“Leslie is a compassionate and thoughtful woman and her loving personality supports the incredible work she is doing. I highly recommend Leslie as a speaker!”
— Liz Bovey, CEO & Founder of Westside Montessori School
“Leslie’s compassion and empathy will take your breath away. She has a natural ability to truly understand how others are feeling and to gently navigate her clients to a positive view of their challenges. I had the great fortune to train her as a youth peer to peer facilitator. While she learned some new skills, I probably learned more from her. I witnessed young people transform because of her open heart and steadfast attention to them. Leslie’s ability to sit in silence as people process their feelings is extraordinary. Her face radiates the message that she is there for you, she believes in you and everything is going to be ok. People feel safe and respected; they know that she will hold their pain in her heart and guide them gently out of that struggle. If you are considering working with Leslie, stop considering. Leslie has a gift and we are the beneficiaries.”
— Claire
"You have an incredible ability to bring together people and give them a safe space to share and help move themselves forward. I know this fills you up as much as it does all of us.”
— Mare
“If anyone knows how to hold space for emotions, that would be you!”
— Ramo
“Leslie is a guiding force. Her knowledge and wisdom run deep and her ability to listen, hear and respond makes you feel like you are deeply cared for.”
— Valentina
“Leslie has a smile that lights up any space. She sets a warm tone, one that says you belong here and your voice matters. Over years of seeing her facilitate groups with children, youth and adults, the constant is that group members feel heard, deeply understood and better able to connect with others in their lives. Leslie connects on a meaningful level and keeps the conversation focussed on the real. You leave her presence feeling invigorated, positive and empowered to be your best self.”
— Barb
“My dear friend, Leslie, has a few motherhood mantras I lean on at times. One I love is a simple practice to ground through the chaos …
Slow is all around me.
A gentle reminder to tune into what is peaceful - a soft breeze, birds out the window, my heartbeat …
My mother used a similar calming practice in her early mothering years. To simply observe swaying branches and imagine oneself in the ocean swaying in the tides.
Slow is all around me.”
- painting & description by Audrey
“To whomever is reading this, please consider yourself fortunate to have discovered the work of Leslie Richardson. I experienced my first Mama to Mama a few weeks after becoming a first time mom, during the height of the pandemic. Mama to Mama is a special, sacred space created by Leslie, where women come together and connect deeply with one another. Leslie is a skilled facilitator, so skilled that you find yourself effortlessly melting into the comfort and safety she creates around you. You find yourself sharing your heart with other women in ways you might not have expected, and listening to other women's stories with deep, non-judgemental curiosity and compassion. After every Mama to Mama I come away feeling that my cup is freshly filled up and that I am ready to face the daily challenges of parenthood anew. I am grateful that Leslie chooses to spend her time doing this important work. She is in her element. I highly recommend her services to anyone looking for empathy, support, and connection on their parenting journey.”
— heather
Dear woman,
You are the humble warrior,
As you quietly lead in this world,
Your power too often overlooked.
You show your bravery, not via your ego,
but through your fierce vulnerability,
To feel, to love, to create,
& to accept all that comes with that.
My eyes well with tears when I feel seen by you, because I am you and you are me.
We are the grasses woven into a bag,
that can carry so much.
We are the the soil, birthing everything
that fuels this world.
Dear woman, I love you.
— poem by Mara after attending a Mama to Mama
“I have known Leslie now for almost seven years and I am blessed for it. From playground chats outside the kindergarten our kids went to, to long walks after drop-off, to then participating in the incredible Mama to Mama that she created, Leslie remains a point of reference and a pillar of strength and support, both as a mother and a dear friend. Her insight, her kindness and the real/no-nonsense approach she encourages in her gatherings create a safe, and loving space for all of us to share, "empty our buckets", refill our cups, and support each other in this rollercoaster journey parenting truly is. I can't fully express my excitement for the growth of her impact in the world, and, as a mother of a woman-to-be, it restores hope in my heart, knowing four beautiful men will have been brought up by her, under her loving, honest and nurturing guidance.”
— Michelle
“I have been a part of other mother circles, but this one is different. Leslie's style is warm, empathic and inclusive. She fosters an intimate and non-judgemental environment where it's safe to share and connect with other mothers at any stage of the journey in motherhood, on any topic. Motherhood can be isolating, but at Mama to Mama I am refuelled by the connection of this strong sisterhood. I leave feeling supported, loved and heard and well equipped to be a better parent.”