Meet the Practitioners Behind Pacific Rim College Online
Great courses begin with great teachers.
When you enroll in an online course, you’re placing your trust in the person on the other side of the screen.
At Pacific Rim College Online, we believe that trust should be earned.
That’s why every one of our programs is taught by experienced practitioners who have spent years—often decades—working directly with patients, clients, students, plants, and communities. These aren’t professional presenters reading from a script. They’re herbalists, naturopathic doctors, nutritionists, acupuncturists, researchers, authors, educators, and clinicians who continue to practice what they teach every day.
Their real-world experience shapes every lesson, every demonstration, and every case study you’ll encounter.
Here are just a few of the 40+ remarkable instructors you’ll meet throughout our courses and programs.
Amanda Howe – Over Three Decades of Herbal Medicine
With more than 30 years of experience as a medical herbalist, Amanda Howe has dedicated her career to helping people reconnect with the healing power of plants.
After training in England and earning an MSc in Herbal Medicine from the University of Wales, Amanda has practiced, taught, contributed to herbal research, served on professional associations, and advised Health Canada on natural health products.
Her passion is infectious. Whether she’s teaching medicinal plants, herbal preparations, or cultivating herbs in the garden, Amanda brings a lifetime of practical wisdom into every lesson.
Find more information about Amanda at: https://www.blackbearherb.com/
MINI-LESSON: Spend 7 minutes with a mini lesson from Amanda and learn how to identify Hawthorn and how beneficial it is to the cardiovascular system:
Seraphina Capranos – Where Tradition Meets Spirit
Seraphina Capranos has spent her career exploring both the science and tradition of natural medicine.
Drawing on decades of experience in herbal medicine and classical homeopathy, her teaching blends botanical knowledge, traditional plant wisdom, and heartfelt mentorship.
Her courses encourage students to understand not only how herbs work, but also the long relationship between people and plants that has existed across cultures for thousands of years.
For more information about Seraphina: https://www.seraphinacapranos.com/
MINI-LESSON: In this 6-minute video Seraphina will guide you through the process to make Lavender infused honey:
Cordelia McFadyen – Making Holistic Nutrition Practical and Personal
Cordelia McFadyen believes that good nutrition isn’t about chasing the latest trends—it’s about understanding how to nourish your unique body.
After overcoming her own health challenges through nutrition, she was inspired to become a Board-Certified Holistic Nutritionist and has since dedicated her career to helping others achieve lasting health through practical, sustainable lifestyle changes. As previous Dean of the School of Holistic Nutrition at Pacific Rim College, a Board Member of the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board (HNCB), and the Western Canadian representative for Canadian Action for Nutrition (CAN), Cordelia is a passionate advocate for advancing the holistic nutrition profession across Canada.
Known affectionately as “your nutritional translator,” Cordelia has a gift for turning complex nutritional science into clear, approachable guidance that students can confidently apply in everyday life. Her teaching is warm, encouraging, and deeply practical, empowering students to build healthy habits that last long after the course is complete.
“Knowledge is important—but knowing how to apply it is what truly transforms health.”
Learn more from Cordelia on her podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gutsy-goddess-podcast/id1683932992
MINI-LESSON: In just 6 and a half minutes Cordelia can help you understand how to build sustainable, long-lasting healthy habits:
Dr. Marisa Marciano – Modern Herbal Medicine Rooted in Tradition
Dr. Marisa Marciano is both a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and Registered Herbalist who has spent years helping patients and students discover the remarkable therapeutic potential of medicinal plants.
Her teaching combines evidence-informed practice with the timeless traditions of herbal medicine, empowering students to confidently incorporate herbs into everyday life.
She reminds us that herbal medicine is both an art and a science.
For more information about Marisa: https://thenaturopathicherbalist.com/about-3/dr-marisa-marciano/
MINI-LESSON: Another quick and effective herbal recipe. Join Dr. Marisa Marciano as she explores the benefits of Gotu Kola and green tea, then shows you how to create your own nourishing infused oil:
Paul Bergner – One of North America’s Most Respected Herbalists
Few names in modern herbal medicine carry the recognition of Paul Bergner.
A practicing herbalist and nutrition educator since the early 1970s, Paul has trained hundreds of practitioners, authored seven influential books, published the Medical Herbalism journal for 25 years, and mentored more than 450 clinical graduates.
His ability to bridge traditional herbal knowledge with modern nutritional science has influenced practitioners around the world.
Learning from Paul means learning from one of the profession’s true pioneers.
For more information about Paul: https://www.naimh.com/about/faculty-bios
MINI-LESSON: In just 3 minutes, learn how anti-inflammatory herbs can support gut health. Paul Bergner shares his top herbal recommendations and practical ways to incorporate them into your daily routine:
Robert Rogers – Canada’s Mushroom Authority
If you’ve explored medicinal mushrooms, chances are you’ve encountered Robert Rogers.
An herbalist for nearly 50 years, botanist, educator, and author of more than 50 books on medicinal plants and fungi, Robert has become one of Canada’s leading voices on botanical medicine.
His enthusiasm for mushrooms is matched only by his remarkable ability to make complex topics fascinating and accessible.
Students quickly discover why he has become such a beloved educator throughout the herbal medicine community.
For more information about Robert: https://selfhealdistributing.com/
MINI-LESSON: 8 minutes. Endless mushroom wisdom. Join Robert Rogers to discover the benefits and traditional uses of oyster mushrooms:
Rory Sandstone – Bridging Ancient Chinese Medicine with Modern Research
Rory Sandstone has been practicing acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine since 2009 while teaching at Pacific Rim College for many years.
His expertise spans orthopedic acupuncture, classical Chinese medicine, anatomy, martial arts, and fascial research.
Rory excels at connecting traditional Chinese medical theory with contemporary scientific understanding, helping students appreciate both the history and the future of acupuncture.
To book an appointment with Rory in Victoria: https://flyingcraneclinic.janeapp.com/#staff_member/1
MINI-LESSON: Fascia is more than connective tissue. In just 9 minutes, Rory Sandstone reveals how its piezoelectric properties influence movement, balance, and overall body function:
Learning From People Who Still Practice
One of the greatest strengths of Pacific Rim College Online is that our instructors continue to work in the professions they teach.
- They’re seeing patients.
- Running clinics.
- Writing books.
- Conducting research.
- Growing medicinal plants.
- Teaching future practitioners.
- Contributing to professional organizations.
That means our students benefit from knowledge that is continually evolving through real clinical experience—not simply repeated from textbooks.
More Than Information—Mentorship
Education is about more than acquiring knowledge. It’s about learning how experienced practitioners think.
- How they solve problems.
- How they approach complex cases.
- How they’ve refined their practice over years of experience.
When you study with Pacific Rim College Online, you’re gaining access to decades of practical insight from some of the most respected voices in natural health.
And that’s something no algorithm can replace.
Whether you’re beginning your journey into herbal medicine, exploring holistic nutrition, or advancing your professional education in Acupuncture and TCM, you’ll be learning from instructors who have devoted their lives to helping others—and who are passionate about helping you do the same.
We invite you to explore our programs and discover the people who make Pacific Rim College Online such a unique place to learn.