Willow Merchant FNP, RN, NC-BC, IBCLC
I help high-achieving professionals who feel burned out, stuck, or disconnected reconnect with their inner radiance and build lives they truly adore.”
*Certified Trauma Services Trauma Specialist with Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists (ATSS)
Offerings: 1:1 coaching • group programs • retreats • keynote talks & nervous system reset work
Specialities
My approach
By slowing down and creating sacred space we peel the layers away to reveal true internal wisdom and beauty while creating alignment with core values. These shifts create openings to cultivate a life you adore.
Experience
- 27 years of RN experience
- Maternal Child Health
- Leadership
- 3 years Nurse Coach
- Women empowerment
Testimonials
"There are secrets in my heart so closely guarded that it would be impossible for me to pull them out in the light of day. To show those dark places and deep holes of shame to other people was beyond my imagining, but in the flickering candlelight of Circle when I felt the love and support all around me, those secrets and shame bubbled right up and came screaming out of me. The worst things I have ever done, the most awful thoughts and bitter feelings, the weight of the shame I carried for years…it all burst out. Having let it all go, I was amazed at how much easier it was to breathe, and how much more space I had within me to fill up with good things. The space that Willow has created for us feels safer than anything else I can remember. There are few words that can accurately capture the feeling of connection that is created between us all when we Circle. It is a physical, tangible thing that we all feel. Looking at the women around me is like traveling back in time to when I was still able to speak my mind and feel my feelings and express my thoughts, without judgement and rejection. I believe that many women feel alone in their lives, thinking that what they are going through is so personal, so singlularly related to them, that there is no one who could understand. The more Circles I have attended, the more I realize that for women, our stories are all the same. People, times, places and circumstances may all be different, but the underlying issues are the same. We are work down by the demands of a society that is increasingly is treating us like property. We are scared to voice our thoughts and opinions in places where those thoughts and opinions are mocked or disregarded by the men “in charge” We have been trained to smile, speakl softely, stay calme, be sweet and helpful. Circle is helping me break that training and return to the Wild Woman I was born as. I am learning to speak up. I am learning to hold strong to my convictions and beleif. Most of all, I am re-learning how to be ME. Circle is showing me that damages can be repaired, shame can be set aside, and traumas can be talked through. The other women in Circle are showing me the way, just as I am showing the way to them. Circle is teaching me to listen, really listen, to the women around me, and to u understand that we are not alone in our struggles. Sisterhood has taken on a new meaning to me. I am seeing my mother, my grandmother, my aunt and my sister in a new way, and I am learning to love them as they are, as I hope they love me as I am. Circle is teaching me to stand up straight and say “Yeah, I am kind of fucked up, but I am a work in progress” Willow has opened my eyes to a new way of being a women. I am forever grateful to her." ~Margie
"There is nothing that can match the confidence I have found from attending this group formed by 6 dynamic women. By confidence, I mean inner confidence, the kind that is hiding in the background, waiting for an opportunity to shine. I have found it in the way I s how up in my intimate relationship, asking for what I need, not being afraid it may rub him the wrong way, as I have in the past. It has shown up in relationships with my women friends. I have learned to hold boundaries without fear of retaliation, backstabbing, or stonewalling. This has been the hardest skill to hone, but little by little, I am drawing from the courage of the others in my Circle. Listening to their journeys, I know I have the strength to stand alone if I need to, because I am not going to compromise my values for external validation. I have also learned to hold space for those in pain, to be a silent witness to their journey, and not interjecting my opinion when I am uncomfortable and want to provide comfort. This has assisted me with becoming a compassionate listener and not a problem solver. I absolutely love how each circle imbues me with a sense of magic, passion and contemplation. I am truly blessed to have Willow be the trusted sage, who guides us into a new sense of self." ~Amy
"The Circle has give me the courage to be 100% myself-all masks, all pretending, all deflecting gone, in the space space Willow has created for us. I have never experienced anything like this group of amazing women generating strength for each other. Circle has changed my life." ~Anonymous
"WOW! That was such a beautiful event! I’m so happy I was able to be there. You are amazing and you gather amazing women. Your vibe attracts your tribe! So lucky to be a part of your tribe!" ~Monica
"I will never be able to describe how grateful I am for the time you took for me. I haven’t felt like I could talk about my current challenges about my life to anyone, in fear of being judged, or told I should have done this or should have done that, not being understood, criticized, etc. I have had these deep soul feelings built up and I felt like it was an emotional explosion I really needed to let out and hear myself say, for the first time to someone. You were the someone that I needed at this time, you listened to me, asked curious questions, meditated with me, told me that I am sorry that you didn’t not get fulfilled of what you needed as a child, you acknowledged me and honored me for the deep parts of who I am and for the acts of self love, everything that you have done for me in our sessions was everything I could have hoped for and more. Words will never be able to describe how valuable it was that you let me unleash my emotions without judgment or saying it should be different, thank god I am so lucky! It was a big step for me to say my hardships I am going through and go out on a limb to just take the risk I have so greatly needed." ~Alyssa
"You really helped me start to establish hope and trust, without really having any trust or knowing where to go to anyone, not having many people in my life. I appreciate who you are and your experience in holding the space, coaching, being loving and supportive, it was one of the best experiences of my life and I am still really in a surreal state at the moment processing that I said what I did, and what I said and then for you to listen and give me positive reinforcement was the best case scenario of all that I could have ever needed at this time, this moment, this journey of finding my way back to me, back to what it means to live, back to the surface to take a place in my life again." ~Alyssa
"Willow led a mother/baby blessing ceremony for me and it was absolutely wonderful. I knew I didn't want a traditional shower but to incorporate something mindful to mark this exciting chapter of motherhood and Willows ceremony was perfect! She transformed my living room with flowers, candles and crystals setting up an altar space that we could all sit in circle around. She even incorporated my toddler and my husband into it, and it was so so special. My friends were all texting me afterwards about how lovely the gathering was. She is so good at creating a beautiful safe space, which as a mama to be made me feel taken care of and nourished. Highly recommend Willow for any ceremony that will mark a rite of passage in your life." ~Deimante
"I had no clue what to expect or imagine at a baby blessing ceremony since I had never been to one before. I’ve been to Willow’s other offerings and truly enjoyed them, so I hoped for the best and booked it. From the moment I walked into the room I was in awh. The alter was custom curated, beautiful flowers and a well thought out flow of the event, while sharing heartfelt words, brought me to tears (many times). That day will forever be a core memory. I could never go back to a traditional “baby shower” after having this experience. Thank you Willow, you are magical!" ~Ashley
"Willow's huge heart and easily approachable personality make her the perfect person to nurture the personal growth that people are searching for. She has experience in so many areas of healing. I recommend her offerings to people all of the time, as well as partaking in her offerings myself. I highly recommend Willow and Emerging Hearts Collective. ~T.T.
"I adore Willow Womens Circle! It’s the best one I’ve ever been to. She really puts so much heart and intention into creating a sacred and beautiful space filled with love, tears and laughter, vulnerability, and authenticity. It’s a place I can go to be held when I feel low and to celebrate when I feel joy. It’s been a godsend as a new woman in town looking to build Community and sisterhood." ~L.F.
"Willow herself is an excellent facilitator- Empathetic, authentic, and so so fun. Every month is a new theme that’s rooted in the season we are in. I love the openness and the female support from so many different walks of life that attend each time. If you are needing a dose of love and light in your life, do your self a favor and check it out." ~C.L.
"Prior to working with Willow, I found that on a daily basis I was stretched thin in all aspects of my life. I would give the best of myself to my job and was left drained, exhausted, and easily angered at home with my children. Throughout my coaching sessions with Willow, we were able to identify areas that I easily triggered me at home and we were able to find creative ways to make life less stressful. In addition, I gained a better understanding of what work-life balance really means and with minor changes & adjustments, I am able to live more of a stress-fee life. Throughout the process, Willow was patient, kind, understanding, and insightful. She has the ability to ask small questions that start large and meaningful conversations. Often times, I would take time after our session to reflect on our conversations and was able to find more clarification and calmness in my life. Our coaching sessions have helped me to make small changes that have a large impact on my life, my children’s lives, and my husband’s life. As a family, we have also made a series of large life decisions and I do feel that this is partly due to some of the conversations that my husband and I would have after my coaching sessions with Willow. Throughout this experience, I was able to find the strength and courage to make changes and I feel much more confident in myself as a mother, wife, and human being. I truly have enjoyed my sessions with Willow and I would recommend her coaching to anyone that I know." ~ E.Y.