Board Chair, Laura Fernandez
Laura is the founder and owner of AncestralRx, an e-commerce store specializing in printable products on various metaphysical subjects and small-batched herbal products. With a deep passion for spirituality and healing, Laura established her store with that in mind, making them both accessible and practical for everyone. Drawing from personal experiences, she curates a diverse range of products designed to empower and aide individuals on their wellness journey. Laura believes in the transformative and healing power of connecting with our indigenous ancestral wisdom and practices. She aims to provide her clientele with the tools they need to manifest their intentions and enhance their well-being. Laura is continuing her study of curanderismo through Escuela de Curanderismo. |
Secretary, Nigel Torres
Greetings, it is with great pleasure that I introduce myself. My name is Nigel Torres. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor in the state of Texas. I am delighted to share that my beloved wife, Krista Torres, is also an LPC-S, and I have had the privilege of working alongside her for a significant portion of my career. Over the course of my 25-year tenure in the field of mental health, I have had the honor of accumulating invaluable experience, which has undoubtedly shaped my expertise. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, and a Master's Degree in Counseling, which has further enriched my understanding of the human mind and its complexities. I am humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve on the board of Quetzalcoatl Temple, an organization that is committed to providing education and services on the Maya and Naga Maya through the practice of Curanderismo. As someone whose heritage is rooted in Peruvian, Aztec, and Maya ancestry, serving on the board is a privilege and a way to honor my lineage. Curanderismo has always been an integral part of my life, and I am grateful to be associated with a non-profit organization that contributes to advancing this discipline. I take on this role with utmost reverence and respect, and I pledge to work tirelessly toward the betterment of the community we serve. |
Board Member, Danielle McFarlin
Danielle grew up in a small community on the U.S.- Mexico Border and is committed to bridging resources to her home town and other underserved communities. She spent 20 years working in the Diagnostic Imaging field, has witnessed a heart beating for the first time and has held space for many taking their last breaths, she is currently focused on supporting the healing journey of every moment in between. Danielle spoke at the 2017 TEDxTucson Imagine conference where she was inspired to use her own journey through abuse and disempowerment to create a new framework for viewing the effects on both men and women in our present day "rape culture". She shares her story in hopes of serving as a beacon of hope for those who think their life is irreparable, showing them instead, how, with courageous and deep self-inquiry, they can shine their own light on the path to healing and wholeness. Her work aims to create a safe foundation for those who have kept their stories of abuse and shame buried in the shadows. Danielle is also a published author in Wake Up: A Woman's Guide to Transformation, Prosperity and Health!
Danielle grew up in a small community on the U.S.- Mexico Border and is committed to bridging resources to her home town and other underserved communities. She spent 20 years working in the Diagnostic Imaging field, has witnessed a heart beating for the first time and has held space for many taking their last breaths, she is currently focused on supporting the healing journey of every moment in between. Danielle spoke at the 2017 TEDxTucson Imagine conference where she was inspired to use her own journey through abuse and disempowerment to create a new framework for viewing the effects on both men and women in our present day "rape culture". She shares her story in hopes of serving as a beacon of hope for those who think their life is irreparable, showing them instead, how, with courageous and deep self-inquiry, they can shine their own light on the path to healing and wholeness. Her work aims to create a safe foundation for those who have kept their stories of abuse and shame buried in the shadows. Danielle is also a published author in Wake Up: A Woman's Guide to Transformation, Prosperity and Health!
Board Member, Greg Schoen
Since his youth, Greg has explored an interest in the natural world, and through adulthood
has kept enthusiasm and involvement in horticulture, botany and ecology. This led to a study of the
native plants, traditional crops, and culture of the Southwest, where he has lived since 1999.
Greg’s earlier background includes degrees in Botany and Horticulture from Oklahoma State
University.
In 1995 Greg befriended Carl Barnes, a Cherokee elder from Oklahoma, and had the good fortune of
working with him over the following years. During that time Carl passed on much of his wisdom, along
with seeds of many traditional and sacred varieties of corn. It was through spending time with Carl
and growing these seeds for several seasons in New Mexico, that Greg began to find deeper insights
into the spiritual nature of corn and the heritage in all seeds. Through this journey, Greg has taken a
deep interest in seed preservation and crop diversity and its importance for humanity.
Greg lives in Silver City, NM, were he continues his work with heritage seeds, medicinal plants, and regenerative gardening practices.
“Seed keeping can be a bridge toward world peace.”
Since his youth, Greg has explored an interest in the natural world, and through adulthood
has kept enthusiasm and involvement in horticulture, botany and ecology. This led to a study of the
native plants, traditional crops, and culture of the Southwest, where he has lived since 1999.
Greg’s earlier background includes degrees in Botany and Horticulture from Oklahoma State
University.
In 1995 Greg befriended Carl Barnes, a Cherokee elder from Oklahoma, and had the good fortune of
working with him over the following years. During that time Carl passed on much of his wisdom, along
with seeds of many traditional and sacred varieties of corn. It was through spending time with Carl
and growing these seeds for several seasons in New Mexico, that Greg began to find deeper insights
into the spiritual nature of corn and the heritage in all seeds. Through this journey, Greg has taken a
deep interest in seed preservation and crop diversity and its importance for humanity.
Greg lives in Silver City, NM, were he continues his work with heritage seeds, medicinal plants, and regenerative gardening practices.
“Seed keeping can be a bridge toward world peace.”
Board Member, Albert Vigil
I am Albert Vigil I’m certified in reiki 1-2, Silva method, yellow belt in shao-lin kung fu, quantum healing hypnotherapy technique by Dolores Cannon, I am an associate in a multi tiered cannabis dispensary I work in agriculture, processing , production , and sales departments. I am using my business to help others in my healing practice full time. I am featured on the qhht website for this Southwest region. I’m also a board member at Resonant Essentials Esoteric School of Metaphysics in Albuqurque. It is a joy to use my skills to help others! I’m glad to serve as a Board member at the Quetzalcoatl Botanical Garden.
I am Albert Vigil I’m certified in reiki 1-2, Silva method, yellow belt in shao-lin kung fu, quantum healing hypnotherapy technique by Dolores Cannon, I am an associate in a multi tiered cannabis dispensary I work in agriculture, processing , production , and sales departments. I am using my business to help others in my healing practice full time. I am featured on the qhht website for this Southwest region. I’m also a board member at Resonant Essentials Esoteric School of Metaphysics in Albuqurque. It is a joy to use my skills to help others! I’m glad to serve as a Board member at the Quetzalcoatl Botanical Garden.
Board Member, Amber Ramirez Hoffman is currently an apprentice at La Escuela de Curanderismo, in Silver City New Mexico. She has been a Death Doula since 2012, certified as an End-of-Life Advocate through the Conscious Dying Institute in Boulder Colorado and is a member of NEDA, the National End of Life Doula Alliance. Amber received her Bachelor of Art in Cultural Anthropology from The University of Texas and her Doctor of Jurisprudence from The University of Houston Law Center. She currently resides in Houston, Texas and is a proud native Texan.
Treasurer, Wendy Atkinson
has 25 years of experience in allopathic medicine as a registered nurse and director of surgery. She has a passion to see people healed mind, body and soul. She is transitioning from western medicine to natural treatments and is practicing curanderismo as well as formally studying Ayurveda. She volunteers to care for the Botanical garden. As director of surgery she handles budgets and financing for her department.
has 25 years of experience in allopathic medicine as a registered nurse and director of surgery. She has a passion to see people healed mind, body and soul. She is transitioning from western medicine to natural treatments and is practicing curanderismo as well as formally studying Ayurveda. She volunteers to care for the Botanical garden. As director of surgery she handles budgets and financing for her department.
Director, Athena Wolf
I have been a Board member or Director of various non-profit organizations for 35 years. I have a background in science, as an Ayurvedic physician, a technical writer, in television and radio.
For the past 20 years I have been working full-time as a curandera and Ayurvedic physician. I am one of the maestras of La Escuela de Curanderismo. I support the goal of this non-profit to share these healing traditions and the plant medicines used, with our communities.
I have been a Board member or Director of various non-profit organizations for 35 years. I have a background in science, as an Ayurvedic physician, a technical writer, in television and radio.
For the past 20 years I have been working full-time as a curandera and Ayurvedic physician. I am one of the maestras of La Escuela de Curanderismo. I support the goal of this non-profit to share these healing traditions and the plant medicines used, with our communities.
Board Members
Laura Fernandez
Nigel Torres
Danielle McFarlin
Greg Schoem
Wendy Graves
Amber Ramirez Hoffman
Wendy Atkinson
Albert Vigil
Director
Athena Wolf