Our Herbalists
Melissa Waters
Melissa is a community herbalist with 15 years of official herbal experience and decades of herbal tinkering. Melissa started her official herbal journey with an herbal medicine woman class taught by Kami McBride. She stayed on with Kami as her teacher's assistant for 7 years, teaching year-round classes for women and helping with Kami's first online course. Melissa has studied herbal first aid with Greta de la Montagne, Ayurveda with Diana Batdorf, and hormonal health with Dr. Sara Gottfied. She holds a degree in psychology from Michigan State University, and certifications in nutrition, chronic disease, health promotion, and international master herbalism. Melissa went on to establish her own herbal business, operating under the names of Herb Girl Organics, Herb Witch, and Doc Waters’ Antique Apothecary. Melissa is focused on increasing access to herbal medicine for all, working with underserved and remote communities, providing free and reduced priced apothecaries for those in need. She has partnered with the San Francisco Homeless Youth Alliance, Burning Man Department of Public Works, Friends of Black Rock, and the Y Knot Saloon to bring herbal medicine to people in need no matter where they are or their financial situation. Melissa has also taught herbal classes through the San Francisco Unified School District and the Gerlach Workforce Development Center. She is a proud and active member of Herbalists Without Borders and United Plant Savers. When she’s not in her apothecary or garden, you can find her spending time with her friends and family, hiking with her dogs, reading books with her teenage sons, or listening to her husband tell stories.
Our Herbalists
Samantha Goldberg Blackthorn
Samantha is a registered herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild. Her botanical journey began at Colorado State University, under the tutelage of the renowned American botanist, Dr. William Weber. Dr. Weber served as her mentor while she pursued a degree in Biological Science, focusing on botany and anatomy. Under his guidance, Samantha delved into taxonomy, plant identification, and pharmacology, including the study of edible, medicinal, and hallucinogenic plants. Her work extended to the Colorado Heritage Project, where she mapped endangered plants, and to the Nature Conservancy, where she served as a naturalist.
In 1997, Samantha moved to Albuquerque, immersing herself in Dr. Tieronna Lowdog's herbal medicine course while collaborating with Bert Norgorden in botanical apothecary work and wild crafting. She further honed her skills under the guidance of renowned desert plant landscape architect Judith Phillips. Her journey continued at Prairie Moon in Minnesota, focusing on wetland and prairie restoration, seed collection, and distribution alongside Karl, a seasoned plant magician.
Relocating to Austin in 2001, Samantha shared her expertise by teaching anatomy at various massage schools, doula trainings, and homeschool programs. Her passion for education extended internationally as she traveled to Mexico and Costa Rica to impart knowledge on yoga, herbs, and anatomy. Samantha's teaching repertoire encompasses hundreds of classes, where she's crafted curriculum and worked closely with individual clients. She cherishes the opportunity to offer herbal consultations, guiding others in forging connections with their plant ancestors to enrich daily life. Book an appointment with Samantha online or contact us for further information.
Magical and Medicinal Herbal and Botanical Studies. Oct 14th 2024-Oct 13 2025
The Ace of Cups School of Mystical and Medicinal Herbal and Botanical Studies-Level One offers a comprehensive and immersive 80 hour interactive online or 200-hour program that combines mystical, medicinal, and botanical perspectives. Here’s a breakdown of the program:
Program Overview: The Ace of Cups School of Mystical and Medicinal Herbal and Botanical Studies – Level One
We offer a comprehensive and immersive 200-hour program that weaves together mystical, medicinal, and botanical perspectives, providing a rich and holistic approach to herbal education. Running from October 14, 2024, to October 13, 2025, this program is structured into five modules themed around the alchemical elements: Earth, Fire, Water, Air, and Ether/Spirit. Our curriculum is designed to balance folk traditions and scientific methods, offering a deep dive into both the energetic and anatomical aspects of plant medicine. You’ll explore everything from plant identification and ethical wildcrafting to advanced herbal formulations, supported by a diverse lineup of expert teachers who are leaders in their fields. Our instructors bring varied expertise, including traditional herbalism, modern botanical sciences, holistic health, and alchemical arts, ensuring a well-rounded education. By the end of the program, you’ll be equipped with the skills to craft potent remedies, understand the anatomy of the body’s systems, and apply both folk and scientific approaches to herbal medicine, all within a supportive, vibrant community of like-minded learners.
Course Structure:
- 80-Hour Online Interactive Course:
This portion of the program can be taken separately, providing a solid foundation in herbalism and earning you an 80-hour Community Herbalist Certificate. The online course includes 40 live, interactive classes held on select Monday evenings in 2024 and Tuesday evenings in 2025 (6:30-8:30 PM via Zoom). - 120-Hour In-Person Course:
This component is available to those who have completed the 80-hour online course and must be taken to fulfill the full 200-hour requirement. The in-person course consists of 12 weekends of immersive learning, with classes on Saturdays (10:30 AM – 4:00 PM) and Sundays (10:30 AM – 4:00 PM) - Full 200-Hour Program:
To become a Registered Herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild, the full 200 hours are required. Completion of the 80-hour online course is a prerequisite for enrolling in the 120-hour in-person program. Once you complete the 80 hours online, you can take the 120-hour in-person course at a later date.
Module Breakdown:
Module 1: Earth (October – November 2024)
- Explore the grounded and nurturing force of the earth element.
- Includes herbal vocabulary, pharmacology, ethics of wildcrafting, growing, sourcing, and storing herbs.
- Study the anatomy and physiology of the skeletal, muscular, and immune systems, and learn herbal formulations to support these systems.
- Practical skills include tea blending, decoctions, broths, and syrups.
- Materia Medica: 13 herbs per module
- Sustainable sourcing: Learn to identify certifications for ethical and environmentally friendly practices.
Module 2: Fire (January – February 2025)
- Focus on the transformative and energetic properties of the fire element.
- Covers anatomy and physiology of the digestive, integumentary, and cardiovascular systems.
- Learn to make vinegars, oxymels, tinctures, glycerides, and scrubs.
- Includes endangered species awareness and conservation efforts with guest speakers.
- Materia Medica: 13 herbs per module
Module 3: Water (March – April 2025)
- Explore the fluid and emotional aspects of the water element.
- Topics include herbal vocabulary, pharmacology, and actions related to the urinary, lymphatic, and reproductive systems.
- Learn ethical wildcrafting techniques and salve and herbal oil making.
- Materia Medica: 13 herbs per module
Module 4: Air (May – June 2025)
- Delve into the vital and expansive qualities of the air element.
- Study the respiratory and nervous systems, including anatomy and herbal formulations.
- Learn about salt inhalers, sprays, skin care, and herbal honey making.
- Practical applications in cultivation and propagation with visits to local gardens.
- Materia Medica: 13 herbs per module
Module 5: Ether (September 2025)
- Focus on the ethereal and expansive qualities of the ether element.
- Includes study of the endocrine system, related chakras, and subtle anatomy.
- Learn about herb rituals, dream oils, satchels, and poppets.
- Practical applications in making herbal preparations, teas, tinctures, and salves.
- Materia Medica: 13 herbs per module
Program Cost:
- Early Bird Payment: $1,800 if paid in full by August 30, 2024 (Early bird ends on September 15, 2024).
- Full Payment: $2,200 if paid in full between August 31, 2024, and September 1, 2024.
- Payment Plan: $2,500 with a $600 non-refundable deposit, followed by structured payments ($500 by September 1st, $300 by October 1st, 2024, with the remaining $1,400 on a payment plan). Contact us for details.
- 80-Hour Program Only: $1,000 if paid in full, or $1,200 with a payment plan.
Scholarships and Work Trade: One $500 and one $750 scholarship available. Contact us for details.
Supply Fee: $70 per module, covering all 65 herbs used during the program, totaling $350. Supply fees are due at the start of each module. Shipping fee for those who live out of state.
Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of $600 is required to hold your spot. The program is non-refundable. If you choose to withdraw before 50% completion (by April 1, 2025), 50% of your payments can be applied to the next herbal program.
Application Process:
Applications can be submitted here. The program accepts a maximum of 18 students.
Dates for the 200-Hour Program:
40 Online Interactive Classes (80 Hours):
Classes are held on Monday evenings in 2024, then move to Tuesday evenings in 2025 (6:30 PM – 8:30 PM).
2024 Dates:
- October: 14th, 21st, 28th
- November: 4th, 11th, 18th
- December: 2nd, 9th
2025 Dates:
- January: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
- February: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
- March: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
- April: 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
- May: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
- June: 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th
- July: 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
- September: 23rd, 30th
12 Weekends In-Person (120 Hours):
- 2024:
- October: 19th, 20th
- November: 2nd, 3rd
- December: 7th, 8th
- 2025:
- January: 18th, 19th
- February: 22nd, 23rd
- March: 1st, 2nd
- April: 5th, 6th
- May: 17th, 18th
- June: 7th, 8th
- July: 5th, 6th
- August: 2nd, 3rd
- September: 20th, 21st
This program provides a well-rounded education in herbal and botanical medicine, combining practical skills with mystical perspectives. It covers a broad range of topics, from herbal actions and formulations to ethics and conservation, making it an ideal choice for those interested in deepening their understanding of herbs and related fields.
Elevate Your Well-Being with Ace of Cups Herbal Consultations!
Step into a holistic sanctuary at Ace of Cups, where our herbal consultations are designed to seamlessly weave the healing power of plants into your everyday life. Our approach is not just about offering guidance—it’s about crafting a transformative experience that empowers you to take control of your wellness in a meaningful and personalized way.
Personalized Herbal Guidance
Led by our skilled herbalists, each consultation is a deep dive into the world of herbal remedies, affectionately known as "plantcestors." Our experts will collaborate with you to understand your unique health concerns, goals, and lifestyle. From there, they’ll recommend specific herbs and formulas tailored to support your body, mind, and spirit. Whether you’re looking to enhance your mood, improve sleep, reduce stress, or find balance, our herbalists will create a personalized plan that fits your needs.
Holistic, Complementary Approach
At Ace of Cups, we don’t diagnose or treat medical conditions—instead, we focus on complementing your existing health practices with a holistic approach. Our herbalists provide valuable insights and recommendations that work alongside conventional treatments, embracing the full spectrum of your well-being.
The Power of Plant-Based Wellness
Discover the profound benefits of plant-based remedies that go beyond symptom relief. Our consultations emphasize proactive and preventative care, guiding you in the use of herbal formulas that can support overall vitality, resilience, and harmony in your life. Learn how to integrate these botanical allies into your daily routines, rituals, and self-care practices.
What to Expect
- Herbal Consultations: Schedule an appointment to explore the world of herbal wellness with our expert guidance. Call us or book online to start your journey towards vibrant health.
- Mentoring: Whether you prefer one-on-one sessions or group settings, our mentoring programs provide in-depth support for those looking to deepen their knowledge of herbalism.
- Herbal Medicine Making: Learn hands-on techniques to craft your own herbal preparations, such as tinctures, salves, balms, oils, vinegars, tisanes, decoctions, syrups, and elixirs.
- Plant Magic: Explore the art of working with plantcestors, incorporating plants into rituals, daily practices, and even spell crafting to enhance your connection with nature.
- Educational Offerings: Expand your knowledge with our classes and workshops on herbal medicine making, plant science, plant rituals, and more. Sign up for our email list to receive updates and class announcements.
- Workshops and Study Groups: Join us for community herb projects, plant walks, and immersive workshops designed to deepen your understanding and practice of herbalism.
At Ace of Cups, our goal is to make plant-based wellness accessible and empowering. By integrating herbal wisdom into your life, you can unlock the potential of nature’s remedies to support your health and vitality. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step towards a more balanced, vibrant you!
Get Started Today
Call us or book online to schedule your herbal consultation, and explore our range of mentoring and educational opportunities. Let Ace of Cups guide you on a path to radiant health with the wisdom of plant-based wellness.
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