Meet Nancy and Gracie Phillips
Over the years, one of the greatest joys of teaching The Science & Art of Herbalism and the in-person apprenticeship has been watching students take their love of the plants and root it deeply in their own communities.
This Graduate Highlight series is our way of honoring a few of the many extraordinary herbalists who continue to tend the gardens, farms, clinics, and classrooms of the herbal world. You may remember our recent features on Tina Sams and Wendy Mackenzie—each carrying the work forward in her own beautiful way.
Today, we are delighted to introduce another very special mother-daughter team: Nancy and Gracie Phillips of Heartsong Farm.
I am so honored to introduce you to two of my dearest herbal friends, Nancy and Gracie Phillips.
I first met Nancy many years ago at Sage Mountain when she enrolled in The Science & Art of Herbalism program. Although she was already a skilled herbalist, medicine maker, and farmer, what struck me most was her kindness, joyfulness, and unwavering work ethic. I have always kept an eye out for that special combination—someone knowledgeable yet eager to learn, generous in sharing with others, and willing to roll up their sleeves. Nancy embodied all of that and more.
(And she always brought me huge bouquets of flowers from her gardens. Who could resist that?)
When the program ended, it felt only natural to invite her to return as my assistant for the next apprenticeship. From that invitation grew a friendship and working relationship that has now spanned more than twenty-five years. Nancy went on to teach not only in my apprentice programs, but also at the International and Women’s Herbal Conferences, where she quickly became a beloved and sought-after teacher.
Gracie, Nancy’s daughter, was just a little girl when I first met her. Nancy would bring her along to the programs, and Gracie—never shy about anything—would leap right up to lead group songs and herb walks. It was truly heartwarming to watch this six-year-old stand before a circle of eight hundred women at the New England Women’s Herbal Conference and lead them all in song. Those gatherings shaped much of her young life.
When Michael, Nancy’s husband and Gracie’s father, passed away unexpectedly a few years ago, Gracie stepped in beside her mother with remarkable grace and strength. She helped run the farm, took on responsibilities for organizing events, and began teaching programs herself. Michael would be so proud of them both. The legacy Apple orchards he planted with such love are thriving under the care of his beautiful wife and daughter. The herb gardens continue to bloom—some of the most exquisite in northern New England—and are well worth a visit to their farmstead. The homestead they created together still flourishes, tended with deep devotion by Nancy and Gracie.
It has been a sweet and remarkable gift to witness Gracie grow into the role of teacher, standing now alongside her mother. They are truly an extraordinary team.
Though I no longer offer an in-person apprentice program, Nancy continues to carry that tradition forward through several wonderful programs of her own at Heartsong.
I hope you enjoy learning more about them and, perhaps, have the chance to visit or study with them someday.
A Message from Nancy & Gracie at Heartsong Farm
about herbs for over 50 years. It is my honor and joy to share what I have learned with you, and to introduce you to my fellow herbalists and plant lovers!
