So you want to be an Herbalist?

Our Herbalism Program, in partnership with PrairieWise Herbal School, focuses on integrated herbalism and hands-on herbal and plant spirit medicine, including plant chromatics. The school offers practical everyday uses for plant remedies. This year PrairieWise will incorporate some new experiences and dive deep into the association of Nature and the Human.

To truly know a plant, we must be in relationship with the plant and the planet that brought this life into existence. The plant will tell us how to use it for food, medicine and reconnection. Within the school we explore the essence of the plant from integrated viewpoints including shamanic studies, scientific research, folkloric uses, eclectic medicine, modern western herbalism and plant chromatics.

want to learn but can’t commit to a full year of classes? sign up to attend a class from ‘the art of herbalism’ workshop series.

From Crafting Oils, Salves & Balms to Syrups, Cordials & Elixirs — we have several ways to dive into sustainable herbalism training without the commitment of our 3 year program… YET!

SEE ALL WORKSHOPS

KAHLA WHEELER

FOUNDER OF PRAIRIE WISE HERBAL SCHOOL
TOYIA A MAYS

FOUNDER OF THE LAYA CENTER, AFRIVEDIC™ HERBALIST
TODD ALTIZER

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR, HERBALIST

Here are a few things to know about me as we begin an amazing journey together.

I am an herbalist, teacher, lecturer, author, gardener, metaphysician and singer working in integrated healing traditions and Western herbalism with a focus on nutrition, simpler methods and plant chromatics. I help students explore the herbal world around them and allow each student to find their truth with the plants.

Twenty-five years ago, I founded WiseWomen Ways which in 2003 became PrairieWise Herbal School and I have been the director and primary instructor of the school ever since. My herbal life started long before that because my father, Michael Beach, was my first connection to the plants. Dad was interested in plants, especially, wild foods. and was a major influence in my life. He would read Euell Gibbons books and then, we would venture out into the woods to see what we could find to eat. Mushrooms, persimmons, chickweed, wild asparagus, cattails and other delicacies. He studied herbalism through the Dominion School via correspondence and allowed me to help with homework and projects. This gave me an immense trust in herbal medicines. I raised my two children with herbal remedies and avoided medical interventions as much as possible.

While living in Hawaii in the 1970s, I hung out with local wildcrafters and wisewoman herbalists. Living on a military salary, the availability of wild foods was especially important. Crabbing, seaweed collecting, gathering fruits and nuts and our garden, helped me feed a growing family.

In 1991, I was working for a large telecommunications company in a very stressful job. I got a "gut feeling" that I had cancer so I contacted my doctor and told her that I knew I had cancer. We began a series of tests to find out if my intuition was correct. Then, after a routine Pap smear, we found it, cervical cancer. I had a hysterectomy and oophorectomy with errant cells in the abdomen so the doctors wanted me to take chemotherapy. I refused chemo; I knew it would kill me but when I did, my doctor quit me and would not treat me any longer. I was in a managed care group so no doctor that I had insurance for would help me. This did not detour me from my belief that I could not have chemo.

This is when I found my way to herbalism again. I had seen an article about Susun Weed in a Herb Companion magazine, so I called her and began my studies with her learning the wisewoman tradition of healing. I drank red clover infusions and ate burdock, plus made decoctions of it. I guess it worked, I'm still here. That was the beginning of my new herbal journey. I went on the apprentice with Susun and studying with other herbalists through festivals and conferences.

In September of 1995, I began teaching classes locally in Kansas City, Missouri. A group of women asked me about starting a school. Susun had also mentioned that we needed a learning center in the heartland so it seemed that the forces of will were upon me and I began WiseWoman Ways. The name was somewhat deceiving because there were male students also. Through a series of wonderful meetings, PrairieWise Herbal School was born. Many thanks to Pam Kliethermes, Debi Lewis and Michael Bates for the long hours of work to create a curriculum that has served this community since 2003.

I must honor some of my teachers because without them, I would not be the woman or teacher that I am. Of course, Susun Weed for her wisdom and patience and forceful push to carry on. Harry Palmer taught me the ways of the Avatar Wizard and Ayesha Ashley that led me to him. I want to thank Elisabeth Kubler-Ross for helping me understand death. I have deep gratitude for Jerry Rothermel of the School of Metaphysics for teaching me about my place in the world and deepening my metaphysical studies. Then, to my many herbal teachers that taught me through correspondence, workshops, long emails, Matthew Wood, Dr. Tierrona LowDog, Michael Moore and many, many others.While doing the corporate job, I was lucky to be trained in adult education, invaluable information for teaching. I continue to learn from others every day, including my students.

As part of my studies at the School of Metaphysics, I learned to read the Akashic Record, a vibrational library of all that has been and will ever be. While apprenticing with Susun in upstate New York, I was struck my lightning. These two things led me to Plant Chromatics, a ever-evolving way of co-creating with the plants. The book discussing this evolutionary phase has been in process for a number of years but I feel it reaching completion.

PrairieWise Herbal School has always been hands-on, classroom experience but in our modern times it requires us to make information more readily available to all those seeking knowledge about self-care and herbal foods and medicines. This online platform will provide videos, documents, and live lectures to enhance your learning experience. I am honored to be your guide as the plants teach you about their world.
Toyia A. Mays is an accomplished entrepreneur, author, and wellness advocate, renowned for her significant contributions to holistic health and wellness through African and Ayurvedic practices. She is the founder of The Laya Center, a holistic wellness hub focusing on the balance and rejuvenation of the body, mind, and spirit, and the creator of the Herban Afrivedic™ product line, which integrates traditional African and Ayurvedic medicine principles into contemporary wellness products.
Early Life and Education
Toyia's journey into holistic wellness was fueled by her personal experiences and a profound interest in the natural healing philosophies of African and Eastern cultures. Although specific details of her early education are not widely publicized, it is evident that Toyia has immersed herself in the study of holistic health practices, blending ancient wisdom with modern science to offer unique wellness solutions.
The Laya Center
Founded by Toyia, The Laya Center operates out of Kansas City, Missouri. It is a pioneer in offering a holistic approach to wellness, featuring services that encompass physical, mental, and spiritual health. The center is distinctively known for utilizing non-traditional methods such as float therapy, cryotherapy, and various forms of energy and movement therapies that draw heavily on Afrivedic™ principles—a term coined and trademarked by Toyia herself.
Herban Afrivedic™ Product Line
Toyia’s innovative spirit is also manifest in her creation of the Herban Afrivedic™ product line. This venture merges African botanicals with Ayurvedic medicine to produce wellness products that support a range of health needs, from stress relief to physical rejuvenation. Each product is crafted under Toyia’s guidance, ensuring they are not only beneficial but also adhere to sustainable and ethical production practices.
Authorship
Toyia A. Mays is also a prolific author, having written three books that align with her holistic health philosophy. Her titles include:
A Sista's Healing Guide to Crystals – This e-book serves as an insightful guide into the therapeutic powers of crystals, tailored specifically towards women of color, highlighting how these natural elements can be used for healing and empowerment.
Ojiji - Shadow Work Set – Available at The Laya Center’s online shop, this book delves into the introspective practice of shadow work, encouraging readers to explore and embrace their inner darkness as a pathway to personal growth and enlightenment.
Daily Affirmations Journal for Holistic Wellness – This journal is designed to support daily practices of affirmation, helping individuals nurture a positive mindset and promote self-healing in all aspects of life.
Philosophy and Impact
Toyia Mays advocates for an integrative approach to health that includes both preventive and healing strategies, emphasizing the connection between lifestyle choices and overall health. Her work is particularly noted for its inclusivity and focus on cultural relevance, making ancient health wisdom accessible and applicable to modern audiences, especially underserved communities.
Through her center, product line, and books, Toyia A. Mays has established herself as a key figure in the holistic wellness community, passionately promoting a life of balance and harmony that respects both ancestral knowledge and contemporary needs.
New Assistant Instructor, Todd Altizer, is a father, musician, and practicing herbalist in the KCMO area, and has catered to the herbal community for over 30 years. After 6 years of medical school in the 80's Todd Altizer started and completed an apprenticeship in herbal medicine under a Lakota Souix medicine woman and then continued clinical herbal studies with Micheal Teirra in the school of East West Clinical Herbalist (EWCH) Program in 1992. Todd Altizer went on to work and manage several bulk herb stores in the KCMO area including Sweetwater Herb Co., House of Hezekiah, and co-started Phoenix Herb
Company in 2004.

Plant Immersion: Year 1 Apprenticeship Program

$2700 (when paid in full) or Choose the 12 mo. Payment Plan option ($275/mo). Includes Beginner’s Package with Daily Brew Jar & nourishing herbs.

+ Cost of books & supplies. (< $250)

+ Registration Fee $50 (paid at the time of enrollment)

This year’s apprenticeship is very exciting. We will be offering the year-long program in several different formats including written materials online, participative lectures via Zoom, plus video in case your schedule is full, and a once-a-month hands-on participative workshop at The Laya Center. Additionally, there are 2 intensives scheduled for 2024 that are 2 days long and include all students in the school. If you're out of town, we will have video of the intensives and you are always welcome to attend in person. We have students that will open their homes to guests.

We look forward to meeting you. If you have any questions, please contact us. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ENTIRE Y1 CLASS SCHEDULE FOR 2025!
You are strongly encouraged to begin in January and take each month's classes through December, however you can enroll and extend through the next year's program for classes missed. This provides you the maximum benefit of seeing the plants throughout 4-seasons in their fullness of bloom and in their dormancy. The course is designed to be taken through the full year.

This course includes the basics of Herbalism and an understanding of how the body works. It allows you to explore on your own and in a class environment. You will experience growing techniques, wild-crafting, research and development, medicine making and other related activities that will help you become a well-rounded, informed and active herbalist.

Guest speakers fees, conferences and field trips are not included in the monthly tuition and must be paid in advance directly to the event organizer prior to the event.
For All Students

Once a course is successfully completed and paid in full, a student can retake the course at any time without further payment.

Most herbal walks will be part of the workshop time but on occasions a special walk may be scheduled. These walks are $15 per person and available to anyone that wishes to attend. School age children are $5.

Growing plants and working within the varied available gardens are a critical part of the learning process. We will have opportunities to work in several gardens and have various harvest locations. We will also use the classroom Grow Station to start some plants this school year in the spring.
All deposits are non-refundable. Students that pay in full for course have 3 days to cancel for a full refund minus the non-refundable deposit(s).

Herbal School courses are binding for the FULL YEAR of the course. Payments are to be made on the same day each month. If you need to change the day of the month, please do so by sending an email to the Founder. Your day switch will be changed on the following month. If your card declines for any reason please call or go to the auto email link to update the information, you will be charged 3% per day late fee after 24 hours of the delayed payment. This fee will be sent to you via invoice.

Purchasing this Membership/Subscription/Course means that you understand and agree to all terms listed.

Books, tapes, CDs, materials and supplies purchased through PrairieWise Herbal School are non-refundable and must be paid for at the time of purchase.
Some classes will be held outdoors so students are expected to bring a comfortable outdoor chair (no chaise lounges), bug repellent (no citronella), reusable water bottle and sunscreen.

All meals at PrairieWise Herbal School are pot luck and communal. Each student is expected to follow the PrairieWise Cooking Instructions available at your first class. Students are encouraged to try new recipes and methods of cooking that differ from their day to day fare. Each class will discuss allergies and personal preferences.

Please use your time in class to practice healthy eating, drinking and habits so leave sodas, energy drinks and junk snack foods for other times, if needed. First year Apprenticeship Students will also receive a discount for Laya services to serve as a continued health program for those looking to make a transition their lives.
Simply stated our attendance policy is be here, on time. This is a common courtesy that each student is responsible for doing. Kahla will begin on time and you are expect to be in your seat with your tea and books ready.

Classes begin promptly and usually go until the scheduled end time. Students are expected to have completed all reading assignments and all homework such as Material Medica. Students are also responsible for printing their class from email, prior to coming to school. If a student misses 20% all any course, the course must be retaken. There may be times when travel or other circumstances causes a student to take time from work. These situations will be known well in advance and the student is responsible for planning accordingly. Tardiness as a habit will be addressed by the entire class since the entire class is affected.

LEAVES OF ABSENCE AND WITHDRAWAL

A leave of absence will be granted to students for problems related to themselves or their immediate family. Students must submit a request to initiate their leave complete with reason and approximate date of return.

Students wish to withdraw from a course program are asked to submit their request in writing. Withdrawing students will receive a refund according to the school’s refund policy. Students that do not communicate their intent to withdraw within 30 days of leaving are not entitled to a refund.
PrairieWise Herbal School is committed to supporting its students to the fullest capacity possible and we want you to understand that a serious commitment is required of every student. We deeply believe that adult education is about success. We will work with you to ensure that your herbal education is successful.

Students are evaluated through hands-on demonstration, oral testing and written exams. Students are evaluated on a pass/fail basis. It is understood that using herbal remedies is a individual and unique experience between the herbalist and their client, therefore, a well thought through protocol will be seriously considered even if it is not substantiated by historical knowledge or current literature.

Students are engaged in learning a new set of skills and also encouraged in their self discovery, their relationship with plants and their relationship to the community and the world. Each student is looked upon as an individual, unique with specific needs and talents.