Join Us for

Restorative Retreat 2025


Recharge, Connect, and Transform in Wine Country – April 4-6, 2025

Keep yourself well

Healing Through Connection & COMPASSION

3 Days

Why are we so fatigued & how can we rescue ourselves?


Over three transformative days, our live event is carefully designed to address the unique challenges faced by veterinarians and animal care professionals in combating compassion fatigue. Through a series of expert-led lectures, interactive activities, and sharing sessions, participants will explore vital topics such as stress management, self-care techniques, resilience building, and effective communication strategies. 

Our comprehensive retreat curriculum is crafted to equip attendees with practical tools and insights to foster their well-being, enhance professional satisfaction, and promote sustainable, compassionate care for both animals and themselves.

Learn to Thrive

Through the knowledge gained  at this groundbreaking retreat.


  • Benefit from 10 educational sessions designed to explore the mind-body connection, understand how imbalances affect the workplace, regulate emotions with heart coherence, learn stress free confrontation tactics, and customize your own path forward to finding joy in your profession once again. 
  • Delve into 12 healing techniques led by top experts in their fields such as HeartMath, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Somatic Healing, Equine Polyvagal Therapy, and so much more. 
  • Understand and effectively incorporate the 5 culture bolsters of VCP: Love, Compassion, Direction, Training and Delegation to foster a healthy culture in the veterinary workplace. 
  • Participate in 2 engaging breakout sessions to connect with peers and practice new rejuvenation methods.
  • Join us for a movie and popcorn night featuring a screening of Rescued Hearts with the award-winning filmmakers!

Energy Flow

Enjoy Yoga, Meditation & Sound Healing.


Give yourself some love with yoga sessions offered Saturday and Sunday morning of the retreat. Whether you’re seasoned or a beginner, these sessions are tailored to accommodate all levels of experience, providing an opportunity for rejuvenation. 

Explore the beauty of meditation. When we are able to turn inward for a few moments of silence and close off the outside noise, we are able to harness incredible self-healing power.

Be transported to a state of deep relaxation during our sound healing concert experience, seamlessly woven into the fabric of our retreat program.

Meet

Our speakers & hosts (click for bios)

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Holistic veterinarian and visionary founder of The Veterinary Compassion Fatigue Project dedicated to supporting the well-being of veterinary professionals.
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Practitioner of Ayurvedic canine wellness, ordained animal chaplain, and Chopra certified Vedic educator committed to holistic healing and spiritual connection with animals.
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A Veterinary Social Worker and Certified Compassion Fatigue Specialist providing trauma-informed support and coaching to veterinary professionals so they can reconnect to themselves and their work in new and improved ways.
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Using techniques from TVCFP, Dr. Barbara was able to transform her work and personal life with minimal changes in her job.  She is now stepping out to help others find their groove. 
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Holistic veterinarian that utilizes the transformative power of sound therapy in practice.
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Dana Croschere & Krisanna Sexton are award-winning filmmakers of Love Heals, and their newest documentary called Rescued Hearts. (pictured below) 
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Emergency critical care and integrative functional medicine veterinarian, blending conventional medicine with energy healing as a Master Practitioner of Shamanic Energy Medicine.

and more to be announced!

Exclusive Event with the Filmmakers


The weekend includes an exclusive screening of ‘Rescued Hearts,’ crafted by award-winning filmmakers Dana Croschere & Krisanna Sexton. The creators themselves will be present for a captivating live Q&A and an engaging discussion session. 

Rescued Hearts isn’t just the story of horses & people; it’s the story of all of us and the power that lies within to create healing and transformation in our lives. 

To learn more about the film, please visit:

RESCUEDHEARTFILM.COM

Live Screening Event

Filmmakers

Accommodations

Hotel Petaluma


Experience rejuvenation amidst the quaint town of Petaluma, California, renowned for its commitment to farm-to-table living. Nestled within this idyllic setting lies the historic Hotel Petaluma, an enchanting venue that sets the stage for our restorative retreat.

Let go with tranquil overnight accommodations conveniently situated in close proximity to Petaluma’s charming downtown, making it easy to enjoy the city’s vibrant tapestry of shops, cafes, and attractions, at your doorstep.

Upon registration for the retreat, you’ll receive comprehensive event details, including instructions on securing your accommodations at an exclusive group rate ($189/night + taxes & fees) within the Hotel Petaluma.

During the retreat, your senses will awaken each morning with a seasonal and locally purveyed farm-to-table breakfast spread, including thoughtfully curated ingredients to invigorate and nourish (these 3 breakfasts are included in your tuition). 

As the day unfolds, you’ll have freedom to explore Petaluma’s culinary scene for your lunch and dinner. A leisurely stroll away you can find a cute bistro, artisanal bakery, or cozy cafe.

All participants are invited to attend a Warm Welcome Reception on Thursday evening too!

EARLY-BIRD RETREAT TUITION IS $599 USD*

Included in the tuition:

  • Welcome Reception with wine & apps on Thursday evening (April 3rd)
  • 3 days of classes, sessions, and experiential activities
  • 3 delicious farm-to-table breakfasts on Friday, Saturday & Sunday
  • Exclusive screening event of ‘Rescued Hearts’ w/ Filmmakers
  • Participant tote bag with journal, pen, and “swag” goodies

For clarity, what is not included in the tuition:

  • Travel & ground transport to Hotel Petaluma arranged individually
  • Hotel accommodations at Hotel Petaluma arranged individually
  • Except breakfast Fri-Sun, other meals through the program not provided.
  • The optional Winery Lunch (purchased separately)
  • *Early bird pricing available for a limited time. Standard tuition will be $750 USD.

Add on Option

Winery lunch on Sunday, April 6th.


Experience culinary delight with our exclusive Winery Lunch — an optional addition after the event concludes on Sunday afternoon.

  • Immerse Yourself in Culinary Delights: Join us on a 3.5-hour excursion to a nearby winery, departing from Hotel Petaluma at 1:00 pm on Sunday, April 6th.
  • Savor Delectable Cuisine: Indulge in a gourmet lunch paired with exquisite wines, crafted to tantalize your taste buds.
  • Explore Scenic Vineyards: After dining, wander through the vineyard’s sprawling landscape, soaking in the views and discovering the secrets behind fine winemaking.
  • Transportation Provided: Relax and enjoy the journey as we provide hassle-free transportation to and from the winery, ensuring a seamless experience for all.
  • Return Refreshed and Inspired: Arriving back at Hotel Petaluma by approximately 4:30 pm, you’ll carry with you memories of a day filled with culinary delights, scenic splendor, and newfound friendships.

    PRICE: Reserve your spot for the Winery Lunch for just an additional $199 (optional ticket type when registering)

FAQs


Wondering about the retreat? Our FAQ section has all the latest details, updated regularly to keep you informed. Have a question that’s not covered? Reach out— we’re here to help and make your retreat experience seamless!

“Empathy is a finite resource. You can run out. As a normal psychological response, you cannot give of yourself again and again and again without replenishing”

~Emmett Fitzgerald

Retreat Schedule

Day 1


  • 8:00 AM Breakfast & Registration
    9:00 AM Welcome & VCP Introductions
    10:45 AM Session 1: Become Quiet to Hear More
    12:00 PM Lunch
    1:30 PM Session 2: The Dynamic Energy System of the Mind/Body Connection
    2:30 PM Session 3: Culture is the Foundation for Your Success
    4:00 PM Break Out Session: Connect & Tune In
    6:30 PM Evening Screening of Rescued Hearts


Day 2


  • 7:00 AM Optional Guided Yoga
    8:00 AM Breakfast
    9:30 AM Session 4: Regulating Emotions During the Work Day: Heart Coherence
    11:00 AM Guided Meditation
    11:10 AM Session 5: Your Meditation Evolution
    12:30 PM Lunch
    2:00 PM Session 6: A Transformational Experience: Testimonials From Your Peers
    3:00 PM Session 7: The Secret to Heart to Heart Confrontations
    4:15 PM Break Out Session: Embody the Techniques
    5:45 PM Sound Bowl Healing Concert

Day 3


  • 7:00 AM Optional Guided Yoga
    8:00 AM Breakfast
    9:00 AM Morning Meditation
    9:30 AM Session 8: Discover How to Set Healthy Boundaries
    11:00 AM Session 9: Pave Your Own Path to Wellness
    1:00 PM Optional Winery Lunch





Meet Our Sponsors

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Interested in supporting our Retreat? Become a sponsor or donate to our scholarship fund to help someone attend!