Helen (she/her) is a Mental Health Therapist practicing in Durham, NC and by telehealth in NC and VT. She utilizes Bowen Family Systems, Narrative, Person-Centered, Sand Tray and Mindfulness Theories in her work with clients who are often facing life transitions, intense caregiving, past religious trauma, or chronic/life limiting illnesses. She is trans-and-queer affirming and multiculturally informed.
Helen is the founder of We Embody Executive Leadership (WEEL) cohorts, a USA founding mother of Leading Women and Leading from the Margins conferences, and faculty at Wounded Ministers retreats. She is an active member of her Eno Commons co-housing community where she enjoys short hikes in the surrounding forest and reading cozy mysteries.
RETREAT CONTRIBUTION: Restoring with the Healing Power of Nature I and II
More Coming Soon
RETREAT CONTRIBUTION: Feminist Expressive Arts
Aisha El is a compassionate, multi-faceted integrated wellness virtuoso. She contracts with businesses to offer cutting edge, evidence-based well-being solutions that ignite personal change as well as propel key performance indicators. She leverages her credentials as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor to encourage post-trauma transformations. She tailors her work to industry needs with a diverse toolkit including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing concepts, mindfulness, and expressive arts therapy. As a certified Dancing Mindfulness facilitator & trauma-informed yoga instructor, Aisha utilizes creativity and movement to promote stress relief.
RETREAT CONTRIBUTION: Mind-Body-Glow Dance Party
Kelli is a seasoned speaker, consultant, and psychotherapist, specializing in the field of trauma since 1996. Kelli was the Director of Child and Family Programs in Chicago at the Center for Contextual Change for fifteen years and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Chicago’s Master’s in Social Work Program for seven years, prior to launching her own business in 2013. Kelli has specialized in facilitating healing from all forms of traumatic experiences for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She provides powerful healing retreats and trainings in Transformative Insight Imagery, an empowering and integrative healing approach. She is a consultant for school districts across North Carolina. on restorative justice circles, the impact of trauma, concerning behaviors, and mental health.
RETREAT CONTRIBUTION: Transformative Insight Imagery
Dr. Faith Pérez McGowan is a Licensed Psychologist and owner of McGowan Psychological Services. She received her Doctorate (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology from Baylor University and has been providing services to teens, adults, and families for 15+ years. She is Mexican-American, originally from South Texas, and has lived in the Raleigh area for the past three years. Before starting her private practice, she worked in Texas at the McAllen VA Clinic as a Primary Care Mental Health Integration Psychologist. She gained valuable training in insomnia, sleep disorders, and trauma-informed care. Dr. Pérez McGowan has taught several undergraduate and graduate courses at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She enjoys cooking spicy foods, hiking with her husband and two children, and blogging about therapy and other mental health issues.
RETREAT CONTRIBUTION: need group name
Barbara is a Registered Drama Therapist with the North American Drama Therapy Association. She holds a Master's degree from NYU in Drama Therapy and a certificate from KINT Institute in the arts and trauma treatment. Barbara specializes in trauma-informed person-centered care; guiding individuals and groups, across treatment settings and cultural organizations, during times of big life transitions. Meeting people in this liminal space, she integrates depth-oriented psychotherapy with mystical art modalities to aid my clients' crossing through thresholds into newer, more authentic experiences. In addition, Barbara is a published research scholar, peer review editor, and former professor at Long Island University-CW Post.
RETREAT CONTRIBUTION: need group name
Amara is a dedicated and multifaceted integrative wellness practitioner within the holistic wellness community. Her passion lies in women's and motherhood wellness, where she approaches each individual with a comprehensive perspective, encompassing the mind, body, and spirit.
With a wealth of knowledge and extensive training, Amara brings a unique set of skills to her practice. She is a certified trauma-informed yoga instructor, specializing in creating safe and healing spaces for those who have experienced trauma. Additionally, her expertise extends to somatics and perinatal wellness, allowing her to address the specific needs and challenges that women face during pregnancy and postpartum periods.
One of Amara's key strengths lies in her integrative coaching for mothers at any stage of their motherhood journey. Whether it's the prenatal phase or the challenges of motherhood after birth, she guides and empowers women to navigate these transformative experiences with grace and confidence.
Amara's holistic and compassionate approach to wellness makes her an invaluable resource within the women's and motherhood wellness community. Her dedication to nurturing the mind, body, and spirit of her clients is a testament to her commitment to helping women thrive through all stages of life.
RETREAT CONTRIBUTION: Early Rising Yoga & Meditation and Partnered Yoga
Melissa Lester, LCSW, is a Women’s Therapist & Counselor specializing in Psychodynamic and Somatic Psychotherapy in Metro Atlanta. My own path of psychotherapy and meditation would prove a strong foundation for me personally as well as for my clinical practice.
Incorporating multiple body-based therapy approaches (Taoist Meditation, Tapping, Hypnotherapy, Progressive Counting and Somatic processing) has enabled me to offer deep, accelerated healing possibilities within the context of a loving, nurturing and sacred therapy relationship.
Areas of expertise include Mood Disorders including Anxiety, Trauma Resolution, Disordered Eating, Coming Out Later in Life, Aging and Loss, Grief and Death, Chronic Pain and Chronic Illness. I offer Individual and Group Therapy, Clinical and Practice Consultation, Workshops, Trainings and therapeutic support for Oncology patients via Emory Winship’s Proton Therapy Center.
RETREAT CONTRIBUTION: Lakefront Release Ceremony
Join me, your friendly yoga instructor, on this marvelous adventure as we embark on a quest to awaken your mind, body, and soul. My personal yoga journey began in 2016 when I began to delve deeper into meditation, Buddhism, asana, and fitness. With my extensive RYT 200-Hour certification and specialized knowledge in Trauma Informed Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and Yoga Therapy for Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Grief, I'm here to guide you towards a place of inner peace and self-discovery. Within our practice, we'll create a nurturing space where you can tap into your own innate healing abilities and embrace exciting new possibilities, both on and off the mat. Together, we'll unlock the secrets of your mind, body, and soul.
RETREAT CONTRIBUTION: Inner Peace Yoga and Partnered Yoga
Arezou is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Somatic Practitioner with a private practice in Durham, North Carolina. With a compassionate, client-centered approach, she guides individuals through challenges such as anxiety, depression, and grief. Arezou earned her Master’s in Public Administration from Columbia University in 2006, subsequently working in university administration while embarking on her own healing journey. She later completed her Master’s in Social Work at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College and achieved a four-year practitioner certification at the New York Institute of Core Energetics in May 2013. Arezou has a special passion for supporting adult children of immigrants and those healing from intergenerational trauma. In addition to her somatic expertise, she has pursued advanced training in developmental and attachment trauma, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). In her free time, Arezou enjoys exploring new hiking trails in the Triangle, practicing hot yoga, traveling to Spanish-speaking countries to enhance her language skills, and cherishing moments with her partner and their two human children and two furry companions.
RETREAT CONTRIBUTION: Introduction to Somatic Process
Camille Laudicina, PsyD, ABPP is a clinical health psychologist, wellness coach, and emerging executive coach. She focuses on the psychological, social, and behavioral factors that impact physical health and well-being. She believes in a holistic approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of the mind and body. She has over 20 years of experience working with a diversity of people in various settings. In 2023, Dr. Laudicina created Big Sky Psychotherapy, PLLC as a space to focus on exploring and expanding one's perspective and finding a sense of freedom and possibility in the midst of life's challenges. The term Big Sky is a nod to her home state of Montana. "Big Sky" can evoke a sense of awe and wonder at the immensity of the natural world, as well as a feeling of freedom and possibility. She currently offers both in-person and telehealth therapy and wellness coaching through Big Sky Psychotherapy located in Durham, NC.
RETREAT CONTRIBUTION: Life Compass
DeeAnn has been a musician since the age of 7 and has a music degree from UNC-Chapel Hill. She uses her love of music to create dynamic, holistic group events. She is a Drum Circle Facilitator and has trained with some of the world’s top facilitators and teachers including Greg Whitt (Drum for Change) Jim Donovan, Ubaka Hill and many others. She formed her own company in 2010 called Heartbeat Rhythms and has facilitated in a variety of places including Wellness Centers, Schools, Music Festivals, Corporations, Museums, Mental Health Facilities, Rehab Facilities, Farms, Senior Care Facilities, etc.
Her main intention is to bring together diverse groups of people to create an experience and environment of support, community, oneness, holistic wellness, team building and creativity. Each drum circle is customized to meet the needs of each unique group. It is her belief that everyone has an innate rhythm and that everyone can drum. She creates the dynamic of safety in the circle, encouraging the group to accept, support, empower, and uplift each other through the group experience.
RETREAT CONTRIBUTION: The Path of Azul
Melodie Winter (she/her) is a therapist based in Durham who specializes in supporting partners of alcoholics, and folks who love someone with a substance use disorder. Her approach to addiction is effective, evidence-based and rooted in kindness and compassion instead of interventions and ultimatums. In addition to traditional psychotherapy, Melodie is trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which leverages your values and your goals to help create real change in your life, and in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which means she can help you process your difficult experiences effectively. Melodie weaves in elements of mindfulness therapy and Buddhist psychology into her work as she deeply believes in the benefits of this approach. She is a trauma-informed therapist, and practices her work with humility as a cis-het White woman who is committed to creating a more just and liberated environment for all beings. She lives with her spouse and their two children.
RETREAT CONTRIBUTION: Meeting Addiction with Science and Kindness: A Fresh Approach for Partners of People who Struggle with Alcohol and Intuitive Eating
AnnE comes to clinical work after a decade as a spiritual companion and educator, grief counselor, energy healer, and chaplain. Given this background, it is no surprise that AnnE has a holistic, soul-centered approach. The core of her work can be found at two intersections; the intersection of grief / substance use and aging / soulful living, although she works with many clients drawn to any of these topics individually.
A lifelong learner, AnnE is currently inspired by IFS work and her studies with Jungian therapist Francis Weller, inviting her to deepen the focus of soul work as she supports clients in their healing. She is both a member of Francis's Soul Convivium and currently doing Grief Ritual training with him and his team. AnnE is also a writer, having published If You Want the Rainbow, Welcome the Rain: A Memoir of Grief and Recovery and currently at work on her second book.
She wishes to honor everyone at this retreat for their courage in stepping out of their comfort zone and saying yes to what is possible.
RETREAT CONTRIBUTION: Women Aging with Soul
Mindy Brodsky (preferred pronouns: she/her/hers) specializes in trauma-informed, strengths-based counseling and group work with a passion for integrative health and healing. At North Raleigh Mental Health & Wellness PLLC, Mindy serves diverse adult populations, including those impacted by cancer and other chronic illnesses, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and life transitions. At Smith Center for Healing & the Arts, Mindy facilitates healing art and writing workshops and support groups for cancer survivors and those who have lost a loved one. Mindy received a BA from Emory University, a JD from University of Miami School of Law, and a MSW from Simmons University. After a career in social justice advocacy and her own challenging health journey, Mindy aspires to meet her clients where they are in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.
RETREAT CONTRIBUTION: Group and Meaningful Endings
Missy is an ordained minister in the Inter-faith tradition and a trained Spiritual Counselor/ Companion. Missy attended seminary and spiritual counseling training at One Spirit Inter-faith Seminary in NYC. As a clergyperson, it is Missy’s deeply held belief that “All Paths Lead to God" by whatever name one chooses to call the Divine. Missy’s main focus in her work/ministry is currently leading workshops and retreats, particularly exploring “Creativity as Spiritual Practice" and “How Creativity Can Nourish Our Souls and Deepen Our Connections to the Divine, Ourselves and Others.” Missy is a trained SoulCollage® facilitator and loves sharing the process in women's circles. She also loves crafting and performing ceremonies and rituals for a variety of occasions, including but not limited to wedding/union ceremonies and memorial services, four-legged family members included.
RETREAT CONTRIBUTION: SoulCollage®
Adria is the founder and owner of Cognitive Clarity and Surface 2 Soul Retreats. She is a licensed mental health therapist with 15 years of experience based in Apex, NC who combines her expertise in mental wellness with unique modalities. These beneficial methods include Ketamine Assisted Therapy, employing a variety of therapeutic services such as somatic release movement, breathwork, mindfulness, meditation, and internal family system (IFS). Adria's approach is deeply rooted in her own experience of breaking generational trauma, healing from rejection, and a deep spiritual growth journey.
Adria believes all humans have the answers they seek within, and provides a beautiful healing space for them to discover their innate wisdom and potential for healing.
Outside of counseling, Adria is heavily invested in her family as a wife of 15 years and mother of two young athletic girls who enjoy swimming and soccer year-round. She enjoys weightlifting, yoga, and being outdoors. Known for her love of holistic practices, or "all things woo-woo," Adria embraces life's joyful moments, whether its dancing in her kitchen or creating sacred spaces for her light to positively impact those around her.
RETREAT CONTRIBUTION: Internal Family Systems
Kimberly has spent most of her life immersed in music. She is currently the lead singer for the Feral Cats band and previously worked as a percussionist and vocalist for various traveling bands. After retiring, Kimberly combined her love of music with her desire to help others by facilitating sound meditations.
Since receiving her first certification from VAST in 2023, she has led sound meditation sessions at women’s retreats, psychotherapy offices, mental health programs, and ketamine treatment retreats.
She continues to expand her expertise by training with Eric Linstrom of Resonance for Healing and is currently working towards her Level 1 certification from the Sound Healing Academy.
RETREAT CONTRIBUTION: Drum Circle, Sound Meditation, Pontoon “Captain Kimmy” and Co-Organizer
Susan opened her private practice, Living Arts, after 30 years serving in a variety of mental health roles, both as a clinician and in clinical leadership, working for other people. Now with her own business, she can align her workday perfectly with her values of servitude leadership, building community and promoting equality & diversity. Living Arts focuses on wellness and intensive ketamine treatment retreats; clinical and business consultation; Share Space business incubator; organizing trainings & events and psychotherapy for women.
RETREAT CONTRIBUTION: Opening Circle and Co-Organizer
