Ms. Hanifa Nayo Washington

Her RoleHanifa is a Lead Facilitator at Beckley Retreats with deep experience in ceremony facilitation, integration and preparation support, and as a musician.Her StoryI come from a long matriarchal line of Afro-Indigenous healers, rooted in the rhythms of life, loss, joy, and transformation. I was raised with the teachings of my ancestors, who had walked the path of healing for generations. Their wisdom flowed through me, guiding me as I began my own journey of deep connection with the Earth and the healing power it holds.For the past 25 years, I’ve worked in the nonprofit field, launching several organizations and initiatives aimed at healing and liberation.Over the last two decades, I’ve developed a profound reverence for working with fungi and plant medicines. They’ve been my teachers, showing me how to honor the cycles of life—how to release, how to heal, and how to transform. My path has taken me across the world, from the bustling streets of cities to the stillness of remote landscapes. Each place I’ve traveled has deepened my understanding of the intricate connection between nature and the human spirit.Music has been my constant companion throughout it all. It’s more than just sound to me—it’s a teacher, a healer, a force that bridges the seen and unseen. Music has held me in moments of grief and carried me through periods of release and profound grief. It’s the pulse that beats in my soul, guiding me as I move through this life.‍Her WhyI feel incredibly blessed to devote part of my life to supporting the healing journey of others. It is an honor to walk alongside fellow humans as they connect with their tenderness, joy, and reclaim their own power.Being part of the Beckley Retreats’ team is a gift, both to myself and to others. Serving others in this way is one of the most fulfilling and meaningful ways I can use my life force.