who we are at sacred grove retreat center
ELLEN WHITESIDE
Goddess of the Grove
Ellen has been blessed to be the owner and steward of Sacred Grove Retreat Center since May 2006. She grew up in Columbia, South Carolina. After graduating from Clemson University, she moved to Washington, DC and worked for a year and a half. Saving her money, she left the country and backpacked through Europe for a year.
After returning from Europe, she settled in Portland, Oregon, where she lived for 22 years and worked primarily as a licensed massage therapist.
In 2003, Ellen was desiring more sunshine in her daily life so she decided to leave Portland and move back to the South. In May, 2006, she purchased Sacred Grove and moved there with her partner at the time, Tim Beebe. They worked tirelessly to improve and beautify this magical land.
Ellen serves as a gracious hostess, and her superpower lies in effortlessly creating rapport with every visitor. She possesses a natural talent for making anyone who sets foot on the land feel warmly welcomed. Affectionately referred to as the “Goddess of the Grove”, she takes great pleasure in embracing this title.
Ellen loves traveling and meeting people from other cultures. One of her favorite excursions was a 6-week trip to China, Tibet, Nepal, and Thailand. In 2019, she traveled to India where she explored Rishikesh, renowned as the yoga capital of the world and New Delhi. Enveloped by the captivating spiritual energy of India, she experienced a profound connection to the people and the land.
Ellen dedicated a significant amount of her time to do volunteer coaching for Gratitude Training, a leadership development training center from 2015-2020. Nothing delights her more than witnessing individuals shed their self limiting beliefs and step into their magnificence. In 2022, she did a rigorous coaching training through the Brave Thinking Institute and earned her certification as a Dream Builder coach. Ellen is now actively assisting countless women craft lives that they love living. She recognizes this as her passion and her life purpose.
MURPHY
In June of 2012, Murphy found his way to Sacred Grove, and it was an instant connection between him and Ellen. Murphy, the friendly and welcoming canine, is a constant presence on the property. As a guest, you're sure to encounter and receive a warm welcome from Murphy, who serves as the Hospitality Host at Sacred Grove