HANS Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of the Herbalist Association of NS – Mi’kma’ki serves as the guiding body of our organization, dedicated to upholding our mission of advancing the practice, education, and integrity of herbalism. Comprised of experienced herbalists, educators, healthcare professionals, and community advocates, our board brings a wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives to support the growth of herbal medicine.

Together, the Board provides leadership, strategic direction, and oversight for our programs, membership, and community outreach. Each member is committed to fostering ethical standards, environmental stewardship, and inclusivity within the herbal community.

We are proud to introduce the individuals who volunteer their time and expertise to ensure our association remains a trusted and evolving resource for herbalists and the public alike.

Andrée is a Clinical Herbalist and community wellness leader based in West Pubnico, NS. She founded Circé + Medée Community Wellness Centre, integrating clinical herbal consultation, education, and a local herbal apothecary. Her background includes extensive training in herbalism and naturopathic studies, complemented by a Master of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. In her role as President of HANS, Andrée emphasizes professional standards, ethics, and public education. She is committed to strengthening the credibility of herbalists in Nova Scotia through collaboration, high educational benchmarks, and community engagement.

circe-medee.ca

Suzanne is a Master Gardener based in Nova Scotia with a strong background in horticulture and community education. Her work reflects a deep commitment to sustainable growing practices and the cultivation of plants for both beauty and practical use. As Vice President of HANS, Suzanne brings her organizational skills and passion for plant stewardship to the leadership team, helping strengthen the connection between horticulture and herbal practice within the province.

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Alyssa is a Clinical and Community Herbalist based on the South shore of NS/Mi’kma’ki. She operates an herbal clinic and an herbal apothecary, growing many of the plants she works with. Her training includes the East West School of Planetary Herbology, clinical practice development through Wildcurrents Herbalism, and experience in the Bloom Institute student clinic. Alyssa currently offers consultations virtually and by phone, with plans to welcome clients into her garden-based practice for in-person sessions.

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Erica is a practicing herbalist based in Unama’ki/Cape Breton, NS. She is engaged in community education, offering workshops that highlight practical, everyday uses of plants. Her recent sessions have focused on kitchen herbs for seasonal support, reflecting her interest in helping people build confidence in simple, accessible herbal practices. In her role as Secretary of HANS, Erica contributes organizational skills and a strong commitment to rural representation, supporting effective communication across the Association.

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Oren Hercz RHP, has been in practice as a Clinical Herbalist since 2010, working in holistic health clinics, a family medicine office, and in private practice online. He helps people with chronic health conditions have more ease and vitality using natural medicine.

Oren also teaches a year-long beginner’s herbal medicine program and is co-founder of the Maritime School of Holistic Herbalism, which offers more in-depth herbal training. He cares deeply about bringing this traditional wisdom into today’s world, where we need it more than ever. Oren lives in Chester Basin with his three children and gardens. He is a Registered Herbal Practitioner (RHP) with the Herbalist Association of Nova Scotia.

Learn more at www.orenhercz.ca or www.maritimeherbschool.com

Savayda is a Medical Herbalist based in Halifax, NS, with more than 23 years of clinical practice. She specializes in women’s health, child wellness, digestion, immune health, stress, and endocrine balance. She directs the Bloom Institute of Holistic Living & Learning, which offers year-long herbal foundations programs and a student training clinic. A Nova Scotian native, Savayda also tends a teaching garden on the Eastern Shore. She has been an active member of HANS since 2002 and is a founding member of the Canadian Council of Herbalist Associations, where she now serves as President, representing Nova Scotia at the federal level.

bloominstitute.ca 

Daniel is a Registered Clinical Herbalist based in rural Nova Scotia and the founder of Secret Fire Apothecary. His practice integrates medicine making, farming, wild harvesting, teaching, and private consultation. With nearly 15 years on the herbal path, his training includes the East West School of Planetary Herbology and advanced studies in alchemy with Robert Bartlett at the Spagyricus Institute. Daniel’s approach is eclectic, drawing on Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Western Herbalism, Plant Spirit Medicine, and Spagyria. He is a board member of both HANS and the Canadian Council of Herbalist Associations and teaches herbal pharmacy and medicine making at the Bloom Institute.

secret-fire.com

If you would like to join or know more about HANS Board of Directors please connect by email email hidden; JavaScript is required or become a member here.