The Athens County Foundation will host its Inaugural Nonprofit Staff Retreat on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Athens Armory event space and pocket park. The retreat is open to two staff members from each nonprofit organization located in—or serving—Athens County.

This immersive, day-long gathering is thoughtfully designed to foster personal renewal, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and support collective resilience. Participants will begin in a structured welcome, then follow their own “path” through a range of self-care experiences—including mindful movement, a facilitated conversation on wellbeing, healing touch, and creative engagement.

Self-Care Session Facilitators

• Shei Sanchez will lead mindful movement and gentle stretching exercises designed to support present-moment awareness and release physical tension.
• Rachel Siegel, a licensed counselor, will facilitate Caring for Your Whole Self, an inclusive conversation exploring practices of self-compassion and wellbeing.
• WellWorks Licensed Massage Therapists, affiliated with Ohio University’s full-service wellness center, will offer chair massages that support muscle tension relief, stress reduction, and overall physical and mental renewal.
• Creation Station - Self-led place to release creative energy with provided craft and art supplies of all types. 

Retreat Facilitator

• Dani Esperanza will lead a collaborative team-building session and serve as guide during the afternoon’s fishbowl conversation on preventing burnout and building resilience, as well as small-group sessions envisioning collective opportunities for the nonprofit sector.

The retreat will also connect to the Strengths+Strengths program, highlighting the ways our community’s nonprofit professionals can combine skills, resources, and vision to generate lasting impact.

Lunch will be provided, and registration is free.