Mandana is an Iranian-American community herbalist, storyteller, land tender, and a joyous member of the mycelial network of liberatory thinkers. She is a co-founder and educator at Wild Gather School of Herbal Studies, where for the past 8 years she’s had the deep pleasure of sharing her love and experiences in plant medicine and community care. Mandana finds her north star by supporting her community’s journey back to the land and empowering others in their reconnection and remembering of ancestral knowledge and technologies. Through her shared wisdom and initiatives in the Mahicantuck (Hudson) Valley, she works to offer her community access to equitable care, plant medicine, and herbal education.   Roasted Farro with Leeks, Mushrooms and Spinach Preheat oven to 400° • 4 Tbsp EV Olive Oil • 3 leeks, dark green part removed, slice down center, wash well and chop • 1 cup chopped Onions • 3 cups Sliced Shiitake Mushrooms • 2 cups sliced baby Bella Mushrooms • 2 cups Farro • 1/4 cup Tamari • 4 cups Vegetable Stock • 1 cup sliced sundried tomatoes in oil • 1 lb fresh baby spinach • ¼ cup chopped Italian Parsley