Bio – Heather Rose, Founder of Rainfest Awakenings
Heather is a scientist, teacher, youth leader, and healer. After working as a conservation biologist and aquatic ecologist, she began her work as a healer. She maintained a private practice in Ojai, Ca since 2002 before moving to Panama to begin her work with youth and the rainforest. In 2004, Heather began her work as a youth leader with The Ojai Foundation. She has participated in and led rites of passage trips with high school students and has witnessed amazing transformation in students. She has been trained in the practice of council. Her dedication to teens is to hold a safe container for them to connect to their true self and gifts and has found that nature is an integral part of this process.
Heather Rose earned her B.S. degree in Environmental Science and Hydrogeology, with a minor in Geology from Richard Stockton College in 1998. She apprenticed in Costa Rica with medicinal plant expert, scientist, and healer Jane Segleau Earl. Heather wrote the first draft of a medicinal plant book published by the University of Costa Rica Press and taught ethno-botany to groups of college students.
As a result of her intensive studies in Costa Rica, Heather unearthed her healing abilities. She began a 10 year study of ancient and modern healing practices. Heather is certified in massage therapy and Intuitive Energetic Healing. She became a Reiki Master in 2004. Heather created two programs, “Diving into the Divine Feminine” (a series of classes) and “Embodying the Divine Masculine” (a community council for men) in 2005. In 2004 Heather began her work as a youth leader for The Ojai Foundation facilitating rites of passage trips in nature with Los Angeles high school students.
Heather’s work with youth has inspired her to create “Rainforest Awakenings”, an international organization committed to preserving and re-wilding the rainforest, connecting youth and all people to the rainforest and nature, and supporting indigenous tribes. Rainforest Awakenings’ core purpose is to bring high school juniors and seniors to the rain forest to bring awareness to and participate in solutions to the social and economic challenges facing developing countries. This experience includes rites of passage trips in the rainforest in Panama, the practice of council, social and environmental leadership, education about tropical ecological systems and people living within these delicate ecosystems, and working with indigenous tribes to bring economic freedom while preserving the environment and their culture. Through these programs, students will discover their own strengths and gifts, vision and create real solutions to challenges, develop a deep connection to and understanding of the natural world, learn valuable communication skills, and become a part of a global community. Students will be encouraged to continue their work with the rain forest when they return to their home countries.
"I've rarely met anyone who so beautifully embodies the balance of mind, body, heart, and spirit as Heather Rose. She weaves science and magic into exquisite tapestries for all the senses. I am awed and inspired by her deep connection with the Earth and all its creatures. Her access to the world of mystery and energy flow can open doors for those who seek to take charge of their own potential and well-being."
Doug Adrianson
Youth Program Leader and Board Member, Ojai Foundation