I am, first and always, a student of life, yoga, plants, and the Earth herself. My path has been shaped by both profound unravelings and quiet awakenings. Through lived experience, I have come to understand that healing is not a destination but a continual practice of remembering who we are, what we carry, and what we are here to tend.

“The paths we have walked become the medicine we bring.” — Four Peoples of the Earth

While no one can walk this path for us, there are embodied frameworks rooted in ancient wisdom and informed by modern insight that can guide and support our unique process. My work is grounded in these lineages, woven together with deep listening and relational care.

Through an eco-based, trauma-sensitive, gentle approach, I hold space through the modalities of Yoga Education, Yoga Therapy (yoga therapist in training), Herbal Medicine Education for those walking paths of healing. Like many, I come from a history of trauma and have devoted myself to being a compassionate, ethical, and responsible guide. My deepest intention is to create spaces that feel deeply held, are nervous-system friendly, and kind. “Safe enough” spaces for healing, remembering one's wholeness, and reclamation to unfold at their own pace.

My yoga journey began at age 19, deepened through teacher training with Yogadurango in 2010, and continues as I train as a Yoga Therapist with Inner Peace Yoga Therapy. I have studied yoga philosophy and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras with Bhavani Maki, completed over 100 hours of training in Polyvagal Theory, resilience, and post-traumatic growth with Ruby Jo Walker. I have studied with many high quality teachers and have well over 2000 hours of training.

I am the founder of The Vital Oak, a space dedicated to supporting whole-person health through Yoga Therapy, Yoga Teaching and Herbal Medicine Education practice. I am also the founder of The Vital Oak  School of Yoga Studies offering a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training and continuing education. I currently reside in Mancos, Colorado after living in Durango for 22 years. I offer my services to the surrounding communities of Southwestern Colorado; Durango, Mancos, Cortez, Dolores, and Bayfield. I teach virtual classes through The Vital Oak and weekly classes at Yogadurango.

As a Yoga Therapist in training, I accompany individuals navigating increased stress, burnout, anxiety, and mild to moderate depression. My work also focuses on post-traumatic growth, supporting women’s health and helping people move through important life transitions with greater ease and resilience.

A clinical and community herbalist for over 23 years, I honor herbal medicine through an animistic lens rooted in relationship, listening, and teaching. I have studied with elders and wisdom keepers from around the world, cultivating reciprocal relationships with plants as living teachers. My intention is to support others in forming lifelong, respectful connections with plant allies and remembering how to live in deeper harmony with all sentient beings.

Lastly, I am a daughter of the Earth, a mother, a listener, a slow walker, a lover of wisdom, teachings, and all things wild. If I were an animal, I would be an otter: playful, resilient, and deeply devoted to family and community. I am a sensitive being with great resilience, and I hold this role as a sacred responsibility, always unfolding.

It is my honor to hold sanctuary spaces rooted in compassion, ethics, and care for the Earth and her teachings.

Kindly, Deb Buck