Widow’s Retreat

Cassie Farrell: Hi, I’m Cassie. I’m a young widow and solo mom to two small children. My grief journey began in 2023 when my husband died suddenly and unexpectedly, forever changing the course of our lives. Since my late husband’s death, I’ve made it a priority to lean into my grief, learn about the journey of widowhood, and find meaningful ways to honour and remember those we love. I’ve participated in grief camps, widow retreats, therapy, conferences, and many other opportunities that have helped me navigate this new chapter of life. Through my own journey, I’ve developed a deep desire to connect with and support other widows. I believe there is tremendous strength in coming together, sharing our stories, learning from one another, and knowing that we don’t have to walk this path alone. I’m honoured to put together this retreat and to help create a peaceful, welcoming space where widows can connect, reflect, learn, and grow. My hope is that each person leaves feeling supported, understood, and reminded that their loved one’s memory and legacy can continue to be carried in meaningful ways.

Cassie will facilitate welcoming introductions, story-sharing circles and the closing ceremony during the Retreat.

Vicki Brittle: Vicki is a Canadian Folk/Rock Singer-Songwriter from The Ottawa Valley. Brittle is known for her distinct, unforgettable vocals that weave through reflective lyricism and catchy melodies. Accompanied by a six string, she is often referred to as an “old soul”, effortlessly welcoming newcomers into her world and bringing a memorable energy and presence to the stage. After a major surgery in 2025, Vicki wrote the album “The Hardest Things” about surviving the hardest challenges this life hands us. Vicki will be performing most of this album for us, along with some of her earlier songs.

Vicki will be hosting Friday Evening’s Journaling Workshop and leading us in the Cacao Ceremony, followed by some inspiring and healing music.

Christin Smith: I am a certified, experienced Hatha and Yin yoga teacher of 13 years with extensive training in hands-on assisting and Yoga Nidra trained. My teaching style focuses on Mind/Body/Breath/Spirit, bringing this connection to each class using visualization, alignment guidance, meditation techniques and breathing cues. As a life long student and compassionate teacher, I offer a style of learning that is easily understood, accessible and fun. It is important for me to teach from a beginner’s mindset to build trust, create confidence and inspire courage! I have found that guiding practice with a gentle humility allows students to find their own voice and their own unique style thereby making yoga accessible to everyone, whether you are a curious beginner or seasoned practitioner. My belief is that yoga is something to be shared from the heart.

Christin will be guiding an optional Yin Yoga Session on Saturday morning.

Joelle Tremblay: Joelle is the only medium in Canada certified by the Forever Family Foundation (as seen on Netflix’s Surviving Death). A former corporate high-achiever with a Master’s degree and half a doctorate under her belt, she traded boardrooms for something far more profound after a spiritual awakening during her fertility journey. Now an internationally trained evidential medium and certified yoga teacher, Joelle is known for heartfelt, detail-rich readings that bring comfort, clarity, and hope. When she’s not connecting families with their passed loved ones, she’s fully present as a mom, with her children, the unexpected gift that opened everything.

Joelle will be guiding us in a group reading where we can hopefully connect with loved ones in a comforting space.

Beth Moore (of Beth’s Crystal Shop): A bit about myself; a proud grandma of 2 and a proud mom of 2 sons. I retired from nursing in 2016, during my career I witnessed how complimentary therapy modalities could assist with health and well being. In 2007 I started learning and practicing Reiki. I’ve been attracted to “rocks” for a very long time so in 2010 I finished my crystal practitioner training and began exploring providing quality crystals at reasonable prices to others. The shop is home based and has grown a lot in 16years. The crystals also compliment Reiki sessions. Crystal and card reading for others started in 2021, I had been doing this for myself and was encouraged by some friends to be open to reading for others.

Beth will be a part of our Self Care Services that are being offered at the Retreat.

Carlee Pelkey – MacDonald: Carlee is a dedicated yoga teacher, energetic healer, and the proud owner of Happy Tree Yoga in Arnprior. Driven by a genuine passion for holistic wellness, she has cultivated a sanctuary focused on accessibility, healing, and mindful movement. Carlee specializes in practices that honor the body’s natural rhythm, offering expert instruction in: Gentle Hatha & Yin Yoga – for flexibility, mindfulness, and stress relief Golden Yoga – tailored specifically to support longevity, mobility, and ease for older adults. Beyond the mat, Carlee is deeply educated in the healing arts, incorporating Sound Baths, Meditation, Reiki, and Blue Quantum Star Healing into her wellness toolkit. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in compassion, ensuring that every student leaves Happy Tree Yoga feeling grounded, restored, and deeply cared for.

Carlee will be facilitating a Wellness Workshop on Meditation and Healing with Quantun Star Healing, as well as providing a peaceful optional Sound Bath.

Adrienne Jones: Adrienne is a holistic esthetician and wellness practitioner-in-training who is passionate about helping people discover moments of rest, comfort, and meaningful connection in their everyday lives. Her approach is grounded in the belief that wellness reaches far beyond the physical, and that nurturing ourselves creates space for healing, renewal, and lasting resilience.

At The Widow’s Retreat, Adrienne will be offering soothing hand and foot massage treatments designed to provide a peaceful moment of respite throughout the weekend. She feels deeply honoured to be part of this meaningful gathering and looks forward to creating a warm, welcoming space where guests can unwind, feel supported, and experience a sense of comfort, care, and renewal.

Keltey Byrne: Hi, I’m Keltey, the owner of Byrne Perspectives. Photography has always been something I have enjoyed because it allows me to capture genuine emotions, meaningful moments, and memories that can be held for years to come. I also love that through my photos, you get to see my perspective and the beauty I see in the world. It is truly an honour to be a part of this Widows Retreat and have the opportunity to document the connections, experiences, and emotions that are shared throughout this journey. This retreat is especially meaningful to me because of my Aunt Cassie, who is a widow herself. Watching her navigate both the challenges and growth that have come with her journey has given me a deep appreciation for all her strength and resilience. It makes me incredibly grateful and honoured to be involved in an event that provides support, connection, and encouragement to so many. I look forward to meeting everyone!

During the retreat, Keltey will be capturing photographs throughout the weekend to help preserve the special moments, connections, and memories we create together.

Jen Valiquette: Jen is a Registered Nurse, Spinal Flow Technique practitioner, and founder of holistic wellness centre Silver Birch Place in Arnprior. Jen has 30 years experience specializing in mental health nursing. She believes that regulating the nervous system and optimizing its function is essential to health and wellbeing. Through gentle contact on specific access points along the spine, the nervous system begins to regulate, the body returns to balance, and innate healing flows. The Spinal Flow Technique can help the body to release blockages caused by physical injuries, emotional stress or toxins, to improve the movement of energy through the nervous system. This results in improvement of symptoms from a variety of health issues including chronic pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, digestive issues, anxiety, complex PTSD, trauma, depression and more.

Jen will be a part of our Self Care Options that are being provided at the Retreat.

Ange Catherine: As a passionate Medical Aesthetician, I believe beauty and wellness go far beyond the surface. With extensive knowledge in advanced skincare and lymphatic care, I’ve dedicated my career to helping others feel confident, cared for, and comfortable in their own skin. At the heart of everything I do is compassion. Giving back to my community is a core part of who I am, both personally and professionally. Outside of my work, my greatest joys are my children and my love for animals. I believe kindness, connection, and caring for others—whether through my profession, my community, or everyday life—are some of the most beautiful things we can give. I can offer foot and hand massages to the widows retreat and look forward to providing a peaceful spot for some much needed self care.

Ange will be a part of our Self Care Options that are being provided at the Retreat.

Jenna Stamplicoski: Jenna is the Bereavement Services Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator at Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care in Barry’s Bay, Ontario. A thanatologist specializing in grief, loss, and bereavement, Jenna is passionate about helping people navigate life after the death of someone they love. She develops and facilitates grief support groups, retreats, educational workshops, and community programs, with a special focus on practical ways to adapt to the many changes that accompany loss. Jenna believes grief is not something to “get over,” but something we learn to carry while continuing to build a meaningful life. Known for her warm, down to earth approach, Jenna combines professional knowledge with genuine compassion, creating spaces where people feel safe to share their stories, connect with others, and discover hope alongside grief.

Jenna will be facilitating a Wellness Workshop “Navigating Life After So Much Has Changed” during the Retreat.

Marny Williams Balodis: Marny is the co‑founder and executive director of the Hummingbird Centre for Hope, a nonprofit based in Waterloo, Ontario dedicated to supporting widowed parents raising children at home. Her journey into grief advocacy began in 2002, when her husband, Keith Williams, died of cancer. At age 30 and with a 3‑year‑old son and a 3‑month‑old daughter, she suddenly became a solo parent and had to navigate profound loss and responsibilities alone After recognizing a lack of peer support for bereaved parents, Marny teamed up with friend Beth Bailey to launch the Hummingbird Centre for Hope in 2011. The organization offers peer-led support groups, educational programming, and a compassionate community specific to widowed parents. She also serves as a bereavement care provider with a local funeral home. Remarried and a mom of three, Marny balances her personal life with her mission-driven work—building a community of empathy, resilience, and hope for grieving parents and their children.

Marny will be helping facilitate story-sharing circles and a Wellness Workshop on Grief during the Retreat.

Lindsay Wickware: Formerly a graphic designer, I left the creative arts in search of a bigger purpose which I thought to be nursing. Then eleven years later on my way to work, I fell down a flight of icy stairs and banged my head. After being diagnosed with a concussion, I couldn’t work, I couldn’t look at my phone, I couldn’t even watch TV… but somehow I could paint. So that’s what I did and I ended up coming around full circle, finding myself feeling whole for the first time in my life. My work is a celebration of joy—a vibrant reminder of beauty, resilience, and connection. Painting large-scale compositions allows me to translate emotions and personal experiences into colour and form, creating pieces that feel as alive and intuitive as the process itself. Working primarily with acrylics, I embrace spontaneity and allow my intuition to guide me, rarely adhering to a structured plan. Each piece evolves organically, becoming a visual diary of my inner world and a therapeutic outlet for growth and healing. Through my art, I aim to inspire and uplift, making creativity more accessible to those who seek its transformative power. I believe art has the potential to heal, connect, and empower, and my goal is to share that energy with others—inviting them into a space of hope, positivity, and possibility.

Lindsay will be facilitating a Wellness Workshop “Expressing Grief through Art” during the Retreat.

Christie Zimmerling: Christine is a Registered Social Worker and Registered Social Service Worker specializing in palliative care, grief, loss and bereavement. She works at Hospice Renfrew as the Resident and Family Counsellor, supporting residents who are at end of life, supporting family members navigating anticipatory grief, facilitates a grief support group, grief care events and offers grief counselling and psychotherapy. Christie holds a Social Service Worker diploma, a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, a Master of Social Work degree, and a certificate in Death, Dying and Bereavement from Wilfrid Laurier University. She is passionate about destigmatizing and normalizing conversations about grief, loss and bereavement. Born and raised in the Arnprior-Renfrew area, she values the privilege of supporting her fellow community members as well as building community capacity and supports for a range of grief and loss experiences. She holds the belief that the individual is the expert, and has agency and power to make choices and goals that facilitate their healing and optimize their wellbeing. Christie’s practice is guided by principles rooted in strength-based, person-centered and anti-oppressive values. She pulls from the evidence-based therapeutic modalities of Narrative Therapy (NT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCP), and Emotion-focused Therapy (EFT) to meet the needs of individuals.

Christie will be joining on Saturday morning of the Retreat. She will be there if you need a listening ear, a little extra support, or a quiet moment of comfort.

Mary Lynn Brian: Mary Lynn is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) with Mandeville Private Client Inc. She is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate life’s financial decisions with confidence, clarity, and compassion. Mary Lynn understands that the loss of a spouse brings not only profound grief, but often a new and unfamiliar financial landscape. Decisions that may once have been shared with a partner can suddenly feel overwhelming and difficult to navigate. She believes that having clear, practical information can help reduce uncertainty and provide a sense of confidence as you take things one step at a time. Known for her approachable style and ability to explain complex financial topics in plain language, Mary Lynn is committed to creating a comfortable environment where people can ask questions, understand their options, and feel supported in making decisions that are right for them.

Mary Lynn will present Financial Life After Loss, offering practical guidance and helpful resources to help widows navigate the financial changes that often accompany the loss of a life partner — and to remind them that they do not have to figure it all out at once.

Dorothy Allemang: Dorothy lives in Arnprior, Ontario. A native of Ancaster, Ontario she moved to Renfrew County in 1975 where she has made the Valley her home. She has been a Reiki Master since 1993 and has worked with hundreds of people of all ages and walks of life. She teaches Reiki as well and has over 200 students. She is also a Certified Reflexology Practitioner and received additional training in Advanced Energy Healing, Meditation, Chakra Balancing, Nutritional Counseling and Neuro Linguistic Programming. In the early l980’s Dorothy healed herself of a thyroid tumor using natural therapies which began her passion and life purpose to help others on their healing paths. The treatments often address grief and mourning as most people have suffered losses in their lifetimes. People report feeling very relaxed and focused after a session.

Dorothy will be a part of our Self Care Options that are being provided at the Retreat.

Natasha Blackley: Natasha is an Energy Healing Facilitator and has been practicing Reiki, Spinal Energetics and other healing modalities since 2016. Her path has led her to become a Death Doula and she uses Energy Healing to help process through the emotions of grief. She believes that healing isn’t about fixing anything, it’s about learning how to listen to yourself and how to build a deeper relationship with yourself and your body.

Natasha will be a part of our Self Care Options that are being provided at the Retreat

Jodie Sonnenburg: I have always been drawn to helping others. As an elementary teacher for 33 years, I was in the business of helping little ones. That was where Cassie and I met and we became an incredible teaching duo team. Now that I am retired, I love to spend time with my family, friends and finding comfort in my garden and my home

Jodie will be volunteering her time throughout the weekend to assist with various tasks and help ensure the retreat runs smoothly.

Lianna Byrne: Lianna is here to support her sister, Cassie, and others throughout the retreat. Having walked alongside her sister through the loss of her husband, she has seen firsthand the many ways grief can affect an individual and their family. She is here to listen, lend a helping hand, and offer support wherever she can.

Lianna will be volunteering her time throughout the weekend to assist with various tasks and help ensure the retreat runs smoothly.