Bio - Cathy Archibald
I’m thrilled to be here and share my love of nature and plants.
Professionally, I’m a plant biologist, having completed my B.Sc. at the University of Guelph (2006) and my M.Sc. at the University of Alberta (2011) in plant biology. I also have training in horticulture therapy, permaculture design (PDC), and mental health first aid.
For over 10 years I've been active working in horticulture doing vegetable breeding research, edible herb and ornamental production, and medicinal Cannabis cultivation. My growing experience includes farmers’ fields, greenhouses, controlled environmental systems, hydroponic vertical farms and garden polycultures.
I'm a member of both the Canadian Horticulture Therapy Association (CHTA) and Conference Committee. I have volunteered in horticulture therapy for mental health, and have begun my own consulting services. I'm training in Recreation Therapy to further learn how develop and implement individualized programs. My current placement is in a Geriatric Rehabilitation setting. I volunteer with Certified Listener Society as an emotional support worker for Older Adults.
Publications include peer-reviewed genomics papers to poetry prose, and I have teaching experience ranging from kindergarten ESL in Taiwan to Molecular Biology labs in Alberta. I've been awarded an Excellence in Teaching award from the University of Alberta, and an NSERC and QE2 scholarship for my research and academics.
Earth Sprite Horticulture is an organization I founded as a place where I can offer both my scientific plant research /production services and Horticulture Therapy services in one place. I hope to be able to provide meaningful services for others where I can use all aspects of my training and spiritual development, which is an eclectic an evolving practice spanning my lifetime studying various approaches as I continue to learn, grow, Be and Be-come. Thanks so much for stopping by. I'd love to learn about you, and can be reached through the CONTACT tab.
Hope you found something here you enjoy!
