Wise Waters Botanicals nourishes two passions in my life, the desire to work with people who want to become more self reliant in their wellness goals, and my deep connection and love for the plants that most people think of as weeds. Through Wise Waters Botanicals I work closely with my clients to provide services, products, and educational experiences that are tailored to their needs. Whether it's designing a class with a venue, creating an at home Make 'n' Take Party, guiding an herb walk, creating a botanical product, or providing guidance through an herbal consultation, my goal is to bring my passion for herbs to you in a way that serves you effectively and sparks your desire to learn more about the abundance that's grows all around us.
Would you like to know more about what Wise Waters Botanicals has to offer? Stop by my Offerings page for a full description of my services or contact me directly using the Contact page.
Amy Shea, MH
From a very young age, I’ve been nibbling on weeds in the garden. My sister and childhood best friend used to dare each other to eat dandelions, plantain, and of course tart and delicate wood sorrels. I was born in Connecticut, where I spent most of my youth along the coastal shores of Long Island Sound. It's within the forest lined rural areas of that colonial state that I developed a deep love of the woods. It was my sanctuary, my play ground, the very nourishment I needed to survive the trials and traumas of growing up as a shy, wildly imaginative girl in the '80's. I spent 10 years in rural Southwest Missouri before migrating back to the north to settle in my home, beautiful West Central Wisconsin. Who would have thought those childhood games would grow into a passion for wild plants, and the medicine potential the very weeds we dared each other to eat offer us.
My name is Amy Shea, and I have been an working with herbs for more than 16 years. My first formal learning experiences came under an apprenticeship with Jess Conaway, as well as classes offered by the Coulee Region Herbal Institute and Carol Jacobs. I taught my very first class on working with herbs as part of the Coulee Region Herbal Institute, Using Herbs in Crafts. I spent 7 years working within the whole and natural foods industry as a member of the staff at the People's Food Co-operative. Two of those years were as the Department Assistant of the Wellness Department, where I got me feet wet working with herbs, herbal supplements, nutritional supplements, flower essences, essential oils, and body care products from a retail apothecary perspective. I truly loved working with my customers there. I am a graduate of the Master of Herbalism program at Green Wisdom School of Natural and Botanical Medicine, where I now have the honor of being included among many wonderful guest instructors. I volunteer for Herbalists Without Borders where I am the Office Coordinator. As an active member of my local herbalist community, I organize and put together the Winona Herbal Education Society's programs, and provide workshops to local small businesses, and community groups. My areas of particular interest within the botanical spectrum are in the areas of plant spirit medicine, the history of herbs as medicine with particular focus on the Medieval periods and earlier, locally available and native herbs, and herbs that are supportive for people with chronic conditions and cancer.
At home, I'm a busy mom of three amazing children, an pit bull advocate, and the wife of a musician. I get my hands in the soil whenever I can, and of course I love to trek out into the woods. I've been a Reiki practitioner for 17 years, and received my Master/Teacher attunements during the summer of 2010. I enjoy building traditions with my family, and cooking is one of the ways that I share my love with people. If I cook for you, I probably love you.
I can't wait to share my passion for plants with you