Led by Licensed Clinical Social Workers Sydney Radler and Katie Jensen, the retreat blends mindfulness meditation, somatic exercises, journaling, and embodied practices with opportunities for reflection and connection while celebrating the Spring Equinox. To support holistic care, guest practitioners will offer additional healing modalities such as acupuncture. The program begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m.
About the Facilitators
Katie Jensen, LCSW, CST is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Sex Therapist who has been practicing in Illinois for over a decade. Katie also began a small private practice in Kalamazoo, MI in the past year. Katie has always found the importance of the mind-body connection, and processing our emotions with not just verbal but physical movement. She has added a specialty in somatic therapy to further support this passion. Katie doesn’t just recognize the psychosomatic connection, she embodies it. Outside of her clinical work, Katie finds joy in movement and adventure—she was a competitive athlete for years, loves traveling, and can often be found at live music events. At home, she delights in caring for her beloved dog Alice, and she makes time for restorative practices like acupuncture and Pilates. These passions reflect Katie’s belief in balancing intensity with restoration, and they shape the spirit of connection and curiosity she brings to retreat spaces.
Sydney Radler (they/them) is a Chicago-based Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to creating spaces where people feel grounded, seen, and connected. Sydney’s therapeutic approach is liberation-minded and pleasure-positive. Sydney doesn’t just teach mindfulness, movement, and connection—they live it. Whether tending to a community garden, shaping clay at the pottery wheel, or moving joyfully through biking, weightlifting, sailing, and other outdoor activities, Sydney brings presence and curiosity into daily life. They also love gathering people around food, laughter, and shared creativity practices that ground them in community and belonging.
Registration and Lodging Details
Reserve your spot for the retreat by March 14th here.
The cost is $100, which includes access to all activities, acupuncture, and lunch. You will be able to provide any dietary/accessibility needs in the RSVP form. If you would like to stay on site overnight before or after the retreat, reach out to GilChrist Retreat Center to inquire about availability.
