Pathways to Healing: Women, Psychedelics, Community & Wellness
Honoring Women’s History Month with a Powerful Conversation on Healing, Allyship & the Future of Psychedelic Wellness
March is Women’s History Month, but let’s be real—women have been writing, rewriting, and reimagining history long before the world decided to acknowledge them. And when it comes to healing, mothering, and guiding people through transformation, women have always been at the center.
From the village midwives to the underground therapists, from the herbalists to the psychonaut moms microdosing between daycare pickups—women have been holding space for healing in ways that society either forgets, suppresses, or exploits.
But we remember. And this Saturday, March 15, we’re gathering to talk about it.
At this month’s Pathways to Healing at Akoma, we’re bringing together Melissa Whippo and Gwen Pelfini for a real, and necessary conversation about motherhood, psychedelics, women’s health, and the power of true allyship in healing spaces.
Why This Talk Matters Now
There’s a new wave of psychedelic medicine sweeping through the world, and while the conversation is dominated by investors, researchers, and policy-makers, the ones actually doing the work—the ones holding the medicine—often get sidelined. Women have always been the quiet architects of healing.
Melissa Whippo knows this firsthand. As a maternal wellness expert and psychedelic integration coach, she has worked with women navigating birth, identity shifts, trauma, and transformation—all through the lens of deep, embodied healing.
Gwen Pelfini, a therapist working at the intersection of mental health and psychedelic-assisted healing, understands how allyship, access, and emotional excavation play a role in making these medicines truly available to those who need them most.
Together, they’ll be unpacking:
🌿 How psychedelics intersect with motherhood, birth, and identity
🌿 The unspoken struggles of women’s mental health & healing in patriarchal systems
🌿 Why allyship matters in psychedelic spaces—and who’s actually showing up
🌿 What it means to reclaim healing practices that have historically been criminalized or co-opted
This Isn’t Just a Talk—It’s a Call to Action
This isn’t about “wellness” as a marketing trend. It’s about women’s health as a radical act of resistance. It’s about healing as a birthright. It’s about ensuring that the psychedelic renaissance doesn’t repeat the mistakes of the past—where women, particularly women of color, are erased from their own traditions and medicines.
Psychedelics are about breaking open, breaking through, and rebuilding something new—and if we’re serious about that, we have to make space for the real conversations, the real healers, and the real histories that have too often been left out.
This is one of those conversations. And you need to be there.
📅 Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
📍 Location: Akoma Entheogenic Church | 1727 Telegraph Ave, Oakland
⏰ Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
🎟 Admission: Free (RSVP encouraged)
Come. Listen, learn, and be part of the shift.
Also
I am beyond thrilled to announce a historic moment for the psychedelic community: the world’s first Microdosing Research Retreat, hosted by Flow State taking place in Santa Cruz, California March 21-23, 2025! You are among the first to be invited to this pioneering event. This retreat is an exclusive opportunity to expand your knowledge in workshops from world-leading psychedelic experts, engage and advance groundbreaking research, enjoy a mushroom-infused tea house, dance and connect with your amazing mycelial network in an inspiring, immersive setting. We are a proud partner of the Microdosing Research Retreat. Use our code: OHMICRO for $200 off at check out!
We would love to have you join us! Limited space is available. There are also BIPOC scholarships available.
Button: Register here with code: OHMICRO
Button link: https://flowstatenow.com/retreat/
You will have the chance to participate directly in the world’s first live IRB-approved microdosing research study conducted outside of the lab in a retreat setting. This study is led by Dr. Conor Murray Ph.D from UCLA, Danielle Nova and Adam Bramlage, with advisory support from Dr. Jim Fadiman Ph.D. This study will use wireless EEG Muse headbands to monitor real-time brain activity, providing unprecedented insights into the neural effects of microdosing on our brains. This is the first time ground-breaking microdosing research will be conducted in a retreat setting outside of a clinical lab.
Lastly
Pathways to Healing: Iboga, Art, and the Ethics of Psychedelic Therapy
A Dialogue with Ayize Everett, Chor Boogie, and Dr. Melva Green
In the evolving landscape of psychedelic therapy, the convergence of traditional practices, modern medicine, and artistic expression offers a rich tapestry for exploration. This month's Pathways to Healing at Akoma brings together three distinguished voices—Ayize Everett, Chor Boogie, and Dr. Melva Green—to delve into the realms of Iboga, harm reduction, artistic healing, and the ethical dimensions of psychedelic practices.
Meet the Speakers
Ayize Jama Everett is a healer and facilitator deeply immersed in the world of psychedelic-assisted therapy. With extensive experience in conducting Iboga ceremonies, Ayize emphasizes the importance of safety, cultural sensitivity, and harm reduction. His approach integrates traditional African spiritual practices with contemporary therapeutic modalities, ensuring that participants receive holistic care during their healing journeys.
Chor Boogie is a renowned artist whose vibrant murals have graced walls worldwide. Beyond his visual artistry, Chor is an advocate for the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, particularly in addressing personal trauma and fostering creativity. His journey with Iboga has not only influenced his art but has also positioned him as a spokesperson for the healing power of plant medicines.
Dr. Melva Green is a psychiatrist and spiritual healer known for her integrative approach to mental health. Combining conventional psychiatry with holistic practices, Dr. Green addresses the mind, body, and spirit in her treatments. Her interest in psychedelics lies in their potential to unlock deep-seated trauma and facilitate profound personal transformation.
The Significance of Iboga in Healing
Iboga, derived from the root bark of the Tabernanthe iboga plant native to Central Africa, has been traditionally used in Bwiti spiritual practices. In recent years, it has gained attention for its potential in treating substance use disorders and facilitating deep psychological introspection. However, its powerful effects necessitate careful consideration of safety protocols, screening processes, and post-experience integration.
Topics of Discussion
Therapeutic Applications of Iboga: Exploring how Iboga can aid in breaking addiction cycles and promoting psychological healing.
Harm Reduction Strategies: Emphasizing the importance of safety measures, proper facilitation, and ethical considerations in psychedelic therapy.
Art as a Healing Modality: Understanding how creative expression, influenced by psychedelic experiences, can serve as a therapeutic outlet.
Integrative Mental Health Approaches: Discussing the fusion of traditional healing practices with modern psychiatry to offer comprehensive mental health care.
Why Attend?
This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with experts who are at the forefront of integrating psychedelics into healing practices. Whether you are a mental health professional, an artist, or someone interested in the therapeutic potential of plant medicines, this discussion will provide valuable insights into the responsible use of psychedelics for personal and community wellness.
Event Details
📅 Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
📍 Location: Akoma Entheogenic Church | 1727 Telegraph Ave, Oakland
⏰ Time: 5:00 - 7:00 PM
🎟 Admission: Free (RSVP encouraged)
Join us for an evening of profound dialogue, artistic exploration, and community connection as we navigate the pathways to healing through the lenses of Iboga, art, and ethical therapy practices.