2025 Retreat early registration tiered pricing continues!
7 more early bird spots available at the $445 rate
Sept 19-21, 2025
Join us at the original conference dedicated entirely to health & wellness coaches!
Approved by the NBHWC for 14 CE's!

Rocky Mountain Coaching Retreat & Symposium
Move… Fuel … Rest … Connect!
Are you tired of the same old conference?
Looking to recharge your battery, improve your skills as a wellness coach and earn 14 continuing education credits through the NBHWC, all at the same time?
The Rocky Mountain Coaching Retreat & Symposium has been specifically designed to create a balance between advanced education, small group interactions and guided personal reflection time.
The retreat curriculum was designed to enhance your coaching skills, expand your vision and re-energize your life. Our speakers are experienced and engaging, and emphasize evidence-based practices—not just opinions or headlines.
We include breakout sessions, as well as opportunities to work one-on-one with other coaches. The schedule is organized in a way that allows you to adopt this new training in a format that will leave you refreshed and renewed as you continue helping your clients move toward #BetterThanYesterday!
Plus, the Retreat has been approved through the NBHWC for 14 continuing education credits for coaches who are NBC-HWC’s! (CEA-000579-1). Check out the 2025 Retreat Schedule, the amazing line-up of speakers and the topic descriptions below.
Featured Speakers

The Science of Sticking With It: Strategies to Support Long-Term Physical Activity
Heather Leach, PhD
Professor Leach will be sharing the latest evidence-based practices integrating behavior change theories to support physical activity adoption and maintenance. Her engaging presentation taps insights from her research lab and history of study in psychosocial and practical aspects of lifelong physical activity integration.
Dr. Leach is an associate professor in Health and Exercise Science at Colorado State University. She completed her Ph.D. in Kinesiology at the University of Houston, and a postdoctoral fellowship in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. Her research focuses on 1) Social Ecologic determinants of physical activity adoption and maintenance, 2) physical and psychosocial benefits of physical activity for the treatment and prevention of chronic disease, and 3) the translation of physical activity intervention research into standard health care practice and sustainable community programming. Dr. Leach has been a member of the Society of Behavioral Medicine for over 10 years, and is also a Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine.

Michael Arloski, PhD, NBC-HWC
Coming Soon…

Mind-Body Synergy: Somatic Techniques & Emotional Awareness for Coaches
Ryann Hierholzer, MS
Ryann Hierholzer is a wellness coach, educator, and mentor dedicated to helping individuals align their lives with their core values for lasting transformation. With a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Kinesiology, she is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to further deepen her expertise. Since 2020, Ryann has been an instructor with Catalyst Coaching 360, guiding fellow coaches in their professional growth. Her background as a professional athlete and track & field coach at both the high school and collegiate levels gives her a unique perspective on the connection between physical performance, mental health, and overall well-being.
Passionate about the science of emotions, somatic practices, and nervous system regulation, Ryann integrates these insights into her coaching to foster resilience, healing, and empowerment. Whether working with individuals or mentoring coaches, she is committed to bridging the gap between performance, wellness, and personal fulfillment. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys playing recreational soccer, listening to podcasts, and spending quality time with her husband and children.

Embodying Presence: Deepening the Foundation of Coaching
Jackie Szablewski, MCWC; NBC-HWC, CMIP
The National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching has recently updated the Core Competencies for our profession, elevating Presence as a cornerstone of effective coaching. While Presence is often sensed intuitively, it is also a skill—one that can be nurtured, expanded, and shared. But how do we truly cultivate Presence? And what transformations unfold when we do?
In this interactive session, we will explore the art of grounding, intention-setting, and mindfulness as powerful tools to deepen our own Presence. Through reflective practices and discussion, we will uncover ways to integrate this essential quality within ourselves—so that we can more fully show up for our clients, our colleagues, and our profession. Join us as we embrace the gifts of Presence and learn how to embody it with greater purpose and authenticity.
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Jackie is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach who brings deep curiosity, compassion, and wisdom to her work. After a fulfilling 27-year career in counseling, she discovered a second calling in coaching—finding herself twice blessed in the process. For the past seven years, Jackie has cultivated a thriving private practice in Boulder, CO, where she partners with clients to align self-care with their core values.
A graduate of Ithaca College with studies in Psychology, English, and Education, Jackie went on to earn her Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School, focusing on Pastoral Counseling. A lifelong learner, writer, and advocate for Big Picture Wellness, she believes in the profound interconnectedness of well-being. Jackie experiences Presence as the poetry of everyday life and is passionate about sharing its power to transform both coaches and clients alike.

Upward Aim: The Creative Act of Fully Living
Brad Cooper, PhD, MSPT, MBA
CEO, Catalyst Coaching 360
Dr. Cooper is CEO of Catalyst Coaching 360, founded in 2007 to provide best-in-class, board-certified health, wellness & performance coaching for organizations nationwide. Brad has spoken professionally in all 50 states and across Europe, is host of the popular Catalyst 360 podcast, is an elite Masters runner, 11-time Ironman (4X at Hawaii World Championship) & was featured in the film Godspeed: The Race Across America after winning the 2-person event. He’s spent his life as a human performance junkie, earning 4 college degrees, including a PhD, to help individuals enhance their personal and professional lives. He’s crazy about his bride of 31 years, loves being Dad to 3 (married) adult “kids” and “Gramps” to their new granddaughter.

The Power of Intention
Suzanna Cooper, LPC, OTR/L, NBC-HWC
Suzanna Cooper has a pair of Masters degrees, including one in mental health counseling, and is known nationally for her knowledge of coaching and interpersonal communication. As the Chief Learning Officer for the Catalyst Coaching Institute, she is the driving force behind one of the top wellness coach training programs in the country. She is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach and oversees a team of coaches as the Chief Learning Officer of a national employee wellness company. Suzanna is also a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is a life-long learner with experience in a variety of settings with the common thread of coming alongside others to help them be their best selves within their current season of life by focusing on what is important to them.

Bringing the Creative Act to Life (and Coaching)
Sarah Patterson, MS, NBC-HWC
Sarah Patterson, NBC-HWC, is a dynamic speaker and wellness coach known for her transformative, experience-driven engagements. A graduate of Catalyst Coaching and certified since 2022, Sarah blends neuroscience, positive psychology, somatic experiencing, and trauma-informed expressive arts to spark meaningful change. Through her work with JOULE Wellbeing and her own practice, Expressive Self Coaching, she empowers individuals and organizations with creative strategies for emotional wellness. Sarah also serves on a national mental health crisis response team and leads expressive arts groups supporting cancer survivors, all while championing the power of creativity in emotional intelligence and coach training.

Experiencing Nia (optional morning activity)
Karen Olsen, NBC-HWC, BCMT
Nia is a powerful mind-body, low-impact, fusion class combining dance movements, martial arts, yoga, and healing arts. Nia invites you to move in your body’s own way, celebrating your uniqueness while moving within community.
No prior experience necessary, all fitness levels and experience welcome!
Karen Olsen (K.O.) has been a certified NBC-HWC coach since 2017. She has been teaching Nia classes in the Boulder Colorado area since 2001 and earned her First-Degree Black Belt Nia instructor certification. K.O. is solo admin. for a busy, established Functional Medicine office in Boulder and a Certified Massage Therapist in private practice. She enjoys hiking with her grown daughters and dog Rosie, gardening, jogging, traveling, and daily sunset walks.

The Coaching Compass: Navigating Success & Impact (Panel)
Sabryna Liddle
Sabryna Liddle, Vice President at Catalyst Coaching 360, is a leader, teacher, and wellness champion who has spent the past 18 years supporting others’ growth as a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach. With a Master’s in Wellness and Health Promotion Management and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Sabryna seamlessly blends her expertise with her passion to help others thrive.
As a coach, Sabryna’s specialty is finding the root of her clients’ challenges and igniting the flames of positive lifestyle change. Sabryna’s enthusiasm for wellness and coaching extends beyond her leadership role. Her unwavering passion for enhancing the well-being of others extends to her roles as a faculty member at various educational institutions and as a presenter.
Driven by a deeply personal mission to create a healthier, happier world, Sabryna inspires others to elevate their wellbeing—and empower those around them to do the same. To her, coaching isn’t just a career—it’s a calling and a way of life.
2025 Retreat Schedule:
Friday, September 19th
- 3:00 – 6:00 PM Retreat Check-In Opens – Ram’s Horn Lodge Conference Room
- 4:00 – 5:00 PM – The Coaching Compass: Navigating Success & Impact: Panel
- 6:00 PM – Welcome and Orientation to the YMCA grounds
- 6:40 – 7:40 PM – The Upward Aiming Creative Act of Fully Living
- 7:40 – 8:00 PM – Catalyst Connect (small group discussion/integration of topic into coaching)
- 8:00 – 8:30 PM – The Power of Intention
Saturday, September 20th
- 7:00 – 8:45 AM – Breakfast
- 8:30 – 9:00 AM – Exploration of Hiking & Forest Bathing Activities
- 9:00 – 10:00 AM – Coaching with Emotions and Feelings
- 10:00 – 10:20 AM – Catalyst Connect
- 10:40 – 11:40 AM – The Science of Sticking with It: Strategies to Support Long-Term Physical Activity
- 11:40 – 12:00 PM – Catalyst Connect
- 12:00 – 1:00 PM – Lunch
- 1:00 – 3:30 PM – R & R Time (Rejuvenation & Relaxation) – business walk & talk, group hike, “Forest Bathing” small group activity, take a nap or create your own adventure!
- 3:30 – 4:30 PM – Mind-body synergy: Somatic Techniques & Emotional Awareness for Coaches
- 4:30 – 4:50 PM – Catalyst Connect
- 5:05 – 6:20 PM – Coach/Connect Partnering Part 1 (Part 2 with same partner Sunday)
- 6:30 – 8:00 PM – Dinner
- 8:00 PM – Catalyst Community Bonfire!
Sunday, September 21st
- 7:00 – 8:45 AM = Breakfast
- 8:30 AM – Active Announcements
- 9:10 – 10:10 AM – The Gift of Presence
- 10:10 – 10:30 AM – Catalyst Connect
- 10:45 – 12:00 PM – Exploration of Rooted Values
- 12:00 – 1:00 PM – Lunch
- 1:15 – 1:50 PM – Coach/Connect Partnering (Part 2)
- 2:00 – 2:45 PM – Review, Assess…
- 2:45 PM – LAUNCH!!
The retreat’s programming emphasizes evidence-based practices based on the latest physiological, psychological and behavioral research.
You will be challenged as a participant to not only learn new material, but also to reflect on how this information ties into your personal life – right now! Each of us will walk away with a specific action plan to integrate this new learning into our own lives and our coaching practice.
The weekend includes a variety of activities including:
Speakers who are experts in their field
Coaching Pairs where we have a chance to be coached!!
Panel of Experts so that we can hear from others in the field!
Small group discussions to talk about best practices
Time in nature – to hike, journal, practice yoga, visit with a new (or old) friend, gather at a bonfire …
Accommodations: The YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado, will host our annual Rocky Mountain Coaching Retreat and Symposium. If YMCA makes you think of an old school rec center, you’ll be stunned as you drive in the front gate and see the beautiful campus surrounded by mountain peaks, elk walking across the fields, and everything you come to Colorado to see.
Make a reservation:
Up until 6 weeks prior to the event, please follow the instructions below to book via the group link. We recommend securing your room upon Retreat registration.
- Click on the booking link below.
- Select the group arrival and departure date.
- Enter the group code. (listed below)
- Enter the number of ADULTS (age 13 and over considered an adult for meal pricing)
Estes Park Center Booking Link >>
If you are booking a room within 6 weeks of the event, please call the YMCA of the Rockies directly at 888-613-9622. Let them know you are attending the Rocky Mountain Coaching Retreat with the group code (Y001AIW865) that will be meeting in the Rams Horn Lodge. They will get you registered near the meeting room! Please also confirm that meals are included.
Group code 2025: Y001AIW865 (case sensitive)
Room rates: The Rocky Mountain Coaching Retreat room block offers a discounted rate from central reservations. Approximately $280/night INCLUDES all meals!
Share a room with other coaches and the price/night drops down to approximately $165/night (2/room), $130/night (3/room), $114/night (4/room) or even $103/night (5/room). This still includes all meals (but not taxes and miscellaneous fees).
Interested in a roommate? We’ve set up a private Facebook group for the retreat. Once you register, you can request to join and then use the site to arrange a roommate (or two!) and communicate with other attendees.
Please note: Payment for lodging is separate from payment for the Rocky Mountain Retreat and Symposium. You need to book your lodging through the YMCA and register for the retreat below.
Extend your stay: If you would like to enjoy our beautiful mountain location beyond the dates of the group’s stay, please secure your reservation first for the dates of the event. Then please call Central Reservations at (888) 613-9622 to add the additional nights to your existing reservation. Please have your reservation number handy.
Lodging Questions? Please contact the YMCA Central Reservations Office at (888) 613-9622, and refer to the Rocky Mountain Coaching Retreat and Symposium group block.
With an emphasis on re-focusing, relaxing and re-energizing (without breaking the budget), we’ve included six meals, Friday evening through Sunday lunch, as part of the housing rate provided by the YMCA of the Rockies for those of you staying in the lodge. Meals are provided “cafeteria style” and offer a range of vegan, gluten free, vegetarian and other alternatives.
If you prefer to make your own meals, you might consider one of the cabin options for lodging, which include a kitchen. The cabins can be great options for groups of coaches coming together. Just be sure to plan your meals!
FAQs
As a health and wellness coach, you are constantly giving of yourself to help your clients improve their lives. While this is an incredible opportunity and an amazing way to invest our lives, we also need to take time in our own lives to get refreshed and refocused. This retreat was designed to do exactly that. In addition, we found personally that our most valuable weekend of the entire year in terms of our own business is our retreat. So we decided to bring that experience to others in a way that would make a positive difference in the world.
Estes Park is approximately 1.5 hours from Denver. If flying, please book your flight into Denver International Airport (DIA). The YMCA of the Rockies is approximately 2 hours from DIA if you choose to rent a car and drive to the YMCA. The canyon is a beautiful drive!
YMCA Address: 2515 Tunnel Road. Estes Park, CO 80511. Check in at the administration building (by the flag pole).
Retreat location: Longs Peak Building (Combo East & West Room)
Shuttle service: You can arrange shuttle service from Denver International Airport through either Estes Park Shuttle. Book online or via phone at 970-586-5151. Or through Colorado Shuttle Service at www.coloradoshuttleservice.com. Please note that you must make a reservation for the shuttle in advance. Shuttle times are set by the company.
This retreat is specific to health and wellness coaches or individuals training to be a coach.
Conferences can be outstanding events and well worth the time, energy and money to attend as they provide a great opportunity to learn from a wide range of presenters and earn some continuing education credits within a few days. We’re big fans of (and actually speak regularly at) several of them. This retreat will also provide the opportunity for continuing education, but will do so in a setting that will allow time (and an incredible setting) to relax and rejuvenate while also (if desired) providing time to meet with peers and learn from others beyond the actual coursework. You’ll return home with a new skip in your step to accompany the new knowledge in your head!
Weather in Colorado can change quickly. September is historically the most beautiful month of the year. The evenings are cool and the days (typically) filled with sunshine. Pack in layers (ie, t-shirt, sweatshirt, jacket, jeans) so you can adjust with the day. Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses or a hat if you plan to do some hiking. Of course, it never hurts to check the weather before you head out!
We will be offering a Yoga Flow class on Saturday morning and a Nia class on Sunday (both optional) so you might want to pack workout clothes. If you are driving, please bring your yoga mat if you have one. We will also have a few extra mats for those flying in or who don’t have one to bring. There is also a pool on-site if you would like to swim during our break time.
You might want to bring a light backpack in case you go wandering around the YMCA and some pens and a journal.
If you are staying in the lodge, all of your meals are provided, but you might also want to pack some snacks. Bedding, towels and hair dryer are provided in the lodge rooms. Shampoo and Conditioner are NOT provided. If you are staying in a cabin, you will have the opportunity to cook your own meals and will want to plan accordingly!
Please bring your own refillable water bottle! Coffee is available in the dining hall, so if you want to bring an insulated mug- that will keep it warm for you during the sessions.
Most definitely. You’ll be surrounded by experienced health & wellness coaches from a variety of settings, and will actually have the time (if desired) to share notes and ideas between you. Perhaps best of all, you’re likely to recapture that energy that lead you into the wonderful profession of health & wellness coaching years (or decades) ago!
This retreat will be perfect for you! In addition to a tremendous lineup of speakers and training programs, you’ll have the chance to meet coaches from across the globe who are always interested in sharing their experiences. From enhancing your skills as a coach to building your own practice to heading up your organization’s wellness program, this retreat will provide you the tools and resources you need to move forward—successfully.
We understand life gets in the way of even the best of plans – and sometimes it happens at the worst possible time – like when we were planning to attend an incredible event like the Rocky Mountain Health and Wellness Coaching Retreat and there is no other option but to have to cancel those plans. On the organizational side of the event, there is an immense amount of planning that goes into all of the details, and much of that is based on the specific attendees, their choice of training sessions, etc. Since the Retreat is designed to serve the needs of health and wellness coaches in a smaller, more personalized format than a traditional large conference setting, changes in attendee plans can have a more negative effect than normal. With those two in mind, we have put the following cancellation policy in place in the event that cancellation becomes necessary.
- With a 45-day notice, the fee is refundable minus a $150 administrative/processing fee.
- If less than 44 days’ notice, registrant has the option of rolling registration into the following year’s Retreat or may instead request access to 6.0 credits of online courses within the Catalyst Coaching Institute’s NBHWC approved courses.
We look forward to having you join us – please feel free to reach out to us with any questions about the above. Please note, housing cancellation is specific to the YMCA and not connected to Catalyst – please see those details related to cancellation on their website.
We are pleased to have individuals from a wide variety of different wellness coach certification programs joining us at the retreat. Those who have earned the esteemed NBC-HWC designation will add to your coaching toolbox, new friends to your network, and a new skip in your step as you return back home to continue changing the world for the better – one client at a time! The event is also approved for 14 Continuing Education credits through the NBHWC! For those earning CE’s, we will have an attendance sheet. If you miss portions of the Retreat content, we will simply deduct that time from your CE certificate.
HOWEVER, if you are not currently Nationally Board Certified (whether you’re on a path toward doing so or not), you’ll absolutely find the Retreat to be a great spot to enhance your skills and re-energize your life and career.
While we’re excited to be able to keep the total cost of the retreat quite low compared to the cost of registration, room and board at a more traditional conference, we also fully understand that it can be helpful to the budget to spread out payments. The YMCA has a separate process for the cost of rooms and meals that involves only a partial down payment. For the retreat registration fee, if you would like to spread out your investment, it is available!
You’ll see an option for “PayPal Credit” when you get to the check-out spot in the registration. This is coordinated completely through PayPal (we won’t even know you selected this option), but we’ve found it can be a helpful alternative for many of our attendees.
See highlights from the 2023 Retreat
Registration Information
- Cost
Super Early Bird Registration – $395 (1st 25 registrants)– SOLD OUT- Special Promotional Rate – New Year Pricing – $445 (only 7 spots remaining!)
- Early Registration – $495
- Late Registration Rate – $595
- Group registration: Groups of 3 or more save an additional 10% (except with Super Early Registration Rate due to extreme discount)
- Total costs: Registration, room, and board for the Rocky Mountain Retreat and Symposium is 30 – 50% less than comparable wellness conferences due to our setting at one of the most beautiful retreat centers in Colorado, the YMCA of the Rockies. The partnership with the YMCA also allows us to arrange room/board costs that are a fraction of what you would pay for a traditional conference. You won’t find a better deal for this level of education with this type of immersive experience anywhere!
- Financing: “6 Months – No Interest” option through PayPal at checkout for those who would like to spread out the payment process.