To vitality and beyond!

Our Story: Materia Medela and Nina Taylor

At the heart of Materia Medela is a profound belief: healing is possible for everyone, and it begins with a compassionate approach that honors your whole story. Founded by Nina Taylor, a trauma-informed herbalist and seasoned healthcare professional, Materia Medela was born from Nina’s personal and professional journey—one rooted in resilience, advocacy, and a commitment to empowering others.

From Experience to Empowerment

With over 20 years of experience working in allopathic medicine as a medical assistant, primarily in family medicine, Nina has seen firsthand the challenges individuals face navigating healthcare systems. But her expertise is not limited to her professional background. Nina’s personal journey of living with the effects of trauma and burnout, navigating a dysregulated nervous system, and advocating for herself in the face of systemic barriers has shaped her approach to care.

Having faced the overwhelming bureaucracy of the medical-industrial complex, Nina understands how intimidating and dehumanizing it can feel to access the care you need. These experiences taught her to be a fierce advocate for herself, navigating complex insurance systems and medical protocols with persistence and determination. This lived experience, combined with her professional training, gives Nina a unique skill set to support others facing similar challenges.

The Birth of Materia Medela

Through her healing journey, Nina discovered the transformative power of holistic and integrative care. She completed her Foundations Herbalism training at the Vital Ways Institute and earned a certificate as a Trauma-Informed Herbalist through the Empathic Coaches Academy. These trainings deepened her understanding of plant medicine, stress resilience, and the profound connection between the mind, body, and spirit. Additionally, Nina’s psilocybin facilitator training with InnerTrek equips her to help clients prepare for and integrate insights from psychedelic journeys, providing compassionate and grounded support.

At Materia Medela, Nina blends her expertise in holistic wellness with her deep understanding of the medical world, creating a bridge for clients to access the best of both approaches.

Medical Advocacy: Your Ally in the System

One of the cornerstone offerings at Materia Medela is medical advocacy. Nina works alongside her clients as a wellness ally, helping them:

• Navigate the complexities of healthcare systems and insurance: Nina assists clients in understanding medical jargon, asking the right questions, and advocating for their needs in appointments.

• Develop communication strategies: She empowers clients to advocate for themselves effectively and ensures their concerns are heard and validated.

• Coordinate care with existing healthcare teams: Nina works collaboratively with her clients’ medical providers, ensuring that holistic practices complement conventional treatments.

Her personal experiences with a dysregulated nervous system and trauma give her unparalleled empathy and insight into the struggles of those feeling overwhelmed or dismissed by the healthcare system. Nina knows what it’s like to fight for answers, advocate for equitable care, and push through barriers—and she uses that knowledge to support her clients in their journeys.

Trauma-Informed, Culturally Responsive Care

Nina’s philosophy is rooted in trauma-informed and culturally responsive care. She understands that healing isn’t one-size-fits-all and that every person brings a unique history and cultural lens to their wellness journey. Nina creates a safe space for all folks, honoring their identities, stories, and lived experiences, while fostering trust and collaboration.

Specializing in burnout and trauma recovery, Nina provides care that addresses root causes rather than just symptoms. Her work focuses on regulating the nervous system, building resilience, and creating sustainable wellness practices that honor the client’s unique needs.

"Healing is about coming home to your body," Nina says. "It’s about recognizing your body’s innate and intuitive ability to heal itself and creating space for that process to unfold."

Your Healing Journey

At Materia Medela, Nina Taylor is building more than a practice—she is creating a sanctuary for healing, empowerment, and advocacy. Whether you’re recovering from burnout, seeking support with plant-based healing, preparing for a psychedelic journey, or navigating the labyrinth of modern healthcare, Nina is here to walk alongside you with compassion, expertise, and care. Together, you’ll uncover the tools and strategies you need to reclaim your health and reach vitality.