Mija Retreat 2026: The Many Spaces & Faces of Grief
Mija Retreat 2026
The Many Faces of Grief & Loss
Sunday, October 18, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Camp Pendalouan – YMCA Muskegon
Join us for a day of reflection, storytelling, connection, and community as we explore the many ways grief and loss shape our lives—and the courage and compassion that help us move forward.
Through keynote storytelling, facilitated conversations, quiet reflection, and meaningful connection, we’ll create space to honor our experiences while discovering hope, resilience, and belonging together. Whether you’re navigating a recent loss or carrying stories from years ago, you are welcome here.
Together, we will create space for meaningful conversations, shared wisdom, moments of healing, and yes, even laughter. Because grief is part of the human experience—and so is joy.
Early Registration Benefits
Early Registration BenefitsRegister by September 1, 2026 and save $25 with code:
MIJAEARLYBIRD
Regular Registration: $150
Early Bird Registration: $125
Offer expires September 1, 2026.
Plus, the first 10 registered attendees will receive a complimentary Mija Circles Discovery Session before the retreat.
Your Discovery Session includes:
• One live virtual Mija Circles experience
• An opportunity to connect with members of the Mija community before retreat day
• A welcoming space to experience Circle before gathering together in October
This one-time invitation expires September 1, 2026.
Retreat Experience
| Time | Experience |
|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. | Registration Opens |
| 9:00 a.m. | Welcome • Lead Sponsor Recognition • YMCA Muskegon Camp Pendalouan |
| 9:10 a.m. | Moment of Silence & Ofrenda Acknowledgement • Leticia Gonzalez Ortiz |
| 9:30 a.m. | Storyteller Session I • Pat Sosa VerDuin |
| 10:15 a.m. | Small Group Reflection Circles |
| 11:00 a.m. | Group Photo |
| 11:30 a.m. | Storyteller Session II • Cassandra Kiger, LLM, MSW |
| 12:15 p.m. | Lunch, Walking, Water & Woods (on your own) |
| 1:30 p.m. | Facilitated Storytelling: The Many Spaces of Grief & Loss featuring Anna Porter, Elisa Hoekwater, Carmen Meurer, and Reyna Orellana |
| 2:30 p.m. | Small Group Reflection Circles (optional) |
| 3:30 p.m. | Closing Gathering • Sponsor, Volunteer & Participant Appreciation |
| 4:00 p.m. | Retreat Concludes |
Meet Your Storytellers
Pat Sosa VerDuin
Founder of Mija Leadership Coaching | Certified Grief Educator
Keynote Storyteller | Grief Won’t Be Cheated
Cassandra Kiger, LLM, MSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Keynote Storyteller | Building Systems That Rise Stronger
Leticia Gonzalez Ortiz
Community Ofrendas Curator
Anna Porter
Author
Facilitated Storyteller
Elisa Hoekwater
Mental Health Advocate
Facilitated Storyteller
Carmen Meurer
Author
Facilitated Storyteller
Reyna Orellana
Entrepreneur
Facilitated Storyteller
Presented by Mija Leadership Coaching
Compassion • Courage • Connection