“This phrase is overused, but to take part in a grief circle is to watch Michaela hold space. Equal parts tender, strong, safe, encouraging, humbling and cathartic - participating in the grief circle was a way to release and feel held. To bear witness and be witnessed in return. There is magic in a required silence, the freedom from feeling the need to have an obligatory response as we are all just there to connect and attest. Instead, a focused and embodied energy. A way to fully take in the sadness and grief of others and know yours will be received too.”

-Kate Suddes

“In my time with Michaela, I learned to recognize and name smaller grief stories in my life. Discovering these unlocked a whole new understanding for me about the woman I had become after the death of my daughter. I also learned to sit with grief--the very deep sadness of it and the parts of me that I didn't even know were angry. I felt my voice grow stronger in each grief tending session.  I feel a sense of wholeness from my companionship with Michaela.

Grief tending became a safe space to explore my grief--in writing, sharing, moving my body, listening to music, meditating, and made me feel less lonely.

-Ashley, Mother of Frances, always. “

“Michaela is the most gentle and gracious facilitator.  She created a sacred environment that allowed us to share our most vulnerable selves in a circle that was intensely supportive and loving.  I felt transformed after participating in this grief circle as I found myself articulating aspects of my grief in ways I had never before experienced.  Thank you Michaela for inviting me to be a part of this life changing experience. “

-Esther

“Michaela invited us into our circle with genuine compassion,in a setting so safe I was able to let my well-constructed walls down. This is a rarity for me. While gently guiding us through the practice, she cultivated an atmosphere of both listening without judgement and validating each participant’s feelings with a known understanding of the grief at work in both our bodies and minds.” 

-Becky Benson

“Her personal warmth and ability to sit and listen to our grief moments was so impactful. I love her ability to facilitate—that there was ritual gave a sense of sacred structure to the experience. Sharing in the circle released a great deal of pent-up emotion that I was holding onto. To feel heard and held and accepted allowed me to come back to my authentic base. To hear the grief that others embody helped normalize the human condition. Together, we can handle anything that comes our way.”

 -Lorie

“Like an expert gardener tending to the needs of a delicate nursery, Michaela guided our grief circle with meticulous care, keen listening, and tenderness. From the onset, her gentle-spirit approach allowed me to feel unencumbered, creating a safe space to be vulnerable with myself, first, so that I could then share more about my grief with the group; it was sacred, and the experience was profound.”  

-Penne Lynne