Return to the Table preview session is a free offering to give folks an opportunity to “taste” and learn more about Return to the Table’s 10-week grief journey. This is a great way for interested participants and those interested in making referrals to experience an overview and sampling of the 10-week journey along with a time for Q&A.
Container
This free session will be held at The Studio at Shelterwood Collective in Pioneer Square from 3:30-5:00pm on January 18, 2026. There is no pre-requisite or commitment needed to attend and learn more about Return to the Table offering.
Exchange
This preview session is a free offering for those interested in learning more. Those in attendance will receive a 10% discount code to either attend oneself or use as a referral for the Return to the Table 10-week journey.
Registration
Those who are interested will RSVP through the Shelterwood event page, which will direct them to an initial intake form to fill out. Co-facilitator Melissa Deeken will then follow up with each registrant to schedule a phone call consultation to determine if this offering and timing is a good fit.
Dr. Soodeh Montazeri, Ph.D.
Founder | Nün ‘O Namak Collective
Soodeh is a design researcher, behavioral scientist, and founder of the Nün ‘O Namak Collective, a community-driven food project that uses the transformative power of food to foster belonging and well-being. Drawing from her professional experience in academia, startups, Fortune 10 companies, and NGOs, she blends expertise in human behavior and emotion with her personal journey of transforming a complicated childhood relationship with food into healing and creativity. Through workshops and communal gatherings, Soodeh guides participants to use food as a medium for comfort, storytelling, and care.
Melissa Deeken, LMHCA
Founder | Namai Therapy
Melissa is a psychotherapist and grief tender devoted to supporting individuals through loss, change, and life transitions. She views grief as a natural response to life’s shifts and believes healing begins with compassionate presence. With clinical expertise and warmth, Melissa creates safe spaces where grief can be honored and transformed into connection and resilience.