It all started with a marigold..
Long before medicine, there was my grandfather.
Walter Monroe. His parents were sharecroppers, and when he moved north, he carried that legacy with him not just in skill, but in spirit.
Papa always had a garden and a beautiful yard. He cared for every plant, every tree, every detail of the land. And as a little girl, I was right there with him planting marigolds, tending the garden, and even building a compost pile that didn’t smell great but taught me quite a bit about trash, treasure, and regeneration even from difficult appearing circumstances.
Our story
Outside his home, the one in our logo, I first learned something I wouldn’t fully understand until much later: Nature heals. Not just physically but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I grew up planting sunflowers and wildflowers which later turned into studying how to heal the body. I learned how to treat disease as a family physician but I also began to notice something I couldn’t ignore. People were coming in sick and leaving with prescription but not always getting better. I later decided to pursue Lifestyle Medicine and to a deeper understanding of what health actually requires. Healing doesn’t just happen in a clinic. It happens in the food we eat, the environments we live in, and the way we move, rest, and connect.
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Why Monroe Estates Exists
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Monroe Estates Agricultural Wellness Center didn’t start as a business plan. That gap between treatment and true healing is where Monroe Estates was born. Nature is one of the most underutilized tools in modern health and yet, the evidence is clear. Time in nature can reduce stress, improve mental clarity, support physical health, and enhance overall well-being.
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Here, we integrate:
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Nature-based experiences like forest bathing, creative wellness programs, and immersive meditation designed to support mental and emotional well-being
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Sustainable agriculture and local food access through hydroponic farming, CSA farm box programs, and hands-on cooking classes that connect people to fresh, nutrient-dense foods
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The Apothecary, where plant-based products support skin health, stress management, and sleep through herbal teas, tinctures, and clean skincare.
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Concierge medicine providing care that is thoughtful, thorough, and tailored to you with fewer patients and more meaningful interactions to help you achieve optimal health physically, mentally, and emotionally.
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Education and community programming so individuals leave not just inspired, but equipped with practical tools to support their long-term health
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Beyond the research, there’s something people feel almost immediately
A sense of relief.
A sense of connection.
A sense of coming back to themselves.
Just like I did at my grandparents house.
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Papa didn’t just teach me how to grow plants, he taught me how to show up to care for people and Monroe Estates carries that forward.
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Discover what’s possible for your health, your life, and your well-being here at Monroe Estates Agricultural Wellness Center.
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A New Approach to Health & Wellness
Monroe Estates Agricultural Wellness Center offers a holistic approach to health by integrating lifestyle medicine, nature-based wellness, and sustainable agriculture near Columbus, Ohio. We focus on helping individuals improve their well-being through real, accessible lifestyle changes, not just treatment.
Why
Monroe Estates?
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Rooted in Nature and Local Food
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Our wellness farm connects people to fresh, locally grown food through hydroponic farming and CSA farm box programs. By prioritizing seasonal produce and sustainable practices, we make healthy living more accessible and practical for everyday life.
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Whole-Person, Holistic Wellness
We offer a host of evidence based options from forest bathing, meditation, and creative wellness to herbal apothecary products, farm boxes, and cooking events to support the mind, body, and spirit. Not only does our approach blends evidence-based lifestyle medicine with nature-based experiences to create lasting impact, we are certified in sylvotherapy (forest bathing), herbalism, culinary medicine, and art. You can trust that you're getting the best!
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Built for Community and Health Equity
Monroe Estates is designed to expand access to wellness through education, immersive programming, and community-centered experiences. Our mission is to improve health outcomes and advance health equity by giving people the tools to take ownership of their health.
Monroe Estates Agricultural Wellness Center near Columbus, Ohio provides a unique blend of agriculture, lifestyle medicine, and nature-based wellness designed to support long-term health and well-being.
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The Founder's Vision
Dr. Christen Johnson
Christen Johnson, MD, EdD, MPH, FAAFP, dipABLM is a board-certified family physician and lifestyle medicine specialist whose work centers on advancing health equity, preventive care, and whole-person wellness. With formal training in medicine, public health, education, herbalism, alternative therapies, and art, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to improving health outcomes both in clinical settings and in the community.
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Dr. Johnson has served in leadership roles across healthcare systems, academic institutions, and national organizations, where she has developed and implemented innovative programs focused on chronic disease prevention, lifestyle medicine, and patient-centered care. Her work has received national recognition for its impact on improving health outcomes and expanding access to wellness-focused care.
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As the founder of Monroe Estates Agricultural Wellness Center, Dr. Johnson is building a model that connects agriculture, wellness, and education. Her vision is to create a space where individuals can access fresh food, gain practical health knowledge, and experience sustainable approaches to living well. Grounded in her guiding belief, “To whom much is given, much is required,” her work continues to focus on serving communities and creating lasting impact.
Collaborating for a Sustainable Future
We partner with wellness retailers, healthcare organizations, farms, chefs, and community-based businesses near Columbus, Ohio to provide wholesale herbal products, apothecary goods, and locally grown farm offerings. Monroe Estates Agricultural Wellness Center collaborates with mission-aligned partners to expand access to nature-based wellness, fresh food, and holistic health experiences.