Community Spotlight Retreat Day

Join us July 13th, 2025 for a day of restoration and connection!

YES, it’s completely complimentary!!!

The need for justice and equity within our community demands constant attention, and we are grateful for the countless local organizations, committees, and activist groups working toward this goal. Sanctuary is a community partner to these organizations and groups, with the intent to raise awareness and encourage action through our ongoing Community Spotlight Series (see listing of participating organizations below).

We’re excited to welcome all staff and board members from our partner organizations for the First Annual Community Spotlight Retreat Day! We know how hard y'all work and the toll it takes to be of constant service to others, so please let our passionate and generous group of Collective members treat you and your colleagues to a day of restoration and connection. If you have any questions about the offerings or registration process please be in touch with us at <studio@yoga-sanctuary.com>.

Schedule of events and offerings:

  • 10am–5pm

    • A handful of Thornes Marketplace businesses have graciously put together two gift baskets full of goodies and gift cards that we will raffle off to retreat day participants. Don’t miss the raffle station at the front desk when you arrive!

    • Light refreshments will be offered throughout the day (sponsored by Thornes Marketplace)

  • 10–4pm

    • Acupuncture Sessions w/ Maya Joshua or Mel Pepper

      • Maya and Mel will be offering (10) 50-minute acupuncture sessions. These will be available on a first come, first serve basis so pre-registration is highly recommended. For legal purposes and to streamline the intake form process we will be using the practitioners booking software rather than Sanctuary’s platform. Please reach out is you have any questions or concerns <studio@yoga-sanctuary.com>

      • RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE (please note that all spots have been reserved, but you can signup for the waitlist in the event of a cancelation).

        • Click on the “Community Spotlight Retreat Day @ Sanctuary” button and follow instructions from there.

  • 10–11:15am

    • Form & Flow Yoga (Level I/II) w/ Ellen Morbyrne

      • SPECIAL NOTE: This is one of our public yoga classes so there will be participants who won’t be a part of the Retreat Day.

      • An alignment-based Hatha practice with heart-centered themes. The practice is an integration of Anusara-inspired alignment principles with Tantric philosophy drawn primarily from Rajanaka Yoga (Douglas Brooks). Just as we are asked to engage more deeply with our body’s wisdom on the mat, Form & Flow also calls us to engage more deeply with our lives and our collective community.

      • Level I/II - is a beginner-intermediate class with clear cues and a moderate flow. Supports alignment, form, and expression.

      • RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE

        • Please note that due to class size limits we recommend reserving your spot ahead of time. Drop-ins are welcomed, but can’t be guaranteed a spot.

  • 12–1:15pm

    • Restorative Yoga & Reiki w/ Beth Tascione

      • Need to dial down stress and unwind tension?  Join me for Restorative Yoga with Reiki and experience deep rest in supported, relaxing yoga poses. This class combines gentle, mindful movements, restorative poses and guided relaxation. The restorative yoga poses are held longer and use props to encourage deep relaxation. While you are in the poses you will receive Reiki (a gentle, hands-on energy practice)  to help you relieve tension and stress, support your overall well-being, and leave you feeling deeply relaxed and renewed. This workshop is accessible to students who can be on the ground for extended periods of time. All experience levels welcome.

      • RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE

        • Please note that due to class size limits we recommend reserving your spot ahead of time. Drop-ins are welcomed, but can’t be guaranteed a spot.

  • 12–2pm

    • Reiki & Chair Massage w/ Mary Gabis of Iridescence Healing Arts

      • Experience gentle, restorative care with Mary Gabis, a licensed massage therapist and certified lymphatic therapist specializing in trauma-informed touch, lymphatic drainage, and energy healing. Mary will be offering seated chair massage or seated chair Reiki sessions designed to support relaxation, nervous system balance, and embodied presence. Whether you're seeking stress relief or subtle energetic alignment, these mini-sessions provide a peaceful reset tailored to your needs.

      • Below are eight (8) individual reservation links to a private 10-minute session. These will be available on a first come, first serve basis so pre-registration is highly recommended. If you see that the link says “CLASS FULL - WAITLIST AVAILABLE” that means someone has already reserved the spot, but feel free to sign up for the waitlist and if they cancel the next person on the waitlist will be automatically added and notified. Consent forms will need to be signed upon arrival.

  • 2:10–2:50pm

    • Guided Meditation and Sound Bath w/ Fran Astino

      • Join Fran Astino (she/her) for a 40-minute meditation and sound bath journey. Starting with a guided meditation on topics of self-love and awareness, you'll find restorative postures to hold you as you surrender and truly rest. As you rest in gentle seated or reclined postures, you'll bathe in the vibrations of singing bowls, chimes and other sound meditation instruments. These resonant tones will help relax your nervous system, reduce stress and anxiety, and transport you into a state of deep relaxation and inner stillness. The hope is always that you'll leave feeling grounded yet uplifted – your body rejuvenated and your mind at peace.

      • RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE

        • Please note that due to class size limits we recommend reserving your spot ahead of time. Drop-ins are welcomed, but can’t be guaranteed a spot.

  • 3:15–4:30

    • Somatic Resourcing w/ Luke “Tt” King

      • This workshop will offer guided somatic tools for nervous system regulation, helping participants build a toolbox to weather challenges and establish an embodied basis for wellness. Using strategies pulled from yoga practice and the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute, practices will focus on alignment, grounding, and supportive movement that can be utilized to promote a sense of presence and stability.

      • RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE

        • Please note that due to class size limits we recommend reserving your spot ahead of time. Drop-ins are welcomed, but can’t be guaranteed a spot.

  • 5–6pm

    • Networking Circle w/ Alena Bartoli

      • Join us for an opportunity to reflect on the day’s experiences with structured and unstructured opportunities for community networking. Facilitated by Alena Bartoli, MA, E-RYT 200, YACEP, RYT 500

      • Alena serves as Chair of the HeadStart & Early Learning Programs Policy Council for Hampshire, Franklin and western Hampden counties.  She is a Community Action Pioneer Valley Board member and the outgoing Chair of the board of the Northampton Parents Center.  Alena is an experienced group facilitator in the private and non-profit sectors both domestically and internationally.

      • RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE

Celebrating Our Community Spotlight Partners!