Exhale: The First Five Years is an all-inclusive small-group retreat in Hocking Hills for moms who love their families deeply but are ready to feel a little more like themselves again.
Over three days, you’ll step away from the logistics of everyday motherhood and into a weekend designed around identity, connection, restoration, movement, reflection, nourishing food, and genuine community.
You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the woman you were before motherhood, more clarity around who you are now, and encouragement and support to keep becoming someone beyond the roles you hold for everyone else.
THIS RETREAT IS FOR YOU IF…
We know that spending time away from our families can be challenging and oftentimes emotional. But we’re doing the hard work so you can do the heart work. With a focus on wellness, restoration, and reflection, our program will prioritize nutritious meals, intentional movement, and opportunities for self-expression.
We want moms to bring with them the worries, fears, transformations they’ve been navigating alone, so that together we can make motherhood a COMMUNITY.
Meet the Women Behind Exhale
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Erin Lovelien
FOUNDER & FACILITATOR | THE MOM WHO SAW A NEED
“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” Toni Morrison
When searching for a community space to explore, process, and continue writing her story postpartum, Erin couldn’t find the retreat she had in mind. So she reached out to a few talented women she knew, and together, they created it. Exhale: The First Five Years was built for the moms who couldn’t find what they were looking for when they needed it the most.Erin welcomed her first child into the world in February of 2025 and has since spent whatever brain capacity remains after navigating motherhood reflecting on the woman she was and the woman she wants to be for her daughter. A writer, storyteller, and advocate for postpartum identity exploration, she is honored to connect with other new moms who are drafting their next chapter.
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Olivia Rojas
RETREAT STRATEGIST & FACILITATOR | THE MOM WHO MAKES IT HAPPEN
Olivia welcomed her son in January of 2025 and quickly realized that building a community was essential to surviving this phase of her life. As a result, she made it a priority to connect with other moms. These friendships gave her a safe space to vent about parenting challenges, gain new perspectives, celebrate successes, and gush over the beautiful moments of motherhood.At the same time, Olivia realized that having the privilege of staying home with her son for the first year and a half of his life gave her the opportunity to cultivate these relationships while many mothers lack the time, energy, or confidence to reach out and build new connections, especially during such a vulnerable season.
She is honored to work alongside such strong, hardworking women, all committed to the same mission: helping moms reflect, reset, and connect with one another. Because motherhood is hard, but it doesn’t have to be lonely.
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Chelsea Skaggs
RESOURCE CURATOR & FACILITATOR | THE MOM WHO HAS THE EXPERIENCE
​Chelsea can hardly believe she's been a mom for a full decade now, but she can confidently say this past decade has been full of twists and turns, growth she didn't know was possible in her, and joy she never knew she could experience.
As a new mom, she was baffled at how few spaces talked about things like personal identity shifts and how marriage and friendships change through parenthood. In 2020, she started Postpartum Together, and ever since, she has been building community for moms through groups, workshops, and personal coaching, and a space of education and support for couples becoming parents.
She brings years of facilitation and a heart for mothers connecting deeply with themselves and one another to the Exhale: The First Five Years retreat. -
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Rachel Hand
CHIEF NOURISHMENT OFFICER | THE WOMAN WHO FUELS YOU
Food has been a source of joy for me for as long as I can remember. My mom likes to tell the story of sitting me in a kitchen drawer with pots and pans to keep me entertained while she made dinner. Something about those early days must have stuck! As a kid, I was glued to the Food Network and even organized my own neighborhood burger festival.
That passion eventually led me to earn a degree in Food Science from Michigan State University. Today, one of my greatest joys is bringing people together through food, and I'm so excited to share that passion with all of you during this retreat. I hope the meals we share create space for connection, laughter, and wonderful memories together.
Love you,
Rachel -
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Lauren St. John
YOGA & MOVEMENT INSTRUCTOR | THE MOM WHO KEEPS YOU CONNECTED MIND+BODY+SOUL
Lauren is a mom of 2 and has a decade of lived Motherhood experience. She began taking prenatal yoga classes when she was pregnant with her first child, and the love for the mind, body, and soul connection has been a thing of importance ever since.
She offers explorative-style classes that are intended to connect with oneself on a heart level and move in ways that are true to you.
As a Motherhood Doula, she walks with Moms and families through all the phases. Pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and years to come, she holds space for those going through the transitions and expansions of parenthood. -
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Jaclyn Willman
PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER | THE WOMAN WHO CAPTURES THE REAL YOU
“I invest in my people. You’re a human with a beautiful story, and now, I’m a little part of making sure your story is told and I can promise you that I don’t take that job lightly.”
Jaclyn is a Columbus, Ohio based photographer who makes connection her number 1 goal, not only in her business but in life; building connections and creating memories.
Jaclyn brings a vivacious spirit into her work that allows her clients to let down their hair and notice how freeing it is to be themselves, believing that every composition and angle can tell your unique story.
It's not just about taking pictures; it's about creating a timeless journey through intentional imagery.
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Kristen Peairs
PRE-RETREAT FACILITATOR | THE WOMAN WHO HELPS PEOPLE RETURN HOME TO THEMSELVES
At the heart of Kristen's coaching philosophy is a deep reverence for the human spirit: the belief that within each of us rests inherent wisdom that knows who we are and where we are heading.
Through compassionate guidance and unwavering support, Kristen holds space for you to explore your innermost truths and embrace your unique gifts in ways that honor your health, energy, values, and vision.
Hocking Hills is a stunning region in southeastern Ohio known for its embracing natural landscapes, hiking trails, and serene escape from city life. The lodge is located at the end of a private road, surrounded by thousands of acres of forest.
ITINERARY
Friday
The First Exhale
Imagine this: you arrive to a peaceful lodge that smells like a homemade meal cooking in the kitchen just for you…because it is.
Please make arrangements to arrive by 5 pm so that we can make the most of our first evening together.
Arrivals
Welcome Session
5:30 pm
Dinner
6:30 pm
After dinner, we invite you to just breathe. Take the night to decompress, make a new connection, jump in the hot tub, or even go to bed early! We won’t judge.
Evening Connection
Saturday
Finding Your Breath
Together, we will spend the day exploring motherhood from a new perspective through three intentionally programmed sessions.
Breakfast
8:00—9:00 am
Rage Yoga
9:15—10:15 am
Partnership & Identity Part I
10:45 am—12:00 pm
Lunch
12:00 pm
Partnership & Identity Part II
1:00—1:30 pm
Finding Your Pink
2:00—3:15 pm
Capturing Confidence
4:00—5:30 pm
Fancy Dinner, Mocktails, & Bonfire
6:00 pm
Sunday
We will close out the weekend together with gratitude for the women we have been and will continue to become.
Breathing Steady
Breakfast & Packing
8:00—9:00 am
In this final session, we will consider any unanswered questions, reflect on the weekend’s inspirations, and build mantras to carry with us in the months ahead.
Final Reflections
9:00—10:00 am
Departure
10:00 am
Ready to Exhale?
Investment $1,000 | All-Inclusive
We believe the depth of this experience comes from showing up fully, both for yourself and for the other women who have committed to this weekend alongside you.
Deposit:
To secure your spot, a $500 non-refundable deposit is required at registration. This deposit allows us to confidently reserve the retreat property and begin planning an exceptional experience for every participant. We understand that life, especially motherhood, can be unpredictable. If an emergency arises and your spot can be filled from the waitlist, we will make every reasonable effort to refund any payments beyond the deposit.
Final payment due March 1, 2027
An Important Note:
Exhale: The First Five Years is designed to provide community, reflection, education, and encouragement. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional mental health care, counseling, or medical treatment. If you are currently experiencing significant symptoms of postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD, thoughts of harming yourself or your child(ren), or any other mental health concerns that are affecting your safety or daily functioning, we encourage you to seek support from your healthcare provider or a licensed mental health professional before participating in this retreat.
By registering, you acknowledge that you are attending voluntarily and are responsible for determining whether this retreat is appropriate for your current physical and emotional well-being.
We are here to complement, not replace, the care and support you deserve.
Reach Out
Questions? Concerns? Just want to express your enthusiasm?
We are here for you.
FAQ
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This retreat is intentionally crafted for moms within the first five years of motherhood; for moms whose youngest child is under the age of five.
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$1,000 is all-inclusive of private accommodations, meals, expert programming, resources, and so much more.
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required at registration. Final payment due March 1, 2027.
A queen bedroom with private balcony access is available for an extra $100, due with the second payment. Please indicate your interest on the registration form.
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The lodge has reliable wifi, but we encourage you to disconnect and exhale as much as possible. To facilitate this, each participant will receive a central number to call in case of an emergency. We’ll monitor the phone so you can leave yours in your room.
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Just ask! If you don’t see the answers you need on our page, just reach out to us. We’ve got you.
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We understand! And we are here to support you. Your registration includes a private coaching session with Chelsea Skaggs to help you and your support system prepare for your time away. You’ll receive customized recommendations so that you can truly disconnect and exhale over the weekend.
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The deposit allows us to confidently reserve the retreat property and begin planning an exceptional experience for every participant. We understand that life, especially motherhood, can be unpredictable. If an emergency arises and your spot can be filled from the waitlist, we will make every reasonable effort to refund any payments beyond the deposit.
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We have built our weekend menu with everyone in mind, but please let us know via your registration form if you have particular needs.
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We have consciously decided not to provide alcohol at this retreat to foster a space for intentional connection and reflection. We will have some fun mocktails, though!
Interested in Sponsorship or Partnership?
If you are a business or professional interested in sponsorship, swag bag contribution or other opportunities, please email us for future options.
Meet & Greet
Date and Time TBD
We look forward to gathering in the winter/spring before the retreat to meet each other, answer any questions, and participate in a complimentary workshop with Kristen Peairs.
Powerful Pauses: A Path Back to Yourself (30 min)
When you're caring for little ones, it's easy to lose touch with yourself. You know a break would help, but guilt and responsibility often make it hard to slow down. Join us for this gentle, interactive workshop to experience how pausing for a few intentional minutes can help you return home to yourself…leaving you feeling stronger, more focused, and better able to meet whatever comes next.
More details will be sent via email after registration.