A rejuvenating two-day experience that blends the power of storytelling, movement, mindfulness and authentic connection against the stunning backdrop of Stinson Beach. Led by Katherine Kennedy this intimate beachside retreat offers a sanctuary for self-discovery and meaningful fun.
“Katherine’s retreat moved me to living on higher ground and gave me the gift of a greater belief in my purpose.” - Tracey, May ‘24 cohort
the retreat:
Date: April 24th-25th, 2025
Location: Stinson Beach, California
“Katherine created a space that is supportive, encouraging, and truly beautiful. Being in an environment where sharing feels so safe and healing is much needed in our busy lives to help bring us back to ourselves. With generosity, authenticity, and grace Katherine facilitated special couple days in an amazing place.”- Dana
THE Schedule:
Day 1:
8:45am-9:00am: Arrival!
9:00-10:00am: Welcome Circle/Intro to Story
10:00-10:30am: Meditation & Journaling
10:30-12:30pm: Story Session: Looking Back
12:30-1:30pm: Lunch/One Conversation
1:30-2:30pm Mindfulness Beach Walk
2:30-4:30pm: Story Session: Looking Within
4:30-5:30pm: Cold Water Plunge & Hot Tub (Optional)
5:30-6:00pm: Break
6:00pm: Story Activity: Paint a Picture
7:15pm: Dinner
9:00-9:15pm: Evening Meditation & Journaling
Day 2:
6:30am Sunrise Meditation (Optional)
7:00-8:00am: Breakfast
8:15am-9:45am: Yoga with Jessica O’Connell
10:00-11:00am: Group Reiki with Caroline Doyle
11:00-12pm: Story Session: The Wisdom Within
12:15-1:00pm: Mindfulness Beach Walk
1:00-2:00pm: Lunch/One Conversation
2:00-4:00pm: Story Session: Looking Forward
4:00-5:00pm: Closing Circle
5:30pm: Departure
Story Sessions will be a combination of reflection, writing, and sharing in a warm and supportive space.
Meditation & Yoga will be led by Jessica O’Connell. Meditation & Reiki will be led by Caroline Doyle.
Cold Water Plunging and Hot Tub are optional based on your comfort, interest and ability.
Catered by local personal chef Melissa Axelrod.
“Katherine put on a very special retreat. I’ve been to a few over the years, and this storytelling one was one of my favorite ones. To start, the beach house we stayed in is stunning. It was a retreat itself to listen to the waves for two days, watching the sunset over the ocean, and taking in the smells of the beach and taking long strolls on the beach. We jumped. We braved the cold water to a refreshing cold plunge that was a great reset for the body. The hot tub afterwards made it ever more manageable and even more enjoyable. The meat of the retreat was tapping into ourselves, Katherine held space for all of us, creating safety for us to let our vulnerabilities out and share the deepest parts of us. It was done with laughter and joy. I would recommend anyone looking to self reflect, being with other soulful women, and emerging and energizing time for you. I would not hesitate one more moment and sign up for her next retreat. You’ll be well fed good food, but will most importantly fill up your spirit!”- Katy B.
Why Join Us:
Experience the joy of exploring and sharing your story, deepen your connection with yourself and others, and leave with a newfound sense of clarity and confidence. Whether you're seeking a local escape, longing for deeper purpose, or aiming to refine your personal brand, the Speaking to What Matters Women’s Retreat offers something meaningful for you.

Here’s an opportunity to invest in yourself and embark on a transformative journey to discover your authentic voice.
“I didn’t feel like I would belong… Or could give myself in a way that I would walk away with a meaningful experience. 36 hours later, I am walking away with a gift that I’ve given myself, the level of self discovery – reflecting on life events I haven’t thought about in years – and being vulnerable to share a group of others, who are equally as vulnerable, it’s experienced. I never thought I’d have I’d leave here today, extremely grateful to have taken the leap of faith to attend, to show up with all of my insecurities and challenges that way on me… And to leave with a lightness of heart and mind, and a reconnection to my humanity. Thank you, Katherine you are a gift.” -Monique
About Katherine:
Katherine Kennedy has almost 30 years of experience helping people tell their story. She has coached clients from all industries on TED talks, toasts, speeches, presentations, pitches, interviews and the soul-affirming exploration of telling your story.
Katherine has a gift for helping people communicate in a way that lands right in the audience’s heart. This is what she does for others as a coach, facilitator, storytelling expert and this is what she did with her book Speaking to What Matters: My story of learning how to share what’s inside.
About Guest Yoga Practitioner, Jessica O’Connell:
In the early 2000s, Jessica was a stressed-out East Coast transplant living in San Francisco. She discovered yoga, and it immediately and profoundly changed her life for the better. Now a California girl through and through, Jessica has been a devoted Yoga teacher and student for over twenty years. She teaches classes at Sukha Yoga in Novato and Padma Studio in Fairfax and loves bringing the transformative power of yoga to any retreat or personal growth setting. She strives to help students become mindful and grounded and discover compassion for themselves and others. Visit her on the web at https://www.jessicaoconnellyoga.com/.
About Guest Reiki Practitioner, Caroline Doyle:
Caroline Doyle is a Certified Angel Reiki Master dedicated to facilitating deep healing, balance, and spiritual alignment. Through the gentle yet powerful energy of Angel Reiki, Caroline channels universal life force energy to clear blockages, restore harmony, and promote overall well-being on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.
Creating a safe and nurturing space, Caroline allows clients to fully relax and open themselves to profound healing on a cellular level. By aligning your energy with higher frequencies, she helps you gain clarity, foster self-healing, and step into your true potential. Whether you seek relaxation, emotional or physical healing, clarity or spiritual growth, Caroline gently guides you on your journey of transformation. Visit her online at https://www.caroline-doyle.com/.
“Katherine’s Speaking to What Matters beachside retreat is an intimate gathering, offering participants a safe space to share and explore their story and discover a deeper appreciation of the boundless freedom and speaking one’s truth. She is a true gem who guides with compassion and heart.”