Mentorship: One-on-One Learning
I am often asked, “Please send me a copy of your mentorship program.”
My reply is always, “let’s talk.”
I prefer to work with individuals rather than offering a single program for every mentee. As learning styles vary, as time available for study waxes and wanes, I prefer to build a mentorship program alongside each person’s wants and needs, their personal experience and their goals.
When is a good time to reach out for a mentor?
Well … if you’re here now, then now is a great time.
Some people hold onto the notion that they might only enter a mentorship after years and years of self-study or, for example, after the completion of a training program. Frankly, there is no one answer. I would suggest that the time is right when thoughts of pursuing mentorship begin to surface regularly.
If you’re interested in mentoring with me, please reach out and let’s set a date for an initial online meeting. Of course, if you’re within traveling distance of Erie PA, we might meet in person.
Some mentees wish to focus on developing introductory skills, and may be coming to herbs anew, wanting to begin a journey, or extend their studies. Some herbalists are seeking professional goals, wanting to become professional growers, medicine makers or clinicians; the latter perhaps with an eye towards pursuing the educational path outlined by the American Herbalists Guild to become a peer-reviewed Registered Herbalist (RH). Others, to work safely and effectively with themselves, family and friends.
During our introductory conversation, we’ll discuss backgrounds and learning experiences, both herbal and otherwise, and yes, of course, goals. Our time will be devoted to sharing information and answering questions.
Is this an interview?
Yes. Actually, we’re interviewing each other. After all, I have the very good fortune of knowing that a mentor-mentee relationship is far more than a fly-by-night, casual encounter. It is a unique commitment and a unique opportunity.
What’s a mentorship schedule like?
It varies. Some people initially ask that we meet weekly. Generally however, I think that this is far too frequent. Often, I suggest that we meet twice monthly - at regular intervals or as agreed.
Of course, questions and concerns can and do pop up. This is why I’m available for discussion, email exchanges and phone calls between mentorship sessions as part of our commitment to working together.
In addition to cultivating a mentor-mentee relationship, I offer two different opportunities to work together on an as-needed basis, to discuss challenges, new ideas, and casework.
A Helping Hand sessions can be scheduled with me. During these sessions, we’ll likely focus on a pre-agreed agenda. Like any mentorship session, we both come prepared. Find out more here.
Garbling Sessions will be available beginning in the autumn of 2024. These offer opportunities to discuss questions, ideas, particular topics and more. Garbling sessions involve no preparation by me and have no agreed agenda. Find out more here.
Are we a good fit?
A vital question for us all. I’m most interested in working with people who are pursuing an herbal path of working with others and growing a practice with family, local community members, themselves or strangers. New to the practice of herbalism or not, practice itself is key.
Depending upon your interests, experience and goals we may focus on any combination of working with culinary and medicinal herbs; exploring herbal actions, medicine making; a path of clinical herbalism; setting up an herbal practice or a dispensary; working with clients; legal matters; formulating and delivery systems; growing and harvesting local flora or any combination of these topics (and oh so many more!).
What if I’d like to work towards accruing clinical experience and becoming a Registered Herbalist?
For those wishing to accrue clinical hours towards becoming a Registered Herbalist (RH), I also offer opportunities to work alongside me with my own clients. Too, as new practitioners begin to work with others, we work together closely.
What about community and meeting other herbalists?
Community is important and introducing mentees to other herbalists is interesting, fun and offers everyone opportunities to grow and thrive.
Additionally, the Round Table can be a very meaningful complement to one-on-one mentorship. It offers community as well as opportunities to discuss differing approaches to practice, casework and tradition.
… a few comments from mentees
I have been in a mentee/mentor relationship with Leslie Alexander for over a year now. I have also attended 3 of the herbalist round tables that she curates. Leslie’s guidance has hugely impacted my herbal practice in ways that I’m not even sure that I have language for- but I will try!
Leslie’s vast wisdom and authenticity around client center care has not only shifted my work but also has expanded how I provide care.
Leslie’s mentorship has inspired such creative energies, pushing of my edges, deep learning, and even deeper listening practices.
Leslie has been guiding and present during the start of my herbal business - and we are so grateful to her for ALL that she has brought to this journey!
The mentor/mentee is an ancient and sacred relationship. It’s a connection that is journey changing and profoundly integrates all of the learning/schooling/knowledge we bring in.
Leslie Alexander holds the space for you to become more curious, to expand, and to learn - not only with your mind but to really inhabit what it means to become and be in community with the plants.
~ Rebecca
Leslie and I began working together in Spring 2021. I am a community herbalist who wanted to refine my personal herbal protocol regarding some chronic challenges that I have. In addition, I was seeking a way to deepen my knowledge of herbs and health without the pressure of structured herb classes. Our 1 x 1 work together is in the process of meeting both of those goals. Leslie has a wealth of knowledge and integrates broadly within the emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions. She is flexible during our sessions, responding to my concerns with compassion, humor, and sharp intellect. Her follow-up regarding links/herbs/supplements is prompt and carefully curated. In summary, I highly recommend Leslie to share your path for restoring health naturally.
~ Liz
Leslie and I have worked together for some time now, and she is one of my most favorite people to speak with! She’s warm, humorous, thoughtful, and knowledgeable. She has helped me to find confidence and clarity on my professional journey and she’s shown me how to be more gracious and kind on my personal journey. As an herbalist, as a mentor and as a human, I’m so thankful to know her.
~ Samantha
When I was preparing to become a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild I knew I would need a mentor to help me round out my education and experience, as well as to guide me through the process of applying.
I met Leslie Alexander and knew she would be a good fit for me. Leslie is a skilled herbalist who not only knows herbs and ailments but also knows how to read people.
Leslie helped me to discover my weaknesses in my work and allowed me to hone my client interviewing skills. She has a very gentle and tactful approach at guiding her students, offering constructive criticism and support to her students. She helps her students to look at their cases from another perspective and to dig deeper when they are missing important information that can help to form their protocols for their clients.
Leslie encouraged me to set easy goals to complete all the necessary steps to apply to become an RH. In addition to helping me to hone my client interview skills, she helped me to organize my education records so that I could move forward with completing all the requirements for applying as an RH.
Leslie’s kind and gentle approach to mentoring makes the entire experience enjoyable while keeping her students focused and moving towards their end goal. Becoming an RH can be stressful and intimidating but Leslie makes the process less daunting and more doable with her can do approach and positive encouragement.
~ Kristine Brown RH (AHG)