What is the Renewal Retreat?

The Renewal Retreat is a professional learning institute and leadership renewal experience designed for educators, school and district leaders, behavioral health professionals, and community systems partners who are responsible for fostering sustainable well-being, positive culture, and aligned systems in their organizations.

Participants will explore research-based practices, strengthen skills relevant to district and county priorities, and build collaborative networks — all grounded in ThriveWell Foundation’s mission to support both individuals and systems.

Why This Matters

Educational and behavioral systems are increasingly expected to integrate supports that serve the whole child while improving outcomes for equity, culture, and climate. Just as state and county professional learning institutes articulate evidence-informed practice, leadership skill development, and system alignment as core outcomes — so does the Renewal Retreat.

Attending and/or sponsoring team participation can support:

Professional Development Requirements

Engage in structured learning aligned with district, county, and state priorities related to social-emotional learning, trauma-informed care, and integrated systems development.

Leadership & Implementation Readiness

Deepen understanding of how to implement and sustain initiatives that align with frameworks such as MTSS, PBIS, restorative practice, and whole-child systems change

Gain practical, data-informed tools to strengthen wellness strategies, behavioral and mental health supports, and cross-system collaboration.

Competency & Skill Building

Explore approaches supported by research and emerging practice in school climate improvement, tiered supports, behavioral health integration, and community engagement.

Evidence-Aligned Practices

Outcomes & Objectives

Expand Leadership Capacity

Sessions and facilitated discussions will help attendees:

  • Lead with clarity and resilience

  • Advance restorative practices and collaborative problem-solving

  • Build organizational capacity to support sustained well-being.

Aligned with frameworks like Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), restorative justice, and integrated wellness strategies, participants will:

  • Connect local practice to systemic frameworks

  • Explore implementation considerations across tiered levels of support

  • Develop actionable next steps tailored to their organizations

Align Practice with System Priorities

Build Networks for Cross-Sector Collaboration

Through facilitated peer engagement, attendees will:

  • Strengthen professional networks across sectors

  • Share promising practices and implementation insights

  • Foster collaborative problem solving that extends beyond the retreat.

Strengthen Practice with Research & Evidence

Participants will engage in sessions that translate emerging research into actionable leadership strategies, including:

  • Integrating social-emotional learning with instructional practice

  • Using data to inform climate, culture, and support systems

  • Supporting mental health literacy and trauma-responsive system.

Program Highlights

A full schedule will be released closer to the event, but session topics will include:

  • Designing and sustaining school and community wellness systems

  • Building effective behavioral health supports in schools

  • Using data to drive positive school climate and culture change

  • Integrated systems frameworks for whole-child well-being

  • Trauma-responsive care and leadership practice

  • Restorative justice and equitable discipline practices

  • Mental health and resiliency strategies tailored for educators.

Healing & Renewal Practices

A full In addition to professional development content, the Renewal Retreat includes healing-centered and restorative experiences designed to:

  • Support emotional and mental resilience

  • Foster reflection and community connection

  • Replenish energy for sustained leadership practice

Examples include:

  • Guided Meditation and Breathwork

  • Drumming Circles & Sound Baths

  • Yoga, Tai Chi & Kirtan

  • Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) & Hiking

  • Spa & Restorative Wellness Offerings

  • Creative Arts for Healing.

Who Should Attend

This Retreat is designed for professionals whose work influences the well-being and performance of people and systems, including:

  • K-12 Educators & Teacher Leaders

  • School Administrators & Instructional Coaches

  • District & County Leaders

  • Counselors & Behavioral Health Providers

  • School Safety, Student Support, & Classified Staff

  • Community Partners, Public Health, and Justice Practitioners

Collection of colorful drums arranged in a circle on wooden floor.

The Renewal Retreat is not simply a getaway — it is a strategic, evidence-aligned professional learning and leadership renewal experience designed to help systems and individuals thrive together. Participants will leave equipped to return to their organizations with practical tools, collaborative networks, and renewed purpose.

We’re just getting started. The full program and registration details for Fall 2026 will be released soon.