Join Our Local Herbalist Cohort and Discover the Magic of Plant Alchemy with Mama Tortuga!
 

Seize this unique opportunity to learn from the esteemed Traditional Herbalist, Mama Tortuga (Johana Castillo), and gain essential skills for diving into the world of plant alchemy. This class will provide you with the knowledge and ethical framework to work with plants both in the tropics and beyond. It's the perfect class for South Florida plant enthusiasts!
 

About Mama Tortuga:Mama Tortuga, Johana Castillo, is a respected Traditional and Folk Herbalist from the Muiska territories of Colombia, South America. With a diverse background that includes nursing, multicultural learning, and ethnobotany, she has dedicated the past decade to studying, practicing, and teaching plant medicine, Spanish, and multicultural activism.

Her experience spans various organizations, including the Holistic Living School in Orlando, the Florida Herbal Conference, Firefly Gathering of Primitive Skills, and Escuela de Sabiduría y Salud Femenina in Colombia. Johana is also a founding member of the Firebush Herbalist Network, a collaborative network of Florida Herbalists engaged in numerous state-wide events.

Johana has successfully maintained a thriving garden in South Florida for the past nine years. She, along with her husband—a local contractor—designed and created a family medicinal garden, demonstrating her expertise in plants and sustainable organic gardening. She emphasizes that permaculture should integrate social, spiritual, and community aspects to align with nature.
 

Cohort Details for Spring of 2025:

• Start Date: TBA

• End Date: TBA

• Format: Weekly LIVE ONLINE sessions via the Mama Tortuga Escuela Naturaleza. All classes will be recorded. The experiential classes will be only in person.

What’s Included:

• Nine Live-Online Classes: Each 1.5-hour session includes materials and direct interaction with your teacher.

• Guest Herbalist Speakers: Some classes will feature additional herbalists offering specialized knowledge.

• Three In-Person Meetings: Two-hour sessions to explore and make plant alchemy (locations will be decided by the group).

• Nature Walk/Potluck: A concluding event to celebrate the end of the cohort (location to be decided by the group).

• Access to Class Recordings and Materials: Available on a dedicated online platform with easy access and organize.

• Community Chat: Connect with fellow plant lovers and build a supportive community inside a safe and private platform.

• Certification: Earn 13 hours of learning and 6 hours of experiential knowledge.

Following this three-month cohort, we plan to offer two new cohorts each year. We’ll continue exploring more plants and topics based on group interests.

Additional Information:

• Customization: This class will be tailored to the needs of the cohort, with a schedule that the teacher will post. Please note, classes may be subject to change.

• Inclusivity: Our cohort is dedicated to being an inclusive, respectful, and honoring space for both plants and participants. 

• Refunds: Mama Tortuga Escuela Naturaleza is an online school that relies of her students to exists! I won't be able to give any refunds once the payment is done. If you think you won't be able to take part of this cohort, we can communicate your participation in a future cohort. 

• Scholarship: If you’re interested in joining but need financial assistance, we offer ONE scholarship. For details and to apply, email mamatortuga@outlook.com.
   

Don’t miss this chance to deepen your connection with plants and enhance your herbal knowledge with Mama Tortuga!