Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Ruiz
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up with my feet on the trails of Mt. Rainier and the mountains of Monterrey, Mexico, guided by my adventurous father—a first-generation immigrant who instilled in me a deep love for nature. When I was 13, he advocated for me to join an expedition in Colorado, where I summited a 14,000-foot peak and spent nights rafting through wild waters. That experience changed me. It was more than adventure; it was about finding my edges, testing my strength, and feeling the raw energy of the land.
By 15, I had graduated high school—the youngest in its history—and went on to study psychology at UTSA, later pursuing graduate work at Trinity. But my path wasn’t without obstacles. At 14, I faced deteriorating vision and underwent corneal transplants. I learned Braille, navigated special education services, and adapted. Through it all, I remained captivated by the mysteries of the human mind and the patterns of resilience I saw reflected in nature.
At 21, the wild called me back. I traveled across 26 countries, hiking, kayaking, absorbing art, and observing people. I lived in the jungles of Mexico, building a self-sustaining community where each tree, river, and person contributed to a delicate balance. Providing for myself and others in harmony with the land felt like true abundance.
Returning to the U.S., I found myself at a crossroads during the pandemic. As a special education teacher, I saw mental health needs surge while the world turned to the outdoors—the one place that remained open, constant, and healing. I knew then that my path had to merge nature and wellness. I trained with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and founded Forest Bathing and Wellness in February 2022.
Now, I split my time between guiding in the remote landscapes of Alaska—leading black bear and nature hikes—and bringing the transformative power of nature to my San Antonio community. Partnering with the San Antonio Botanical Garden, SA River Foundation, and The Well at Tecolote, I offer an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the world through the wisdom of the natural world. This city, with its vibrant culture, art, and warmth, has become my home base, and I’m honored to share the healing power of nature here.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life has tested me in ways I never could have imagined. From an early age, I faced significant challenges with my vision, relying on corneal transplants and adaptive learning to navigate the world. Just as I found my rhythm, a serious eye injury disrupted everything, forcing me out of work for a year and a half while I fought—not just to heal, but for the medical care I needed from a system unwilling to provide it.
At 20, I became a young mother, determined to continue pursuing my dreams despite the weight of responsibility. There were battles that left deep scars, moments where I had to fight for my own survival—physically, emotionally, and mentally. I walked through shadows that threatened to consume me, but I emerged. Nature became my refuge, my teacher, my guide back to myself. In the wild, I found clarity. I found strength.
Every step I’ve taken—from overcoming personal trials to summiting mountains and forging new paths—has led me here. To sharing the healing power of nature, to holding space for others on their journeys, and to proving that no matter where we come from or what we endure, we can always begin again.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Forest Bathing and Wellness?
I guide individuals and groups through Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) and Nature Journaling, creating intentional spaces for mindfulness, connection, and healing in nature. Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to “forest bathing,” originated in Japan in the 1980s as a response to rising stress and burnout. Backed by research, it’s been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, boost the immune system, and even improve mood and focus.
My work brings these benefits to diverse groups—universities, workplaces, couples, educators, and private clients—through experiences designed to deepen connection, creativity, and well-being. Whether it’s team-building in a corporate green space, a couples’ connection walk, a retreat, or a speaking engagement, the goal is to help people slow down and immerse in nature in a way that is deeply restorative. I also train educators in nature journaling as a tool to spark curiosity and observation skills in students.
One of the things I value most is making Forest Therapy accessible in different ways. I offer experiences for special celebrations, private sessions, and guided online Forest Bathing for those who may not always have access to outdoor spaces. This summer, I’ll be live-streaming guided Forest Therapy sessions from different landscapes around the world, starting in Colombia, sharing the ways nature speaks to us across cultures and environments.
At its core, Forest Bathing isn’t just about nature—it’s about coming home to yourself. Slowing down, awakening the senses, and experiencing the restorative power of the natural world. I believe in the wisdom of the San Antonio community. During sessions there are invitations to share what folks have shared is transformative. I want everyone to fall in love with the beautiful parks and green spaces in the city.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I started walking at just eight months old but didn’t speak until I was three. A baby on the move, my parents love to tell stories of me escaping from my crib and climbing to the top of our fireplace. With an explorer’s heart and courage running through my veins, I was given the freedom to roam the quiet suburban hills and lakes near Seattle, Washington—until we moved when I was nine. My parents often had to drag me away from my outdoor adventures, and I would return full of wild curiosity about the life I observed.
Academically, I was ahead of my peers. When I entered school, I was already reading at a fifth-grade level, and my math skills were on par with middle schoolers. I skipped two grades while enrolled in the Gifted and Talented program, yet I was also in Special Education due to my vision impairment. In many ways, I’ve always had one foot in two worlds—navigating the challenges of being legally blind while also benefiting from a strong mind and an upper-middle-class upbringing.
Pricing:
- Private Forest Bathing for up to 4 people, 90 min, $120
- Couples Forest Therapy Experience, 90 min, $120
- Nature Journaling, up to 4 people, 60 min, $80
- Nature Based Life Coaching, 60 min, $80
- Mini Forest Bathing Session, 45 min, $60
Contact Info:
- Website: https://forestbathingandwellness.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forestbathingandwellness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forestbathingandwellness
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forest-bathing-and-wellness/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@forestingbathingandwellnes
