The experience is designed to:
The Location
Set in a private residence in the Santa Cruz Mountains, "Wellstone Center" features sweeping views,
a pool, hot tub, indoor ceremony room, goats, gardens and a private redwood trail.
Checkout our day retreats from the past!
73% of Gen Z report "sometimes or always feeling alone".
Half of middle schoolers report "often or always feeling stressed".
With so much upheaval in a series of events since the pandemic, online schooling and now the wildfires, it is more important than ever that we create meaningful experiences of joy, but more imperatively, that we give our daughters tools for wellness and resiliency. The activities in this workshop are specifically designed for 9-14 year olds (and their mothers) to offer tools & support social-emotional learning, mental health and wellness.
Power Pieces
The Power Pieces deck was developed by Danielle Bardellini (facilitator) and child psychologist, Monique Hill. It is designed for children and teens 9 - 18 years old to develop emotional awareness, regulate their emotions, create mindfulness practices, and learn skills to manage distress. In this workshop, we will be learning how to navigate this deck in a group activity.
Explore and Express
Danielle has developed a series of programs and products in collaboration with mental health professionals and drama therapists. The activities stem from traditional theater games that develop confidence, communication and community. In addition, they are layered with elements that explore inner emotional landscapes and offer an avenue to express outwardly.
Art, Music & Dance
Each retreat will feature activities that make each experience unique. Some of our past retreats included dance classes, vision board art and acting scenes.
Meet Danielle
Hi! I started mother-daughter experiences because I saw a fundamental need that was missing from our education system and our modern day culture. I've been working in the education industry building programs for schools for over 15 years and it was apparent that the anxiety, sadness and stress that children are currently experiencing need to be at the forefront of our focus. In addition, I was working with women's circles and one day I heard someone say "My daughter wanted to come so badly today!" and... I thought, "Well let's create something new then!"
So I combined my experience in social-emotional learning, wellness, games, events, theater and ancient women's wisdom to build experiences that connect mothers, daughters and families overall.
My hope is that our time together will bridge a new, deeper connection to family, but also to our ancestors, and the many women before us so that we may walk into a new world of equality, intuition, strength, and emotional resiliency.
Oh and have some fun while we're at it!
Organic Homemade Lunch
Community-Centered Chef
Experience the essence of wholesome dining with our organic lunch, crafted by Chef Sarah Ringler. With a passion for nutritious and holistic meals, Sarah's culinary expertise extends to postpartum care and women's wellness. As a mother of two daughters, she is deeply connected to the community and understands the importance of catering to all ages. Sarah's culinary expertise goes beyond taste, focusing on nourishing both body and soul.