Our Herbalists

Meet Robyn Gerbaz

Robyn Gerbaz

Farmer 2 

Farm Department

Purpose

My mission is to help folks connect to plants. When we bring our curiosity and observation to working with and consuming herbs, we are able to tap into an ancient somatic experience that has been largely lost to the greater population. The beauty of tinctures is their accessibility. I think it’s a privilege to cultivate and care for plants and ultimately I want to help extend that privilege and accessibility to everyone.

Specialty

While my formal training is in traditional western herbalism, I'm curious about exploring the intersection of western herbalism, traditional Chinese herbalism and Ayurvedic practices.

Training

Prior to becoming a farmer six years ago, I was a professional dancer, choreographer and educator with a BFA in Dance Performance. I was training in a variety of movement modalities and somatic practices. My practice across mediums has always been rooted in the physical world and is what brought me to herbs. I hold a Certificate in Herbalism from The Berkeley Herbal Center. I’m continually deepening my knowledge of holistic healing systems and how they inform each other.

Meet Tom Belcher

Tom Belcher

Document Control and Training Specialist 

Quality Department

Purpose

To connect people experiencing intellectual/developmental differences and mental health concerns with the healing wisdom of plants and increase accessibility to holistic support.

Training

B.S. in Psychology from Portland State University. My professional background involves working as a Behavior Specialist supporting people with intellectual/developmental differences and mental health concerns. I’m currently enrolled in the Herbal Academy’s Clinical Herbalist Path.

Meet Jennifer Gerrity

Jennifer Gerrity

Herb Sourcing & Procurement Manager 

Procurement and Inventory Control

Purpose

Walking the herbalist path from an early age, I’ve gained knowledge and appreciation of plants and their origins. I have been working in the botanical industry since 2004.

Farming, botany and plant conservation through cultivation have become lifelong pursuits. I take a special interest in the procurement of high-quality organic herbs, spices and oils through domestic farm visits and international travel. I am committed to farm development and outreach in the form of special projects such as Fair Wild and Forest Grown woodland botanicals.

Training

B.S. in Plant Science from Rutgers University. I specialized in propagation and agribusiness management, tropical agriculture, bioremediation and tissue culture, then continued doing research for the university and the EPA after graduation.

Over the last 15 years, I’ve studied under various herbalists and at the School of Spagyric and Alchemical Arts in the tradition of Paracelsus and the Philosophers of Nature.

Meet Sarah Collins

Sarah Collins

Senior Director of Quality 

Quality Department

Purpose

To honor and respect people and plants.

Specialty

Navigating regulations while maintaining herbal integrity

Training

Herbalism has been part of my life since I was a kid, I've learned in formal college settings, continuing education courses and in self-guided education.

Teaching

My teaching experience ranges from Community College credit courses in the field of Biotechnology to continuing education courses on current good manufacturing practices for botanical dietary supplement in a variety of settings, with a focus on small businesses.