
CSCH Faculty & Administration

Lisa Ganora
Faculty, Online Faculty, Past Director
Lisa Ganora, Herbalist, Pharmacognosy Lisa’s touches all of the programs with her charm and wit! She starts students off in our online program with our beginning Vitalism class where they all have an “AHA” moment of why they chose the school and where we are rooted. The bulk of Lisa’s teaching is in the Advanced and Clinic programs with classes such as Constituents, Physiomedicalism, Vitalism in History, Toxins and Physiology, and Roots of Chronic Disease classes. Lisa studied botany, chemistry, and health sciences at the University of North Carolina, Asheville, Lisa has served as an Adjunct Professor of Pharmacognosy at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona, and has lectured at numerous schools and conferences around the world. She is the author of Herbal Constituents and runs Elderberry’s Farm in Paonia, Colorado.

Paul Bergner
Faculty, Online Faculty, Past Director
Paul Bergner, CCH, CN Paul serves as a primary case reviewer in the CSCH Clinical Herbalism program and teaches in the Advanced, Clinic, and Nutrition programs. Paul has studied and practiced natural medicine since 1973, with formal studies in naturopathy, medical herbalism, clinical nutrition, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, flower essences, yoga therapy, and bodywork, including undergraduate studies in pre-medicine and psychology, and 50 semester hours of doctoral level medical studies at National College of Naturopathic Medicine. He has written seven books on medical herbalism, nutrition, Chinese medicine, ethnobotany, and Naturopathic medicine. He mentored more than 230 students through clinical residencies at the Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies and the North American Institute of Medical Herbalism (NAIMH) in Boulder between 1996 and 2012.

Cody Smith
Lead Online Advisor, Faculty
Cody Smith, CCH Cody teaches in all programs at CSCH as well as being on the faculty. Cody is an Advisor for two cohorts of the Online Fundamentals program and is an amazing writer and editor of our copy for our programs. He is a Certified Clinical Herbalist and spagyrist, encompassing a profound knowledge and skill in the ancient art of Spagyria.
When Cody is not at CSCH, you can find him at Howling Moon Botanicals, transforming disharmonious conditions into a harmonious union of vital holistic health.

Liz Faermark
Faculty, Online Faculty
Liz Faermark, CCH, CN Liz teaches in all programs at CSCH and is on our faculty. Prior to CSCH, Liz earned her BS in Journalism at University of Illinois. Liz took on the project of dental herbalism as her thesis in the clinic program and has since added this as a class in the clinic program. Liz also teaches numerous workshops throughout the community and is a private herbal mentor. Liz has recorded online modules for CSCH, including Skin Wisdom. While not at CSCH, Liz operates her own business called Talk Wild Herbs where she guides clients through.

Meg Drennan
Clinic Advisor
Meg is the Clinic Program Coordinator at the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism. A Certified Clinical Herbalist, Clinical Nutritionist, Bach Certified Flower Essence Practitioner, and Educator, she is passionate about mentoring students in offering compassionate, holistic care – both to their clients and themselves – through the use of medicinal plants, nourishing foods, and integrative therapeutic practices.
With a BFA in Graphic Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Meg’s design background informs every aspect of her work – from crafting personalized wellness protocols to designing beautiful, intentional learning experiences. She also holds certifications as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and in Permaculture Design from the Permaculture Institute of North America, reflecting her interdisciplinary and nature-inspired ethos.
Outside of her work at CSCH, Meg runs a private clinical practice, Ostara Lark, where she supports clients, creates herbal formulations and products, and teaches workshops. She also enjoys working on freelance design projects, cooking up vibrant vegan meals and treats, gardening, and traveling the world.

Cady Jo
Fundamentals Coordinator, Flower Essence Program Supervisor, Faculty
Cady Jo Patterson, CCH, CBFE Cady Jo is the Advisor to our first time students in the Fundamentals program and our third year students in the Flower Essence Program. She facilitates and is a mentor for the Advanced program’s camping trip leading plant walks, guided meditations, and flower essence making in the field. Cady Jo is a graduate from the CSCH clinic program and Flower Essence program, and has a degree in the healing arts. Students have described Cady Jo as an advisor who has the perfect balance of advising and caring for their balance of school life, work, and home! Cady Jo is a devoted workshop facilitator and a Clinical Herbalist who guides those exploring their own healing.

Jordan Signor
Advance Program Coordinator, Online Advisor, Faculty
Jordan is the Program Coordinator for both the In Person Advanced and Online Fundamentals programs. She is a certified Clinical and Community Herbalist and Educator and is dedicated to guiding students into deeper connection with the natural world.
Jordan’s undergrad is in Psychology and she is a graduate of CSCH clinic program. Jordan teaches in the Intro to Clinic Skills module in the Advanced program where her background helps teach the intricate nuances of Interview and Follow up skills. You can also find Jordan in the Boulder community teaching digestive and immunity-building workshops with a culinary focus. (you’ve never seen such beautiful food with such amazing flavor profiles!)
When she is not at CSCH, Jordan runs a small private practice by the name of Silver Wing Apothecary, where she see’s clients.

Ashlyn Newcomb
Admissions and Marketing Coordinator
Ashlyn Newcomb, CCH Ashlyn is the Admissions and Marketing coordinator and interviews every student who applies to CSCH. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Holistic Health & Healing from Naropa University, a Permaculture Design Certificate, and is a Certified Yoga Teacher. Ashlyn is also a Teaching Assistant at the school, guiding students in the classrooms and the field. She orders all products for the Apothecary and guides Clinic students in formulating and filling orders. Ashlyn also coordinates all of the systems for the Online programs by finding the efficiency between two learning management systems. When she isn’t working at CSCH, she runs Rose & Thorn Botanical and makes some amazing products.
Jamie Glaze
Nutrition Faculty
Jamie Glaze, CCH, MSW, MPH, CN Nutrition Program Administrator. Jamie teaches in Fundamentals, Advanced, and is a mentor in our Clinic program. Her passion for nutrition and nourishment led her to develop her own major in Nutritional Health at the University of Michigan where she focused on ethnobotany, economic botany, food science and kinesiology. Jamie holds a MSW and MPH from the University of Michigan. Jamie is also a licensed psychotherapist with 15 years of experience.
Cat Pantaleo
Faculty
Cat Panteleo, CH, CN Cat is the Botany program leader at CSCH and teaches in Fundamentals and Advanced. She holds a Masters degree in Ecopsychology, is a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide and Ecotuner. Cat is the Graduate Academic Advisor at Naropa University and is an educator at the Denver Botanic Gardens Herbalism Program as well as a Health and Wellness Educator for her own business called Quintessential Connections. Cat has also shared her wisdom as a community herbalist at Rebecca’s apothecary and an herbal educator at Wish Garden Herbs.
Jessica Baker
Faculty
Jessica Baker, Lac, RH (AHG) An author, acupuncturist, herbalist, aromatherapist, Jessica teaches in all programs at CSCH. Studying under Jane Bothwell and Christopher Hobbs, Jessica was inspired to study Chinese Medicine at Five Branches University, where she earned her master’s degree in TCM in 2008. Jessica is a talented formulator, understanding the importance of plant synergy and energetics. Our students appreciate Jessica’s well rounded knowledge while she weaves knowledge from all four directions while sharing stories and personal experiences.
Dana Hutchinson
Faculty, Online Faculty
Coming Soon…
Matthew Becker
Faculty, Online Faculty
Matthew Becker, CH Matthew teaches in person in all programs at CSCH, as well as the Online program. He was privileged to be a student of both William Lesassier and Susun Weed. They taught him not only how to effectively work with plants and herbal remedies for physical maladies, but also taught him an underlying description of the world in which herbal medicine was part of a separate and poetic consciousness that embraces and restores all things. Matthew’s specialty is materia medica and the plants unique attributes and personalities. He has been a clinician and teacher for over thirty five years.
Sara Josey
Faculty, Online Faculty
Coming Soon…
Lindsay Adams
Faculty, Online Faculty
Lindsay Adams, CCN, CN, CBFE, LPN
Lindsay is a teacher in the Fundamentals (Online and In-Person), Advanced, and Clinic programs. She is a Clinical Herbalist, Nutritionist, Postpartum Caregiver & Licensed Practical Nurse. She is passionate about supporting people navigating pregnancy, postpartum, hormone balance, grief, the medical system, parenting & pregnancy loss/release.
Ben Levine
Guest Faculty, Online Faculty
Coming Soon…
Shane Schoolman
Faculty, Online Faculty
Coming Soon…
Brigitte Mars
Guest Faculty, Online Faculty
Coming Soon…
Meghan Schardt
Clinic Program Supervisor
Meghan Schardt, CCH, CBFE Meghan teaches in our Fundamentals program (Online and In-Person), as well as our Flower Essence program both on Zoom and when she is visiting Colorado! Meghan has studied under many great teachers and has mentored our faculty for over 10 years. She holds a masters degree from Naropa University in literature and poetry, and has written articles for the Herbal Academy, as well as CSCH and other local publications. She runs Red Fawkes Apothecary where she supports clients in their quest for health and wellness.
Adrian Mintzmyer
Guest Faculty, Online Faculty
Adrian Mintzmyer, CCH, CN, Botanist Adrian lectures on human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and materia medica in our Fundamentals Online program. Adrian thinks of teaching as performance art, and incorporates song, dance, and mnemonic teaching techniques into many classes to improve student retention of material. Adrian runs Mountain Herbalism, where he sees clients and leads workshops on the wild medicinal and edible plants of the Rocky Mountains.
Monticue Connelly
Guest Faculty, Online Faculty
Coming Soon…
Johnnie Heider-Kuhn
Guest Faculty, Online Faculty
Johnnie Heider-Kuhn, CCH, CN. Johnnie is one of our amazing Online Program teachers for CSCH. He is also a guest teacher at the in-person school. Johnnie possesses a diverse skill set forged behind the scenes of three botanical brands over an 8-year career in natural wellness. Johnnie holds certificates in Permaculture Design and Corporate Social Responsibility, with a Bachelor’s of Art in Psychology and Fine Art. He is an entrepreneur, student of Kundalini yoga, artist, and urban farmer with a professional background in manufacturing and distributing herbal dietary supplements.
Jane Reagan
Guest Faculty
Jane Reagan is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and has a Master of Education degree in Counseling. She is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS-C).
Jane teaches in all three programs at CSCH. One of the student’s favorite classes is Nutrition and Mental Health. Jane has been practicing as a nutrition counselor in the Boulder area for more than a 15 years. In addition to Jane’s private practice, she also worked as a Clinical Nutritionist at the University of Colorado’s Wardenburg Health Center for 10 years. Jane recently created an online program called the Eating Disorder Recovery Roadmap for Parents.
Monica Strachan
Nutrition Faculty
Coming Soon…
Akacia Rose
Guest Faculty
Coming Soon…
Joshua Paquette
Online Faculty
Coming Soon…
John Whiteman & Lindy Reinhardt
Co-Directors
John and Lindy believe the strength of CSCH lies in its experienced, spirited, and knowledgeable faculty and staff. Their ongoing mission is to continue the strong heritage in vitalism and herbalism at CSCH, as they carry on the traditions of Paul Bergner, Lisa Ganora, and Mary Barnes. She and John also built and launched the new CSCH Online Program…with the help of many people! John and Lindy attend every closing circle for all graduating classes where memories of the year are shared and tears flow freely. They own a small herbal farm where the students learn soil health, horticulture skills, harvesting, garbling, plant identification and more!
John Whiteman
Co-Director
John Whiteman, MS Co-Director: John has an undergraduate degree in Plant Science, a masters in Rural Planning, and he holds a certificate in permaculture. John is a life-long entrepreneur, manager, and farmer. His love for plants and soil give first year students a basis for plant cultivation as students literally get their hands dirty doing everything from separating worm castings in spring to harvesting beautiful plants in the fall. Based on John’s experience starting a number of companies, he teaches business skills in the Clinic year. It’s amazing to watch light bulbs go off and dreams become practical, achievable strategies as John coaches students through their capstone projects.
Lindy Reinhardt
Co-Director
Lindy Reinhardt, CH, BSBA Co-Director: Lindy’s love for herbalism while raising kids came to fruition when she attended CSCH in 2017. She holds her BS in Marketing, her associate’s in Interior Design, and her herbalism certificate from CSCH. Lindy manages curriculum programming and faculty for the in-person programs which equates to over 1,000 hours of education every year between all of the programs. She also manages the apothecary and teaches in the Fundamentals and Clinic programs.
Ringo
CSCH Mascot
Lindy Reinhardt, CH, BSBA Co-Director: Lindy’s love for herbalism while raising kids came to fruition when she attended CSCH in 2017. She holds her BS in Marketing, her associate’s in Interior Design, and her herbalism certificate from CSCH. Lindy manages curriculum programming and faculty for the in-person programs which equates to over 1,000 hours of education every year between all of the programs. She also manages the apothecary and teaches in the Fundamentals and Clinic programs.
Contributors
Mary Barnes
Contributor
Mary Barnes, RH (AHG), CN. Mary Barnes has practiced Vitalist clinical herbalism since the year 2000, working as a wellness provider and teacher. She was a member of the faculty at NAIMH for eight years before joining CSCH for 10 years. Mary worked primarily with students as the Clinic Director from 2012-2019. She also taught in Fundamentals and Advanced until 2023. Mary advised and trained members of our faculty to be the amazing herbalists and mentors they are today! John and Lindy still consult with Mary to discuss her philosophies in herbalism, mentorship, and pedagogy. Thank you, Mary!
Dr. Cheri King, ND
Contributor
Dr. Cheri King, ND We want to thank Dr. King for all of the amazing classes she taught for over 10 years. She retired last year and we are so thankful for her amazing contributions she brought to the Advanced students from teaching chronic fatigue and skin conditions to diabetes. Dr. King made classes fun with her Jeopardy game and her amazing stories!
Kat Mackinnon
Contributor
Kat Mackinnon was an amazing contributor to the school and the students. We want to thank her for the past work as Clinic director as well as an amazing teacher in all programs at CSCH. She also mentored past and current staff and faculty to be the best advisors to our students. We wish her well as she moves forward in her work as a clinical herbalist and educator.