About Our Team

Who is
Nature & Bloom?

Our team consists of cannabis advocates with years of experience with the plant, including a board-certified doctor specializing in the use of cannabinoids serving as an advisor.

Meet Our Team

Dr. Abraham Benavides, a distinguished alum of George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, serves as a global cannabis consultant.

Passionate about social justice, mental health, and the destigmatization of cannabis, Abraham recently relocated to Costa Rica following a battle with Long COVID.

Alongside his wife and pug, Bruschetta, he enjoys exploring the outdoors and continues to advocate for mental health and cannabis acceptance.

Abraham also consults for the GW Center for Medicine along with Veriheal and has been published in the Complementary Therapies In Medicine Journal.

Dr. Benavides is currently contributing his expertise in medical review, fact-checking, and writing to Nature and Bloom.

Jessica Winter, a University of California, Berkeley alumna with a BA in English Language and Literature, is a prominent freelance writer in the cannabis industry. Her pivotal role as a Quality Assurance Manager at Purple Heart Patient Centre, Oakland’s first cannabis dispensary, has given her an invaluable perspective on the cannabis sector.

Her writing expertise stems from this extensive hands-on experience, enabling her to simplify complex cannabis topics for her readers. Jessica’s deep understanding of the cannabis industry and regulatory compliance uniquely positions her to offer insightful and practical guidance, especially in navigating CBD and THC products.

Beyond her professional life, Jessica enjoys the peaceful environs of Lake Merritt in the Bay Area. Balancing work with leisure, she often spends time there with her husband and their Maltese, Kitty, which reflects in her empathetic and approachable writing style.

At Nature and Bloom, Jessica combines her educational prowess and frontline dispensary experience to craft engaging and informative content, helping readers understand the intricacies of cannabis from a trusted insider’s perspective.

Jennifer Jenka, an alumna of the University of New Brunswick and Crandall University, holds degrees in both English and Biology.

Her unique combination of practical experience and literary expertise comes from her time as a Cannabis Concierge at Three Kings Medicinal, a medical marijuana dispensary, and her contributions to the Cannabis Life Network.

Dedicated to educating the public about cannabis, Jennifer enriches her writing with her firsthand experiences in using cannabis and assisting medical marijuana patients.

Outside of her professional life, Jennifer relishes outdoor adventures on her ATV and cherishes the time spent with her two teenagers.

Currently, Jennifer is leveraging her diverse skills at Nature and Bloom, with a focus on storytelling. She seamlessly blends her scientific knowledge with her experience in the dispensary to craft content that is both engaging and informative.

Rachel Rowe, a California State University, Chico alumna, holds a degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship.

Rachel’s writing is deeply influenced by her experiences with medical marijuana. She channels this personal understanding into educating and demystifying cannabis myths, striving to create enlightening content that resonates with readers seeking clarity in the complex world of cannabis.

Her approach to writing is as much about sharing knowledge as it is about offering a window into the real-life implications of cannabis use. Rachel’s conversational style makes her content not only informative but also relatable and empathetic to those exploring cannabis for health and wellness.

Outside her professional endeavors, Rachel is an avid explorer of life experiences. She is passionate about traveling, culinary adventures, and enjoying the outdoors, often accompanied by her close knit family.

Tom Gatch, a San Diego State University alum in Communication and Media Studies, is a seasoned writer specializing in cannabis. With over two decades in cannabis cultivation and THC extraction, his expertise shines in his articles and industry insights.

Contributing to notable publications like Extraction Magazine and CBD Health & Wellness Magazine, Tom blends academic knowledge with practical experience. His work reflects a deep understanding of hydroponics, concentrates, and industry trends.

Aside from writing, Tom’s passion for sports fishing enriches his perspective, evident in his book “Hooked on Baja.” This combination of outdoor enthusiasm and cannabis expertise makes Tom a unique and insightful voice in the cannabis community.

Jen Keehn, serving as the Managing Editor at Nature and Bloom, combines her expertise in CBD, THC, yoga, and meditation with a holistic approach to health and wellness. A self-confessed cannabis lover and geek, Jen has been embracing the benefits of weed for over 20 years.

Her editorial skills are complemented by her work in holistic health, featured in publications like Wikileaf, Merry Jane, Hektoen International, and CBD School. Jen’s commitment to natural wellness solutions is evident in every project she undertakes.

In addition to her editorial role, Jen is a spiritual lifestyle consultant and a yoga teacher, certified with 200 HR YTT from Yoga Farm Ithaca and a 30 HR CEU in Trauma Informed YTT from the same institution. Her teaching extends beyond physical practices, delving into the healing potential of yoga for trauma.

Jen’s life outside her professional sphere is a blend of spiritual studies, cultivating medicinal plants, engaging in fiction, and pursuing active hobbies like snowboarding and surfing. She’s currently working on two books: “A Grow Guide for Girls” and “Overcoming Generational Trauma,” the latter a collaboration with her daughter.

Ahmed Mir is the head of marketing at Nature and Bloom. His venture into CBD started as a personal quest to improve sleep, and it quickly evolved into a professional passion.

Prior to leading the charge at Nature and Bloom, Ahmed honed his skills in eCommerce, where he was instrumental in building brands. His innovative approach to marketing has led to some of Nature and Bloom’s most successful campaigns, significantly boosting the brand’s visibility and impact.

But Ahmed’s expertise isn’t confined to marketing alone. He’s made his mark in prominent publications like Entrepreneur and The Washington Post, offering insights on a range of topics.

Outside of work, Ahmed is an avid adventurer. Whether it’s exploring rugged trails or traveling to hidden gems around the world, he embraces the spirit of exploration.