cacao
I offer customized wellness experiences designed to meet the needs and goals of your group. Whether it’s a gathering of friends, a community event, or a team looking to build connection, I’m here to support you. From nourishing yoga flows and sound meditations to breathwork, cacao rituals, and other holistic wellness practices, every session is thoughtfully crafted to create a meaningful and restorative group experience that invites presence, connection, and transformation.
Based in the Jersey City/NYC area, I also travel frequently for retreats and special events, bringing these experiences to groups near and far.
SPECIAL GROUP EVENTS
I offer group experiences for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, bachelorette parties, community events, and more. These can be a mix of yoga, sound, cacao, Reiki, astrology, and mindfulness practices. Together, we will customize the event based on the needs and vibe of the group.
During these gatherings, you'll experience the connection and support of practicing together while receiving personalized guidance tailored to your group's needs. These sessions foster a sense of community and encouragement, amplifying your healing through shared energy and collective inspiration.
RETREATS
I am available as a facilitator for your retreats worldwide, offering support through yoga, food & nutrition, cacao circles, sound healing, Reiki, and wellness workshops on topics like nervous system care, intuition, and working with your astrology. I would love to guide and support you and your attendees in creating a deeply holistic experience that nourishes mind, body, and spirit.
No matter the setting, my goal is to create a safe, inclusive space where you can experience the transformative power of yoga and well-being.
Ways We Can Work Together
You can enjoy any of these options on their own or combine them to create a unique experience. Together, we can design an offering that feels extremely meaningful and that meets the needs and energy of your group.
Join Mary Ellen Valverde for an immersive experience blending the heart-opening magic of cacao with the harmonizing energies of sound. This unique ritual is designed to help you slow down, reflect, and restore balance.
We’ll begin with a warm cup of ceremonial cacao, a sacred plant medicine celebrated for opening the heart, uplifting the spirit, and nurturing feelings of love and connection. In our supportive circle, we will connect with the elements, gently anchor ourselves through the body, and attune to our intuition to create space for any guidance that wishes to arise.
As you settle into a relaxed state, you will be guided through a reiki-infused sound sanctuary using gongs, crystal alchemy singing bowls, chimes, and other instruments. Sound is rejuvenating to the body and brings a sense of overall relaxation and stress reduction. This powerful combination of energy and sound will help you move blockages, restore balance, and promote deep healing at all levels.
Important Notes:
For the best experience, we recommend avoiding coffee or other caffeinated beverages on the day of the ceremony.
If you are taking any SSRI or MAOI medication, please consult your doctor before consuming ceremonial cacao.
This ritual is not recommended for individuals who are pregnant or those with heart conditions. If you have any concerns, please consult with a healthcare provider before attending.
If cacao isn't suitable for you, we can brew herbal tea instead, and you will still feel deeply supported and uplifted, as this ritual is about so much more than only drinking cacao.