Read & Reconnect
Genetic Counseling Retreat

Cloudland by McLemore Resort
Rising Fawn, Georgia

Wednesday, April 15th-
Friday, April 17th, 2025

Content begins at 3 PM,
ends at 1 PM

Earn up to 20 category 1 contact hours/2.0 CEUs, approved by NSGC*

Registration Closed

*Earn up to 20 Category 1 contact hours (2.0 CEUs), offered from two NSGC-approved courses. Read The Let Them Theory and pass a quiz on the content at >80% (3 attempts) and attend the live workshops and presentations in-person at the Read & Reconnect Retreat in Georgia (see agenda below).

    • The Let Them Theory Book (10.6 Category 1 contact hours/1.06 CEUs): Activity A1884. The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) has authorized The CEU Shop to offer up to 1.06 CEUs or 10.60 Category 1 contact hours for the activity Book Club – The Let Them Theory. The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) will accept CEUs earned at this program for the purposes of genetic counselor recertification.

    • The Read & Reconnect Genetic Counseling Retreat Content: Georgia (9.40 Category 1 contact hours/0.94 CEUs): Activity A2105. The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) has authorized Daniela Young  to offer up to 0.94 CEUs or 9.40 Category 1 contact hours for the activity Read & Reconnect Genetic Counseling Retreat Georgia. The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) will accept CEUs earned at this program for the purposes of genetic counselor recertification.

agenda

  • Arrive early and enjoy an afternoon of flex time before we kick off the retreat at 3pm. Extended room rate available if you want to come a day or two early!

    3-6pm: Partnership Craft Fair:
    Iron patches on your personalized retreat tote

    • Make beaded bracelets with friends and industry partners

    • Paint cards for hospitalized children with your new watercolor set

    • Create a vision board, book mark, and more!

    5-6:30pm: Provided dinner

    6:30-7:30pm: Welcome gathering

    7:30-8:30pm: Creativity & Calm: creativity workshop with guided DNA watercolor painting

  • 9:30-10:30am: Compass Bearings: Personal strengths & values workshop

    10:30-11:30am: Nurturing the Heart: Self-Compassion workshop

    11:30-1:00pm: The Let Them Theory book club discussion and provided lunch

    1:00-2:00pm: Own Your Worth: Imposter syndrome workshop 

    Then... enjoy a long afternoon of flex time and your complimentary evening cocktails (2 per room per night, N/A options available)

    8:00-9:15pm: Group viewing of the Imperfect, a documentary about a theater company for artists with disabilities (or watch it in your room if you prefer - simply take a short quiz for your CEUs).

  • 9:30-10:30am: Presentation from local non-profit, United Ability.

    10:30-11:30am: Breathe into Balance: breathwork practice for stress management

    11:30-12:30: Burnout and Boundary setting

    12:30-1:00 Retreat wrap-up

    1:00-2:00: Optional - stick around to complete your CEU evaluations with the group.

    You are welcome to stay at the resort (extended room rate available) or head home to begin your weekend & retreat integration.  

“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, CGC, Retreat Attendee, 2025

WHY, HELLO PARADIGM SHIFT

In effort to take responsibility for our emotional health as it impacts our professional judgement and performance (NSGC code of ethics) we’ll slow down, reflect, and explore evidence-based strategies to move through stress, burnout, & imposter syndrome while we strengthen self-compassion, clarity, & well-being.

You’ll return to your life and work rejuvenated, aligned, reconnected & ready to ripple that energy forward!

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 OR wait for the 2027 retreats announcement.

Financial Assistance: If you do not have employer reimbursement and the cost of the retreat is a barrier, we want to hear from you! We have scholarships and would love to assist you in coming!

Registration Closed

THE DEETS:

Continuing Education Units:
Earn up to 20.0 category 1 contact hours/2.0 CEUs via 2 certificates:
- The Let Them Theory Book Club, NSGC approved for 10.6 contact hours: read/listen to the book The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (Activity A1884)
- In-person Retreat Content: 9.4 contact hours, approved by NSGC (Activity A2105)
(please see details above)

Cost: $840

Included add-ons:
- swag bag with watercolor set and craft supplies
- Your personalized retreat workbook
- Wednesday dinner
- Thursday lunch
- Cocktail (N/A available) upon arrival
- 2 signature cocktails (N/A available) per room per night
- $15 per day credit to the Spa
- Complimentary access to the lounge pool, guided (or non-guided) hikes, the driving range, Peloton room/fitness center, game room and more

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 at Cloudland by McLemore Resort:
243 Cloudland Drive, Rising Fawn, Georgia 30738, (888) 391-1148
Group rate: $209 per night + $30 per day for parking (carpool!)
Rooms are available in single king or two queen beds. Here is the link to book your room. Note, the resort fee will be removed at check-in!
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.

Employee Reimbursement Request Form

Craft, Journal, Breathe & More

You won't just learn evidence-based wellness strategies, you'll roll up your sleeves and practice them. Some are vulnerable, some are just plain fun, and all have the potential for transformation.

Read & Realign in Luxury

There is no better place for personal growth, deep connection and a reset than a luxurious resort blanked by nature. Take advantage of this space as you read or listen to The Let Them Theory book for CEUs.

Increase Impact & Ignite Change

Be inspired by a visit from local non-profit, United Ability, and a viewing of Imperfect, a documentary about a disability-affirming theatre company.

Not sure what to expect?

Check out some photos from our last retreat & read some testimonials from your GC colleagues.

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Read & Reconnect Retreat Testimonials

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

  • “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).”

    A.L., CGC

  • 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

  • “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!”

    K.S., CGC

  • 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

  • “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!”

    H.M., CGC

  • “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.”

    Emily M., CGC

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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., CGC

  • “Amazing program!

    I think all GCs (and humans) could benefit from attending a retreat like this.”


    CGC

  • “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

Meet Your Retreat Hosts

Daniela Young, MS, CGC

Founder, the Ōnda Collective

I'm Daniela, a board-certified genetic counselor and founder of The Ōnda Collective. After 15 years in reproductive genetics, I made a bold choice. My family and I left our American life behind for a yearlong adventure around the world.

That journey transformed my perspective. I began to see our society's relentless pace and obsession with productivity not as admirable, but as a threat to the human spirit and our ability to hear the quiet callings within ourselves. I also recognized how much we have to offer, both for our own growth and for the greater good.

From this pivotal experience, The Ōnda Collective was born. I believe that through professional development rooted in authentic connection and meaningful growth, we can unlock our full potential as both exceptional providers and thriving human beings.

I was blown away by the genetic counselors who showed up for themselves and their community at our 1st ever Read & Reconnect Retreat in 2025, and can not wait to offer this same nourishing and pivotal experience to you.

I’m genuinely looking forward to meeting you and connecting in Georgia!

Damara Hamlin-Vaughn, MS, CGC

Team Member and Retreat Contributor, the Ōnda Collective

I’m Damara, and I’ve been a genetic counselor for almost 17 years. It took me nearly all that time to discover that there could be more interesting ways to earn CEUS. Let’s be real- we all need those, right?!

Last year, I decided to try something new and join the Wellness That Works webinar series. It was there that I met Daniela. I learned so much about myself in those 10 sessions, and it has helped me be a better genetic counselor and person (especially to myself) overall.

I am excited to work with Daniela and The Ōnda Collective to make this Read & Reconnect Retreat one that gives us all a chance to pause from the typical genetic counseling grind and connect with each other- all while earning CEUS and exploring topics that make us stronger in not only our roles as genetic counselors, but also in all the roles we play in our busy lives.

Can’t wait to meet you all!

Register