Sun, and fall asleep under the same Moon. We feel the weather changes as the seasons shift. The cold hard breeze of a winter afternoon, the crunch of the leaves under the soles of our feet, and the refreshing waves of the ocean on a hot summers day. Earth is always reminding us of her presence, and immersing myself with her medicine opened a door I never even knew existed.
This herbal apprenticeship brought Earth to life. When I’m outside, the world around me becomes more vivid. The songs of leaves dancing in the wind, the sun kissing the trees as it sets, the bees blissfully bathing in the pollen of flowers, and the plant allies that once were just “weeds” still mesmerize me. Every time I leave my home, I see and deeply feel the life radiating through the plants that encompass our surroundings. I can feel the Earth shift through the seasons, as this winter called for rest. When I make medicine for myself and loved ones, I feel our energies dance with each other as we work together to heal and support. My plant allies have taught me lessons that I never knew I needed, invoking a new level of awareness and balance. Plant medicine has expanded my capacity to experience life. I’ve learned that everything can take place at once. The euphoric, the suffering and the overcoming. Instead of running away, I now welcome the spiral of life.
So thank you for opening this door. Not only teaching me the ways of plant medicine, but gifting me the opportunity to create this enchanting relationship with Earth herself. I recommend this path to you all, and I leave you with this:
“Even a wounded world is feeding us. Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the earth gives me daily and I must return the gift.” ― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants"
- Genesis, Second Year Student