"No longer on the hamster wheel!As an older single female, I struggled to find a purpose or a vision for what I wanted to do with my life. There had to be more than work, TV, and sleep. I was stuck and needed some clarity. The retreat description was exactly what I wanted, and the limited size was perfect. Now I have a vision, a direction, to go with my life. Each of us had a unique circumstance and unique goals, yet we all were able to gain a lot from the exercises. The location was so serene and quiet! I am SO GRATEFUL to you and the Queens for the wake-up call. My motivation and outlook on life have done a 180, and I have direction. Truthfully, I haven't slept this well in Years! I used to need medication to get to sleep every night, but I haven't taken it since the retreat. I slept soundly without help; I didn't think I'd ever see that again. I constantly think about my vision for the future we identified during the retreat. Identifying past patterns and how they affected my day-to-day life has helped me change behaviors and improve my outlook and outcomes. The ripple effect of the retreat is already being felt. Because of the support and encouragement I received, I could pass that on to another woman. They're amazing."
- Cindy, IT, PA
"Attending Rewiring Together shortly after retiring was life-changing. Over the course of the weekend, I was able to reframe my approach to retirement and focus on what I wanted my retirement years to be, not what I felt they “should” be. In addition, I made connections with women whose friendship is invaluable to me. As a bonus, I was able to work through the issues surrounding a sibling estrangement, allowing me to heal wounds and reconcile with a loved one. I have entered retirement with a joyful, creative spirit as a result of the work accomplished at the retreat."
- Mimi B, Retired CFP and Professional Geologist, NH
"I wanted a vision for my life as I prepared for retirement. I was drawn to the idea of rewiring because I feel somewhat stuck about having a vision for my future as I approach retirement. I revisited elements of my life's journey to understand that I am more than those experiences and influences and, importantly, enough. I clarified my values and shed what did not need to define me. I am left with a vision and an evolving, actionable plan. It is freeing and I am viewing my future and aging without trepidation. A million thank yous to Leslie for sharing her gifts and vision to help women of this certain age. Our facilitator was extremely knowledgeable about human behavior and can cite and apply multiple philosophies (e.g., Carl Jung) to challenge you in individual and group work. She integrates music, both planned and spontaneous, to evoke emotions and understanding. Her devotion to a lifetime of curiosity effectively models for participants (fellow sisters) in a wonderfully safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental manner. Some prep work for the workshop is required, which will reveal itself with great purpose and be foundational to the rewiring. Leslie was born to do this "work," and with her skills, I wonder about the countless people she has so positively impacted in her life. I yearned for vision and left with clarity, as did my other 7 sisters. She encourages continued connection between the women attending beyond the retreat. I rank this experience as one of my life's most vital and important endeavors."
- Theresa D Executive, Maryland
"Beautiful Setting, Profound Outcome! It's just a time to stop, review life, and plan what is next in support of this kind of program. First, it was for women in my age group. Second, it was driving distance, and finally, the background of the instructor/leaders. This became the most important part! Clarity on what to focus on shortly as I approach life after 65. And it is NOT retirement, but a new offering (community service) based on my current work. This is a self-exploration retreat: you get what you can put out of it. It is safe and very cathartic. When I tell my friends how it was in a word, I say "profound!."
- Freddi D Leesburg MD Executive Coach
"Phenomenal experience! I felt stuck after retiring and wanted guidance on charting a new course. I also wanted to move past a difficult relationship with my mom, who had passed away this year. The description of this retreat inspired me to sign up. I want to look inward, shake off patterns of the past, and find a new way forward. It delivered, unfolding thoughtfully and beautifully and providing a safe space to go deep with other women from all walks of life so we could shed past patterns and create a fresh start. The retreat was authentic and cathartic. I felt energized and confident about moving forward in life and better understanding how I can contribute to my community and world. The facilitator is exceptional and truly gifted in helping each attendee make progress in their life."
- Lori Ann, Artist, Maryland
"I drove 500 hundred miles to experience this retreat and found myself in the journey!I experienced the death of my husband in late 2023. Grief counseling is doing wonders, but around 8 months into that journey, I soon realized my path was changing. I struggled with finding my purpose and identifying what I wanted the next phase of my life to look like... I loved that there was a definitive synopsis of the timeline of what would be presented over the three days. I chose to travel a considerable distance to attend, not realizing the 500+ mile trip would help me find myself. I was able to fully participate in all of the activities from a place of “yes” and received invaluable guidance and feedback not just from Leslie but also from my fellow attendees. I felt confident I had a clear purpose and goals for the following week, month, quarter, and 6 months. I was given the support to set realistic goals and the encouragement to work on the path of achievement. This program is worth the travel, and the value of the program is priceless. The accommodations are very important and integral to completing on-site work. Leslie made all accommodations for each individual. The food is vibrant, healthy, and flavorful. From snacks to desserts, you will not go hungry or feel deprived. When the next Phase II of this course is offered, I will make the time to attend."
- Lora S, Construction Manager, Indiana
"Attending the Rewiring Together retreat was a profound and uplifting experience. Leslie created a warm, nurturing environment where I could deeply connect with myself and other incredible women. Together, we shared stories, laughed, and reflected on our journeys—past, present, and future. I left the retreat with a solid foundation, tips, and a support system for crafting the next phase of my life with intention and purpose. If you participate in the retreat and do the work, you will definitely walk away from the experience feeling heard, seen, held, and celebrated. The thoughtfully curated activities, combined with the beautiful setting, delicious meals, and moments to rest and rejuvenate made the retreat feel like a sanctuary. If you’re looking to connect with others in a meaningful way, chart a new path forward, and refuel yourself for the next chapter of life, I can’t recommend this retreat enough."
- Monica Johnson, Baltimore, Maryland
"I knew I was in for some deep thinking with the pre work we were given. I started our retreat already thinking in a new way (the Queen) and once we were underway, it all started to come together. I am especially struck by the "River of life" exercise and then the notion of how the river surrenders to become the ocean. This concept has really been a revelation and something that is keeping me grounded as I progress in age. The course of a river is a natural one and the way it is supposed to be. I loved all the readings, the singing, and all the comfort and support provided. I really felt like I would be OK showing my vulnerability because the environment was so accepting and loving. I felt safe. One of my favorite things was sharing with women my own age; that really helped me feel less alone. I am left with brand new perspectives and a brand new approach to my life and my interactions with others. I have lived with social anxiety for so long and after this weekend I actually have less fear and more compassion for others. So now I can widen my eyes and open some new doors. I actually feel a sense of excitement rather than a dread for the future."
- Judy, Clinton, MA
"On QII: The Queen Embodied: Returning to the farm a year after our first retreat was heartwarming, expanding, and strengthening. What a privilege to be with my Queen sisters again and with Leslie and Zanna, who guided our time and connection with skill, grace, and love. I cherished the time to connect more deeply with my Queen sisters and to reconnect with the Queen in myself. I left feeling recentered and committed to living more fully as a Queen with sovereignty and in community. Thank you. □ Once again, the farm (and Leslie’s thoughtful hosting) provided a peaceful, opening, and nurturing environment - with the welcome chance to be both inside and out. And again, food was A+! Leslie - I can’t imagine anyone else being able to do what you do. You combine so much - openness, authenticity, deep knowledge and skill, intuition, care, and guts. On my way home, I reflected that you must have to really trust yourself and the group in trying new things that require vulnerability and people ‘going with it.’ Thank you for being brave! You’re contributing something quite meaningful and special - with many cascading ripples in the world. □ "
- Nancy L, DC, Executive Coach
"QII: The Queen Embodied: I am still glowing from an incredible weekend of sisterhood and self-care. I so appreciate the gift of a space where it feels not only safe, but joyful to step beyond my usual boundaries and investigate the depths of my being. These spaces are all too rare in modern (American) life and your home, your embrace, is the rarest of gifts. I was able to access and "sit with" parts of myself I haven't seen in quite some time. The love and healing I found inside myself are truly awesome, and this from someone who is no stranger to "doing the work". I was particularly struck by the power of our somatic work in concert with our exploration of Sovereignty. Zanna really helped turn on the light in my soul. I can feel the power of my energy ball still today. Thank you for a gorgeous, deep, once in a lifetime experience."
- Colleen B, MD Tech Sales and Executive Coach
"I’ve had the best experience of my life this weekend. I walked in not knowing who I was anymore, and stuck in every aspect of my life. I’m walking away completely cleared out, and released from my body what it was carrying from my past. I’ve opened myself to spirit again, and opened my heart and learned how to love myself. I know now that I have a completely open future and am very consciously taking steps to figure out what I want to do with this most precious life. I’ve never felt such balance and peace in my life; I’m dressing up more and flowing more! Everything has changed …. For our whole family because it’s had a tremendous effect on each of us. I love myself, I am one with all, and I am so very grateful."
- Heather Sanford, MSW, mom of special needs kids. Raleigh, NC
"I found my place among my Queen 11 sisters. This type of sisterhood, formed in the second half of our lives, is unlike any I've had before. I will forever treasure the gift of feminine energy so present and powerful this weekend. I feel ready to live life with abandon. I’m ready to honor the creative notions in my head, and throw away expectation. My queen sisters helped me see that i need to allow that part of me to flourish and that I will be ok. So watch out!"
- Janice Capon Bridge, WV Bakery owner
"I arrived in a hurry with an agenda, with the pressure of needing to get somewhere and make decisions. Having a space where I could acknowledge and see everyone else acknowledging the pain and pressure that are in so many of our lives, and recognizing how much I need space and connection and an ally, was really important to me. It was a multi-tissue event. I so appreciate it."
- R, Founder/Executive Maryland
"The weekend was an incredible journey with an awakening of souls of beautiful women who have come together in a safe place to explore where they’ve been, where they are and a vision of where they want to be, surrounded by so much love and joy. It fills me up!"
- Lisa C. David, retired Global HR Director from Accenture, Austin, TX
"I went to Leslie’s retreat to reflect on the “me” is who feels genuine and true to my heart. I saw a place inside of me where I can be calm and step away from the everyday go go go. I’m trying to use my insights to experience more intimacy in my relationships with family and friends, and myself. Leslie created a space of safety and total acceptance I’ve never experienced so authentically. We all shared experiences, perspectives and our hearts. What moved me the most was how each of us left with the desire to move forward with love and compassion. I thank everyone for their friendship, and the safety you gave me to sit with myself was profound."
- KMG, Charlottesville VA
"Most of us have done the leg-work to see a retirement planner, and pulled together tons of information and answered a battery of questions about what we want our post-retirement life to look like, financially…So why not engage in a similar level of guidance and effort and preparation for retirement? And to do it within a circle of fellow travelers and witnesses, it is a beautiful gift. The chance to evaluate what ;s really essential, who we really are, what we truly have to offer this world when we come from a place of wisdom and confidence and freedom to BE ourselves. And to see this reflected back to us from the facilitators, and all the amazing women in the circle. The weekend was a wake up call that I am sure I will look back on with gratitude in the years to come."
- Janneke Ratcliffe, NC Non-profit executive
"The workshop was a loving, intimate and spirit-filled container for exploration, sharing, healing, and celebration. We were guided in a new way to understand our lives, past, present and future. For me, there may be nothing more powerful and vital than women getting together. I made friends there who are now a part of me. I felt totally seen, honored, supported and celebrated in this safe and gorgeous space. What added to the experience was the amazing food, the music and dancing, and the little breaks to relax and refresh between the creatively planned activities…I would do this workshop again and/or a follow up to it in a heartbeat and I think that each time would be a new experience, because I would be at a different place in my life’s journey."
- Mata Mandir Khalsa Kaur, VA Community Leader
"A weekend with great women, near my age, at a beautiful location, with amazing food whats not to like? We shared rich, powerful and interesting conversations. The course provided new concepts and openings. I look forward to future gatherings."
- Pamela Burton Moore, NC Arts
"What a fabulous time to sit in the sacred space of women, where we could share, be vulnerable, and be held by each other. Leslie and Sandy are amazing and gifted facilitators bringing the very best of their consummate facilitation and design skills to us on a journey that they experience as we do. They are a magical team together, and clearly took great care and attention to make this a powerful growth experience. You created an environment where we could love and care for each other and hold each other’s pain and joy. I hope other women have the opportunity to experience the retreat as they navigate the cross roads and transitions in women’s lives, relationships and search for new ways of being in the world. Thank you both for leveraging your wisdom, and your facilitation superpowers to create a powerful, rewiring experience for us."
- Dr Karyn Trader-Leigh. VA Global Leadership Development and DEI Consulting
"I came to this retreat shortly after articulating an intention to use the next few years to plan for my next phase in life. I had thought about and planned for financial means, but I needed space and time to focus on what I wanted for myself. These three days of love, compassion, and support guided me through a process of stepping back to look at my past and what I can now let go of; looking at who I am beyond the many roles I played and continue to play in life; and formulating a vision for myself going forward which is bringing me unexpected joy, excitement and optimism. I left the three days with much greater clarity about my future and confidence in being able to make my new vision come to beautiful life."
- Nanette Alvey, MD, International Development Consultant
"Leslie and Sandy and the Rewiring retreat they created is Amazing! I am certain my friendship with the two of them intensified my positive experience. However, their grace, love for women's success and excellent design expertise was more than evident in the weekend workshop. Consequently, the retreat was a life changing program, and it will always be a memorable experience. From the welcoming, exercises; group sharing of values and beliefs, letting go of old messages in our minds that impact our perspective and rebuilding our self-worth and life vision - I was able to rid old emotions, received tools for dealing with the emotions that may resurface, regain strength, and define a new chapter. I feel Queenly. I am rewired, and the next chapter in my life is too!."
- Dr Tonya Hampton, MN, Health Care Human Resources Executive
"The rewiring retreat served me in a number of wonderful ways. I was able to identify thoughts and behaviors that were no longer serving me, and tools to help me put them in the past. I found inspiration and hope for my future. I realized I'm more than just what I can do for others, and I now look forward to building a life that is abundant for me, and not just for those who depend on me. As a woman in my early 50's, I also was inspired by being with women who were closer to retiring or had retired; everyone was so vibrant, fun, and full of life! It gave me hope for how I can be in my 60's. After having been home so long during COVID, this retreat reminded me how rejuvenating it is to talk and celebrate with others, to get to know new people, and to enjoy life. And the food and beautiful setting made it all feel like a mini- vacation. I am so glad I went and enthusiastically encourage others to attend. I feel much more centered now and ready to take on the future."
- Jennifer Copeland, VA, Executive Coach
"When I saw the notice about this opportunity... it sounded like just what I needed. Now that I look back on the experience, I know I was right. It may not happen overnight, but I have a new plan and one that I would not have been able to arrive at anywhere else. The combination of passion, hope, and expertise coupled with a grounding in reality made it all work. Being surrounded by women in similar and different places was both comforting and enlightening."
- Sonia Aranza, VA, Leadership Development and DEI Consultant
"Leslie and Sandy brought creativity, warmth and depth to a variety of interactive exercises that reinforced our inner knowledge. The safe haven we co-created enabled profound connection with our values, as well as fun! My overwhelming insight was the sense of belonging, sharing a quest with women I respect, honor and adore. The welcome and entry ritual cleansing that Sandy and Leslie greeted each of us with in turn was potent, thank you. The human design exercise that relies on grounded body wisdom, free from frontal lobe interference, was challenging at first and yielded a few revelations. It’s one I can do on my own to inform decisions."
- Debbi Winsten, DC