About the Teacher
Why study with them?
Kate is the creator of Sacred Heart Sonora, a plant medicine guide, and an integration specialist dedicated to the living medicine of Bufo Alvarius. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona and is currently completing a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her work bridges modern psychology, shamanic wisdom, and psychedelic therapy, offering compassionate intake and integration support for clients on transformational journeys.
Since 2018, Kate has held ceremonial space in over 1,400 Bufo Alvarius ceremonies, developing profound expertise through direct, embodied experience. Her path has been shaped by years of dedicated personal practice and by training alongside respected pioneers of this medicine, including both physicians and traditional carriers. She was previously married to Dr. Gerardo Sandoval Isaac—widely known as Dr. Gerry—with whom she shares a son. Dr. Gerry was among the first to introduce Kate to the medicine, serving as her mentor for seven years while she worked closely as his assistant. Kate’s journey—profoundly shaped by love, mentorship, and transformation—continues to inspire her unwavering dedication to holding space with integrity, reverence, and deep compassion.
Kate is also a devoted advocate for Sonoran Desert Toad Conservation and the ethical collection of medicine. For the past five summers, she has led conservation efforts at her ranch in Magdalena de Kino, Sonora (co-owned with Dr. Gerry), helping to raise awareness and protect the sacred toad population. Her work has been featured in documentaries by VICE, Channel 4, and Strg_F.
Kate’s approach is rooted in reverence, service, and the belief that healing is most profound when guided by both heart and integrity.