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Grief Retreat

VILOMAH GRIEF RETREAT 2025

Hosts

Kristie Polk, Psy.D.

Kristie is an organizational psychologist by degree, a leader by experience, and a teacher by passion.  After losing her daughter in 2021, Kristie is dedicated to supporting others as we all navigate the often tumultuous journey of grief.  She brings a profound understanding of the complex emotions and challenges that accompany great loss and healing. 

Michelle Barbuto, RN

  Michelle is a dedicated geriatric RN, trauma-informed yoga instructor, meditation teacher, and mindfulness practitioner. She’s also a passionate advocate for grief support. Michelle is committed to fostering understanding, compassion, and healing for those experiencing grief, as she has lost 3 grown sons and wants others to know they are not alone.  

Sample Schedule

Michell and Kristie are continuing to work on specific sessions and, as they finalize the program,  you may see minor changes in the retreat schedule over the next several months. This sample schedule is being posted now to give attendees a good idea of what to expect. 


 

FRIDAY- May 30

  • 5pm Arrival and Check-In
  • 6pm  Welcome Dinner
  • 7 - 9pm Shining Light on Love: A Memorial for Our Children

​

SATURDAY - June 1

  • 8am Movement (grief informed yoga, walk, breathwork, etc.)
  • 8:30am Breakfast
  • 10 -11:30am - Processing Grief & Restoring Hope - Pt. 1 (Kristie)
  • 12pm Lunch 
  • 1 - 3pm Guest Choice (pool, rest, visit, etc.)
  • 3:30pm Breathwork (Michelle)
  • 4 - 5pm - Guided Discussion (Everyone)
  • 6pm - Dinner
  • 7:30pm - Fire Pit Reflection (Take-a-ways from the day)


​

SUNDAY - June 2

  • 8am Movement (grief informed yoga, walk, breathwork, etc.)
  • 8:30am Breakfast
  • 10 - 11:30pm Junk Journaling (Nan)
  • 12 - 3pm Lunch - Poolside Cookout
  • 3:30pm - 4:30pm - Processing Grief & Restoring Hope - Pt. 2 (Kristie)
  • 4:30pm - Grief Informed Hypnosis for Relaxation - Optional (Kristie)
  • 6pm Dinner
  • 7:30pm - "Ripples of Connection" (Take-a-ways from the day)


MONDAY - June 3

  • 8am Gentle (chair) Yoga
  • 8:30am Breakfast
  • 10am Departure - Say farewell to new friends


*Note that free time is built-in around and between scheduled activities to encourage connection, integration & processing, and rest.

**Details in the itinerary could change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at Vilomah2@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Michell and Kristie have worked hard to keep costs as low as possible for the 4 day/3 night retreat. The final per-person cost of $1280 or $1525 includes accommodations (including taxes and cleaning fees), all meals, workshop sessions, materials & supplies and guest speakers (when applicable). Be sure to take advantage of the Early-Bird pricing while it lasts!!


Only parents (and stepparents) who have experienced the death of a child can attend a Vilomah Grief Retreat. To best serve everyone, we want to stick with what we (unfortunately) know.


Yes! However, grief is different for each person and parents are ready to share and receive support at different times. Only you will know when you are ready - but you are always welcome.


Yes! Not only will you benefit from the respite of a Vilomah Grief Retreat, but you could also experience the cathartic affect of offering encouragement to others whose loss is more recent.


Though typically smaller, the maximum number of guests at a Vilomah Grief Retreat is 12; including Michelle and Kristie.


Absolutely! We are aware that each person may hold different beliefs, even within a faith of the same name, and we respect that. Please be aware that topics such as faith, God, Jesus, spirituality,universe, heaven, etc. are likely to come up when grieving people get together. Everyone is expected to respect the beliefs, opinions, and questions of others. 


Please submit the Registration Form anyway. If there is a cancellation, we will contact you. If it doesn't work out for you to attend this time, you will have another opportunity in the future. Visit the site often to see other retreats and events being offered.


Many of our support group members are very generous and we often do have offers to help pay for those who need this experience, but are not financially able to afford the costs. If you need financial support, please email Kristie or Michelle at Vilomah2@gmail.com for more information about the availability of a scholarship.


Go to Registration Form

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 The Vilomah Retreat is designed to provide a nurturing space where you can connect with others who share your experience, find solace, and learn meaningful tools for navigating your grief. 

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