Event Overview

Friday, Feb. 27

4:00 p.m. Hotel Check-In

5:30 – 9:00 p.m. Pajama Glam Gathering (available with the extended retreat package)

Saturday, Feb. 28

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Retreat Check-In

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch and Welcome

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Keynote I: Laurie Hellman

2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Meet and Greet with Laurie Hellman

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions

4:00 p.m. Hotel Check-In

6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Let’s Glow Crazy Dinner & Dance Party

Sunday, March 1

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Optional Morning Breakout Sessions

10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Brunch

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Keynote II: Betsy Hicks-Russ

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Caregiver Q&A with Keynote Speakers

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Moments of Meaning

3:30 p.m. Closing Remarks

Keynote Speakers

“Reframing the Journey: How Perspective Fuels Resilience in Motherhood”

Laurie Hellmann invites audiences into her deeply personal story of raising her son, Skyler, and navigating the complex journey of autism into adulthood. Through honesty, humor, and hard-won wisdom built through life’s challenges, she reveals how shifting from a mindset of “have to” to “get to” can transform everyday struggles into moments of purpose and gratitude. By highlighting the power of perspective, the importance of granting ourselves grace and moments of self-care, Laurie reminds mothers that hope is never lost—it’s the quiet strength that keeps us moving forward, one reframed moment at a time.

“You Can Do Hard Things: How Love Builds Unbreakable Strength and Resiliency”

Parenting a child with autism isn’t for the faint of heart — it transforms you. In this honest and humorous talk, Betsy Hicks-Russ shares her 32-year journey as a mother, advocate, and survivor of life’s toughest storms — from divorce and loss to rebuilding after bankruptcy. Through laughter, tears, and raw truth, Betsy shows how love and persistence shaped her path through the early, confusing days of autism and beyond. “You Can Do Hard Things” isn’t just her mantra — it’s her lived experience. With wisdom born of caregiving, Betsy reminds us that strength often comes from softening, and that the hardest journeys bring the deepest growth. This talk is a love letter to every parent who’s ever whispered, “I don’t know how I’ll get through this,” and somehow did.

Breakout Sessions

  • You Matter Too: Nurturing Renewal and Resilience for Caregivers

    Presented by Lisa Godinho MSW, LSW, PEL, and fellow Rising Mom
    This hands-on workshop invites caregivers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with themselves. Through guided activities—including a stress check-in, body signals map, support web, art journaling, and gratitude reflection, participants will explore their stress patterns, sources of strength, and pathways to renewal. Leave feeling grounded, supported, and equipped with practical tools to sustain your own well-being while caring for others.

  • Telepathy and So Much More; Get Ready for the Ride!

    With her trademark humor and grounded storytelling, Betsy Hicks-Russshares how a mother’s search to reach her non-speaking autistic son led to an unexpected rendezvous with telepathy and the mystery of mind-to-mind connection. Betsy brings clarity to concepts once thought impossible — non-local communication, psychic abilities, and the intuitive power we’re all born with but forget to use. She invites audiences to question what we call “real,” laugh at what once scared us, and embrace the miracle of being human enough to both doubt and believe. Whether you arrive skeptical or spellbound, prepare to leave with your mind expanded, your heart softened, and a renewed curiosity for the mysteries that link us all.

Your Retreat Experience

  • Pajama Glam Gathering (Friday Night Add-On)

    For those joining the extended retreat experence, a night of relaxation, laughter & creativity–pajama glam style awaits! Come dressed in your coziest but cutest sleepwear and enjoy an evening designed just for caregivers. Unwind with soothing chair massages, let loose with karaoke, and get crafty. Add delicious food and the chance to connect with other amazing caregivers, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a night to recharge, refresh & just have fun.

  • Let’s Glow Crazy Dinner & Dancing

    Day one of the retreat will end with a night to remember! Filled with sparkle, sisterhood, and unstoppable energy, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner, good music, and great company as we celebrate you—the amazing moms and caregivers who give so much every day. A live DJ will be spinning your favorite hits, keeping the dance floor glowing all night long! Come dressed for the theme: think neon, sparkles, sequins, or anything that lights up and makes you feel fabulous. Whether you go all out or keep it simple, you’ll shine bright and dance the night away!

  • Caregiver Q & A

    Keynote speakers Betsy Hicks Russ and Laurie Hellman will lead a heartfelt discussion as they open up about the real-life challenges and rewards of being a caregiver. In this interactive Q&A session, they’ll share their personal journeys, lessons learned, and practical advice on navigating the ups and downs of caregiving. It’s sure to be a memorable moment.

Questions?

Don’t hesitate to reach out. Please contact Luchana Imbrogno at luchana@risinglightsproject.org for more information.