Molly Helfend is an investigative journalist, ethnobotanist, ecopsychologist, and storyteller whose work spans across cultures and continents. With profound respect for indigenous wisdom and ecological health, she has dedicated her career to bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary environmental challenges.
Her worldly vision is adorned by wild sea greens, vibrant rhythms of earth, and plant alchemy at the molecular level. Not only does she have a deep connection with plants, but she also brings the academic background, global experience, and storytelling expertise needed to positively impact both people and planet. Her journey has unfolded through technicolor sunrises, extensive research, and meaningful interactions with diverse communities worldwide.
Beginning as an environmental activist with Greenpeace and Rainforest Action Network, Molly built a foundation in ecological and social justice. Academically, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont, a Master of Science in Ethnobotany from the University of Kent, and further graduate studies in Ecopsychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute.
For over a decade, as a journalist and brand strategist, Molly has collaborated closely with prominent wellness, sustainability, and psychedelic brands globally. Her mission is to craft narratives and strategies that authentically engage audiences, drive awareness, and inspire collective action toward a healthier, interconnected world.
Education
Spoonful Herbals 2016 - Certificate in Herbal Medicine
University of Vermont 2016 - Bachelors of Science in Environmental Studies
Concentration in Holistic Health and Food System Justice
University of Kent 2018 - Masters of Science in Ethnobotany
Graduated with merit honors
Dissertation: How does Kaitiakitanga affect Māori’s relationship to plants in the Waikato region of New Zealand?
University of Oxford 2022 - GESA Cohort Member
The Global Environments Summer Academy (GESA) is the cornerstone of the Global Environments Network. GESA provides emerging environmental leaders who are concerned about human dimensions of environmental challenges with networking opportunities, communication skills and a venue for cutting-edge, multidisciplinary reflection. The most recent summer academy was held at Oxford in 2022, in collaboration with the University of Oxford’s Environmental Change Institute (ECI). Over the years, they have hosted a few hundred emerging change-makers from over 60 countries, selected from thousands of applicants from every corner of the globe. It spans local to global scales, diverse ecosystems and all geographical regions, exploring the most critical contemporary environmental issues from multiple perspectives including biocultural diversity, environmental history, political ecology, sustainability studies and personal activism.
Pacifica Graduate Institute 2024 - Advanced Graduate Training Certificiate in Ecopsychology
Languages
English - Fluent
Spanish - Intermediate
Portuguese - Pre-intermediate
Te Reo - Beginner
Classes/Courses
Earth Beat Festival - Shifting Consciousness Through Nature Connection: A solution to climate issues - a workshop taught about how altered states of consciousness could be a solution to promoting sustainability and healthier relationships to the earth.
Inner Tide - Water, Earth, Fire, Air - Cultivating a Deeper Connection to the Elements - a virtual course taught on the spring equinox to teach participants how to connect to the four elements and the natural world.
The Alchemists Kitchen - Taught monthly virtual classes surrounding seasonal topics such as medicinal mushrooms, ethnobotany, sustainability, ecology, herbalism and psychedelics.
Traditional Gastronomy - Guest teacher at Mia Wasilevich's Transitional Gastronomy Course, teaching students how to make herbal elderflower hydrosols and wild foraging techniques.
University of Vermont - Assistant professor for International Environmental Studies course. Taught college 250 students during weekly labs/discussion seminars, led field trips, implemented lab activities, and graded weekly homework assignments.
Interviews
The Alchemist’s Kitchen - Interview about work and relationship to mushrooms.
Passion Passport- Interview about ethnobotany research work in New Zealand and conservation career goals.
Roots and Grains - Interview about health career and environmental sustainability.
Avasol - Multiple interviews about career, ethnobotany, environmental activism and work with sustainable brands.
Podcasts
Soundfood - Episode 30 // FLORA, FAUNA & FOREST: Communing with Plants and the Restorative Powers of the Earth with Molly Helfend
Torey’s Studio - Episode 10 // Letting Desire Lead Your Life with Molly Helfend