Florida School of Holistic Living

"I've always had a deep love of plants and herbal healing, it wasn't really a career choice when I went to school and I followed a different path. The Florida School of Holistic Living offers dynamic courses, several diverse learning arenas from classroom to gardens. In addition to the core curriculum they offer a wide variety of class topics; Monday evening & Wed evening classes that run 1 1/2 to 2 hours, 1/2 day classes on Sat & Sun & full weekend classes. Emily Ruff is an incredibly knowledgeable instructor as are the many teachers affiliated with the school. Attending classes here is like coming home again, a truly magical experience and one of the best experiences of my life."

"I love the school and everyone who teaches and attends classes! I started studying here about 4(+?) years ago and feel like it has nourished me, filled me up, and given my life a really positive and productive direction that I previously didn't have. I started with Roots of Herbalism and Weed Walks. Both programs are still offered and are amazing. Roots teaches about the basics of herbalism and the importance of maintaining the sustainable nature of herbalism, which includes bioregional herbalism, which is where the weed walks shine. Recently I went on Annie's weed walk, "Take a Lichen to the Plants", and thought she did a phenomenal job. You could sense her relationship with the plants covered, and I really walked away with the reminder that it's better to know 50 uses for one plant vs. 1 way to use 50 different plants. The Florida School of Holistic Living offers some great programs that I'm grateful to be able to take advantage of."

"Update: July 1, 2015 My attorney informed me today that he received a check for $175.00 and a multi-page response from The Florida School of Holistic Living. However, the check was made out to my law firm, not to me. Ms. Ruff and/or her counsel informed my attorney that the check was to be held in escrow and only to be disbursed to me only when I removed my negative online reviews. My attorney works for me, not for Ms. Ruff. In essence, she is using my money to buy my silence regarding my experience with her school. If I behave in a way she deems proper, then I will receive what she has been withholding from me since April. Again, I took three prior classes with this school without issue, so I have no personal grudge with Ms. Ruff. I gave her what was tantamount to 30 business days to refund my money or else I would contact legal assistance and post reviews. She knew this. This is all regrettable that it had to come to this. I simply expected good business practices and goodwill from Emily. If she finally does the right thing and mails a check made out to me to my home address, I will be happy to post that as well. I respect her expertise in her field, but this situation is now a character issue and the reputation of her school must mean less to her than keeping $175.00 in her pocket."

"I love going to classes at FSHL! It is an amazing community of healers and Emily Ruff the main teacher is so knowledgable about healing. The classes are dynamic too, sometimes in the class room and sometimes outdoors! She does a wonderful job of incorporating both the scientific side of herbs and the spiritual side. I always look forward to seeing what classes are next, they are always so different and fun!"

"An amazing retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily routine, the Florida School of Holistic Living is a hidden gem! Whether you care about our planet and its natural resources -- or simply want to be more in tune with your physical, emotional and spiritual self -- you cannot find better guides in central Florida for expanding your horizons. The wonderfully caring FSHL team constantly searches for, and shares, information that can make a big difference in the way you enjoy your life. All the while, they make sure you have fun along the way! Check out this joyous community resource... You'll be glad you did!"