Kathleen Gould, Herbalist RH (AHG), discovered herbalism when teachers recommended medication to help her son focus. Seeking natural alternatives, she immersed herself in plant medicine—a journey that became her life’s calling.
She studied with some of the most respected herbalists in the United States, including Rosemary Gladstar, Tieraona Low Dog, MD, James Duke, Ph.D., Michael Tierra, David Hoffman, Patch Adams, and Susun Weed. By 2005, she opened her third herb shop, SW Herb, alongside her business partner and late husband, Mike. In 2008, they joined forces with recently retired Madalyn Johnson in the current Mesa, Arizona location.
SW Herb was born from Kathy’s vision to share the “herbal queendom” with as many seekers as possible—people searching for better health, deeper knowledge, and a more connected way of living. She believed that understanding health and herbs was a God-given right and devoted her life to guiding others in nurturing the Herbalist Within.
For over 40 years, Kathy taught countless students, blending playfulness with deep wisdom. Many went on to become volunteer apprentices, helping run the store and continuing to share her teachings even after her passing.
Today, SW Herb is proudly owned by her son, Michael, and remains deeply rooted in the community Kathy nurtured—one built on integrity, kindness, respect, inclusion, curiosity, and empowerment. Guided by these values, we honor her legacy by keeping the spirit of herbalism vibrant and alive for generations to come.
Our Team
Our team of skilled herbalists all trained for years as apprentices under Kathy at SW Herb. Together, they carry forward her legacy of sharing herbal wisdom and keeping her passion for plant medicine alive in the community.
Sheryl King
Executive Consultant, Empowerment Coach, & Herbalist
Having apprenticed and worked with Kathy for twelve years learning the art of herbal medicine, Sheryl also uses her coaching skills to assist clients in nurturing the Herbalist Within.
To preserve the legacy of SW Herb Shop and Gathering Place during this time of transition, she is honored to incorporate her 38 years of business and leadership experience into guiding this talented team of herbalists into the next phase of SW Herb.
Brenna Membrila
Herbalist Practitioner & Educator
Brenna is a family herbal practitioner and birth keeper who supports women, children, and families through a whole-istic vitalist lens. As both educator and clinician, her work is grounded in the body’s innate physiology and the energetic application of plants.
For over five years in the SW Herb community, Brenna has supported families through birth, postpartum, chronic illness, and nourishment while also working in local herb shops and tending her own practice.
In addition to managing her own business and continuing her studies with respected teachers, Brenna remains committed to the foundation established at SW Herb and acknowledges Kathy’s influential mentorship in shaping her path. You’ll often find her at the shop planning classes, guiding apprentices, creating tea blends, and offering consultations.
Kylie Prouty
Senior Herbalist & Owner of Valley to Rim Wellness
With over 12 years of experience exploring how plants and lifestyle practices support deep healing, Kylie is passionate about circadian health and believes that we, too, are nature.
Her herbal journey began at SW Herb, where she completed all of the shop’s courses and apprenticed under Kathy Gould for two years. She is grateful to serve the community through SW Herb and looks forward to helping others reconnect with the Herbalist Within.
Diana McNaughton
Herbalist & Farmers Market Specialist
Diana is a certified herbalist who brings her knowledge of herbs to the Old Town Scottsdale Farmer’s Market each week. She received her certification through SW Herb in 2015, followed by four years of apprenticeship shadowing Kathy Gould.
She has continued her education through the Boston International Herbal Symposium and the Durango Good Medicine Confluence. Diana looks forward to meeting you and assisting with your herbal needs.
Contact:
Stop by and say hello at the market, or call Diana at (602) 689-1474 to pick up SW Herb products.
Our Therapists
Javante Battle
Javante has practiced Reiki for over six years and has taught Reiki alongside his wife, Betty, for more than three years. His inspiration comes from experiencing the Transcendent Force that functions independently of human nature through the practice of energy cultivation.
His areas of focus include:
- Energy healing (past life, in-person, and distant)
- Meditation coaching
- Men’s support
Contact:
Phone: (480) 233-9583
Website: universoulhealing.energy
Betty Battle
Betty brings healing through her work as a Reiki Teacher, Birth Doula, and Creative Planning Director at Universoul Healing. As a mother of four and wife of over ten years, she channels wisdom and grounded presence into her sacred energy work.
Her areas of focus include:
- Birth doula support
- Energy healing (in-person and distant)
- Women’s support
Contact:
Phone: (480) 233-9583
Website: universoulhealing.energy
Isabel Rodriguez
Isabel has been a licensed massage therapist in Arizona for over 12 years. She offers deep tissue, hot stone, prenatal massage, sports massage, and Swedish massage.
She received her training through Pima Medical Institute and additional yoga instructor certification through Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA).
Contact:
Phone: (480) 200-0432
Email Isabel for appointments
Dr. Tiera McDermott, DC
Dr. Tiera McDermott is a chiropractor and founder of Harmonious Chiropractic. She supports people in reconnecting with their body’s innate wisdom through gentle, neurologically focused chiropractic care.
Her approach blends intuitive checks, soft adjustments, and tools such as the AO Scan to restore balance across the physical, emotional, mental, and energetic bodies. She believes the body does not need to be forced into healing—it simply needs awareness and support.
Contact:
Phone: (623) 556-7899
Email for more information
Book online
Dr. Colleen Brown, DVM
Dr. Brown offers a wide array of specialty veterinary services for cats, dogs, and horses, including wellness and prevention, vaccines and titers, non-emergency sick or injured care, lab and adjunct services, online pharmacy, quality of life assessments, in-home euthanasia, and cremation.
She also specializes in Traditional Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and food therapy.
Contact:
brownvetservices.com