Guides, not gurus

Lisa is a trauma therapist, writer and retreat guide whose work is rooted in healing, self-discovery and the courage to reconnect with yourself after life-changing experiences. After navigating her own journey through traumatic memory recovery, grief and personal loss, she developed a deep understanding of the many ways the mind, body and spirit process healing.

Since 2015, Lisa has worked as a trauma therapist supporting people navigating trauma, grief, complex family dynamics, and what she calls “non-ordinary experiences” that fall outside of cultural norms. Her work is centred on creating space for honesty, compassion and deeper connection, helping people build trust with themselves and move toward greater wholeness.

Following the loss of her son, Spencer, Lisa's own journey brought her to Montezuma, Costa Rica, where she continues her work through therapy, writing and now community-based healing experiences. She has deep roots in the local land and community where the retreat takes place, and shares her lived experience and professional wisdom to help others find that same connection and renewal.

Monti is a licensed trauma therapist and mindfulness educator with over 20 years of experience. Her work began at Safe Alliance, where a supportive community of trauma therapists inspired her passion for helping people heal. She went on to work in psychiatric hospitals and provide in-home care for people living with severe mental health challenges before opening her private practice.

Through that practice, Mindfulness with Monti, she integrates trauma-informed therapy, mindfulness, nervous system education, psychedelic integration support and the NARM model to help people reconnect with themselves. Monti is a NARM Master Therapist; completing her Level 2 and Level 3 training deepened both her personal and professional commitment to presence, self-awareness and compassionate healing.

On retreat, she wants to create space for reflection and growth, bringing a grounded, practical approach to the week. Her goal is to help participants build self-trust and emotional awareness, so they can navigate life with greater resilience.