EARTH MAGIC ACADEMY, LLC
TAMPA, FLORIDA

Her lifelong journey of profoundly understanding our connection to the Earth began in Springfield, Illinois where she has witnessed, over time, the effects chemical-laden conventional corn and soybean fields has on human health. After receiving a clear message in a near death experience, she developed a passion for spreading knowledge about healthier ways of relating to the Earth, especially in how our food is produced and the medicines we choose to use. This is when she confirmed her knowledge that the earth is a powerful healing tool.  She has lived and worked on many organic and biodynamic farms, and has continually lived closely and intimately with the natural world.  Vanessa is one of the most resilient people you will ever meet. Vanessa has traveled extensively throughout the United States, as well as, Africa, Europe, and South America. This has given her a breadth and appreciation for global sustainability practices, as well as, different spiritualities and ceremonies to help with transitions in life. Most recently, Vanessa provided workshops and one-on-one home connection programs with her own business, Mother Daughter Gardens. For several years, she helped mothers and their preteen/teenage daughters strengthen their relationships through creating gardens at their home that focused on holistic nutrition, herbal medicine remedies, and natural beauty care. The link home was what she had found missing when working with school gardens and other nature programs. Through people learning how to take better care of themselves and establishing peaceful relationships, Vanessa believes the Earth will be as it is intended to be. She does not believe the Earth, or anyone else has anything "wrong" with them or needs to be healed. Instead, Vanessa holds true that through enlivening the connection to our selves, each other, and the Earth we create a more abundant, holistic society. Rhett Tavernetti is committed to reminding people how we are connected to the Earth and who we are in relation to the Earth and each other. It is in this awareness, Rhett believes, that our gifts and abilities can truly be realized and brought forth into all aspects of our lives. Rhett has taught hundreds of children in outdoor settings from school gardens to wilderness areas. Most recently, Rhett has mentored young men and boys who struggle with ADHD. After seeing many boys and young men that are frustrated and disheartened by feeling out of place, misunderstood, and unsupported, he was inspired to provide options that allow them to express the fullness of their potential. Rhett learned Survival and Traditional Skills from Tom Brown Jr’s Tracker School and with a variety of indigenous and other expert instructors. He is skilled in: bird language, basket making, tracking, weaving, fire-by-friction, hunting and trapping, animal processing, cordage, shelter, water purification, wildcrafting, wilderness stewardship, and traditional cooking methods. Rhett graduated from the New College of California, earning a BA in Humanities: Cultural Ecology and Sustainability with an emphasis in Ecological Agriculture and a Permaculture Certifcate. He developed a working model of food production for his thesis project on Urban Agriculture, cultivating hundreds of pounds of fruit, vegetables, grains, meat, eggs, mushrooms, and honey in a small backyard. At the same time, Rhett worked for the Indian Health Project Diabetes Prevention Garden at Ya-Ka-Ama in Forestville, CA., and went on to teach ecology, ancient technologies, cooking, nutrition, sustainability, and organic gardening in public schools in Oakland and Petaluma, CA. While working with renowned soil scientist, Dr. Carole Ann Rollins, he cultivated beneficial microorganisms to increase yields and nutritional values for organic farms and vineyards of Sonoma County. Rhett later went on to earn a landscape contractor’s license, and become an ecological landscape contractor and permaculture designer. He ran his own business for five years after gaining experience managing landscape crews as a foreman for several years. Earth Magic Academy offers fun, healing enrichment programs that are designed specifically for preteens and teens who have ADHD or other sensitivities.  Specializing in assisting children being grounded, focused, connected, nourished, and able to create sustainable patterns for success, we are not your average camp experience.  Dedicated to children who fit outside the box, Earth Magic Academy graduates carry valuable skills that continue to be a guiding force throughout their lives. In Earth Magic Academy Programs, preteens and teens will discover: Executive functioning skills to help plan, organize, and stay focused to complete tasks Earth Magic Academy is the culmination of modern and ancient practices that have positively affected hundreds of children through our decades of working with young people.  Utilizing a proven, magical, multi-disciplinary approach, young people are able to tap into their unique gifts, and channel them in powerful and effective ways.  In realizing their potential, children are able to live more stable, confident, and connected lives, while parents are able to be confident in their child's future. Sign up to Receive Our Free Newsletter With the Latest Research, Recipes, Helpful Tips and More!