Desarie LaVigne-Bennett has been busy working within her community as an intern and apprentice since graduating from ACHS in 2022. She completed the Certificate in Natural Products Manufacturing and the Associate of Applied Science in Integrative Health Sciences programs with a dual specialization in herbalism and aromatherapy. Desarie has been focused on land preservation ever since.
Desarie volunteers with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy in Palos Verdes, CA, a non-profit organization that focuses on land restoration and conservation of over 1,600 acres of preserves, reserves, and two nature education centers, including efforts to sustain habitats for local wildlife. Soon after volunteering, an internship became available, and Desarie gladly accepted the opportunity. She has since contributed over 1,900 hours to land conservation in her community.
Desarie continues to volunteer at the conservancy's native plant nursery and has since started an apprenticeship at the White Point nature preserve, working as a garden apprentice in the demonstration garden. She has incorporated the knowledge from her studies at ACHS into her work in the field by understanding the benefits of herbal medicine and learning about California native plants and those specific to the Peninsula. Furthermore, she discovered six plants, while working at the conservancy of which she studied at ACHS. Namely, yarrow Achillea millefolium (L.), which was honored as the herb of the year by the International Herb Association in 2024.
Desarie proudly reflects that “connecting with nature and plant life through horticulture, trail and land preservation, restoration, wildlife conservation, and more has been an awesome experience.”
She states that “ACHS afforded me the opportunity to be stationary, which increased my level of focus and commitment to my studies. As a result, I was an honor student and made the dean's list numerous times, which was something I had never anticipated. I just set out to do my best. The daily support I received from our ACHS community was most appreciated!”
Desarie is passionate about giving back to her community and has recently applied to be an Ambassador for ACHS. She is always thinking about using her knowledge and experience to help others. Desarie says, “I feel it's important to diligently think about what avenue you want to pursue, whether coaching, working indoors or outdoors, making products, owning a business, co-partnership, storefront retail, selling online products, or supporting an existing business. Take time to decide what is best for you!”
Desarie offers some guidance and tips to students who are pursuing their passions through education at ACHS:
Desarie's story is an inspiration for anyone looking to make a difference through education and community involvement. We thank her for her service to her local community and to her peers at ACHS. If you would like to get in touch with Desarie, please contact feliciaroyce@achs.edu
This article is for informational purposes only. Please contact ACHS Admissions at admissions@achs.edu or 800-487-8839 for additional information and to apply for admission. Graduation from any ACHS program does not confer a license to practice medicine. ACHS graduates do not claim to treat, diagnose, cure, or prescribe. Please note that professional success is achieved by a number of factors beyond education and experience, including soft skills, work ethic, integrity, and other skills that may not be developed through education and training alone. Not all graduates will achieve the career outcomes provided as examples in this article and other ACHS marketing materials.