Welcome to Mama Willow’s Grove

My name is Shelly Slade, and for most of my professional life, I’ve worked in business, process improvement and technology. Alongside that career, I’ve spent many years exploring personal growth, meditation, breath work, sound healing and plant medicine in legal, ceremonial settings. These experiences have profoundly shaped my understanding of healing, community, and the importance of creating safe, intentional spaces for people to reconnect with themselves, and especially with their hearts. 

Over the past several years, I’ve participated in numerous guided ceremonies and retreats with various guides and mentors and have been studying with experienced facilitators and integrating those teachings into my own life. While I certainly don’t have all the answers, I do feel called to gently hold space for others as they connect with their hearts and discover their own capacity for healing. 

Mama Willow is the name I’ve given to that calling. She isn’t a business persona as much as she is a reflection of my heart and the way I hope to serve others with compassion, authenticity, curiosity and deep respect for each person’s unique journey.

The ceremonies I hold will be intentionally small, grounded and welcoming. My focus is not on leading people toward a particular belief system, but on creating an environment where participants can slow down, connect with themselves and experience meaningful reflection through practices such as ceremonial cacao with guided meditation, gentle movement, music, journaling, and group sharing for integration. Creating emotional and physical safety is extremely important to me, so I approach every gathering with humility, respect and care to ensure people feel encouraged to honor their own boundaries.