SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY
Fostering Inclusivity, Cultural Appreciation, and Reciprocity

Sliding scale, partial and full scholarships available upon request.
Our Commitment to Equity
At the heart of our retreat philosophy lies a profound commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all. We believe that transformative experiences should be available to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances or background. Our scholarship program is our commitment to this belief, designed to break down barriers and create a diverse, vibrant community of seekers and healers.

Why We Offer Scholarships and Flexible Payment Options
We recognize that financial constraints often prevent those from marginalized or underrepresented groups from accessing the types of experiences we provide. By offering scholarships, we aim to level the playing field, ensuring that our sacred spaces are truly representative of the beautiful diversity in our world. This inclusivity not only benefits scholarship recipients but enriches the entire retreat experience for all participants, fostering an environment where varied perspectives and life experiences contribute to collective growth and understanding.​
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Honoring Indigenous Wisdom and Reciprocity
We deeply respect and honor the wisdom and teachings of Indigenous sacred medicines and their carriers. Our work is rooted in a commitment to cultural appreciation and reciprocity, recognizing the profound impact of colonization and the erasure of Indigenous wisdom, songs, teachings, and history. In our deep reverence, respect, and reciprocity, we strive to create a space that acknowledges and honors these traditions.

We believe in the importance of giving back to the communities and cultures that have shared their sacred knowledge with us. Our scholarship program is one way we practice reciprocity, ensuring that those who have been historically marginalized have access to the healing and growth that these sacred medicines offer. By fostering a diverse and inclusive community, we aim to create a tapestry of shared wisdom and mutual support, enriching the retreat experience for all.
Supporting Marginalized Communities
​Our scholarship and financial flexibility program specifically seeks to support those from marginalized communities, including but not limited to:
  • People of Color: Addressing historical and systemic barriers that have limited access to wellness and healing spaces.
  • LGBTQIA+ and GSRM: Creating a safe and welcoming environment for diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and relationship structures.
  • Economically Disadvantaged: Offering opportunities to those who might otherwise be unable to afford such transformative experiences.
  • Veterans and First Responders: Providing support for those who have served and may be dealing with unique challenges related to their service.
  • Other Underrepresented Groups: Ensuring that our retreats are accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.​
We Welcome You into Our Community
​If you feel called to this transformative work but face financial barriers, we encourage you to apply for our scholarship program. Your presence and perspective are valuable, and we are dedicated to making this experience accessible to you. Together, let's create a community where healing and growth are truly available to all.​
Confidentiality and Respect
We treat all scholarship applications with the utmost confidentiality and respect. Your personal information and circumstances will be handled with sensitivity, and the selection process will be conducted in a fair and unbiased manner. 

HOW TO REQUEST SUPPORT & APPLY

Schedule Your Scholarship Call
​We understand that applying for a scholarship may bring up questions and considerations. To support you in this process and provide a space for you to share your story, please schedule a personal 30-minute Scholarship Call with Vanessa.

During this call, you'll have the opportunity to discuss your financial needs, cultural background, share your story, and ask any questions you may have about the scholarship program and the retreat experience.
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Scholarship Decision-Making Process
Our scholarship program is designed to make our retreats accessible to a diverse group of individuals who may face financial barriers.
Here's how we make our decisions:
  1. Application Review: We carefully consider each applicant, considering their background, current circumstances, and expressed need for the retreat experience.
  2. Alignment with Mission: We look for applicants whose goals and intentions align with our retreat's mission of fostering personal growth, healing, and community connection.
  3. Financial Need: We assess the level of financial assistance required, aiming to support those who would otherwise be unable to attend.
  4. Diversity and Inclusion: We strive to create a diverse and inclusive retreat environment, considering a range of perspectives and experiences.
  5. Commitment to Integration: We value applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to integrating the retreat experience into their lives.
Decisions are made on a rolling basis, and we aim to notify applicants within two weeks of receiving their completed application.
​We encourage you to apply early, as scholarship funds are limited.
Remember, your journey begins the moment you decide to apply.
​We honor your courage in taking this step towards your own personal transformation and healing.
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Honoring Maria Sabina: A Legacy of Sacred Wisdom
The images you see on this page are of our Beloved Maria Sabina, Curandera and Sabia. Maria Sabina was a revered Mazatec healer who carried the sacred ninos santos (sacred mushrooms) for healing and spiritual insight. Her teachings emphasize the importance of approaching these sacred medicines with reverence, intention, and deep respect for their transformative power to heal. Tragically, after R. Gordon Wasson published an article in Life magazine, her village was flooded with outsiders, leading to cultural misappropriation and significant hardships, including violence and the destruction of her home. Maria Sabina's life ended in poverty, highlighting the devastating impact of this betrayal.

Our scholarship program is in honor of Maria Sabina and all Indigenous wisdom keepers whose traditions make the sacred use of earth-based medicines and spiritual practices available to the world. By supporting our scholarship fund, you help ensure that these transformative experiences are accessible to those who need them most, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Together, we can honor the legacy of Maria Sabina by practicing cultural appreciation, respect, and reciprocity.
Vanessa Crites, Vanessa Crites Consulting, LLC., her associates and the contents of this website and any information offered in consultations/sessions do not in any way encourage or condone the use, purchase, sale, or transfer of any illegal substances, nor do they encourage or condone partaking in any unlawful activities or offer medical advice. We support a harm reduction approach for the purpose of education and promoting individual and public safety. If you are choosing to use psychedelic substances, please do so responsibly © Copyright 2022, Vanessa Crites Consulting, LLC. All Rights Reserved.