Mentorship: One-on-One Learning

As a clinical herbalist, I bring years of practice and expertise to working with others. With each student, each mentee, I take an individualized student-centered approach, focusing on each person’s experience, and their goals, to craft a meaningful learning path tailored to wants and needs.

Our focus will vary and can, for example, include working with culinary herbs, growing and harvesting local flora, making plant medicine, pursuing the path of clinical herbalism, setting up an herbal practice or a dispensary, working with clients, legal matters, formulating or any combination of these topics (and oh so many more!).

I am often asked, “Please send me a copy of your mentorship program.” As learning styles vary, as study opportunities may wax and wane, I rather prefer to build a program alongside each student.

If you’re interested in a mentoring with me, we will likely follow an initial email or phone enquiry with an online meeting. We’ll discuss backgrounds and learning experiences, both herbal and otherwise, and goals. I will surely take time to answer any questions.

I also understand that each prospective mentee approaches our meeting as an opportunity to interview me, just as I am considering them. After all, I have the very good fortune of knowing that a mentor-mentee relationship is far more than a fly-by-night, casual encounter. This relationship develops over time, is founded on trust and integrity, and will likely extend into the future. It is a unique commitment.

Some mentees wish to focus on developing introductory skills, and may be coming to plants anew, wanting to begin a journey, or extend their studies. Some herbalists are seeking a professional alliance, wanting to become growers or medicine makers or clinicians. Some people are looking to work with themselves, family and friends. We’re all so very different. It’s important for me to be clear about what I have to offer and what a student can gain from working with me.

I’m most interested in working with people who are pursuing an herbal path of working with others. This may take the shape of working at home, or in a local community or indeed, as a professional practitioner.

Generally speaking, mentorship meetings take place at regular intervals or as agreed. I also hold a space to work together on an ad hoc basis, to discuss challenges, new ideas, and casework, providing support when and as needed.

For those wishing to accrue clinical hours, I offer opportunities to work alongside me with new clients, developing holistic protocols and moving forward on a case by case basis, with the agreement of each client. Of course too, as new clinicians begin to develop and expand their practices, I am often asked to accompany them as they work with their own new clients. Both experiences are valuable, while ensuring that practice is safe and effective. Each opportunity offers endless possibilities to explore herbal choices, their actions and herbal formulation.

If you have an interest in learning about the medicinal properties of herbs, even if you are unsure about where to start, or how to go forward, let’s set a date to meet and chat. I’ll look forward to it.

Also, some people may wish to expand their herbal practice while working in the company of other herbalists. The Round Table is often a very meaningful complement to one-on-one mentorship.

… a few comments from mentees

I have been in a mentee/mentor relationship with Leslie Alexander for over a year now. I have also attended 3 of the herbalist round tables that she curates. Leslie’s guidance has hugely impacted my herbal practice in ways that I’m not even sure that I have language for- but I will try!
Leslie’s vast wisdom and authenticity around client center care has not only shifted my work but also has expanded how I provide care.
Leslie’s mentorship has inspired such creative energies, pushing of my edges, deep learning, and even deeper listening practices.
Leslie has been guiding and present during the start of my herbal business - and we are so grateful to her for ALL that she has brought to this journey!
The mentor/mentee is an ancient and sacred relationship. It’s a connection that is journey changing and profoundly integrates all of the learning/schooling/knowledge we bring in.
Leslie Alexander holds the space for you to become more curious, to expand, and to learn - not only with your mind but to really inhabit what it means to become and be in community with the plants.
~ Rebecca

Leslie and I began working together in Spring 2021.  I am a community herbalist who wanted to refine my personal herbal protocol regarding some chronic challenges that I have.  In addition, I was seeking a way to deepen my knowledge of herbs and health without the pressure of structured herb classes.  Our 1 x 1 work together is in the process of meeting both of those goals.  Leslie has a wealth of knowledge and integrates broadly within the emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions.  She is flexible during our sessions, responding to my concerns with compassion, humor, and sharp intellect.  Her follow-up regarding links/herbs/supplements is prompt and carefully curated.  In summary,  I highly recommend Leslie to share your path for restoring health naturally.

~ Liz

Leslie and I have worked together for some time now, and she is one of my most favorite people to speak with! She’s warm, humorous, thoughtful, and knowledgeable. She has helped me to find confidence and clarity on my professional journey and she’s shown me how to be more gracious and kind on my personal journey. As an herbalist, as a mentor and as a human, I’m so thankful to know her.

~ Samantha

When I was preparing to become a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild I knew I would need a mentor to help me round out my education and experience, as well as to guide me through the process of applying.

I met Leslie Alexander and knew she would be a good fit for me. Leslie is a skilled herbalist who not only knows herbs and ailments but also knows how to read people.

Leslie helped me to discover my weaknesses in my work and allowed me to hone my client interviewing skills. She has a very gentle and tactful approach at guiding her students, offering constructive criticism and support to her students. She helps her students to look at their cases from another perspective and to dig deeper when they are missing important information that can help to form their protocols for their clients.

Leslie encouraged me to set easy goals to complete all the necessary steps to apply to become an RH. In addition to helping me to hone my client interview skills, she helped me to organize my education records so that I could move forward with completing all the requirements for applying as an RH.

Leslie’s kind and gentle approach to mentoring makes the entire experience enjoyable while keeping her students focused and moving towards their end goal. Becoming an RH can be stressful and intimidating but Leslie makes the process less daunting and more doable with her can do approach and positive encouragement.

~ Kristine Brown RH (AHG)