Kara Timmins CHT, RH (AHG), PA-C, MS

Kara is a Clinical Herbal Therapist  (CHT) with a deep-rooted passion for working with herbs. Her journey began over 20 years ago in the meadows of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico, where she first encountered wild herbs. She began foraging, identifying, and consuming medicinal plants, which sparked a lifelong commitment to herbalism. Kara has studied under several renowned herbalists, including Tina Finneyfrock and Chanchal Cabrera.  She also apprenticed with organic and biodynamic growers across the US and Canada, including the National Center for Preservation of Native Medicinal Herbs (now part of United Plant Savers) in Rutland, Ohio, where she focused on endangered native medicinal plants.

 

Kara completed a four-year Clinical Herbal Therapy (CHT) program at Dominion Herbal College in Vancouver, Canada, accumulating over 500 clinical hours in both Vancouver and Toronto herbal consultation clinics. Her pursuit of a deeper understanding of human physiology and pathology led her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY. Since graduating in 2007, Kara has worked in hospitals across Syracuse, Cortland, and Montour Falls, collaborating with physicians and surgeons in fields such as Internal Medicine, Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Emergency Medicine.

 

Currently, Kara works as a healthcare provider at Cornell University, where she created an herbal pharmacy for students in collaboration with Healing Spirits Herb Farm and the lead pharmacist. She previously worked with Dr. Nasri Ghaly at an integrative psychiatric practice in Syracuse, NY, specializing in herbal therapeutics, vitamin deficiencies, and lifestyle changes to support mental health.

 

In 2011, Kara founded ApotheKara, an herbal apothecary and integrative health clinic in Ithaca, NY. In 2020, she launched the online platform and podcast, Herb-Therapy and Herbal Care Rap, which focus on herbal health education and consultation. Kara combines her extensive knowledge of medical and herbal pharmacology, herbal therapeutics, and nutrition to provide personalized care that aligns with each client's health goals. She offers a unique approach that blends her deep intuitive relationship with plants and a solid understanding of both Western medicine and herbal therapy.

 

Kara is collaborating with Healing Spirits Herb Farm and other local herb growers in Upstate NY to source the highest quality herbs grown with eco-consciousness and love.  She is a registered herbalist (RH) with the American Herbalist Guild.  A lifelong learner of plant medicine and herbal abundance. She is currently studying under Dr. Aviva Romm in the Herbal Medicine for Women Program. Kara continues her herbal education through travel, having first journeyed to Costa Rica to study with a Bri Bri family of herbalists. She then traveled to Ireland to connect with her ancestral roots, exploring the herbs growing on her family’s land, still known as Timmins Fields by local neighbors. Kara is also the co-creator of the annual Spirit Kindred Women's Medicine Gathering in the Finger Lakes Region of NY, where she offers in-person workshops.