Photographer + Healer

“Hi cuties! My name is Monica and I’m a local photographer in Bend who specializes in creative maternity, branding, and couples photography. I primarily work with film, but also include digital as well to create range! My passion projects include working with shelters to get sweet lil headshots of adoptable dogs as well as collaborating with local creatives where creative freedom is encouraged. I feel so grateful to be able to capture such special moments for people while also getting to share my perspective of story-telling with the world.

Alongside photography, I have, fortunately, fallen head first into the world of psychedelics which has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. So much so, that I decided to get trained in leading others through micro-dosing protocols to create the space for them to experience the magic for themselves. Being an integral and embodied leader has been my goal since day one, and I will always put that above any other motive which can sometimes look like me taking space to transmute my shadows within to come back with real, lived experience as my teacher. Through psychedelics, I found somatic and nervous system work which have been the supporting factors through some of my darkest periods. I find so much freedom and liberation through allowing my body to speak its’ own language and am constantly humbled as I go deeper and deeper into that space.

When I’m not bound to my laptop, you can 100% find me dancing/raving, hiking through the magical Oregon forests, water-coloring on the couch, soaking up the love in community, reading a juicy book, fostering/volunteering with the local shelter, or trying to learn a new hobby that tends to get discarded within a week lol. Oh and I’m very much a type B gal, so all of the above could shift tomorrow and I’d have no plan, but for now, I’m riding the wave and feeling so f*ckin’ grateful along the way.”

Nourishing Healer

“Meet Sam, Personal Chef and Owner of Soma Wellness Services. Located in Bend after years of working on the East Coast, she is thrilled to be sharing her unique culinary creations with Central Oregon. Sam grew up working in kitchens, then became a student of the world while traveling abroad and living in Eastern Europe for several years. She eventually opened her own restaurant– Soma Cafe, a special little bistro at the Jersey Shore. 

Since then, Sam has grown Soma into a company that offers chef-catered dinner parties, retreat chef services, pop-up Supper Clubs and private cooking classes. Sam is also a yoga teacher and loves to weave magic and mindfulness into her menus. In the kitchen you will often find her singing blessings or speaking positive affirmations into the food she prepares with love and intention.”

Facilitator

“Hello, My name is Maya Lukse, and I am deeply passionate about creating spaces where women can reconnect with their authentic selves and feel empowered to be fully seen and heard. My background is rooted in the study of women’s psychology and healing, which led me to explore more holistic and alternative approaches to well-being. I have felt deeply called toward this path of self-discovery and growth, and I am currently continuing my journey by working toward my yoga certification, as well as expanding my knowledge in natural healing modalities.

My work centers around guiding women back to their voice and visibility, through practices like visualization, breathwork, intuitive movement, and affirmation. I believe there is power in slowing down, tuning inward, and reclaiming the parts of ourselves that have been quieted or overlooked. During our time together, I’ll be offering workshops designed to help you shed limiting beliefs, reconnect with your inner truth, and step more fully into your untamed, authentic self. Through guided visualization, reflective journaling, and shared expression, we’ll create space for clarity, release, and expansion.

Outside of this work, I love adventure, new experiences, and meaningful connection. I truly believe some of the most powerful moments in life come from being open, present, and in community with others. I am honored to be part of this experience and to hold space for each of you as you step deeper into your own voice, power, and presence.”