Kaitlyn has an integrated background in empirical science, spiritual living, and herbal medicine. She has a BS in nursing, Certificate from Ecoversity for community herbalism, was raised on a homestead and has solo backpacked over 500 miles.

THE LONG STORY….

Abundant Circle is the dream project of plant-lover Kaitlyn Gentilin. She was raised on a solitary 5 acre homestead in the Sierra Nevada forest—with the plants, trees, birds, and insects as her friends. The homestead included a half acre garden, no external power, and lots and lots of trees. She would play pretend by gathering twigs and flowers and setting up an “apothecary shop” for her imaginary friends where she would heal and help.

It was from this initial childhood interest that she discovered how plants engage and change human physiology. She became enamored with the human physiology, anatomy, and pharmacology. As an adult, Kaitlyn spent 10 years working as a registered nurse. She travelled the world providing healing services in disaster relief areas and conflict zones, while working in the Emergency Department at home.

In 2020, she left the medical industry and began searching for healing avenues that support people’s holistic emotional, social, and spiritual needs. At this time, she got a small plot at Marshall New Era Community Garden . She realized that the little childhood dream was still burning inside her—connecting plants with people. The more she helped others connect with the world around her, the more she became convinced that engagement nature is necessary and healing. She saw an avenue to help heal individuals and communities through herbalism, and continues to strive to empower and educate her community about traditional uses of plants and plant folklore.

Currently, Kaitlyn is a part of 2 community gardens, practices local wildcrafting, does educational workshops for the community, and meets with individuals to help them connect to plants and nature. If she is not in her garden you can find her in her back room compounding some herbal medicine.