Dawn Gates is a Master herbalist, Aromatherapist, and registered nurse that has been treating people with herbs and aromatherapy since 1994. Dawn’s interest in Herbalism began when her grandmother taught her how to dye objects and create simple medicines with local plants. She has studied from some of the best herbalists and aromatherapists in the country including, Susun Weed, Rosemary Gladstar, Mathew Wood, Jeanne Rose, Lisa Wolf, Dottie Running Horse, and Paul Red Elk.

 Dawn is a member of several herbal and aromatherapy organizations, and has a private practice in central Florida where she integrates Herbalism, Aromatherapy, Flower Essences, nutritional advice and common sense to balance the body and treat illness. Dawn is currently a member of the American Herbalist Guild, United Plant Savers, and the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), and is former president of the North Country Herbalist Guild.

Dawn has been featured in several radio shows including the WCCO radio show on the “Fairview Health wise” program and on Julie Norris's Front Porch Radio in 2010. Dawn has also been a featured as a monthly columnist for the Essential Wellness Pages in a column called “The Medicine Garden”, Velocity magazine, and Mind, Body, Spirit, E-zine.  In 2005 Dawn was featured as an expert in an article done by “Minnesota Homes and Garden Magazine” on aromatherapy. Dawn has also written articles on Herbalism and holistic healing for several nursing magazines and holistic websites.

 Dawn has lectured nationally at health-food co-ops, support groups, community gardens, spiritual and holistic healing festivals, wellness clinics and hospitals. Her lectures focus not only on healing with herbs, aromatherapy, or nutrition but also focus on the integration of modern and holistic medicine as a way to treat the “whole body and mind”.   Dawn brings with her an ability to understand the concepts and pathology of disease and how modern and ancient medicine can work together to produce better results than modern medicine alone.  

 Her School The Live Oak School of Natural Healing was born out of her students desire to continue studying with her even though she moved from Minnesota to Florida. The school provides in person "live" classes, on-line classes and coorespondance certifications.