Meet Nicole Dragani Cicco

I’m Nicole Dragani Cicco — Accountant, Reiki Master, Yoga Instructor, Gardener, Herbalist, Mother, and founder of The Red Dragon Growers. This initiative grew from my own journey of healing and transformation: from living with chronic pain and nervous-system crisis to reclaiming health, purpose, and a renewed connection with the land.

My experience with arachnoiditis forced me to slow down, to listen deeply, and to question conventional approaches to healing. What I came to understand is that human health and environmental health are not separate. Nervous systems are affected by stress and disconnection just as ecosystems are affected by land use and resource choices. Healing happens when we recognize the link between our inner terrain and the outer terrain of the planet beneath our feet. 

From this realization, The Red Dragon Growers began as a demonstration of what’s possible in a suburban backyard — a place where biodiversity, wellness, and responsible land care come together in practical, teachable ways. On our ⅓-acre property in South Jersey (USDA Zone 7A), we grow food, medicinal plants, and botanical allies that support emotional balance, nervous system regulation, and everyday wellness through sustainable practices.

I draw on both formal and experiential knowledge, including approaches from cognitive-behavioral therapy, neuro-linguistic programming, hypnosis, and somatic healing — alongside grounded herbal education and plant cultivation. This blend reflects my belief that true resilience comes from integrating evidence-based practices with meaningful connection to the land. 

As a mother, I’m committed to teaching younger generations how to care for themselves and the environment. These values inform our educational offerings and community-focused programs, including garden-based learning and nature walks centered around South Jersey’s natural spaces.

The Red Dragon Growers is not just about plants — it’s about empowering people with practical skills, strengthening relationships with the natural world, and demonstrating responsible, regenerative land use. If you’re drawn to live with greater awareness, engage more meaningfully with the land, and build resilience in yourself and your community, you’re welcome here. Let’s grow that future together.