The Center for Bioregional Living's Permaculture Design Certification course exceeded my expectations for online learning. Andrew's ability to energize us through discussions on philosophy, ethics and science provided a unique narrative that informed, inspired, and expanded my understanding of permaculture design principles. Through his stories, his deep and varied experience, and his pictorial account of past project sites I was able to learn how to analyze, evaluate, and then design solutions from patterns to details. His passion was shared by guest lecturers that brought diverse expertise and who provided unique examples of permaculture projects. I came away from the course not just with a certification, but I also gained a mentor, a diverse social network, and most of all, a mission to broaden and deepen my permaculture design skills to face the many challenges in our increasingly divided, shattered and broken world.

Bio: Chris received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Villanova University and then his PhD in Biochemistry from Yale University. He then was a Staff Scientist for the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research at the FDA where he studied virus entry and vaccine design. Following his lab work he became a Program Manager at the Institute of Medicine for the Forum on Drug Discovery, Development, and Translation before transitioning into science teaching. For the past four years he has taught Environment Science, Chemistry, Biology and Engineering Design at Georgetown Preparatory School. He is also the father of an amazing daughter Julia who loves to sing and dance. While not in the classroom, he volunteers on organic farms and hopes to advance permaculture values through his newly obtained Certification in Permaculture Design from the Center for Biological Living. -  Chris Defeo

The online course is 100% worth it! I just completed the online 2020 permaculture certification course and was blown away by the amount of information I gained. The information itself is a healthy mix of bass-tacks-know-how (geared towards the Northeast), theoretical, analytical, biological, philosophical, cosmic, and spiritual. Because of this, the class is suited for anyone who is interested in learning or DOING permaculture. Andrew's knowledge is vast, informative, and sobering. You can't fake that. It becomes very clear within the first few minutes.

If you are living in the North East and want to create a green job for yourself, this is the next step you should take.

P.S. If you have any reservations because it's online, it's not an issue at all. It's not worth waiting for the pandemic to be done with. - Ben Feistmann

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Andrew's class opened my eyes to new ways of seeing, as well as provided tools for approaching the challenges of our present day society in a positive and impactful way. His focus on "turning the problem into the solution" is something so needed right now in our society, and has inspired me to approach my art and artistry in a whole new way, as well as my everyday life. 

This class goes far beyond gardening and agriculture, and addresses how we can apply the principles of permaculture to all aspects of life, be it big or small, personal or professional. Taking this class was the greatest gift I gave to myself this year, and I know that I will be living my life in a more meaningful and intentional way because of it. 

This class is for everyone- the activist, the artist, the empath, the curious, the farmer, the urbanite, the teacher, the student -- whether you have a 30 acre piece of land or a small windowsill, you will get such immense value and deep knowledge from this class, and will leave a whole lot wiser.

Thank you so much, Andrew and Adriana, for your dedication to the principles and practice of permaculture, and for being so generous and thoughtful with your knowledge. I am deeply grateful to you both, and for this class - Celia Rowlson-Hall

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