Lema Mikkelsen: Culinary Arts, Earth Medicine, and Holistic Support
Lema’s work at the Sanctuary weaves together the healing power of food, nature, and compassionate support for clients on their journey.
In the kitchen, Lema serves as one of our Chefs, crafting daily menus of meals that are entirely gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and non-inflammatory. Driven by the belief that food is medicine, she aims to design nourishing, delicious meals that support the body’s natural healing process and contribute to the client’s overall well-being.
Her connection to healing extends to the earth as well. Lema tends the Sanctuary’s grounds and organic garden, which serves as a source of both sustenance and tranquility. She is also the dedicated caretaker of the 50 egg-laying hens that provide fresh, organic eggs for the kitchen. As a Meditation and Apothecary facilitator, Lema leads a weekly class where she introduces clients to the powerful plant medicines grown on-site, guiding them in creating healing balms, salves, and infused oils that integrate nature’s wisdom into their treatment.
A Commitment to the Healing Journey
Inspired by their own transformative journey at the Sanctuary, Lema is deeply connected to the core principles of The Sanctuary. She actively participates in ceremonial life, including the Sweat Lodge, dinner shares and other activities, believing that shared experience and connection are vital to recovery. With a deep love for nature and animals, Lema lives by the philosophy that kindness to others is the most powerful catalyst for profound and lasting healing.