Dr Debbie Early has a background in biomedical science and holistic health and is also a certified meditation teacher. A life-long learner, Debbie has contributed to numerous health and environmental programs overseas and locally, including being a guest and adjunct lecturers at Drexel and West Chester Universities in the USA. She has held an honorary research position at Imperial College in the UK. Over the last 10 years, she has been a bridge-builder, involved with a number of different organisations to increase opportunities for diverse populations to connect with the natural world. Debbie is particularly interested in medicinal botanics, spirituality and health, as well as different cultural approaches.

She has learned, in-person, from Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Australia, Europe, Peru, Africa, USA, Aotearoa/New Zealand and India. She is particularly interested in the impact of contemplative practice on wellbeing together with the overlap of human and eco-health. She volunteers for nature, education and history organizations and enjoys hiking, photography, drumming and reading.