The Traditions Family
Bob Linde, AP, RH(AHG)
Traditions School Founder, Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies Founders, Clinical Supervisor
Bob Linde took a circuitous route to becoming a Registered Herbalist and Acupuncture Physician.
His career changed many times. Bob has been a commercial lobster and conch diver, treasure hunter, sail and canoe instructor, wilderness youth counselor, long-line fisherman, infantryman in Desert Storm, and GreenPeace worker. Now, he is focused as the owner of Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies, a multi-practitioner/multimodality practice in St. Petersburg Florida, and the Founder and Clinical Supervisor of Traditions School of Herbal Studies.
Bob designed the two-year Chinese and Western Clinical Herbalist Training Programs and supervises a weekly student clinic for both herbalists and acupuncturists in training.
Bob also consults as a product developer for herbal product companies for humans and animals, and enjoys growing many medicinal herbs in his yard.
He serves on the board of directors for the Florida State Oriental Medicine Association (FSOMA). Bob has presented at the FSOMA, Florida Herbal, FL Earth Skills, Good Medicine Confluence, and the American Herbalist Guild conferences.
Bob lectures regularly at colleges and organizations around the US. In addition he is a member of many organizations related to herbalism, alternative medicine, and nature conservation.
Bob has also been an avid traveler and travel writer. He has lived in Europe and traveled to the Amazon, Galapagos, Yukon Territory, Caribbean, and throughout the US.
Recently, Bob has completed 12 episodes for INTI TV, “Sanaciones con Bob Linde”, an exploration of indigenous people’s herbal practices. Also, he has appeared on Animal Planet and a number of other tv shows.
Ruth Glass, MA
Clinical Chinese and Western Herbalist, Traditions Instructor, Clinical Supervisor
Ruth Glass is a clinical and folk herbalist and also an instructor for Traditions School of Herbal Studies.
Ruth holds two degrees in education and she is a graduate of the Traditions School of Herbal Studies. She completed the Chinese Herbal Program and the Western Herbal Program. She fills in as a supervisor for the Western student clinic.
Ruth specializes in teaching herbal medica, herbal medicine making, and herbal first aid as well as bioregional herbalism. Ruth is currently the president of the local chapter of the American Herbalists Guild and is the chapter coordinator of all the American Herbalists Guild chapters.
She offers children’s and elder nature programs as well as herbal creative writing integrating herbalism, writing, and music.
She can be found seeing clients at Acupuncture and Herbal Therapies, volunteering with various organizations, handcrafting various herbal and art projects, or hiking the trails around Tampa Bay!
Tricia Streit Perez, MS, CPT
Traditions School Director, Clinical Western Herbalist, Traditions Instructor
Tricia is the Director of Traditions School of Herbal Studies, where she has designed and teaches the Anatomy for the Herbalist Class Series and the Physical Assessment for the Herbalist and Acupuncture Intensive. You can also find her helping to teach other classes in the Western Herbalism program when she has the time. In the past, Tricia has taught at Temple University, Florida State University, and Florida International University. Prior to joining the Traditions Family in December of 2020, she taught Anatomy and Health Sciences for the Pinellas County School District.
Tricia completed her Clinical Western Herbalism Certification here at Traditions School of Herbal Studies. She is a Clinical Western Herbalist, Certified Flower Essences Practitioner, Certified Wellness Coach, an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Prenatal and Postpartum Fitness Specialist, and a licensed teacher.
In her former life, Tricia had a busy career in Sports Medicine. She spent over a decade of her career traveling with and providing medical care for various college sports teams. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Medicine, a Masters Degree in Sports Management/Physical Education, and has completed a year of post-Baccalaureate studies in Biomedical Sciences.
While guiding herself into remission from autoimmune disease through focused changes to her lifestyle, Tricia developed some life-changing herbal products that have supported the healing of herself and her loved ones. From this, Mama’s Essentials was born, where she makes small batch organic herbal products and sees Herbal and Wellness Coaching Clients in her private practice. You can also book an appointment with Tricia directly here!
Tricia really enjoys focusing on educating her clients to be able to make life-long lifestyle changes. Her goal is to empower you to know and love your body, so you can give it what it needs to maximize your own health.
Alissa Perrigo RN, HTP, AHN-BC
Clinical Western Herbalist, Traditions Community Class Instructor
Alissa completed her herbal training here at Traditions School of Herbal Studies.
She is a Board Certified Advanced Holistic Nurse with a Master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University. Alissa is also a Clinical Western Herbalist, and Certified Flower Essence Practitioner.
Alissa believes that keeping the body in balance is the key to living a healthier and more vibrant life.
When Alissa visits with clients she centers her work on formulated herbal teas, tinctures, flower essences, recommended adjustments to diets, as well as applied energy balancing and spiritual cleansing. You can find her and book an appointment with her at Acu Herbals.
Alissa also teaches the Flower Essence Community Class Series.
Gray Dean
Traditions Ayurveda Community Class Instructor, Chinese Herbalism Graduate
“My initial love of plants was sparked by countless walks in my Grandma’s garden and through wandering the woods of northeast Georgia as a child.
I completed a 2 year program and clinical practicum at the Florida Academy of Ayurveda, I enjoy sharing my knowledge & the beautiful tools of this ancient Indian medicine through my class offerings at Traditions School of Herbal Studies & by offering one-on-one consultations.
I am currently enrolled in the Chinese Herbalism program at Traditions and am enjoying blending the powerful tools of Ayurveda, Western Herbalism & Traditional Chinese Medicine to impact change in my clients’ lives.”
Gray teaches the Ayurvedic series at Traditions once a month!
To book a service with Gray, and explore more of her offerings check out her website here!
Martina Kostova, DACCHM, AP
Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies Acupuncturist, Traditions Community Class Instructor
Traditions acupuncturist, Dr. Martina Kostova, just completed a rigorous program at Pacific College of Health & Science to earn her Doctorate in Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization. This is a clinical doctorate program is similar to the programs taken by M.D.s and Chiropractors, focusing on developing clinical skills applicable to practice. Dr. Kostova's focus was on how to integrate Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with Western Medicine. Through extensive research, Dr. Kostova learned ways to connect and communicate TCM with Western medical perspectives. Her hope is that one day, she will be able to work in a hospital where TCM is incorporated with Western practices, along with integrative medicine practices such as massage, naturopathy, and meditation.
With her diverse education and keen teachings skills, Dr. Kostova provides community education of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Mike Leonard
Garden Manager
“My name is Michael Leonard. I am the garden manager at Acupuncture and Herbal Therapies. Five time self awarded winner of The Gardener of the Month title, I am a dedicated plantsman with skills that include, but are not limited to, watering the garden just before the plants die of thirst, picking endless amounts of renegade volunteers that find their way into beds and pots they don’t belong in, capturing juvenile seedlings as they try to escape the confines of their parents nursery and selling their bodies for profit, lifting heavy objects in and out of vehicles, and many more important activities deemed necessary by my superiors. I am a lover of the arts, music, cycling and my family. If you’re lucky enough to see me around, please don’t hesitate to stop and say hello!”
Angeline Padron
Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies Office Manager, Clinical Western Herbalist, Chinese Herbalism Student
Greetings, everyone! I'm thrilled that you've decided to spend some time getting to know more about me.
First and foremost, I would like to emphasize that my passion, genuine happiness, and purpose are all deeply connected to our beloved animal companions. I truly believe that honoring animals is essential and demonstrates our empathy and awareness of all forms of life. They offer us unwavering love and loyalty, and in return, it is our duty to treat them with the utmost respect, kindness, equality, and heartfelt care.
This is why I have committed my practices to include a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to supporting animals. My goal is to help them achieve balance, harmony, and healing in the body, mind, and spirit through a combination of healing modalities, which include plant medicine, flower essences, crystal healing, and energy work.
As a clinical herbalist specializing in animal care and practicing both Western and Chinese Herbal Medicine, I provide a unique perspective on identifying and fulfilling the specific needs of each animal. I take into account elements such as energetics, diet, stress levels, and general health to develop personalized wellness plans and herbal formulations that cater to the individual needs of every animal.
Reiki healing is a beautiful practice, and the significant effects it can have on animals, due to their sensitivity and intuition, are truly remarkable. In my practice, I offer both hands-on and hands-off techniques. The animals are always very clear with me on which method they prefer. I can then channel life force energy to help promote their balance and well-being. Additionally, some animals benefit from Crystal Reiki, where I use specific crystals to enhance the flow of energy, intensify the healing vibrations, and focus on particular areas of the body or energy centers. The combination of Reiki energy and crystal healing creates a synergistic effect that aids in physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness.
Over the course of my ten plus years of experience in energy healing, I’ve witnessed firsthand how animals reciprocate healing energy, which is incredibly heartwarming and highlights the deep connection and understanding that can exist between humans and animals.
As a flower essence practitioner, I can attest to having personally observed the beneficial effects that these essences have on animals, aiding in their emotional well-being. The healing energies from flowers are believed to work on a subtle energetic level, assisting in emotional balance, alleviating stress, and fostering inner tranquility. These essences deliver gentle yet profoundly effective healing vibrations.
For animals undergoing the transition from this life to their next journey, they particularly benefit from the gentle and soothing energy of Reiki, along with flower essences and the calming vibrations of certain aromatic herbs. This blend of energies fosters a feeling of tranquility, safety, and understanding of the transition that is taking place. I am not only present to support and nurture the animal, but also to offer solace to the family during this deeply emotional and challenging time. This is where I feel most grounded, connected, and advanced in my craft. It is in the 'in-between'—helping families during these challenging times when our loved ones, our animal companions, are getting ready to depart and separate from us for the time being.
I aspire to grow and expand my knowledge every day, allowing me to better support and connect with the hearts and souls of as many animals as I can through my love and healing practices.
When I am not working with four-legged friends, you will find me out in the middle of the woods somewhere, sitting with the trees and feeling VERY HAPPY. I will be on the hunt for plant allies to photograph and identify, so that I can show them off to the world! Soon, I will ask you all to join me on these plant walks so that I may share my lessons from the plants with you. Oh, yeah! Did I mention that I am very good at making medicine—ALL kinds of plant medicine! Well, if you didn’t know, now you know!
This is me!
Christie Rainbeau
Traditions Education Assistant, Chinese Herbalism Student
Christie Rainbeau is the Education Assistant for Traditions School of Herbal Studies. She is a retired high school science teacher who taught mostly Anatomy and Physiology and Chemistry for over 25 years in Hillsborough County Public Schools. In the midst of a midlife crisis, she decided to go back to school at her alma mater, USF, and recently graduated with her second masters degree in Social Work. She has always had an interest in alternative medicine but did not have the confidence to pursue it until.....she got an awesome job at Traditions Herbal School! Now she is a student in the Chinese Herbalism program, with the hope that she can combine her budding counseling skills with herbalism. She enjoys napping, karaoke and anything unhealthy.
Salua Rivero
Apothecary Manager at Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies, Western Herbalism Student
Salua is an herbalist, ceremonialist, menstrual health educator, and cyclical lifestyle advocate. She graduated with her Bachelors in Environmental Studies with a focus on ethnobotany from New College of Florida.
Before working at Traditions, she was working at a plant nursery selling and installing native plants throughout the Tampa Bay area. She has been gardening, farming, and landscaping for the last few years and loves to be outside growing food and herbs that she can make delicious healthy food or medicine with.
She loves anything that has to do with nature, such as camping, going on walks, going to the beach and gardening.
She is passionate about building relationships with the Earth and its cycles, ancestral healing, connecting with plant/nature spirits, and incorporating ceremony and ritual into everyday life. She hosts red tent circles, women's circles, educational workshops on herbs and womb healing, and facilitates cacao and other plant medicine connections. Her intention is to invite people to return to a more cyclical lifestyle through relationship with nature, people and their bodies alike.
She desires to have her own practice focusing primarily on womb health, pregnancy, and menstrual health to help women and people with wombs return to the magical powers of the womb and the Earth.
If you would like to join her monthly red tent circles, join future womb healing related classes or stay in touch in anyway you can follow her on instagram:
:: Salua :: (@serpentinesalua) •Instagram photos and videos .
Madeline “Maddy” Ishmael
Apothecary Assistant at Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies, Chinese Herbalism Student
Madeline “Maddy” Ishmael is the apothecary assistant at Acupuncture and Herbal Therapies. She is also a registered nurse, birth doula, and public health practitioner who has passionately embraced the power of plant medicine through her personal and clinical experiences. With nearly a decade of experience in women’s health, she has supported women through various stages of life, from infertility to pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
Maddy's career has taken her to various parts of the world, from small towns in Missouri to India, Africa, and beyond. These experiences have enriched her understanding of cultural practices and alternative healing methods, particularly how to blend these approaches within her practice. Her fascination with Traditional Chinese Medicine has become a central focus in her work, and she is eager to further her studies in this field by beginning the Chinese Medicine program at the Traditions School of Herbal Studies later this year.
Maddy earned her Bachelor's degree in Pre-Medicine and a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Missouri, Columbia. She recently completed her Master’s in Nursing from Utica University. Her extensive background in both Western medicine and holistic practices uniquely positions her to offer a well-rounded and compassionate approach to women’s health.
Although deeply immersed in her studies and practice, Maddy's top priority is her family. Almost three years ago, her world was transformed with the arrival of her Libra baby. She also draws constant inspiration from her husband, who began rehabilitating discarded plants about four years ago. Their backyard has since become a sanctuary of rebirth, life, and abundant love, reflecting the healing power of nature that Maddy cherishes.
Rebecca Meador
Front Desk Receptionist for Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies
Foundations of Western Herbalism Graduate, Chinese Herbalism Student
Rebecca Meador is a Foundations graduate at Traditions School of Herbal Studies and is currently enrolled in the Chinese Herbalism Program.
Originally from Nashville Tennessee, she studied Fine Art Photography at Watkins School of Art, Design & Film before moving to Florida in 2012. She enjoys learning about bioregional herbalism, folk medicine, botany, and wild crafting.
Her father’s career in medicine and his devotion to teaching has inspired her pursuit into alternative medicine and healing. She has always felt called to help others and hopes to one day have her own practice where she can give back and provide healing to those in her community and beyond.
Kaylee Davis
Front Desk Receptionist, Apothecary Assistant for Acupuncture and Herbal Therapies
You’ll find Kaylee at the front desk or apothecary at Acupuncture and Herbal Therapies, lending a hand when the team needs extra support!
Kaylee is a lifelong dancer and graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. Her love for Ayurveda and holistic health began in 2018 after experiencing reverse culture shock and a bunch of digestive issues upon returning home from a study abroad trip to Paris, France. This experience made her recognize the emotional and spiritual component to health and well-being, which inspired her to embark on a personal health journey. This journey included Ayurvedic practices, emotional healing, prayer, lots of Ecstatic Dance, and a 200-hour Yoga Teacher certification course. Three years later, she experienced another period of imbalance within her womb space and internal world. This deepened her relationship with herbalism, nutrition, holistic healing methods, and herself as a cyclical being.
Just a few months before joining the AcuHerbals team, Kaylee completed a 10-week immersive internship with Banyan Botanicals, where she delved deeper into Ayurveda and gained hands-on experience working on their organic medicinal herb and vegetable farm in Williams, Oregon. This time of deep connection with Mother Earth and herself only solidified Kaylee’s love for herbalism and continues to inspire her to build relationships with the amazing plants around us and those that fill the walls at our apothecary.
In addition to her role at AcuHerbals, Kaylee does landscaping work with native plants, nannies, and plays music with her partner in their band, Enter the Sun. She is currently working to build a life of service that combines her love for nature and herbalism with her other interests and lessons she has learned. She dreams of helping others connect with themselves and the earth through cyclical living, self-care, movement, play, and nature connection.