We are planning the 2008 North American Lavender Conference. Please check back for alist of speakers. Until then, take a look at the 2006 conference speakers to get an idea of what will be coming!
Conference: Speaker Info
Owner/Operator of “Therapeutic Massage & Aromatherapy Clinic,” Richland, Washington
Workshop Title: “Basic Aromatherapy Blending of Lavender Oil”
Workshop Times:
Outline of Wendy’s Session:
- Brief overview of "what is aromatherapy" and safe practice of essential oil use.
- Brief points on scientific properties of lavender(s) and their therapeutic benefits
- Brief discussion on the different types of lavenders and how to choose the best one for a specific blend (Samples will be sent around for those in attendence to experience.)
- Introduce 4 specific blends...massage oil blend, medicinal blend, room spray, and "neat" (non diluted) application. (Samples will be sent around for those in attendence to experience)
- Question and Answer
Speaker Background:
Wendy Sigl is a Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP) and Aromatherapist in Washington State. Wendy has been studying aromatherapy for nearly 10 years. She has earned an International Certificate in Aromatherapy through course work with the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy taught by Kurt Schnaublet Ph.D and Monika Haas. Her drive and desire is to spread the knowledge of true aromatherapy benefits to as many people as possible. Wendy decided to incorporate aromatherapy with therapeutic massage and has been practicing for 4 years. She owns and manages a fulltime Therapeutic Massage and Aromatherapy Clinic in Richland, WA. She started her own product line of therapeutic blends called Purple Essense Aromatherapy. However, in order to focus more on consulting, custom blending, and teaching, Wendy sold Purple Essence to EdenCrest Day Spa and Wellness Center. Wendy is active in the alternative healthcare community and has conducted seminars on the safe practice of essential oil use for other practitioners as well as safe, basic uses for the general public.
Faculty Member at Bastyr University, Seattle, WA
Workshop Title: Medicinal Applications of Lavandula spp
Session Description:
This workshop is an overview of topical and internal medicinal applications of lavender species. Historical medicinal applications, common current uses, latest medical research, safety, and formulas for teas, essential oil blends, tinctures and other preparations will be covered.
Speaker Background:
Dr. Burkhart is a naturopathic physician, acupuncturist, and registered herbalist. She received a BA in environmental studies from the University of Vermont and an ND and MS in acupuncture from Bastyr University. After completing a clinical residency at Bastyr Center for Natural Health in 2005, she remains as an adjunct faculty member and teaches in the botanical medicine department. Dr. Burkhart maintains a private practice in Seattle and teaches courses in foundations of health, herbal medicine preparation, and botanical prescription. She is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians, American Herbalist Guild, and American Botanical Council.
Supervisor for Medicianal & Nutritional Gardens, Bastyr University, Seattle WA
Workshop Title: “The History and Ethnobotany of the Genus Lavandula”
Session Description:
The genus Lavandula has a rich history dating back 2500 years. Lavender’s fragrant flowers have a wide array of culinary, cosmetic and medicinal uses. Join Jenny Perez in exploring the cultural use and economic significance of lavender from past to present.
Speaker Background:
Jenny Perez’s passion for the plant world brought her from Texas to the Pacific Northwest in 2002. She received a Bachelors of Science degree in Herbal Science from Bastyr University. Jenny is currently the Garden Supervisor for Bastyr’s medicinal and nutritional gardens. She has a strong interest in at-risk medicinal plant cultivation, permaculture, and botanical research.
Culinary Writer & Life Style Commentator, Kathy’s website is www.DiscoverLavender.com
Kathy Gehrt’s upcoming book, A Lavender Feast: A Food Lover’s Collection of Recipes with Profiles of the People and Places Celebrating Lavender, will be published in 2007.
Workshop Title: “A Lavender Feast”
Session Description:
Join Kathy Gehrt for an introduction to the art of cooking with lavender. In memory of Sharon Shipley and her passion for cooking with lavender, Kathy will share Sharon’s secrets for culinary uses for lavender. Sharon’s book, “The Lavender Cookbook” was the winner of the “Best Single Subject Food Book” at the 2004 Gourmand World Book Awards.
In this workshop, you will discover easy and delicious techniques for infusing lavender into your favorite recipes. Learn how chefs all over the world are introducing lavender in everything from award-winning specialty coffee drinks to sumptuous main dishes and everything in-between. Explore how a hint of lavender creates a taste sensation when paired with veggies, fruits and berries and fish. Kathy will share some of her tips for culinary uses of lavender during this session, and for those who want to learn even more about cooking with lavender, she will be giving a special 3-hour, hands-on culinary lavender class Tuesday evening, directly following the conference. Space is limited in this special class, so register early to reserve space for yourself in this exciting class!
Speaker Background:
Kathy Gehrt is a certified member of the International Association of Cooking Professionals (IACP), an experienced home cook and a sought-after speaker on the topic of lavender. Her passion for excellent food is a gift from her parents, who knew the best strawberries were at the U-pick fields, the freshest fish was the steelhead dad brought home from his early morning fishing trip to the Green River, and the sweetest tomatoes came from the family garden. Simple, fresh and flavorful are the attributes Kathy loves most in the kitchen.
CEO of “Food Concepts, Inc.” Monroe, WA
Workshop Title: “Taking Your Lavender Food Products from Concept to Market”
Session Description:
Getting a food product idea properly researched, developed, packaged and marketed is a daunting task, yet this is exactly what Dale Nelson does every day. Join Dale for an information-packed session that will show you how to take a basic lavender food idea and turn that into a product that will sell. Dale will focus on recipe development, “batching up” your recipe to a commercial scale, regulations, economics, packaging, market access, and much more.
Speaker Background:
Dale Nelson is owner and founder of Food Concepts, Inc., a full-service specialty food development company in Washington State. With 25 years experience in the food industry, Dale generates a passion in this artisan environment. Under the leadership of Dale Nelson, Food Concepts is made up of several business themes; Woodring Orchards at Pike place Market in Seattle, Cashmere Coffee Company, Vitalli Syrup Company and Cacao D'Oro. Founded in 1991, the company drew upon Mr. Nelson's expertise in product innovation, new product development and a desire to create a quality specialty food experience, establishing the diverse organization and business that Dale leads today.
Workshop Title: “Making Lavender Crafts with ‘The Lavender Lady”
Session Description:
June Devine, “The Lavender Lady,” will conduct this hands-on class where participants will learn how to make simple, but beautiful, lavender wands, braided lavender hearts, and lavender baskets. June will also bring examples of other, more elaborate lavender crafts that she makes for participants to observe, and she will help answer your questions about making and selling lavender crafts as a hobby or a business. Space is likely to be limited in this class, s o register early to assure a place in this informative, fun and exciting workshop.
Speaker Background:
Homework Digital and Print Media Design, Port Townsend, WA
Workshop Title: “Marketing Lavender on the Internet.”
Session Description:
Creating a web strategy that works for you...AND your customers |
Design Considerations |
Why have a Website?
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How to get your business on the Web
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Creating a Web strategy
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Marketing your business on the Web
Q & A |
Speaker Background:
Glenn brings over ten years of experience in developing content, systems and applications for Web sites. He has shepherded dozens of Web sites through the development process from conceptt development to site architecture to visual design to implementation within a database-driven content management system.
Glenn has been deeply involved in the local, organic and sustainable agriculture movement since 1996–an interest which is echoed in his work developing Web sites for non-profit organizations like the Rodale Institute, The New Farm, Organic Seed Alliance, Port Townsend Food Co-op, Sunfield Farm and Washington State University among others.
He also has 15 years of experience in editorial, content creation and design for magazines and print publications including Men’s Health, Runner's World, Bicycling, Organic Gardening, Prevention, Mountain Bike, Backpacker, Fitness Swimmer, The New Farm, and Rodale Specials magazines.
Glenn lives in Port Townsend, WA where, along with his wife Nita, he owns and operates HomeWork Design, LLC. (www.homeworkdesign.com), a print and web-based media design firm. He can be reached at 360-379-4001, feedback@homeworkdesign.com
Owner/Operator, “Dungeness Everlastings,” Sequim, WA
Session Title: “Making Gorgeous Lavender Wreaths”
Session Description:
Su Howat will teach those in this class the finer points of making large, high quality lavender wreaths – the kind of wreath you would be proud to hang in your home or sell in your shop. Space is limited for this hands-on class, so register early if you want to learn from an expert how to make gorgeous lavender wreaths!
Speaker Background:
Su Howat has been growing and drying flowers since 1982, her current obsession being her 100 Hydrangea bushes which she grows for the dried blooms. She cultivates a large crop of Rose Geraniums every year which she distills for the oil and Hydrosol. She is a founding member of the Sequim Open Aire Market, and was Market Manager for the first 5 years. Su has been teaching craft classes using natural materials for over 10 years.
Morning Myst Botanics, Fruitland, WA
Session Title: “Lavender Hydrosols-History and Uses of this Magic Distillate”
Session Description:
Join Ann on a journey through history to discover the origins of hydrosols, how they are made and their many therapeutic uses. Ann will have samples of many different hydrosols but will focus mainly on the many varieties of Lavender and the effects different distillation technique has on the quality. This is a hands on workshop where you will spritz, sniff and taste your way through the magical world of hydrosols.
Speaker Background:
Ann Harman is owner of Morning Myst Botanics, www.morningmystbotanics.com an herbal business that specializes in “Artisan Crafted” products for the Natural Health industry. She works closely with Naturopaths, Aromatherapists and Massage Therapists. She distills fresh, organic hydrosols for therapeutic use in Naturopathic clinics. Ann studied Botany at Colorado State University, and she is an herbalist who has been growing, using and making herbal products for 25 years. She has taught classes, and done distillation demonstrations for the past 6 years. Currently, Ann is studying the effects of hydrosols, mainly Taxus brevifolia, on different cancers.
Director, Clallam County Noxious Weed Control Program Port Angeles, WA
Session Title: “Understanding Weeds and Weed Control Principles”
Session Description:
Weed control is perhaps the most difficult aspect of cultivating lavender in the field. The key to managing weeds is to understand how they grow, and the best means for disrupting their life cycles in your efforts to control and eradicate them. Cathy Lucero will help you to learn about various types of weeds, how they grow, how they reproduce, and how to control them. She will share basic information about how various types of herbicides work to control certain weeds, and she’ll also talk about various non-chemical means to win the battle that many lavender growers have with weeds.
Speaker Background:
Cathy Lucero has been the director of the Clallam County Noxious Weed Control Program since 1997. In her work Cathy has used all types of methods to control many very persistent noxious weeds. Cathy has a B.S. in Environmental Science from Western Washington University, and has continued her education by passionately learning all she can about weeds and weed control through numerous formal training opportunities, as well as through self-study. Cathy makes numerous presentations each year to a variety of groups who seek to learn how to control weeds effectively, economically, and in an environmentally sensitive and sound manner.
Director, WSU Extension, Clallam County, WA
Session Title: “Growing Lavender Commercially; an Introduction”
Session Description:
Dr. Beus will cover most aspects of commercial lavender production from plant propagation and selection through harvest and even a little on marketing. Other topics included in this workshop will include site preparation, soil issues and soil fertility, irrigation and water, weed control, pests and diseases of lavender, types of lavender and their uses, pruning and maintenance of lavender plants, lavender product development, lavender oil distillation, and markets for lavender products. This is a broad overview class that is intended for those who are beginning a lavender farm or business, or thinking about doing so, and who need an introduction to the entire process of getting started in lavender production.
Speaker Background:
Curtis Beus is the director and agriculture & natural resources agent for WSU Extension in Clallam County, Washington. He has a B.S. in Animal Science; a master's degree in Adult Education; and a PhD in Rural Sociology; all from Washington State University. After finishing his doctoral work at WSU, Curtis worked for three years as a Rural Sociologist and Rural Development Specialist for Texas A&M University. In 1996 he returned to Washington to direct the WSU Extension programs in Clallam County. In Texas Dr. Beus focused much of his rural development work in the area of rural and agricultural tourism. Since returning to Washington much of his time has been spent on developing programs aimed at revitalizing a rapidly declining local farm economy, developing alternative agricultural systems and products, direct marketing of farm products, farmland preservation, and promoting agritourism and other diversification strategies for farms and rural businesses in a rapidly changing economy.
Lead by 3 Sequim Lavender Farmers
Session Title: “A Year in the Life of a Lavender Farmer”
Panel Members:
Sue Shirkey -- Port Williams Lavender, Sequim, WA
Barb Hannah -- Lost Mountain Lavender, Sequim, WA
Cathy Angel -- Angel Farm, Sequim, WA
Session Description:
While owning and operating a lavender farm may be a “dream come true” for many people, it is not as easy or as blissful as many would be lavender farmers envision when they are thinking of beginning a lavender business. Three Sequim lavender farmers will share their stories, and give an idea of what it takes in the course of a year to operate a successful small-scale lavender farm. They will present the pros and cons, the upside and the downside, of lavender farming, in an attempt to help beginning or aspiring lavender farmers avoid mistakes, enhance success, or even decide whether or not they really want to enter this business in the first place.
Lead by 3 Sequim Lavender Farmers
Session Title: “History & Development of the Sequim Lavender Industry”
Panel Members:
Mike Reichner -- Purple Haze Lavender, Sequim, WA
Lil Gimmestad -- Willow Farm & The Weary Gardener, Sequim, WA
Mary Borland -- Olympic Lavender Farm, Sequim, WA
Panel Moderator:
Betty Oppenheimer, Author of “Growing Lavender and Community on the Sequim Prairie: A How-to and History”
Session Description:
The origin and development of the lavender industry around Sequim, Washington is a remarkable and inspiring story. Join three pioneering lavender farmers from the Sequim area, and moderator Betty Oppenheimer, who has written a short history of Sequim lavender farming, for a fun and insightful journey back through the past decade which saw lavender evolve from the idea hatched by a handful of visionaries, to a mainstay of the local economy and culture of Sequim and Clallam County, Washington. The panel will share stories, memories and struggles related to overcoming obstacles, creating a common vision, rallying an entire community, forging leadership, and creating a national and international identity built around lavender for this small but unique area on the North Olympic Peninsula of Washington State.
It is with profound sadness that we inform you that Sharon Shipley passed away recently. Her untimely passing was a shock to many, including her many friends and fans in the lavender community. Her vivacious personality, talent and many contributions will be missed by many.
We are very fortunate to have found someone to teach the sessions at the conference that Sharon had been scheduled to teach. Kathy Gehrt has graciously offered to teach Sharon’s workshop, and the special 3-hour culinary class Sharon had scheduled. Kathy is highly qualified to teach these classes, and is excited to honor Sharon Shipley in doing so. Kathy has studied under Sharon Shipley, and will utilize some of Sharon’s lavender culinary secrets and recipes in her classes.