Valerie Radu, PhD, LCSW has over 30 years of experience as a practitioner, community leader, faculty member and academic administrator in higher education settings.
She is a Level II certified Ecotherapist and has completed the requirements for provisional certification as an Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) guide. She has advanced wilderness and ecotherapy training through the School of Lost Borders and the Animas Institute. Her clinical practice focuses on trauma- informed nature-centered work integrating mindfulness and nature-based healing.
She is the founder/owner of TN Valley Forest Bathing and the founder/lead guide for the Paddle for Your Mind kayaking project established in 2026.
A passionate advocate for outdoor experiences for everyone and every body, this favorite quote that continues to inspire her work:
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?”
― Mary Oliver
