Heal The Healer Retreat: A Nervous System Reset

June 10th - 13th, 2027 - Dixon, IL

For the people who spend their lives caring for others.

Register

What to Expect

This is your rare gift of time — a weekend where someone else takes care of you. Step away from the demands of holding space for others, slow down, and remember who you are outside of what you do.

Together, we’ll escape to a luxurious modern farmhouse nestled on 20+ private acres. Here, you can wander scenic hiking trails, find your quiet moment by the koi pond, unwind in the heated pool, or watch the sunset by the crackling fire.

Each day offers a curated blend of optional activities, from hands-on cooking classes and gentle group yoga to a creative paint-and-sip session. Experience the perfect harmony of rustic charm and modern luxury, with absolutely nothing on your to-do list.

This retreat is designed specifically for the helpers, the healers, and the ones who always show up for everyone else. To keep the experience intentionally intimate, spaces are limited.

Pricing starts at $1,300.

A glimpse into the weekend

A peaceful rural farm scene with a pond in the foreground, a fountain in the center, and red barns surrounded by green trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Residential backyard with swimming pool, white lounge chairs with umbrellas, surrounded by lush green trees and grass, and a white house in the background under a blue sky.

Unwind with a good book by the water, enjoy some quiet time watching the koi, or lose yourself along our private nature trails.

Take a dip or simply kick back by the comfort of our heated pool.

People participating in a yoga class, stretching on mats in a bright room with large windows.
Uncooked ravioli pasta with filling, dusted with flour on a baking sheet.

Join us for a weekend of gentle group yoga. Our guest instructor will be with us all weekend, beautifully blending mindful movement and soothing meditation.

Enjoy a hands on culinary experience
Relax and unwind

Learn to craft the perfect handmade raviolis with chef Zac Franzoni

Soak up some sunshine
Immerse yourself in nature
Join us

Reconnect with your body and mind as you escape the noise of everyday life.

reserve your spot today

The Itinerary

We've built this experience around a choose-your-own-adventure spirit — no rigid schedules, no pressure. Each day offers a rich mix of optional activities, from art therapy and cooking classes to mindfulness sessions and guided hikes.

An aerial view of a residential backyard with a swimming pool, patio umbrellas, a white house with a deck, and surrounding greenery including tall trees and well-maintained lawn.

Arrive & Meet

Day One - Thursday June 10th 2027

As everyone arrives, we’ll take some time to settle in, get comfortable, and connect with one another. Over dinner, we’ll set our intentions for the weekend ahead, followed by a relaxed evening of s'mores, storytelling, and games.

Swimming pool with white lounge chairs and umbrellas outside, surrounded by green trees and houses under a clear blue sky.

Your day, your pace

Day Two - Friday June 11th 2027

Spend your day lounging poolside or getting lost in a great book, with absolutely nothing on your agenda but to simply be. Ground yourself with gentle yoga and breathwork. Then, as evening falls, transition into a hands-on culinary experience where you'll learn the art of crafting the perfect ravioli.

Optional Add on: Therapeutic massage on-site

A person's arm holding a paintbrush, surrounded by open paint buckets in various colors, on a rough surface. The buckets contain different shades including black, red, blue, white, yellow, orange, and brown.

Let’s Get Creative

Day Three - Saturday June 12th 2027

Hit the trails for a scenic group hike, then unwind with a paint-and-sip session where the wine and tea flow freely. No experience is needed—just bring yourself and your creativity. Afterward, join us as we center ourselves with another session of gentle group yoga and guided meditation

A red barn with white accents and a windmill on top, surrounded by greenery and trees under a partly cloudy sky.

Farewell

Day Four - Sunday June 13th 2027

Our final morning is about easing back into the world — slowly, intentionally, and with a full cup.

The Menu

The food takes center stage. Every meal is crafted with intention, nourishing the body and indulging the senses. Sit back, relax, and leave the cooking, the cleanup, and the endless "what's for dinner?" to us.

Thursday

Drinks & Snacks — 5:00 pm Settle in and get comfortable over a curated charcuterie spread paired with chilled prosecco.

Dinner — 7:00 pm Pulled chicken taco bowl with black beans, sweet corn, quinoa, fresh salsa, and avocado lime crema, alongside a mixed greens salad with pistachios, goat cheese, and citrus vinaigrette.

Friday

Breakfast — 9:00 am A generous spread of toast, fresh bagels, seasonal fruit, granola, yogurt, coffee, and tea, alongside a vegetarian egg bake and breakfast sausages.

Lunch — 1:00 pm Grilled burgers, sausages, and marinated portabella mushrooms served with a classic Caesar salad.

Dinner — 6:30 pm Handmade butternut squash ravioli with savory Italian sausage and creamy ricotta, finished with your choice of a rich vodka sauce or aromatic sage brown butter. Served alongside a crisp Italian salad.

Saturday

Breakfast — 9:00 am Fluffy pancakes with fresh blueberries and strawberries, plus a full spread of toast, bagels, seasonal fruit, granola, yogurt, coffee, and tea, with a vegetarian egg bake and breakfast sausages.

Lunch — 1:00 pm Grilled BBQ chicken wrap with greens, pickled red onion, tomato, and cucumber, paired with a kale and apple salad. Chickpea wrap available as a vegetarian option.

Dinner — 6:30 pm A Mediterranean bowl featuring slow-curried pork shoulder, quinoa, hummus, olives, cucumber, warm pita, and mixed greens, served alongside sambal roasted broccoli.

Sunday

Breakfast — 9:00 am Avocado toast with pickled radishes and tajín, eggs made to order, and a full breakfast spread of toast, bagels, fresh fruit, granola, yogurt, coffee, tea, and breakfast sausages.

You know self-care is essential, but it’s easy to put yourself last when you're busy taking care of everyone else. This is your permission slip to finally go first.

Claim Your Weekend of Rest

Learn More

  • The event will be held in Dixon, Illinois, located approximately an hour and forty minutes outside of Chicago. To ensure privacy and security, the exact location will be shared with registered guests closer to the event date.

  • This retreat is designed for one thing: helping you unwind and recharge on your own terms.

    Set on a stunning private property, you'll have full access to scenic hiking trails, a heated pool, two tranquil ponds, and a game room.

    We've built this experience around a choose-your-own-adventure spirit — no rigid schedules, no pressure. Each day offers a rich mix of optional activities, from art therapy and cooking classes to mindfulness sessions and guided hikes.

    Prefer to spend the afternoon poolside with a drink in hand? That's a perfect choice too. However you want to spend your time, the weekend is entirely yours to shape.

  • Yes! This retreat is for all genders and gender expressions. This is a safe space for all.

  • Get ready to tap into your creative side! We’ll be pouring a selection of red and white wines to share, paired with a variety of art supplies so you can color, paint, or sketch the afternoon away. For those interested, Stephanie will lead the group through a gentle, optional art therapy exercise.

    It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, share some laughs, and connect with fellow participants. Because we’ll be soaking up the fresh air and holding this session outdoors, don't forget to toss some sunscreen into your bag!

  • All of your meals—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert—are fully included in your retreat package. To kick off our time together, we’ll be raising a glass of prosecco during our welcome reception, as well as providing wine for the paint-and-sip session.

    A Few Personal Touches:

    • BYOB: You are warmly encouraged to bring along your favorite wine for dinner, or any other beverages you'd enjoy throughout the weekend.

    • Snacks: If you love to graze between meals, please feel free to pack your favorite snacks to keep you fueled and comfortable.

    • Dietary Needs: Your health and comfort are our priority. Please let us know ahead of time if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies so we can accommodate you.

  • To make this a truly restorative weekend, we’re bringing the spa directly to you! We have partnered with a wonderful local studio in Dixon to bring talented massage therapists right to our venue. This is an optional, add-on service paid directly to your therapist, as it is not included in the base retreat price. To help us ensure we have enough therapists on-site, please select this option or note your interest on your booking form.

  • Absolutely. This retreat is for our healers and the incredible people who support them behind the scenes. Spouses and partners are officially invited to join in on the relaxation!

  • This event is exclusively for guests aged 21 and over. To ensure a relaxing experience for everyone, we kindly ask that little ones and furry friends stay cozy at home.

    If you need a pet sitter we highly recommend Fuzzy Friends. They are a small locally own business operated by a fellow medical professional.

  • Once you book, we'll send you a detailed packing list tailored to the weekend. Whether you're planning to hike, swim, curl up with a good book, do some yoga, or spend your evenings by the fire, we'll make sure you're prepared for whatever you have in mind.

Why This Retreat Was Created

A Message from Our Founder, Stephanie

As a clinician, I know firsthand the beauty and the weight of dedicating your life to caring for others. Whether you're a therapist, healthcare worker, educator, or caregiver, your days are spent holding space for everyone else. But who holds space for you?

I created this retreat because our community doesn't need another seminar or coping strategy to practice at home. We need a sanctuary. A place where the armor of the helper can finally be laid down.

Zero Demands, Total Permission

This weekend is intentionally the opposite of your daily life. No logistics, no schedules, no one depending on you.

Every activity is completely optional. If the most healing thing you can do is sleep in, read by the fire, or stare at the trees, we will celebrate that choice. You will also be surrounded by a small, intimate group of peers who truly get it, people who understand your world without you having to explain it.

This is your invitation to let us take care of you for a change.

The Rooms

Whether you want your own space or a shared experience, we’ve got you covered. We have four private rooms available (great for couples or duos booking together), as well as a shared room with four single beds for a cozy, community feel. There are four full bathrooms, and one half bath.

Can I bring my partner? Absolutely. This retreat is for our healers and the incredible people who support them behind the scenes. Spouses and partners are officially invited to join in on the relaxation!

A bedroom with a large bed covered in white bedding and pillows. Large sliding glass doors with white curtains lead to a balcony with outdoor seating. There is a ceiling fan with multiple blades. A black dresser with a flat-screen TV on top is against the wall. The floor is wooden, and an open doorway reveals a bathroom with a walk-in shower.

Private King

Maximize your relaxation in our premium private room. Ideal for solo travelers looking for their own quiet sanctuary, or couples/friends sharing a bed.

Features:

  • En-suite attached bathroom

  • Cozy indoor fireplace & TV

  • Air conditioning & ceiling fan

  • Room-darkening shades

  • Ample clothing storage & hangers

  • All essential amenities provided

Pricing:

  • Single Occupancy: $1,500

  • Double Occupancy (Couple/Friends): $2,000

Bright bedroom with a four-poster bed, white bedding, yellow pillows, wooden nightstand, and dresser, with a large window and a framed black-and-white cow portrait on the wall.

Private Queen -1

Unwind in comfort. Perfect for solo healers seeking a private sanctuary, or couples/friends sharing a bed.

Features:

  • Flat-screen TV

  • Air conditioning & portable fans

  • Room-darkening shades

  • Ample clothing storage & hangers

  • All essential amenities provided

Pricing:

  • Single Occupancy: $1,300

  • Double Occupancy (Couple/Friends): $1,800

A bedroom with a metal bed frame, floral bedding, and three pillows, a white rug on wooden floor, a dresser with a flat-screen TV, and a small desk with a computer and chair near two windows showing green foliage, a ceiling fan with four blades, and white walls.

Private Queen -2

Unwind in comfort. Perfect for solo healers seeking a private sanctuary, or couples/friends sharing a bed.

Features:

  • Flat-screen TV

  • Air conditioning & ceiling fans

  • Room-darkening shades

  • Ample clothing storage & hangers

  • All essential amenities provided

Pricing:

  • Single Occupancy: $1,300

  • Double Occupancy (Couple/Friends): $1,800

A bedroom with a modern four-poster bed, white bedding, and a black-and-white blanket. There is a white nightstand with a lamp and a plant, and wall decor of woven circular decorations. The room has hardwood floors, white walls, and a ceiling fan with a light.

Private Queen-3

Unwind in comfort. Perfect for solo healers seeking a private sanctuary, or couples/friends sharing a bed.

Features:

  • Flat-screen TV

  • Air conditioning, & ceiling fan

  • Room-darkening shades

  • Ample clothing storage & hangers

  • All essential amenities provided

Pricing:

  • Single Occupancy: $1,300

  • Double Occupancy (Couple/Friends): $1,800

Three twin beds with green bedding and pillows, a forest-themed mural on the back wall, and a small decorative target on the white wall.

Shared Single

Dive into a cozy community experience. This shared room offers the ultimate retreat vibe, combining cozy sleeping spaces with a foosball table, mini golf, and a private living room.

Features:

  • Four comfortable Single Beds with premium linens

  • Private entrance & private living room with a couch

  • Cozy indoor fireplace, TV, & sound system

  • Air conditioning

Pricing: $1,200 per person

Residential backyard with a swimming pool, surrounded by green lawn, patio furniture with umbrellas, lush trees and shrubs, and a red shed.
Outdoor swimming pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas in a backyard with green trees and houses in the background.
A backyard with a clear blue rectangular swimming pool surrounded by white lounge chairs, umbrellas, and garden decorations, with a red barn and trees in the background.
Residential backyard with a rectangular swimming pool, white lounge chairs with umbrellas, surrounded by green lawn and trees, under a clear blue sky.
A dirt trail winds through a lush green forest with trees and bushes on either side, sunlight filtering through the leaves, creating a peaceful scene.
A rural pond surrounded by green trees with a fountain in the center, and red barn-style buildings and a windmill in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A red barn with white accents and a windmill on top, surrounded by green trees and landscaped garden, near a pond, with a clear blue sky overhead.
Aerial view of a lush green forest with a small pond, a red barn, and a swimming pool nearby, surrounded by fields and roads.
Outdoor deck with a sectional sofa, a fire pit table, potted plants, and a white fence, overlooking a pond and a red barn surrounded by green trees.
A backyard garden with a small pond surrounded by rocks and green plants, a red bridge over the pond, and a white house with a deck featuring an umbrella in the background under a blue sky with a few white clouds.
An aerial view of a backyard with a swimming pool, patio umbrellas, a house with a screened porch, a red barn, a small garden, and trees and green lawn surrounding the area.
Miniature indoor golf putting green with four flags, one labeled 'Pro Putt,' set up in a room with gray carpet and a forest mural on the back wall.

Claim Your Spot to Rest

Register

Your Guides

A young woman with long, wavy brown hair and tattooed hands is sitting on a dark gray couch, smiling at the camera. She is wearing a black cardigan and blue jeans. Behind her, there is a colorful abstract painting on a light-colored wall.

Stephanie Franzoni, LCPC, CST

Founder

Stephanie is the founder of Snow Lake Counseling. Driven by a passion to care for those who care for others, she created the Heal the Healers retreat. Recognizing the immense demands placed on therapists and helping professionals, Stephanie designed this dedicated space for them to unwind, recharge, and find their own healing

A woman with teal-dyed hair, wearing a black wide-brimmed hat and a sleeveless black shirt, is sitting cross-legged on a wooden deck, appearing to meditate. A ceramic mug decorated with a skeleton design and a striped straw is in front of her. She is outdoors near a brick wall and window, looking upward with a calm expression.

Dee

Yoga Teacher & Breathwork Coach

Dee has a background in cultivating emotional support and safe spaces for events and community. With a specialization in anxiety and trauma informed Yoga, breath work, and meditation she gently provides the instruction and space for you to come back into your body and listen to what it's trying to tell you. Dee can often be found curled up with a book, watching a fire flicker, or in observation mode. You'll walk away from a space she instructs in with a smile, and ready to take in the beauty around you more regulated.

A tattooed man with dark hair and a beard, wearing a black T-shirt, is preparing pasta in a kitchen. He is standing over a white plate with pasta and tomato slices, with a jar on the wooden countertop.

Zac Franzoni

Chef

As the owner of Culinary Abstraction, Zac masterfully blends his passion for abstract art with his love of cooking to create truly unforgettable culinary experiences. Alongside his creative pursuits, Zac is currently earning his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and plays a vital role behind the scenes, keeping operations running smoothly at Snow Lake Counseling.

A woman with fair skin and long brown hair, wearing large gold spiral earrings and a dark blue top, smiling while sitting on a white fur-covered chair next to a green plant.

Meredith Merchant, LMFT

Co-Lead

Meredith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist whose work centers on helping individuals navigate intergenerational trauma, identity development, and relational challenges. Her clinical work is grounded in attunement, collaboration, and a deep respect for each individual’s capacity for healing and transformation. She is particularly passionate about helping clients cultivate self-awareness, strengthen relationships, and translate insight into sustainable change.