Picture
Vicki - our education & program development guru and lead wellness instructor.

Vicki - Director of Program Development & Lead Educator

Vicki is a certified master nutrition therapist and environmental educator. Vicki develops courses and curricula based on the principles of sustainability and natural health; teaching and designing programs and workshops on food, sustainable agriculture, eco-justice, waste, environmental health and nutrition, to name a few. Recently, Vicki also earned her Permaculture Design Certification and is thrilled to be able to teach others about environmental design and the principles of sustainability through edible gardens. Some of her favorite things to talk about include sustainable agriculture, environmental health, therapeutic gardens and cooking with culinary herbs and spices.

Vicki's interests in supporting others in their health challenges and wellness goals transformed into the development of the Earth and Water Wellness Institute; an education-based community promoting sustainable nutrition and lifestyle support programs and experiences that provide nourishment for the body, mind and life. She believes that the body has the ability to heal itself and will do so as long as it's given the appropriate support through conscious and natural nourishment.
 
As a professional and experienced educator, Vicki has a Master’s degree in Geography from Southern Illinois University and is currently an adjunct professor of Sustainability Studies at Roosevelt University where she teaches the Food and Waste courses.  Vicki is also certified as a Master Nutrition Therapist through the Nutrition Therapy Institute. Vicki has worked in the field of curriculum development and natural health for over a decade and enjoys working with groups interactively; developing workshops and educational programs for the specific audiences.

Vicki's Special Place:

Colorado. Vicki lived in Colorado for several years, but even before moving there from the Midwest, whenever she would travel there, as soon as she stepped off the plane or drove past the "Colorful Colorado" sign, she had "that feeling", that feeling of peace and comfort, that feeling of being "home". And while Vicki is back in the Midwest for awhile, she's making the most of all that the flatter lands have to offer, too - from Wisconsin's rolling hills to Michigan's scenic waterways.

What Empowerment Means to Vicki:

For Vicki, empowerment means having a solid understanding of the direction that leads one to their healthiest and happiest selves...and the ability to learn what that path is through experiences, education, trials and tribulations.  This is why we believe in empowerment through education. One can only learn what works through trying and learning.