MUSIC & VOICE

Bernadette is a licensed professional counselor, international speaker, and passionate believer in the power of music, voice, and shared experiences to bring people together. As the owner of Heber Springs Counseling & Wellness in Arkansas, she brings warmth, creativity, and a grounded spirit to the spaces she helps create.

At Gather & Grow, Bernadette will weave music, voice, and sound into our time together, creating opportunities for expression, reflection, laughter, and meaningful connection. She invites us to listen and discover the joy of connecting through music, whether we’re singing along or simply enjoying the sounds around us.

She reminds us that music isn’t about performing perfectly. It’s about being present, finding our voice, and experiencing the joy of being together.

Visit heberspringscounseling.com

SERVICE & TRAVEL CONFIDENCE

Beth is a licensed clinical social worker and coach with over 30 years of experience helping people navigate life transitions, overcome fears, and embrace personal growth. Passionate about healthy aging, travel, and meaningful community service, she believes that neither age nor anxiety should keep us from exploring the world and experiencing all that life has to offer.

An avid traveler and lifelong volunteer, Beth has participated in meaningful service projects around the world. She believes that authentic service begins with listening, learning, and respecting the needs and wisdom of local communities.

At Gather & Grow, Beth brings warmth, encouragement, and a spirit of adventure. She will help guide our approach to community service and is also available for pre-retreat coaching for participants who would like additional support navigating travel anxiety or building confidence before their journey.

Beth encourages us to stay curious, step beyond our comfort zones, and embrace new possibilities at every stage of life.

Visit bethwardcoaching.com

SHARED MEALS & CULTURAL CONNECTION

Esperanza is an international cultural immersion retreat leader, creative workshop facilitator, and licensed clinical social worker. Her work is rooted in honoring diverse perspectives, celebrating cultural traditions, and creating spaces where people of different backgrounds and generations can connect, share stories, and learn from one another.

Esperanza believes some of our deepest connections happen around a table. Inspired by sobremesa, the tradition of lingering after a meal to enjoy meaningful conversation, she invites us to slow down, share food, listen with curiosity, and make room for one another’s stories.

At Gather & Grow, Esperanza will also collaborate with Amy in the Creative Cocoon, encouraging reflection, storytelling, and creative expression. She brings a special appreciation for intergenerational connection, recognizing the wisdom we gain from one another and the value of sharing experiences across ages and cultures.

Through shared meals, creativity, and conversation, Esperanza reminds us that everyone has a story worth sharing and something meaningful to contribute.

Visit psychotherapychulavista.square.site

CURIOSITY & REFLECTION

Daryl is an educator, author, and passionate advocate for meaningful change. From classroom teacher to instructional coach and educational leader, he has remained deeply connected to the people and communities at the heart of his work. He continues his work at the University of Texas at Austin and is preparing to publish his third book.

As the founder of Be A Change, Daryl believes meaningful learning and leadership happen through relationships, shared experiences, and thoughtful conversations. Rather than simply studying change, he believes in being actively involved in creating it.

Daryl introduced Margaret Wheatley’s Turning to One Another as a companion for Gather & Grow, inviting us to slow down, listen with curiosity, embrace different perspectives, and discover what we can learn from one another.

Visit ba-change.com

INSPIRATION & COMMUNITY CONNECTION

With more than 20 years in education, Debbi is a leader and K–5 literacy coach who believes in the transformative power of connection. Through mentoring educators and building partnerships between schools and communities, she nurtures relationships rooted in curiosity, belonging, and shared purpose.

Her experience working with animals and forest restoration reflects her deep appreciation for the natural world. She believes that spending time in nature invites us to slow down, discover new perspectives, and recognize the connections between people, wildlife, and the places we share.

At Gather & Grow, Debbi will help foster meaningful relationships with South African schools and educators, creating opportunities for conversation, cultural exchange, and learning from one another. She brings warmth, curiosity, and a spirit of adventure to help us connect across borders.