Leah Ainley is a holistic nutrition practitioner trained at the International Institute for Integrative Nutrition and further specialized in bioregional herbalism through the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine. She brings a multidisciplinary background spanning marketing, sales, integrative wellness, and culinary leadership as a former head baker in a gluten-free, vegan bakery, along with further education and training in wild mushroom foraging and identification, Reiki,  yoga, and trauma-informed care. As the founder of her own herbal formulations company in upstate New York, Leah operated an herbal apothecary for six years, where she provided client coaching in accessible nutrition, herbal medicine, and whole-person wellness. Her work extends across diverse communities, including families, elders, students, and small businesses, through teaching, mentorship, and leadership roles such as serving on local farmers market boards. Grounded in compassion, curiosity, and community connection, Leah is excited to bring her diverse background to the role of NHC in Natural Grocers to empower customers and crew in supporting their health and deepening their knowledge.