Meet your guide…

Julie Sczerbinski is a guide, retreat facilitator, and steward of a 42-acre forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Since 2016, she has been guiding individuals and groups on journeys of deep nature connection. Her approach blends nature immersion, mindfulness, and earth-based spirituality, grounded in the belief that nature is our wisest teacher. Her greatest joy is witnessing the transformation that happens when people slow down, reconnect, and listen to the wisdom of the land. As former co-founder of The Forest Therapy School, Julie played a key role in shaping its early vision and guide certification program. During her time at the school, she trained hundreds of aspiring forest therapy guides in the art of forest bathing as part of a movement to bring people back home to nature.  Now, as co-founder of Heartwood School of Forest Therapy, she’s shaping a place where aspiring forest therapy guides can learn and grow through experienced mentorship, shared community, and a deep, embodied relationship with the land. In addition to her work, Julie is a member of Friends of the Blue Ridge and a proud supporter of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. She splits her time between Davidson, North Carolina and Meadows of Dan, Virginia. When she’s not wandering in the woods, talking to the trees, she loves spending time with her family and hiking with her dog, Ink.