Testimonials from Participants
"The experience was just gorgeous! So many beautiful and strong women, an awe-inspiring atmosphere, and informative classes were all good for the soul. Thank you so much for the wonderful event."
"Overall, it was an amazing weekend. I had a great time being with such amazing women. I am definitely bringing my daughter next year. THANKS!"
"This conference is a well spring of Earth-honoring women and teachings! I met such wonderful women from all over who enriched my weekend, and some who will enrich my future. The planning was excellent, the volunteers were amazing, and the setting was perfect. A blending of the elements among like-spirited women. What's not to love? Kate Stockman Hendersonville, NC"
"This was the first conference that I have ever attended. I was extremely excited, but I didn't know what to expect. I didn't have anyone to go with me, so I went by myself. I was somewhat nervous at first, but I eventually realized that this was a journey that I had to make alone. From the moment I stepped on the grounds I felt a sense of peace and belonging - I felt as if I had returned home. This feeling only intensified when we had the opening circle. When I went to the Huntress of Life -Giving Life speech from ALisa Starkweather-I began to cry. Initially, I was confused as to what was happening and truthfully, I was embarrassed to be crying. I was sure that something was wrong with me and that no one else was crying. But, at that moment I began to realize that the words that she spoke were near and dear to me. Her chanting opened my heart, mind and soul to the real Nikki that has been hidden and confused for so long. I FINALLY realized that this was MY calling. From that moment I refused to not listen to my heart or let anyone convince me otherwise.
UTOPIA!
"I was overwhelmed with the incredible preparation involved in orchestrating the 100+ assistance/work trade, helpers, and staff to create such a seamless and welcoming conference! I was awed at the depth of plant knowledge and wisdom about the breadth of medicinal uses. I'm moved to want to preserve the traditional wisdom and wish to volunteer at the conference next year."
"This was my third herbal conference and it was amazing! Every year, our group has increased, first six women, then eight, now over fourteen. This year was amazing because several of the women in our group brought their mothers and families! We are healing a legacy and infusing it with wisdom for the future and it feels so good! Thank you for the opportunity :) Abbey Brewer Marietta, GA"
"I brought my 16 month old with me this year. Certainly that limited my participation, but I would not have it any other way. Being able to be there was nourishing in so many ways. From the sisterhood and the kindness I received in offers for any help I might need toting a baby around. Being able to nurse my child when he needed with no fear. Indeed I was smiled at. My experience as a mother and the love and support I received as a woman was awesome. The setting, atmosphere and landscape is nourishing in itself. I love to learn and the opportunity to learn both practical things as well as stuff for my soul growth is wonderful. I love the energy, the atmosphere, all of it. It was inspiring. Thank-you. Teresa Wilcox"
This conference is a very fulfilling experience for women - even for those who are not practicing herbalists. That there is sacred space for women to just be is alone nourishing. The food for both body and mind top off that nourishment.
"The conference is well organized, provides a variety of workshop topics, is an opportunity to do deep healing and growth work in a safe environment and inspires me to make positive lifestyle changes. It is a great value in time and money."
"This was my first conference and certainly won't be my last. I was blown away by how friendly and open everyone was. There was a genuine sense of camaraderie among the teachers, vendors, and students. The scenery was stunning, the meals were delicious, and the classes were amazingly informative. I came to the conference with some knowledge under my belt but learned so much more in just one weekend. I look forward to next year's conference. Tami Malone Tryon, NC"
The conference was absolutely life-changing. I can't believe that I had the courage to get up in front of everyone and sing my song. That would not have happened without the supportive, loving sense of sisterhood that was present at the conference. Thank you for such an amazing experience! LaVonne Rhodes Carrboro, NC" 
"This conference was FAN-TAB-U-LOUS!!!!! The food was luscious, the speakers incredibly knowledgeable, logistics ran smoothly, and the attendees were my kind of folks!!! I will be attending again!!! THANK YOU SO SO SO SO SO SO MUCH for all the work that went into pulling this off!!! Florence ""flo"" Gans, Raleigh, NC
"What an enlightening experience. We have everything we need in our yard and I thought they were just weeds. I found that learning how to create herbal remedies was quite enjoyable. L.Christine Aguilar Fuquay Varina, North Carolina "
"The food was incredibly delicious! I couldn't stop eating.. The setting is beautiful. The women were fascinating! I had a wonderful time!
“I highly recommend this conference, the experience was unforgettable. -Angela Giles, Decatur, GA"
"I am a family nurse practitioner and was delighted at the quality of classes that enabled me to earn CEU's. Deb Hoffman, Aurora, CO"
There is nothing that can compare to the powerful energy that is created when a large group of beautiful women get together to celebrate life.
"Magical! It was so much more than what I expected! It was simply the best thing that I could have attended! I learned so much about who I am and my vision became more clear. I will definitely be coming back next year! Brittany, Balsam Grove, NC"
"The conferences just get better and better! You have class choices that are wonderful for every step of a woman's life-journey and that also address my own emerging interests. Thanks for a fabulous conference!See you next year! Evelyn Mosley Germantown, TN "
"the fire ceremony was remarkable, magical, out-of-this world. the silent hike, the clear starlighted sky above the fire pit, the appalachia rising super women juggling fire, drumming....i just couldn't close enough to the fire because there were so many of us in attendance"
“Thank you so much!!! ( I really enjoyed being a work trader. I feel this was an integral part of feeling so connected to the conference and so many women) "
"This sacred circle of women is fast becoming a vital part of my year's cycle. Thank you for providing this gathering place of empowered, earth-centered healers, and ceremony & community that feeds my soul."
"Deeply nourishing on so many levels--the setting, the food, the wisdom, the classes, the wise women. I love this conference!"
"The conference was a great bonding experience for my teen daughter and myself. I'm glad that I was able to show her the teachings of the ""Wise Women"" at this point in her life! Karin Cousineau, Burlington, NC "
My experience is difficult to put into words. The only thing I can say is that I spent much of my time weeping for joy and laughing for joy. For the first time in 53 years i felt at home on this beautiful planet. I thank you from the depths of my heart for the time and effort you have lovingly put into this event. You are all so amazing! See you next year! 
"It's not just about the herbs - it's truly a moving spiritual experience. Nancy Cary, NC"
The Conference was awe-inspiring and uplifting and so well organized. The food was wonderful and satisfying and the setting on the mountain by the lake with other mountains in the background was gorgeous. The classes and intensives were outstanding. I learned so much and had a lot of what I have learned through self-teaching confirmed. The teachers were excellent. Henrietta
WOW! What an awesome experience. The conference was just what I needed to see that it is possible to integrate the wise woman traditions into my very western practice as a nurse practitioner. Thank you!
I am a better woman as a result of the weekend.
"For me, continuing to learn is my passion and the SE Conference provided a vital part of my education in a variety of classes that perhaps I never would have pursued had it not been made available."
I didn't expect to be moved like I was at this conference--I left a better person.
"This was my fifth year at the Southeast Women's Herbal Conference and it was one of the best ever. Heatherly Houdek Asheville, NC"
"I loved it. The presenters were wonderful, great food, amazing women. I can't wait to take my daughter and mother with me next time."
"What a wonderful group of women..we were all there in all shapes, sizes and ages. It was warm, welcoming and delightful. Laurel, Chapel Hill, NC"
"That you were able to bring 40 women on scholarship is a testament to the intent of the conference which is to reach everyone, and empower them in their own healing, through herbal education, nourishing foods and community.
"I left this conference feeling inspired, refreshed and empowered. I couldn't have asked for more."
" It reminds me of how life should always be, with women coming together in love and with an attitude of acceptance and sharing. Skills learned, advice given, hearts embraced, support in abundance.
"Down down down, into the earth.”
"On Saturday night I fell asleep to hundreds of women singing and drumming, infused with love, reminded of my power.”
"Thank you. This year I used the conference as an opportunity to connect with spirit in so many ways - ceremony, teachings, fellowship, nature, plant spirit journeying. It was wonderful. I also brought 2 teenagers and a young woman friend. Participating in their conference was truly a joy and privilege - watching them open up to the possibilities of the wise woman. Victoria Taylor Christiansburg, VA "
"The particpants' open-heartedness, the elders' wisdom and the leaders' advanced planning has created a sanctuary for wise women at the SEWHC. Couple that with yummy food, elegantly simple facilities, and numerous welcoming touches. Et voila! Julia Hicks Carrboro, NC"
"My husband left me three days before the conference but I went anyway. I was empowered by the energy of the group and the intensive with Alisa Startweather might have been the best thing that has happened to me a many a moon. I came home feeling empowered and whole. WOW! Cindy Justice, Mocksville, NC"
This gathering is a priceless gift. HLK Asheville, NC" 
“The SE Women's Herbal Conference truly changed my life! ~Lisa McHugh, Black Mountain, NC"
"This conference brought me back to a sacred place that is lost to me in modern society. Having a circle of wise women to come back to each year gives me hope for humans. Raven Song Swannanoa, NC"
"This is a very sacred space. I feel blessed & empowered in being part of it. Kimberly Asheville, NC"
"I am not an herbalist, but I came to the conference to deepen my connection with Mother Earth. I came away with a sense of empowerment and support from an amazing community of women. I hope to make this an annual event to recharge my life! Rita Leadem, Durham, NC "
"The variety of classes and teachers were so wonderful at times it was difficult to chose which classes to attend! Every class I attended had knowledgeable and talented teachers that gifted us with wonderful and inspiring wisdom. And the evening events - oh my - exciting and ""over-the-top""! Meeting, seeing and hearing Rising Appalachia was a big highlight for me at the end of a wonderful day of learning. -- Janet Hall, Port Republic, MD"
"My understanding of plants & their uses expanded exponentially. I came away very inspired & deeply satisfied & have been relishing my increased intimacy with the plants all around me ever since. ~ Crystalline Ruby Muse Marshall, NC"
"I was a work study participant, and all I can say, WOW. You were kind, creative and gracious."
“The SEWHC is definitely a treasure. “
Getting better and better every year and it was great to have so many more women of color. Dorisse
It was lovely to be greeted by smiles and recognition of like minded spirits. Well done ladies, well done."
“Thank you to the wisdom and the strong heritage that we all come from. My heart is filled with song and mantra, and remind me to tune into the wise women in me.
"I feel inspired and empowered to walk the path of a modern day warrioress after just two classes with ALisa Starkweather at the SEWHC. R.T., Black Mountain, NC."
2009 Testimonials
Testimonials from previous years
