Our Team 

Meet Your Guides:  

Vicki and Russ Peterson

Vicki and Russ are passionate and meticulous travelers and planners who believe in the power of shared experiences, meaningful connections, and beautiful surroundings. After the success of their 2024 retreat, they're excited to return to the Loire Valley and Château Briottières to create another memorable journey.

They have thoughtfully planned every detail—from exquisite meals, enriching cultural excursions, and quiet moments—so that each guest can relax, explore, and feel fully connected. This isn’t just a trip. It’s a journey of connections designed with heart.

Vicki is an award-winning retired teacher of 47 years, author of The Pathfinder: An Inspirational Journal for Self-Discovery, co-creator of the board game The Land of Zin-dot-ploohy, and business owner. She has traveled extensively throughout Europe, spending much of her time in France, which she has fallen in love with. Vicki is thrilled to be able to share her love of France and the French culture with her guests on this Journey of Connections.

Russel is an accomplished woodworker, retired business owner, co-creator of the board game The Land of Zin-dot-ploohy, and photographer. He has been traveling in Europe since high school. Along with Vicki, he has developed a true love of France—the history, the land, the food, the people, and especially the beautiful Upper Loire Valley. He is thrilled to welcome you to their journey through some of the most beautiful places in the Loire Valley.

This second gathering brings back the magic—graceful days, inspiring excursions, and the same spirit of connection and renewal that made their first retreat so special.

Sherry Rahn—Certified Yoga Instructor

From the moment Sherry discovered yoga, something within her shifted. “It felt as though I had connected with a lifelong partner—myself,” she says. Now, as your guide through yoga and meditation at La Retraite, Sherry invites you to experience that same sense of connection.

A dedicated and compassionate teacher, Sherry leads classes at Soul Project Yoga Studio on Marco Island and Bonita Shores Community Center in Bonita Springs, Florida. Each summer, she brings her expertise to The MAC in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin, where she offers yin, restorative, chair, and blended yoga practices.

At La Retraite~A Journey of Connections, Sherry will lead you through thoughtfully sequenced sessions designed to slow you down, deepen your breath, and awaken your awareness. You’ll hold poses longer, explore grounding and stillness, and align your mind, body, and spirit.

Her hope is that you leave each practice feeling centered, uplifted, and renewed.