Virginia Piedmont Fall 2025 Retreat
Join Us for a Transformative Reclamation Experience
Hiraeth Hope & Healing, Inc. invites you to Spotslvania, Virginia from October 9–13, 2025 for an intimate five-day, four-night retreat. This experience is created specifically for those impacted by family separation, origin loss, or hidden truths—providing a compassionate space for connection, support, and deep renewal in community.
Since 2019, each retreat has offered a unique journey shaped by those who gather—no two retreats are ever the same, but all are rooted in truth, care, and solidarity.
For those staying off-site, the retreat home is approximately 5 minutes from The Cove at Lake Anna.
📍 60 miles from RIC • 75 miles from DCA
Sneak Peek of the Retreat House
Meet Your Facilitators
Amy Ebbeson, LCSW
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Amy Ebbeson, LCSW is the Clinical Director of Worcester ACTs (Addresses Childhood Trauma) and a Lead Consultant for the Collaborative for Youth and Community Justice at Clark University. She has Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Boston University and has worked in a variety of social service agencies, including the Department of Mental Health. Since 2000 she has taught Mental Health and Community Health, among others, at area colleges including Worcester State University and the Wheelock College School of Social Work. She consults to the Department of Public Health and served as Chair for the Worcester County Commission on the Status of Women. She is the 2018 recipient of the YWCA Erskine Award in Education. She considers herself a lived experience practitioner and speaks about the lifelong impacts of untreated trauma in early childhood.
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Amy Geller, DSW, LCSW
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Dr. Amy Geller, DSW, LCSW, is a therapist, teacher, researcher, advocate, and ADOPTEE. Amy is a same-race, domestic, infant scoop era adoptee. She never intended to focus her work on adoption, but her fellow adoptees found her, and she answered the call. This decision has changed her life in every way imaginable. Most importantly, Amy has found her voice and is passionate about using it to support adoptees and educate others about the adoptee experience.
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Space to Thrive: The Transformative Power of Boundaries
An educational and interactive session exploring how separation from one’s origins impacts identity and relationships. Participants will reflect on common patterns like people-pleasing and perfectionism, and learn foundational tools to set healthy boundaries for more authentic and fulfilling connections.
Amy Reamer, LMFT, RPT-S
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Amy Reamer, LMFT, RPT-S is a licensed marriage and family therapist, registered play therapist–supervisor, author, and speaker based in Virginia. She is the founder and executive director of Heart & Mind Therapy, a neuroscience-informed group practice specializing in trauma, adoption-competent care, play therapy, and Polyvagal Theory. Amy’s clinical and teaching work is deeply shaped by personal experiences with adoption and parenting a child with sensory processing needs. Her passion for understanding the nervous system led her to develop accessible tools—including the animal-based metaphors featured in her book Toby the Tiger Tamer—to help clients and clinicians alike make sense of stress responses and healing. Amy is also the creator of the Tiger Taming Drills, an experiential intervention that uses movement, metaphor, and creativity to build nervous system awareness and regulation skills across the lifespan.
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Tame Your Tiger: Exploring the Nervous System with Polyvagal Theory, Metaphor, and Creative Expression
An interactive session using animal metaphors and creative activities to make nervous system concepts accessible and memorable. Participants will discover practical tools to recognize and regulate their stress responses, fostering empowerment, connection, and resilience.
Joyce Reese-Bey, MSW, QMHP-C
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Joyce Reese-Bey is a Behavioral Health Therapist working in Northern Virginia. She has over 10 years of direct practice experience in child welfare, maternal-child health programs, behavioral health and intensive home-based treatment. During her time in child welfare, she was able to work across the continuum and was most impacted by her time in foster care/adoption. She helped develop an adoption preparedness program to ensure children being adopted out of foster care have the necessary supports to be able to navigate the lifelong journey of adoption. And she worked to strengthen the focus on the unique challenges and issues connected to adoption - such as grief and loss, developmental considerations, importance of maintaining birth family connections etc. That work fundamentally shifted her understanding and perspective on adoption and allowed her to become more informed about the unique experiences of adoptees, DCP and others. She was a presenter for the Center for Adoption Support and Education (CASE) Transfer of Learning series in July 2021 and July 2022 and has a special interest in kinship care. Joyce has a Bachelor's in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master's in Social Work from University of Michigan. She strives to help facilitate healing and her personal motto is to always listen with a caring heart and be humble and conscientious because you have an opportunity to leave a lasting imprint.
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Healing from Loss
An interactive workshop offering a compassionate space to explore and understand the many faces of grief and loss. Participants will reflect on their personal journeys, find validation in common emotions, and gain practical strategies for coping and healing.
Hope Sacher, RN, NC-BC, RYT, KMOG
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Hope Sacher, is a Registered Nurse, Certified Yogi and Kripalu certified Mindful Outdoor Guide. As a Holistic & Integrative nurse, Hope integrates the mind, body and soul, to achieve elevated health and wellness for her clients. She sees clients individually and offers group coaching workshops (both remotely and in person in her NC office.) Her approach to health and wellbeing is rooted in our connection to nature.
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Sacred Edges: Embodying the Boundaries That Protect Your Peace
An experiential, trauma-informed workshop that invites gentle exploration of personal boundaries—energetic, emotional, physical, and relational. Through mindful movement, breath, and creative expression, participants will reconnect with their inner wisdom and cultivate tools to protect their peace while staying open-hearted.
Please note: Facilitators may change due to unforeseen circumstances
What to Expect
Peer-Led Support Groups – Share experiences with others who truly understand.
Trauma-Informed Workshops – Led by professionals specializing in identity loss, grief, and reclamation.
Guided Healing Sessions – Therapeutic activities focused on self-discovery and empowerment.
Community Bonding Activities – House amenities, games; including Cards Against Humanity (for those who dare), Eve’s Game, Jenga, and more.
Peaceful Natural Setting – Enjoy the serene beauty of Louisa, Virginia, for reflection and renewal.
What’s Included?
Meals – Nourishing meals provided throughout your stay.
Workshops & Sessions – Expert-led discussions and transformative practices.
Group Activities – Strengthening connections with others on this journey.
Saturday Shenanigans – "Eve’s Game" – A fun mix of Left, Center, Right, 20 Questions, and a dash of Las Vegas flair!
Lodging Information
On-Site Stay Option (Additional Cost) – Comfortable accommodations for four nights are available at an extra charge.
Off-Site Stay Option – Attendees may choose to arrange their own accommodations.
For those staying off-site, the retreat home is about a 5 minute drive from The Cove at Lake Anna
Menu
Our retreat provides balanced meals tailored to various dietary needs. Sample menu includes:
Breakfast: Fresh fruit, eggs, oatmeal, and yogurt.
Lunch: Seasonal salads, soups, and sandwiches.
Dinner: Hearty, home-cooked meals with vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Optional Enhancements
As our retreat comes to a close, we honor the journey with a dedicated time for decompression and self-care. Before departing, attendees are invited to immerse themselves in Relax, Refresh, Renew—a serene and liberating experience designed to restore balance and process the weekend’s profound connections.
For an additional cost, you may book sessions with a massage therapist, psychic medium, Reiki practitioner, and other holistic providers that we bring in to offer gentle support as you transition back into daily life (offerings may vary). This is your time to unwind, reflect, and integrate the emotions and insights gained throughout the retreat.
You may choose to watch a movie together, enjoy the house amenities, or simply relax in good company. However you spend this time, it’s an opportunity to nurture yourself and embrace the peace before heading home.
Join our Facebook group for more details!
Take a deep breath. You are seen, heard, and held.
Limited on time but eager for in-person connection?
Need some in-person connection but can’t commit to the whole weekend? We've got you covered! Join us October 11 @6 pm for Saturday Shenanigans! This special fun-filled experience allows you to participate in select retreat activities, engage with the community, and enjoy an evening of healing and fun. Dinner is included.
We’ll be playing “Eve’s Game” (a special shoutout to Eve Sturges!). Imagine Left, Center, Right, mixed with 20 Questions, and topped off with a dash of Las Vegas casino night!
What to bring: Three $1 bills, your beverage of choice, we’ll provide the rest
Registration Details
Registration Fee: $449 per attendee
Please Note: If you plan to share a bed with another attendee, you also need to pay the “Registration ONLY” fee of $449
To determine your lodging cost, subtract this amount from the shared lodging price
Registration Protection Fee (Optional): $49 per attendee
On-site Lodging Fee (Optional): Prices vary
Saturday Shenanigans ONLY Fee (Dinner included): $49 per attendee
Scholarships Available – Apply here
As part of our commitment to accessibility and support, we are pleased to offer a 10% discount on our retreats for active-duty and retired military personnel. To receive the discount, please email proof of military service (e.g., military ID, DD-214, or other verification) prior to registering. This discount cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
We’re excited to offer Klarna as a flexible payment option for our retreats! You can now split your payment cost into interest-free payments, made every 2 weeks
No-Refund • No-Transfer Policy – Registration and on-site lodging are non-refundable and non-transferable
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about what to bring, transportation, or daily schedules? Visit our FAQ page for more details.
Attendee Agenda
Since 2019, our retreats have changed lives, and each one is a unique journey—because no two retreats are ever the same!
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4:00 pm - Arrival & Hors d’Oeuvres
5:00 pm - Brave Beginnings
5:30 pm - Dinner - included
6:30 pm - Refresh Break
7:00 pm - Session 1: Welcoming in Hygge
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Small Group Sessions
Facilitators: Amy Ebbeson, Amy Reamer, Hope Sacher
8:00 am - Breakfast - included
9:00 am - Session 2: Morning Connection - Attendees rotate among facilitators
11:00 am - Refresh Break
11:30 am - Lunch - included
1:00 pm - Session 3: Afternoon Exploration - Attendees rotate among facilitators
3:00 pm - Rest & Recharge
4:00 pm - Session 4: Evening Reflection - Attendees rotate among facilitators
6:00 pm - Refresh Break
6:30 pm - Dinner - included
8:00 pm - Cards Against Humanity - optional
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Whole Group Sessions
8:00 am - Breakfast - included
9:00 am - Session 5: Morning Renewal - Facilitated by Amy Geller
11:00 am - Refresh Break
11:30 am - Lunch - included
1:00 pm - Session 6: Afternoon Exploration- Facilitated by Amy Geller
3:00 pm - Rest & Recharge
4:00 pm - Session 7: Evening Reflection - Facilitated by Joyce Reese-Bey
6:00 pm - Rest & Recharge
6:30 pm - Dinner - included
8:00 pm - Eve’s Game - optional
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Whole Group Session
9:00 am - Session 8: Appreciation Circle
10:45 am - Quotes
11:00 am - Brunch - included
12:00 pm - Retreat officially ends
1:00 pm - Relax, Renew, and Refresh with Optional Offerings and Private Sessions
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9:00 am - Breakfast - included
10:00 am - Clean up and farewells
Retreat Menu - Check Back Soon!
Secure Your Spot Today!
Countdown to Retreat:
Space is limited to 30 attendees to maintain an intimate and supportive environment.
No refunds or transfers will be issued • No children may attend any portions of the retreats.
For those staying off-site, the retreat home is about a 5 minute drive from The Cove at Lake Anna
Please Note: If you plan to share a bed with another attendee, you also need to pay the Registration ONLY fee of $449
To determine your lodging portion, subtract this amount from the shared lodging price
Please note: as part of our sustainable giving campaign, those who have committed to $75-$100 a month will be allowed to reserve a week early. Not all rooms may be available when registration goes live.
We welcome all genders in the retreat home, but some have expressed that single gender sleeping areas as their preference and comfort level. We reserve the right to rearrange beds to accommodate everyone’s comfort level.
To safeguard against unforeseen events or circumstances that may prevent your attendance, we strongly recommend selecting Registration Protection when completing your Retreat Registration. This protection offers a credit for a future retreat, valid for one (1) year, should an attendee need to cancel for any reason. Please note, this protection applies solely to registration fees and does not extend to any lodging fees already paid.
We look forward to welcoming you to a space of restoration and connection!
With Heartfelt Appreciation
With deepest thanks to our generous sponsor:
For further inquiries, contact us at info@hiraethhopeandhealing.com
We are not licensed counselors or therapists, and this retreat is not a substitute for traditional therapy. We are a peer-led, community-based space focused on restoration and connection, not a clinical treatment program.
That said, many of our sessions are thoughtfully led by licensed, trauma-informed therapists and experienced facilitators who understand the complexities of identity, family loss, and disconnection. We create intentional opportunities for connection, reflection, and growth—but reclamation is self-directed, and participants should engage additional therapeutic support as needed.