Well, Hello Paradigm Shift!


If you are ready to take a break from the traditional didactic conference setting, are in need of a personal and professional pause, but still need a hefty dose of CEUs, this retreat is for you.

The Read & Reconnect Retreat is a midweek gathering for genetic counselors where we practice evidence-based wellness strategies: we craft, paint, breath, meditate, journal and more. We create space to reflect, reconnect, and realign. All together.

You’ll leave energized, equipped with practical tools, and renewed in your commitment to the work you love.

Current Retreats

Registration

now open!

Rising Fawn, GEORGIA - APRIL 15-17, ‘26

  • Date: April 15th-17th, 2026

    Location: Cloudland at McLemore Resort, Rising Fawn, Georgia

    What to Expect:

    Hello paradigm shift! Trade out your didactic conference for a genetic counseling retreat. Take much needed time to exhale, connect with people to whom you don’t have to explain your profession, and practice tools to keep yourself well.

    Load your tote with homemade crafts at our Sponsor Fair & continue crafting during flex time throughout the retreat.

    Read The Let Them Theory Book Club (10.6 CEU hours, NSGC approved)

    Retreat CEU Content: (9.4 CEU hours, pending NSGC approval)

    Engage in well-being focused sessions:

    • Creativity: Watercolor Workshop

    • Breathwork

    • Reframe imposter syndrome thoughts

    • Develop boundaries to combat burnout

    • Identify core value & key strengths

    • Assess and practice self-compassion

    Be inspired by a visit from local non-profit, United Ability & a viewing of the documentary, Imperfect.

    Reconnect with yourself and your incredible GC community!

    We can't wait to see you in the clouds!

    Note: if you’ve attended the Wellness that Works Webinar Series or the 2025 Michigan Read & Reconnect Retreat, you are not eligible to earn all of the CEUs offered at this retreat (there is overlap!). Email info@theondacollective.org if you are interested in attending this retreat for partial credit.

  • 20 Category 1 CEU hours via 2 certificates:

    • 10.6 hours from The Let Them Theory Bookclub CEU course (approved by NSGC)

    • 9.4 hours for in-person retreat content*

    Deadline:
    All CEU material must be completed and submitted by June 12th, 2026.

    *This event has been submitted to the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) for approval of Category 1 CEUs. The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) accepts CEUs approved by NSGC for purposes of recertification. Approval for the requested CEUs and Contact Hours is currently pending.

  • Check out the agenda here.

  • Retreat: $840

    Included:

    • Two meals

    • Retreat Tote

    • Watercolor set

    • Craft supplies

    • Personalized Retreat Workbook

    • NSGC fees

    • Welcome cocktail for everyone (N/A available)

    • 2 cocktails (N/A available) vouchers per room, per day

    • Complimentary access to bikes, hiking trails, guided hikes, library & game room, star-gazing equipment, pool, peloton room/gym, driving range and more

    Please email info@theondacollective.org if you do not have employer reimbursement and cost is prohibitive as we are working on obtaining scholarships for you! Do not be shy!

    Not included:

    The Let Them Theory Book:
    Access from your local library, borrow from a friend or purchase on your own. If seeking reimbursement for the purchase of this book/audiobook, we recommend you include your receipt with your reimbursement request from your employer.

    Accommodation:
    Rooms are available in single king or two queen beds. A link to the reduced room rate will be provided upon registration.

    Group rate: $209 per night + $30 per day for parking (carpool!)

    The room block ends on March 25th and the daily rate will increase to $447 so please block your room early!

    Transportation to the event:
    If you are coming by air, consider one of these close airports:

    • Chattanooga, TN (30 min)

    • Atlanta, GA (2 hrs)

    • Birmingham, AL (2 hrs)

  • Cancellation policy: Refunds available at 100% registration fee up until March 1st, 2026 & 50% refund available until March 15th, 2026. Please contact us if you have a unique circumstance and need to cancel between March 15th and April 15th.

REGISTER

—sold out—

New Buffalo, MI - Oct 15-17, ‘25

sold out

coming soon

Boulder, CO - Oct 21-23 ‘26 - com

  • Date: October 21st-23rd, 2026

    Location: Venue currently pending (Will be in Colorado)

    What to Expect:

    Take much needed time to exhale, connect with people to whom you don’t have to explain your profession, and practice tools to keep yourself well.

    Load your tote with homemade crafts at our Sponsor Fair & continue crafting during flex time throughout the retreat.

    Read The Let Them Theory Book Club (10.6 CEU hours, NSGC approved)

    Retreat CEU Content: (9.4 CEU hours, pending NSGC approval)

    Engage in well-being focused sessions:

    • Creativity: Watercolor Workshop

    • Breathwork

    • Reframe imposter syndrome thoughts

    • Develop boundaries to combat burnout

    • Identify core value & key strengths

    • Assess and practice self-compassion

    Be inspired by a visit from local non-profit and a viewing of the documentary, Imperfect (candy and popcorn provided :))

    Read, Reconnect, and Rejuvenate!

  • 20 Category 1 CEU hours via 2 certificates:

    • 10.6 hours from The Let Them Theory Bookclub CEU course (approved by NSGC)

    • 9.4 hours for in-person retreat content, pending NSGC approval

  • Retreat: $820: ($770 Retreat Registration + $70 NSGC Fees). Two meals and craft supplies included.

    Please email info@theondacollective.org if you do not have employer reimbursement and cost is prohibitive as we are working on obtaining scholarships for you!

    Room Rate: Accommodation prices coming soon.

coming soon

R&R Retreat Testimonials

  • “I was not sure what to expect when I signed up for the retreat, but boy am I so happy that I did! I have been a GC for over a decade, and this is the first time I have left a conference/retreat feeling good about myself. I feel like imposter syndrome is on high when just observing other GCs from afar, but when you actually sit down and connect with each other, it changes things. I loved speaking with GCs who just graduated, as well as ones that have been in the field for 20 years. I feel like this experience not only impacted my professional life, but also my personal. Let's be honest the two are so intertwined, that when one aspect is impacted so is the other. Thank you for having a vision and making bringing it to fruition for us!

    CGC, Retreat Attendee

  • "LOVED the whole experience! So much tangible information and tips about wellness and how to incorporate the practices we learned at the retreat into our daily lives. Was also such a great way to connect with other genetic counselors and give back to ourselves so that we can continue giving to others. 10/10 stars - had the best time!"

    HM, CGC, 2025 Retreat Attendee

  • "Wow, this was the change of pace that I needed! Every detail was so intentional, and I immediately felt a sense of belonging. This was a great opportunity to take an internal inventory of how I've been in my work and life and practice strategies for self care and maintenance. I'm so happy that an experience like this exists!"

    KS, MS, GCC Retreat Attendee

  • This conference was so grounding and made me feel more connected to the profession. Working in industry and not fitting the NSGC molds, it is difficult to feel like you are still part of the GC profession. But hearing how many of the challenges are faced by clinical and non clinical GCs is a connecting force that I will take forward with me.


    CGC, Retreat Attendee

  • “When I saw the opportunity to attend this retreat, I signed up without hesitation. For years, I had longed to carve out time for something like this, but the competing demands of work and home always seemed to take precedence. Knowingthe retreat offered CEUs silenced the guilt that often comes with doing something just for myself. With that weight lifted, I know I can be fully present at the retreat, savoring the time without any lingering pressure to be somewhere else or doing something “more productive.”

    Brynn Persky, MS, CGC, Retreat Attendee

  • "The Read and Reconnect Retreat was everything I needed (and more!). Every detail (including guest speakers, content, location, sponsors, extras etc.) was so thoughtfully curated. I left the event feeling like I had a better sense of my own values and strengths. I felt reinvigorated and ready to work on a better, more aware version of myself as a genetic counselor (and beyond)."

    AL, MS, CGC, Retreat Attendee

  • “The Read & Reconnect Retreat was such a breath of fresh air. It was the perfect mix of relaxation, connection, and meaningful professional growth. The sessions on self-compassion and boundaries made me feel validated and empowered. The hosts created such a warm and welcoming vibe—I left feeling recharged, inspired, and reminded why I love this field! Such a refreshing change of pace from the chaos of daily life. Highly recommend!”

    K.F., Retreat Attendee

  • Thank you for this incredible retreat!!! I came home a different person - more confident, relaxed, and secure in myself as both a person and a genetic counselor.


    CGC, Retreat Attendee

  • "The Read & Reconnect Retreat was truly a magical experience! Going in, I really did not know what to expect and was mostly hoping to get CEUs. I left with my cup full, my heart connected to myself and new friends, and a workbook full of tools and reflections to carry me through this season of my personal and professional journey." 

    EM, MS, CGC, Retreat Attendee

  • “I find that traditional CEU opportunities are not applicable to my career in industry sales. It was great to see a business emphasis for the retreat. I’m going on the retreat with two other friends/colleagues and making a girls trip out of it. Looking forward to staying in the villa with friends and not having to get dressed up!”

    Angie Darnell, MS, CGC, Retreat Attendee

  • I ended up enjoying this whole experience more than I even expected to. I think more GCs should try out this non-traditional CEU experience.


    CGC, Retreat Attendee

  • Amazing program! I think all GCs (and humans) could benefit from attending a retreat like this.

    CGC, Retreat Attendee

  • This program was great! And I would attend again in a heartbeat. The large breaks for connection and wellness were amazing. The sparking of creativity were wonderful.

    CGC, Retreat Attendee

  • LOVED the whole experience! So much tangible information and tips about wellness and how to incorporate the practices we learned at the retreat into our daily lives. Was also such a great way to connect with other genetic counselors and give back to ourselves so that we can continue giving to others. 10/10 stars - had the best time!


    CGC, Retreat Attendee

  • This was such a wonderful experience, I'm stuck between wanting to tell everyone to sign up for the next one or keep it a secret so it doesn’t sell out so fast! ;) Thank you so much for all your hard work putting it on!


    CGC, Retreat Attendee

  • Thank you so much for all of your hard-work. I am a different woman after this retreat!


    CGC, Retreat Attendee

  • "If you’re tired of sponsoring conferences where people swing by your table just for swag or a raffle stamp, the Onda Collective Retreat is a refreshing change. The setup gives you real time to connect — through hands-on activities and genuine conversations that actually matter. It’s easily one of the few events where you walk away feeling like you really got to know the attendees."

    Chris Kirby, Retreat Sponsor, Regional Sales Director, Natera