Velya Jancz-Urban lives her life by the adage, “there is no growth without change.” Zany and gregarious, she is a proponent of medical freedom, and said adios to all allopathic medicine 30+ years ago. Velya has been a high school English/History teacher, Gifted elementary teacher, and hands-on Science teacher. Moving into a 1770 Connecticut farmhouse ignited her obsession with taboo women's history (herstory unsanitized). Rather than curl up in a corner and give up after her family's Brazilian betrayal, she used it as a springboard to encourage people to live boldly and uncertainly! Velya's Fire element is a perfect complement to Jim's Wood element, and they've been married for 40 years.

Ehris Urban Soni, owner of Grounded Holistic Wellness, believes, “if you’re grounded, you can navigate even the bumpiest roads in peace.” She grew up in a family passionate about holistic medicine. Ehris is a green witch, herbalist, holistic nutritionist, and graduate of the New England School of Homeopathy. Additionally, Ehris is a Flower Essence Therapy practitioner. She became interested in Reiki as a teenager and attained Reiki Master certification at age 17. Ehris is also a certified Ingham Method reflexologist. A graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a B.A. in Anthropology/Sociology, she is also a certified ESL teacher. Although Ehris misses New England "weeds" like nettle, violet, and mugwort for their healing properties, she's having fun "meeting" Mexican medicinal herbs! So far, palo azul is her favorite...

Velya and Ehris’ mother/daughter memoir (Green Writers Press, 2019), reveals how the duo were grounded, lost everything, became better versions of themselves, and a dynamic mother/daughter team. Purchase here.

If you’re ready to follow the path less traveled, Velya and Ehris' latest book (Llewellyn Worldwide, July 2021) will guide you through creating healing cold and flu remedies, tonics, broths, ferments, infusions, and decadent treats. Take back your power—the power to heal and renew. Purchase here.

While Margaret the Barn Owl is preening her feathers, she notices a kooky, hands-on science teacher collecting owl pellets in the woods. Margaret later observes a captivating Dissecting Owl Pellets class. Some of the students are enthusiastic, while others think the owl pellets are disgusting and look like a cat’s hairballs! Will their curiosity take over and lead them to discover whooo eats what? Mascot Boots, 2016. Contact us to order.