MEET OUR SCHOOL TEAM
Sharlene Peterson, Founder & Educational Administrator
Sharlene’s journey into natural health began after earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. One of her children had a health issue that would not resolve and a friend directed her to a holistic professional who helped her child recover. This piqued her interest, and spurred Sharlene into an intensive time where she devoured dozens of books and research articles, attended seminars (many of which were offered by professional herbal and supplement companies), and began a four-year apprenticeship under the guidance of two wonderful naturopaths in Rapid City, SD.
In 2008, Sharlene opened her own natural health office and soon had clients traveling from all over the United States to consult with her. With so many people traveling great distances she began to ask them why. The answers were often the same. While clients actually did have natural health choices closer to home, they either did not get positive results or they didn’t feel confident with the knowledge of the herbalists or natural health providers.
From there, Sharlene began to consider the various online programs available to natural health students. She spent thousands of dollars, to evaluate what was being taught. What she discovered was that the instruction was basic and incomplete leaving holes in the knowledge base of students. This confirmed what Sharlene’s clients had said. They were simply not getting their health needs met in other natural health offices.
At that time (2008-2014) there were very few choices in online schools. The lack of competition resulted in outdated information as there was no incentive for these schools to update their curriculums. Today, there are many advanced learning opportunities available, although they are mixed in with the inadequate (but eloquently named) studies. In 2014, Sharlene Peterson’s desire to increase public access to competent natural health professionals across the United States became a reality. Genesis School of Natural Health made its online presence known in a deliberate response to the need for high-caliber natural health professionals to support a very under-served public.
Genesis provides students with an in-depth, comprehensive education in preparation for the numerous health challenges they will encounter. The curriculum at Genesis is continually updated to give students the most current scientific knowledge and assessments without eroding the proven historical use of herbs and keen observation and listening skills. When advised that the programs offered by Genesis School of Natural Health are worth far more in comparison to that charged by other schools, Founder Sharlene Peterson, affirmed her commitment to her initial vision of financial growth by the addition of students and not increases in the cost of tuition.
Genesis School of Natural Health has quickly become even more than an online learning institution. It is a community of pioneers, leaders and future leaders, who are well-equipped with a complete foundational knowledge of natural health in addition to their own unique personal gifts and talents. These same people are dedicated to the service their fellow man and local communities. We welcome you to join our team.
Educational Advisor
Carla Berg: Natural Vision Teacher, Clinical Master Herbalist, Traditional Doctor of Naturopathy
Carla achieved rank of Lieutenant Commander, Supply Corps, in the United States Navy, after 20 years of active service. Upon military retirement in Northwest Arkansas, Carla spent ten years working and/or volunteering at the local state park. She is still actively volunteering to help with special events and with assistance on the trails. During this timeframe, Carla completed the Clinical Master Herbalist and Traditional Doctor of Naturopathy diplomas programs and became a Natural Vision Teacher upon earning certificates with Visions of Joy and Better Eyesight Now.
Functional Medicine Advisor
Julie Alsaker: Functional Blood Specialist; Nutrigenomic Advisor; Holistic Nutrition Consultant; and Traditional Doctor of Naturopathy
The Institute for Functional Medicine has defined Functional Medicine as “a biology-based approach the focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of the disease.” Julie has certifications in nutrition, naturopathy and functional medicine methodologies. Her focus is utilizing functional blood analysis and DNA analysis to discover the root cause of symptoms, and then applying natural and homeopathic remedies in conjunction with lifestyle changes to address the root cause. For clients who are not open minded to natural remedies, functional medicine diagnostics act as a gateway to help them open their minds to a historically proven truth – the body can heal.
Aromatherapy Advisor
Darlene Jorgens: Holistic Aromatherapist, Clinical Master Herbalist, Traditional Doctor of Naturopathy/HHP
Darlene owns a natural health office in Elyria, Ohio, called THE HERBS & THE BEES, LLC which serves both her local community and an increasing number of people from out-of-state. While serving clients in her own office, Darlene was also working as our Student Advisor, writing articles, and helping with numerous projects. Darlene invested hundreds of hours into developing our aromatherapy diploma programs and the Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements manual.
“The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” Thomas Edison, 1903