Hillary Hilliard

Herbalist, Licensed Massage Therapist
Program Director, Founder, and Owner

Hillary is the founder and program director of Herbalism Roots, which she created in 2014. She also created sister programs: Denver Integrative Massage School (2010) and School of Botanical and Medical Aesthetics (2012). Hillary’s earlier background and studies were in English Literature and French.

In 2004, she was inspired to move to Thailand and learn the ancient healing practice of Thai Yoga Massage, and she started her massage practice in Denver that year. Hillary’s connection to plants started with her father, who was an avid gardener in Texas—the trees and plants of that climate will always be dear to her heart. Seeing plants as medicine started in Thailand in 2004 when she learned about Thai herbal compresses.

In Thailand, she picked plants from the school’s gardens and made compresses (to use as heat therapy for massage), and her instructors took her to Thai markets to find herbs for massaging and healing. In her massage practice and teaching in Denver, plants in their essential oil forms, as aromatherapy, became a daily joy and inspiration for her, which continues today.

Hillary became a certified herbalist in 2012 and wanted to keep learning, so she found herbalism teachers she wanted to learn from and created Herbalism Roots in 2014. Hillary wanted a program that included all of the aspects she loves about herbal medicine: aromatherapy, gardening, plant identification, wildcrafting, and using the plants to heal our pathological conditions.

Hillary has been doing her own home gardening since 2006, and she continues to receive so much wisdom through that process—of seeing her plants through their season life cycles, and learning about their personalities over the years. In addition, being in nature and developing relationships with various plant communities in Colorado adds profound joy to her life. She hopes to see you soon–at our school’s gardens, sipping some nourishing tea, in our backyard—talking about plants and how amazing they are!

Hillary is one of the most supportive and encouraging people I’ve ever worked with. She truly puts all her effort into the work she does.
– Abby

Hillary is a true inspiration! She brings a level of authenticity and passion to everything that she does. Her generosity in both teaching and leadership is unmatched. I’m eternally grateful to be a part of her team!
– Martin

Hillary brings such a fun and uplifting atmosphere to classes and clinic. She is an incredible wealth of knowledge in all things massage and she has a talent for teaching in an engaging, detailed, and inclusive way. We love Hillary!
– Alison

It is truly an honor to work with and for Hillary. Not only is she our visionary and a “mother hen” to her staff and students, she is also a fierce businesswoman. When Hillary is teaching or in the office, you can be sure there’s lots of laughter.
– Carsen

I am incredibly grateful to Hillary for creating such a forward-thinking, holistic learning environment for the teachers to do what we do best … share our knowledge and experience with our amazing students. Hillary’s generous spirit is to be admired, and she is very appreciated by everyone, including our students. She has created an environment where learning goes far beyond the basics. The entire team she has assembled to bring her vision of a successful learning atmosphere to life is unmatched. And, I’ve grown not only as a teacher but as a person by watching her teach.
– Susan

Hillary is one of the most caring people I have ever met. She grew these amazing, one-of-a-kind schools out of her own determination, dedication, and passion. She created something truly special that not only positively impacts my life and our students lives, but also the community at large. She is someone to admire for many reasons, but what she’s created for all of us is what I am most grateful for!
– Mal

Hillary is truly an inspiration! She has created the space for a family to emerge of students and staff. I am so thankful for the healing path she creates for all who are on a similar journey. She is a gifted healer and instructor! She supports learning on so many levels. Her teachings, passion for the healing arts, and her quality of touch leave students changed and immensely grateful for the experience!
– Kim

Hillary deeply cares about the students and helping them succeed. The schools, the staff, and the teachings are a reflection of Hillary; caring, compassionate, passionate, and kind.
– Alie

Hillary generously pours her heart and love into every aspect of her schools and it radiates through the passion of her teaching staff and the growth of her students. Her impact on both students and educators of the school is immeasurable. She’s crafted a learning experience that’s been nurtured over decades–and that students can’t get enough of its profound impact and life-changing insights
Her leadership is rooted in care, and her heart is an inspiration to all.”
-Khoa

Without her, our schools wouldn’t be here! Building these programs from the roots up, Hillary’s passion for what she does overflows into her every action as director of the school. Her instruction offers incredible insight to any student and staff that fall under her guidance, spreading seeds of wisdom and growth. She is a distinct light, gifted and inspiring.
-Mathea

Hillary is an extraordinary leader who truly cares about everyone and wants to make a difference. Her kindness, guidance, motivation, and support are unmeasured. She shows this daily in her actions with compassion. Hillary’s impact and influence is a true inspiration. I feel grateful our paths have crossed and, on this journey, together.
– Jenn

Hillary is such a special person, educator and leader. She has put her heart and soul to make this school much more than just a place to pass a test. She puts the students’ experiences first and wants to make sure they have a warm, welcome and safe place to learn. You can tell how much she cares and the patience she has as she is always open to listening to students. That’s what makes her and the programs she has started on a different level than any other program. She has always believed in me and has been supportive in making sure we as instructors have room to grow.
– Kat

Hillary has created something truly special here at SBMA. I’m so grateful to her for building an environment where learning is infused with empathy, passion, and a depth of knowledge that goes far beyond the basics of esthetics. Her vision sets the tone for everything that makes this school exceptional, and I’m honored to be a part of the very culture that helped shape my own professional growth.
-Grey

Hillary’s passion for Thai massage and bodywork is effectively the entire school’s center of gravity. She has a talent for directing the larger movements of the school while simultaneously giving attention and care to each individual, down to the finest details. When working hands-on with students, her passion for this work really comes alive and shines through; it is inspiring to see her passing it along to future therapists!
– Richie

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