Leigha Horton
Co-Founder, Programming Director, & Guide
Silvae Spiritus
Certified Guide,
Former Practicum Mentor & Former Apprentice Trainer
Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides & Programs
*Wilderness First Aid Certified
*CPR + AED Certified
From a free-range childhood of playing in the woods, catching fireflies in her grandparents’ back yard, and family camping and fishing trips, to an adulthood exploring our sacred wild places (Yosemite National Park, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and Dunmore Head being favorites) Leigha’s love affair with Nature was planted at a very young age, tenderly nurtured, and has flourished in the decades since.
A communicator by training and by trade, she has spent over 17 years as a professional voiceover actor – voicing and producing national television and radio commercials, museum exhibits, documentaries, video games, training films, educational games, animation, and audio books – and has contributed to several medical research grants by conceiving, facilitating, and producing audio-guided Forest Bathing walks for study participants. With nearly 15 years additional experience in the museum field – developing and delivering programming about science, history, and arts to tens of thousands of visitors at the Walker Art Center, The Science Museum of Minnesota, and the Minnesota History Center, Leigha now continues her passion for teaching through inquiry via nature-connected modalities on behalf of Silvae Spiritus – co-created with her husband, Travis Norman, in 2018.
“The land knows you, even when you are lost.”
– Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer
Travis Norman
Co-Founder, Operations Director, & Guide
Silvae Spiritus
Certified Guide,
Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides & Programs
*Wilderness First Aid Certified
Before ever hearing the term Shinrin-Yoku, before discovering research detailing the substantial health benefits of Mindfulness in Nature, before the decision was made to dedicate his professional energies to helping others experience these benefits, there were simply … walks in the woods. Walks of celebration during moments of personal victory, walks of consolation during times of loss, walks of introspection in times of uncertainty … setting and circumstance ever changing while the ritual remained constant. The physical, mental, and emotional equilibrium gained from this practice soon became essential tools in Travis’ ongoing quest to live life with intent and focus, while layering a keen appreciation for the Natural world into the very essence of his identity and perspective. Walking through the woods at a slow pace while allowing mind and body the time to just be … this habit provided welcome balance as his career path unfolded to become increasingly interwoven with technology as a web designer and electronic musician. Fast forwarding to the present day finds Travis in awe of the degree to which his early intuitions on the value of time spent in this manner are being confirmed by science and embraced by more and more of the world’s population. Firmly believing in the interconnectedness of all life, he is curious and excited to witness how the practice of forest bathing will resonate outward and what effects it will generate in the people who experience it.
“A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”
– Albert Einstein
Amy Haben
Guide,
Silvae Spiritus
Certified Guide,
Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides & Programs
Certified Teacher,
EcoNIDRA
*Wilderness First Aid Certified
Sitting in the middle of the pasture on her family’s farm, Amy experienced one of those perspective-shifting moments. She was surrounded by old woods, grazing Scottish Highland Cattle, cool long grasses, and the soil’s earthy smell. By slowing down and just being in and with nature; she felt so rooted, centered, and peaceful. Growing up in an outdoorsy family, nature was a familiar place for Amy but a more connective and grounding relationship was emerging. As she became curious about this, she read that first article about Forest Bathing and her journey with nature-connected wellness practices began.
The path to Amy’s “rewilding” took a few turns. She spent 17 years in a fast-paced, all-consuming corporate career before switching gears to stay home raising two nature-loving sons and volunteering in her community. She is a city girl who found her passion for the environment as co-founder & manager of a sustainable family farming venture. When searching for a hiking community, she volunteered to co-lead a women’s hiking and wellness group local chapter. Each of these experiences have informed how Amy shows up in the world today. As a Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide and Certified EcoNIDRA Teacher, Amy’s passion is to partner with the natural world to hold space for relaxation, reconnection, and renewal.
“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.”
– Kahlil Gibran
Will Wanhala
Guide,
Silvae Spiritus
Certified Guide,
Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides & Programs
*Wilderness First Aid Certified
*CPR + AED Certified
As a kid, the forest offered a wild inspiration to Will’s imagination and he was often found in the woods. Nature began taking root in his heart as he co-created magical realms with the forest. Every fallen log was a bridge, mossy stump a kingdom and clearing in the trees – a treasury. He continues to be inspired and at home in natural spaces.
Battling anxiety and depression throughout his life, Will has always experienced nature’s healing hand. Spending years in multimedia production and spiritual ministry, he enjoys when the seen and unseen realms overlap. He finds the inner world is often reflected by nature’s outer expression and believes enchantment, grounding, connection, and purpose can be found when we make time to seek it.
Most of Will’s artistic inspiration comes from the diverse wild beings of the forest and crafting with natural elements. In solidarity with his fellow LGBTQ+ community and anyone who has ever felt “othered”, Will is growing Walk Weird Wildcraft into a resource, to help people embrace their uniqueness and to promote wild spaces.
Through forest therapy guiding and art he hopes to spark the wonder of the inner child, supporting those willing to walk weird by slowing down, dropping into the senses, being present in the body, and open to the experience that nature has for them.
“The voice of the Great Spirit is heard in the twittering of birds, the rippling of mighty waters, and the sweet breathing of flowers.”
– Zitkala-Ša