(Extended access to videos if you aren’t able to attend all or part in person)
Page Directory
- Registration
- Pre-Conference Intensive
- Friday Field Study in Arizona
- Speakers and Topics
- Continuing Education
- Scholarships
- Sponsors
Highlights:
- 21 online lectures: clinical botanical medicine videos for chronic health conditions. View topic list.
- Pre-conference Intensive with Kristin Gilmour and Julianne Grant on Phytotherapy for the Respiratory System – Roots, Research and Clinical Relevance. Details.
- Two panel discussions: Perimenopause and the Years Beyond, and How to Deliver Herbs to Patients
- Friday Field Study in Arizona with JoAnn Sanchez (Superstition Wilderness)
- Continuing education credits (pending approval) for ND, DO, MD, RN, FNP, LAc and others. Details.
Registration includes:
- Access to 21 videos for 6 months
- Digital book to own (PDF of lecture notes and PowerPoints)
- Full set of audio recordings (MP3) to own
- Continuing education ($25 additional fee for CE)
Registration: Early bird $355 by March 3; $425 after that date. Includes all video lectures except Friday intensive and CE fee.
Scholarships: In recognition of the need for diversity in the fields of clinical herbalism and naturopathic medicine, the conference is offering a limited number of full scholarships to persons of color (Black, Indigenous, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian-American) who are not yet practitioners and would like to further their education in the clinical uses of botanical medicine. Details.
Other Full and Partial Scholarships are modeled on the work-study program. There are a limited number of scholarships based on financial need, and secondarily on participation in publicity initiatives for the conference. Applications close March 3. Details.
Pre-Conference Events on Friday, March 28
View full list of speakers and topics.
Online Pre-Conference Intensive on Phytotherapy for the Respiratory System
Title: Phytotherapy for the Respiratory System – Roots, Research and Clinical Relevance with Kristin Gilmour, BHSc (Naturopathy) and Julianne Grant, BHSc (Naturopathy), BApSc (HM)
Date: Friday, 3/28/25
Time: 1:00PM – 5:15PM Arizona and Pacific Time on Zoom (recorded video available for those who cannot attend the live online event)
Cost: $95
Open only to registered conference participants.
Continuing Education (pending approval):
- Applications to be submitted to:
- AAFP (4 Prescribed Credits)
- NCCAOM (4 PDA for acupuncturists)
- OBNM and SUHS (4 CME hours)
Description:
Join Australian Naturopaths, Kristin and Julianne, as they do a deep dive into the respiratory system, incorporating traditional respiratory wisdom and discussing the connection between the respiratory system with other organs, as well as the microbiome, and therefore its importance in overall health and vitality. They will cover infections of the upper and lower respiratory systems (e.g. bacterial/viral/stealth), as well as certain complex respiratory conditions, and will review the key classes of herbal medicines utilized in respiratory health, detailing individual relevant phytomedicines.
Kristin and Julianne always aim to make their presentations clinically relevant, therefore case studies and herbal formulae will be included throughout the presentation. Attendees will also receive a comprehensive respiratory system digital herbal compendium that will be a valuable, practical clinical resource.
In Person Friday Field Study with JoAnn Sanchez, RH (AHG)
Title: Field Study in the Superstition Wilderness
Date: Friday, 3/28/25
Location: Superstition Wilderness — specifics coming soon!
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Arizona Time
Cost: $65
Open only to registered conference participants. This session will not be recorded.
Continuing Education (pending approval):
- Applications to be submitted to:
- NCCAOM (4 PDA for acupuncturists)
- SUHS (4 CME hours for Arizona NDs; OBNM does not provide CME hours for field studies)
Conference Schedule, March 28 – 30
- Schedule details to be announced in January
- Live online Zoom presentations Friday – Sunday
- 6 months access to streaming videos
Continuing Education Credits
- Please sign up for CE when you submit your registration form ($25 additional fee for all CE)
- We offer CE, CME, CNE, PDA and CEUs through these approvals
- Credits issued for full or partial attendance
- Totals below include attendance at pre-conference intensive and/or field study
NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS:
- Application to be submitted to OBNM for 38.5 hours of which 10 can be pharmacy (includes attendance at online intensive)
- Application to be submitted to SUHS for 42.5 hours of which 10 can be pharmacy, or 7 can be pharmacy + 3 opioid/addiction (includes attendance at in person field study and online intensive)
ACUPUNCTURISTS:
- Application to be submitted to NCCAOM for up to 22 PDA credits (includes attendance at in person field study and online intensive)
NURSES:
- Application to be submitted to AAFP for up to 20.5 Prescribed Credits
- AAFP is recognized by the ANCC as a provider of nursing continuing education for RNs, FNPs and other nursing professionals
MEDICAL AND OSTEOPATHIC DOCTORS:
- Application to be submitted to AAFP for up to 20.5 Prescribed Credits
- AMA/AAFP Equivalency: AAFP Prescribed Credit is accepted by the American Medical Association as equivalent to AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™ toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award.
A general certificate of attendance is available to any participant who requests it.
Questions about continuing education? Please email us and we’ll be happy to help.
Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine Speakers and Topics
(Subject to minor changes)
Paul Bergner, Medical Herbalist
The Director of the North American Institute of Medical Herbalism in Portland, Oregon, Paul Bergner offers seminar training in clinical skills, medical herbalism, nutrition, and nature cure. He supervised a teaching clinic in Boulder, Colorado from 1996 until 2012, has edited the Medical Herbalism journal since 1989, and is the author of seven books on herbal medicine. More about Paul Bergner.
Presentations:
1. Modular Herbal Formulation
2. New Herban Legends and Clinical Pearls: Misinterpretations of Constituent Science
Renee Camilla, Clinical Herbalist
Renée Camila is a bilingual clinical herbalist and traditional birthworker. The child of Nicaraguan immigrants, her practice La Yerba Buena Herbs draws from her Spanish and Indigenous (Chorotega) ancestry. Trained in Indigenous energetic herbalism by Karyn Sanders and Sarah Holmes of the Blue Otter School of Herbal Medicine, Renée has been in clinical practice since 2016. Following in the footsteps of her ancestors, she is also a student of Mesoamerican Traditional Medicine (MTM) and Curanderismo. She offers energetic herbal consultations, traditional birth care, folk medicine for ritual use, and classes. She is one of the hosts of the Indigenous-centered radio show and podcast The Herbal Highway and is co-founder of the Now and Then Herb School. More about Renée Camila.
Presentations:
1. TBA
2. Saturday Panel: Perimenopause and Years Beyond: Managing Symptoms, Enhancing Vitality, and Supporting the Transition
Camille Freeman, DCN, RH (AHG)
Camille Freeman, DCN, RH, has been in practice as an herbalist and nutritionist since 2003, with a focus on fertility, pregnancy, and menstrual health. She runs Monday Mentoring, a community of practice for herbalists and nutritionists, and offers continuing education courses for highly trained practitioners. Camille also has a podcast, In the Clinic with Camille, and is the author of the book Write Better Newsletters: Grow your 1:1 Practice with Emails People Actually Want to Read. She holds a doctorate in clinical nutrition from MUIH, as well as masters degrees in both herbal medicine (from MUIH) and physiology (from Georgetown University). More about Camille Freeman.
Presentation:
1. Working with Pregnant Clients: Tips for the Herbalist
Kristin Gilmour, BHSc (Naturopathy)
Kristin is an experienced Australian Naturopathic practitioner with a special interest in the management of immune health, mental health, chronic inflammatory disorders and skin conditions. Alongside her longstanding Naturopathic practice, Kristin is an author, herbal medicine researcher, educator and podcast host. With her colleague Julianne Grant, Kristin has recently published a comprehensive Phytomedicine Compendium, detailing 180 medicinal plants and fungi. More about Kristin Gilmour.
Presentation:
1. Intensive: Phytotherapy for the Respiratory System – Roots, Research and Clinical Relevance
Julianne Grant, BHSc (Naturopathy), BApSc (HM)
Julianne Grant is an experienced, practicing Australian Naturopathic clinician. Her extensive career has included working with patients within a private clinical setting, within hospitals, sporting groups, with individual athletes, and within corporate settings. Julianne has a special interest in the management of chronic disease and immune disorders. Alongside her clinical practice, Julianne is also an author, herbal medicine researcher, educator and podcast host. With her colleague Kristin Gilmour, she has recently published a comprehensive Phytomedicine Compendium, detailing 180 medicinal plants and fungi. More about Julianne Grant.
Presentation:
1. Intensive: Phytotherapy for the Respiratory System – Roots, Research and Clinical Relevance
Lori Harger, PMHNP
Before becoming a holistic nurse practitioner, Lori Harger began studying herbalism in the early 1990s at the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine with Michael Moore. She went on to become a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, providing integrative care of body, mind, and spirit through the use of botanical and nutritional medicines, pharmaceuticals, and a deep trust in the innate healing process of all living systems. She works at the Centered Spirit Program of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe serving individuals experiencing addiction, trauma, and severe mental illness. She enjoys teaching heart rhythm meditation to graduate students at the University of Arizona’s Counseling and Psych Services Program. Lori lives with her family in Tucson, AZ. More about Lori Harger.
Presentation:
1. Opiate Use Disorder: Integrating Medication-Assisted Treatment and Holistic Approaches for Whole-Person Care
Christopher Hobbs, PhD, LAc
Christopher Hobbs, PhD, LAc, is a fourth-generation herbalist, licensed acupuncturist, author, clinician, botanist, mycologist, and research scientist with over 35 years of experience with herbal medicine. Christopher Hobbs has a doctorate from UC Berkeley in phylogenetics, evolutionary biology and phytochemistry. He is also a founding member of the American Herbalists Guild. More about Christopher Hobbs.
Presentation:
1. The Nature of Viruses: Their Role in Life, Health, and Human Immunity – How to Prevent and Treat Viral Infections
Tori Hudson, ND
Dr. Tori Hudson, Naturopathic Physician, graduated from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) in 1984 and has served the college in several capacities, including: Medical Director, Associate Academic Dean, and Academic Dean. She is currently a professor at The National College of Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) and clinical professor at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Bastyr University, has been in practice for 22 years, is the medical director of her clinic, Woman’s Time in Portland, Oregon, and director of product research and education for VITANICA. She is the author of The Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, and serves on several editorial boards and advisory panels, including the editorial board of the Natural Medicine Journal. She is also a consultant to the natural products industry. More about Tori Hudson.
Presentations:
1. Prescriptions in Women’s Health: What Integrative Practitioners Need to Know
2. Saturday Panel: Perimenopause and Years Beyond: Managing Symptoms, Enhancing Vitality, and Supporting the Transition
Jack Lambert, MD, PhD
Professor Lambert is an adjunct Full Clinical Professor and Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Genitourinary Medicine at Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, and Associate Professor at University College of Dublin School of Medicine. His current research on chronic diseases such as HIV and long Lyme have pointed the way to a treatment plan for long COVID, which he has been researching since the start of the pandemic in 2020. More aboutJack Lambert.
Presentation:
1. Update on Long COVID: Symptoms, Etiology and Management Plans from the EU
Brigitte Mars, Herbalist
Presentations:
1. Dying with More Grace and Ease
2. Sexual Vitality
Brianna Piché is a naturopathic physician and registered herbalist specializing in integrative pediatrics, postpartum care, and breastfeeding medicine. She has additional clinical interest in adolescent gender-affirming care, sexual and reproductive health, and in providing primary pediatric and peripartum care for families and children who identify as LGBTQ and non-binary. She serves as adjunct faculty at Bastyr University within the Departments of Botanical Medicine and Naturopathic Medicine and teaches coursework in pediatrics and clinical herbalism. More about Brianna Piché.
Presentation:
1. Pediatric Functional GI Disorders & Herbal Medicine
A naturopathic physician practicing in Sun City, Arizona, Kenneth Proefrock specializes in difficult-to-treat conditions in his clinic, Total Wellness. He is the Vice President of the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners and chair of the biochemistry portion of the naturopathic physician’s licensing exam. His lectures combine a detailed understanding of biochemistry and physiology with a passion for plant medicine. More about Kenneth Proefrock.
Presentations:
1. Hydrogels and Botanical Medicine: Considerations for the Treatment of Burn Injury
2. The Biochemistry of Hair Growth and Loss and Botanical Medicine Interventions
Mary Rondeau, ND, RH (AHG)
Dedicated to holistic healing and transformative mental health care, Dr. Mary is a passionate Co-owner of Wholeness Center, in Fort Collins, CO. Wholeness Center is one of the most innovative integrative mental health centers in the country and has been leading the field with cutting-edge mental health therapies since 2010. Her passion is to transform mental health by treating individuals as whole beings, and acknowledging the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Her passion for travel and wellness extends to hosting immersive, transformative psychedelic retreats for professionals and patients, locally and abroad.
Throughout her career, Dr. Mary has prioritized comprehensive assessments to provide objective data for treatment guidance, a unique approach in the mental health field. As an educator, she lectures nationally on topics including nutritional psychiatry, botanical medicine, lifestyle medicine, and integrative psychiatry. Dr. Mary is a founding member of Psychedelic Research and Training Institute (PRATI) and is a core faculty at the Integrative Psychiatry Institute (IPI). Dr. Mary is the program director of the Nutritional Psychiatry CME certification program for IPI and created the Botanical Medicine in Psychiatry CE fellowship course for the Academy of Health and Medicine (AIHM). More about Mary Rondeau.
Presentation:
1. Botanical Medicine and Depression Phenotypes: Rethinking Mental Health Beyond DSM
Brandon Ruiz, Herbalist
Brandon Ruiz (he/him) is a Community Herbalist and Urban Farmer based on Catawba Land (Charlotte, North Carolina). He runs Yucayeke Farms, a farming and herbalism project that works to provide equal and affordable access to herbal medicines, culturally relevant crops and preserve traditions in the diaspora. Brandon works to preserve his Puerto Rican roots by practicing and teaching about Traditional Caribbean Herbalism online and in person, and is an educator, chef, farmer and more. He has taught throughout the world in conferences, school programs, universities, at individually organized centers and in one-on-one programs. More about Brandon Ruiz.
Presentation:
1. Caribbean Herbal Medicine Making
JoAnn Sanchez, RH (AHG)
JoAnn Sanchez is the director of the herbalist training program at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in Scottsdale (a 750-hour diploma program), for which she has recently published five training manuals. She teaches at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, where she also tends the medicine garden. More about JoAnn Sanchez.
Presentation:
1. Friday Field Study in Superstition Wilderness
John Slattery, Herbalist
John is a bioregional herbalist helping people develop relationship with wild plants. He founded Desert Tortoise Botanicals in 2005 which offers wild-harvested plant medicines to the people of the Southwest. He maintains a clinical practice in Tucson, AZ and offers plant walks, foraging expeditions, field trips into Sonora, Mexico, and his annual Sonoran Herbalist Apprenticeship Program. More about John Slattery.
Presentation:
1. Honoring the Traditional Uses of Southwest Herbs
Katie Stage, ND, RH (AHG), FABNG
Katie Stage, ND, RH (AHG), FABNG is a naturopathic physician and registered herbalist of the American Herbalists Guild. Her lectures are full of clinical information based on experience in her practice in family medicine at the Sonoran University Medical Center in Tempe, AZ, where she practices family medicine focusing on optimizing women’s/men’s health, gastrointestinal diseases, and mental health. Her lectures combine clinical information with a deep respect for indigenous healing and the ability to heal oneself through connection with nature and simple lifestyle practices. She is also a member of the Ric Scalzo Botanical Research Institute. More about Katie Stage.
Presentations:
1. Saturday Panel: Perimenopause and Years Beyond: Managing Symptoms, Enhancing Vitality, and Supporting the Transition
Lucretia VanDyke, Herbalist and Author
With a journey that began when she was just a little girl mixing herbs, clays, and muds on her grandparents’ farm, Lucretia VanDyke has had a lifelong connection to plants. She’s been in the wellness industry for over 25 years, working as a holistic esthetician and educator. Lucretia has worked and trained with many internationally known spa and skin care companies. Her quest for knowledge and interest in the traditional approach to wellness has led her to training extensively in Southeast Asia, Thailand, and Bali. Lucretia focuses on integrating indigenous healing rituals, plant spirit medicine, holistic approaches to food/herbal medicine, ancestor reverence, and meditation into modern daily practice. More about Lucretia VanDyke.
Presentations:
1. Botanical Skincare with a Twist!
2. In the Kitchens of Our Ancestors
Christina Veselak, MS, CN, LMFT
Christina has been a licensed psychotherapist and addiction recovery/relapse prevention specialist for over 40 years. Along with tremendous experience and training in supporting the emotional, social and spiritual components of recovery, her long-time expertise as a mental health nutritionist and training in Western Herbal Medicine allows her to effectively address many of the biochemical aspects of addictive disorders, including sugar, using dietary and supplement recommendations.
She is the founder and director of the Academy for Addiction and Mental Health Nutrition which teaches practitioners how to use diet, along with amino acid and nutrient therapy to help prevent cravings and recurrent use in their clients by restoring neurotransmitter function and keeping blood sugar in balance. Finally, she is delighted to offer the non-profit organization, Eating Protein Saves Lives, Inc. as a source of life-saving information about optimally feeding the recovering brain, thus providing people with a solid foundation for their recovery journey.
Presentation:
1. TBA
Allison Williams, ND
Dr. Williams is a naturopathic physician in Tempe, AZ. She graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, now Sonoran University. She sees a wide range of patients but has a focus on chronic illnesses, particularly MCAS and POTS. While this patient population can be challenging to treat, using an eclectic approach combining pharmaceuticals, herbs, and nutraceuticals, along with lifestyle changes, she has had good success and is excited to share her experiences. More about Allison Williams.
Presentation:
1. Navigating the Consistently Inconsistent Mast Cell Patient
David Winston, RH (AHG)
David Winston is an herbalist and ethnobotanist with over 40 years of training and clinical experience in Cherokee, Chinese and Western/Eclectic herbal traditions. He has had a clinical practice for over 30 years and is an herbal consultant to physicians throughout the USA and Canada. President of Herbalist & Alchemist, Inc. an herbal manufacturing company, he is also founder/director of David Winston’s Center for Herbal Studies, which features his highly respected two-year Clinical Herbalist Training Program. More about David Winston can be located at Herbal Studies.
Presentations:
1. Fearing the Future: The Botanical Treatment of Anxiety Disorder
2. Sunday Panel: How to Deliver Herbs to Patients: Tips for Making Them Palatable and Utilizing Food as Medicine
Panel Discussions (live with audience participation)
Saturday, March 29, 3:30 – 5:00 PM Pacific Time:
Perimenopause and Years Beyond: Managing Symptoms, Enhancing Vitality, and Supporting the Transition
Panelists: Katie Stage, Tori Hudson, and Renee Camilla
Sunday, March 30, 9:00 – 10:30 AM Pacific Time
How to Deliver Herbs to Patients: Tips for Making Them Palatable and Utilizing Food as Medicine
Panelists: David Winston, Mary Rondeau, and TBA
Sponsors
Sponsors also have the opportunity to join our virtual exhibit hall where participants learn more about their companies and take advantage of special offers. Interested in being a sponsor? Contact us for more information.
