Slow Spirit Sanctuary

About the Sanctuary

Forest Bathing

As a Certified Forest Guide, I offer a wide variety of Forest Bathing or Therapy experiences. From group walks, one-on-ones, children-focused, couples or team-building walks, there is something available for anyone desiring to experience the healing impact of our natural world.

Funerals, Weddings, Celebrations & Blessings

As an Ordained Deacon, I am able to offer a wide variety of officiation services from celebrations of life, funerals or memorials to vow renewals, weddings and home-blessings.

Prepare-Enrich Couples Counseling & Enrichment

The Prepare-Enrich curriculum is a survey-based tool to help couples understand and discuss their areas of strength and growth. Whether you're in a rut or feeling great about your current dynamics, P-E is an excellent resource to help couples grow together.

Testimonials

Kate & Lane Giess:

Melanie’s process through helping us - two young and strikingly independent people - navigate our relationship and compatibility was so helpful. Melanie was extremely transparent with us and brought a different perspective to our conversations that helped us understand and value how partners should support and communicate with each other. Melanie’s methodology towards understanding similarities and differences among couples helped us identify early on where potential conflicts might occur later on in our marriage. Her joyful personality and infectious honesty made having these sometimes difficult conversations easy and natural. 10/10 would recommend.

Annie Peace:

Kate & Lane Giess:

"I have been fortunate to be led by Melanie in a forest walk that was calming and helped me feel connected. I now find myself remembering her guidance as I am on walks. She is inclusive, knowledgeable and a passionate leader"

Lynette Ford:

Kate & Lane Giess:

Kurstin Harris:

When my mom died several years ago, Melanie planned and officiated at the most wonderful memorial service for her! Melanie possesses an intuition and compassion that led her to be of immense service to my family when we needed it most. We were blessed to have her by our side.

Kurstin Harris:

Madison & Steven Schmoll

Kurstin Harris:

Melanie reached out with condolences at the sudden passing of my husband, Kevin. She was a lighthouse in the sea of shock, confusion and pain. Melanie was very compassionate and supportive while guiding me through the memorial planning, as well as skillfully handling all the important details. The ceremony she conducted was full of love, comfort and gentle humor. I am forever grateful for Melanie’s beautiful heart.

Madison & Steven Schmoll

Melanie guided our marriage counseling and officiated our wedding in June 2021. She came to the process with an open mind and thoughtfully listened to our hopes and ideas for the ceremony and our marriage. She provided the structure and insight to make our day the best it could be. Most of all, Melanie added personal touches to our ceremony and truly cared about us as a couple. She made sure that our day was exactly as we wanted it. Even a year and half later, we feel that we could go to Melanie as a trusted resource for guidance and encouragement. We are so thankful that she is a part of our story.