The Staff Wellness Retreat will be an immersive experience dedicated to self-care. We provide educators time and space to disconnect from the demanding stressors of work; and reconnect with their passion which led them originally to teaching.  In this retreat, we will take time to reflect on our purpose, and share meaningful stories about how we have positively impacted our youth. We will discuss the importance of self-care and encourage participants to share their own experiences as to what self-care strategy works best for them. We will explore and experience various multi-sensory self-care practices including: breathwork, guided meditation, body scan, sound therapy, and aromatherapy. Participants will leave the retreat with an overall sense of calmness, a revitalized commitment to their students and a renewed dedication towards their own self-care, so that they can continue to have a positive impact on their students. 

Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably with loose fitting clothing. They can bring a yoga mat (if they have one), a blanket and a pillow to assure comfort during stillness practices.

With over 60,000 thoughts going through our minds every day, staying attentive and present is not easy.  Many of us dwell and perseverate about what just took place, or constantly worry about what has to be done next.  The demands we face as educators, in particular, are exceedingly high; but thankfully, mindfulness practice can help.  In this workshop, the participants will receive an overview of mindfulness, and learn how simple practices can easily be integrated into their lives.  They will experience various forms of mindfulness activities including: breathing practices, a body scan, and guided meditations, to restore a sense of calm and support their overall well-being. 

Why is it that some people handle stress with ease, and others.... well, not so much?  The answer lies in resilience.  In this workshop, the participants will examine the effects stress has on themselves and their students.  The concept of resilience, and the benefits it offers will be discussed.  Resilience building activities, such as mindfulness and self-awareness practices will be shared to promote staff and student wellness.  In addition, participants will engage in various forms of wellness activities to promote their own health including: breathing, energy shift movements, and a tuning in / stillness practice. 

As educators we need to make sure that our students are “grounded” or settled, ensuring that they are available to learn! “All systems go!” Occupational therapists use a holistic approach, looking at the whole child. OTs understand “Brain Body Connections” and can suggest sensory input to facilitate a student’s sensory system to be “just right.”

We will cover topics such as exercise and endorphins, common senses and hidden senses (tactile, visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, vestibular, proprioception, and interoception), sensory under-responsiveness and sensory over-responsiveness, sensory seekers and sensory avoiders, low engines and high engines, the relationship between sensory systems, sensory and motor planning, self-regulation, modulation, and executive functioning, sensory diets, classroom sensory environment assessment.

Join us in this insightful workshop to equip yourself with practical knowledge and tools that will enable you to support your students’ sensory and learning needs effectively. Let's ensure "All systems go!" for our students' success!