Biography
Jane Metzger’s love for plants began early with a curiosity of the plants she encountered in her family’s farm fields in northern Michigan. She foraged wild spearmint from stream banks with her brother and wild elderberries for jelly with her mom. She began gardening at a young age, and was introduced to the world of herbalism during a summer job at an herb and garden shop when she was 18.
Jane spent the next two decades learning, growing, and using herbs for herself while also earning a Bachelor of Science in Geology and a Master of Science in Geosciences. After a move to Massachusetts, Jane worked for 15 years as a geologist and environmental consultant focusing on hydrogeological investigations, contaminated site remediation, and human health risk assessment. During this time she developed her project management skills and discovered a particular enjoyment of editing and writing.
Upon starting a family, Jane continued to integrate herbalism and her own handmade herbal creations into family life, and began a small herbal products business alongside her environmental consulting job. She was called to deepen her herbal studies and continued her formal education in herbalism with the Gaia School of Healing in Vermont in 2013 and 2014, and found her bliss connecting even more deeply with plants.
In 2014, Jane joined the Herbal Academy to pursue her love of herbalism, writing, and photography. She put her project management and editorial skills to work to become an integral part of the Education Department, helping to facilitate and manage the development of numerous Herbal Academy courses and educational offerings along with the talented Herbal Academy team. She deeply appreciates the collaborative process that weaves together the talents of team members and contributors to create valuable herbalism education offerings, and is continually learning through that process.
Jane continues her ongoing pursuit to deepen her relationships to plants and expand her knowledge of herbalism through study, gardening, and observation. She sees the value in the daily steps one takes to truly nourish, support, and care for oneself with the support of herbalism, and derives joy from helping others do the same through Herbal Academy’s offerings.
