A 2-day gathering in nature
ELEVATE: visibility, connection and vision for a new chapter
A small group of experienced facilitators will come together for two days of conversation, connection, and creative exploration.
This is a gathering for those who have already walked a long path. People who are not seeking more information, but alignment. Not more noise, but clarity.
You’ve built something meaningful. You’ve cultivated depth in your practice. You’ve done the inner work – and now you’re ready to be more visible, more connected, more unapologetically aligned with what you’re here to offer.
- At Floresta Encantada, Sintra
- 26th/27th July 2025
- Meaningful connection
- Honest conversations
- 8 inspirational speakers & facilitators
A first step in a new direction
A quiet launch – and a bold invitation
This gathering marks the beginning of my new mentorship programme, launching later this year. While the programme will be hosted online and open to a wider audience, ELEVATE is an in-person, place-based space – an opportunity to root into this next chapter by connecting with people who are equally ready to step forward.
It’s a curated circle of therapists, bodyworkers, educators, coaches, creatives and change-makers – people who have already done the inner work and are now seeking growth that is relational, embodied and sustainable.
Gathering with purpose
What we’ll do – and who it’s for
This is not a retreat in the traditional sense, nor a training packed with content. It’s a curated space for meaningful exchange – where experienced facilitators come together to reflect, connect, and explore what’s next.
A rhythm of depth, inspiration and ease
Over two days, we’ll gather in a forest studio surrounded by nature. Our time together will move between:
- Short, spacious talks from guest speakers
- Group conversations and collaborative exploration
- Creative development time
- Wellbeing practices such as somatics, breathwork or singing
- Shared meals and informal connection
You’ll hear from voices working at the intersection of psychology, visibility, branding, creative direction and purpose. Each speaker brings a unique lens – not to teach, but to spark reflection and dialogue.
You’ll also have time to explore your own ideas, challenges, and next steps in the company of others who understand the complexity and richness of this work.
For facilitators ready to evolve and connect
This gathering is for people who are already holding space for others – and are now ready to be held, seen, and supported in their own growth.
It may be for you if:
- you’re already doing good work, but feel the pull to evolve or expand it
- you have a vision – and want to be around others who are actively shaping theirs
- you’re ready to step into greater visibility and creative alignment
- you’re hungry for connection and meaningful conversation – not just more content
- you value leadership that is relational, embodied and real
Why now
It’s time to be seen
Many of us have spent years building our work quietly – navigating the internal and external demands of showing up for others while staying true to ourselves. But something is shifting. There’s a sense of urgency, yes – but also of readiness.
We no longer need to do this alone. ELEVATE is a space to meet others who are equally committed, equally resourced, and equally ready to bring more of their vision into form.
Capturing the moment Documenting what's real
As part of this gathering, I’ll be joined by a filmmaker and photographer to capture the energy and essence of our time together. Not for performance – but as a way of making visible what happens when thoughtful people meet in shared purpose.
You’ll leave with
Clarity, connection and creative momentum
By the end of our two days together, you will have:
- fresh perspectives on your next steps
- meaningful new connections and collaborations
- a renewed sense of direction and spaciousness
- the feeling of having been met – in vision, in voice, in presence
This isn’t a training. It’s not a retreat. It’s a gathering – a space to elevate what already lives in you, and to walk with others who are doing the same.
The shape of the two days
Programme Overview
Over the course of the two days, we’ll move through a rhythm of talks, group work, and embodied practices. Each session is designed to open space – for reflection, dialogue, and creative exploration – rather than to deliver content.
SATURDAY 26th July
10h-10h30
Welcome & Orientation
We begin with a gentle arrival – a moment to land, connect, and orient to the space and each other. Through simple grounding practices, we’ll set the tone for the day ahead with clarity, presence, and shared intention.
10h30-12h
Reconnecting to Your Bigger Why
with Katrin Heuser
In this guided session, we’ll take time to reconnect with the deeper purpose behind our work – the bigger WHY that fuels what we offer, how we show up, and what we stand for. Through reflection and group dialogue, we’ll begin shaping or refining a clear point of view message – one that communicates not just what you do, but what you believe, and why it matters.
This is a space to clarify your voice, deepen your direction, and begin expressing your work from the inside out.
12h15-13h45
Reciprocity Marketplace
with Rebecca Saltman
An experimental and heart-led space to remember the many currencies beyond money. In this interactive session, we’ll explore what reciprocity really means, how to name what we need, and how to offer what we have. You’ll be invited to make a request – not for funding, but for support, collaboration, or creative contribution – and to respond to others in turn.
This is not about transactions. It’s about community, generosity, and the surprising abundance that arises when we ask with clarity and receive with openness.
14h45-16h15
The Parts We Left Behind: Reparenting the Inner Voice
with Clarinda Brandão
In the pursuit of building, becoming, and leading, we often lose touch with the tender parts of ourselves – the curious, unfiltered, and emotionally honest inner child. This workshop invites you to reconnect with the voice within that was shaped long before roles, responsibilities, or expectations took hold.
Through a blend of discussion, reflection, and creative exploration, we’ll explore how early emotional experiences continue to shape how we show up in our work, our relationships, and our inner dialogue. Together, we’ll hold space for the parts of ourselves that were quieted, shamed, or overlooked, and begin the process of reparenting with compassion, curiosity, and care.
This is not a space for fixing, but for remembering and gently reclaiming the self beneath the layers.
16h30-17h
SAY HELLO, SAY MORE
17h-18h
Breath as a Bridge – A Journey of Connection
with Marco Sukop
This journey is designed to align with the heart of Elevate: reconnecting to what truly matters – in ourselves, in community, and in the way we live and lead.
In this session, we’ll explore how breath can serve as a bridge between states of survival and states of connection. This journey offers space for inner listening, emotional presence, and grounded expansion – without force or overwhelm.
SUNDAY 27th July
10h-10h30
Welcome & Orientation
We begin with a gentle arrival – a moment to land, connect, and orient to the space and each other. Through simple grounding practices, we’ll set the tone for the day ahead with clarity, presence, and shared intention.
10h30-12h
From Vision to Visuals — Branding with Depth for Facilitators
with Marco Sukop & Katrin Heuser
How are you showing up – not just in session, but in the world around your work?
In this session, Marco and Katrin share the behind-the-scenes journey of co-creating her new brand identity through Soulwalk Studio – from vision alignment and storytelling to website design and short film production. Together, they’ll explore how branding can be a process of embodied expression, nervous system-awareness, and authentic service, rather than self-promotion or performance.
12h45-13h45
The Embodied Voice: Presence, Power & Play
with Kate Smith
Your voice is an extension of your body that reveals how you show up in the world. In this workshop, we’re going to practice embodying essential aspects of authentic leadership through moving, sounding, and singing together. We will look at how we take up space with our voices and bodies, how we respond to power dynamics in collaboration, how we can balance our own needs with the needs of others, how we can step into greater clarity and presence, and how can we unlock our creative potential. We’ll release perfectionism and embrace vulnerability, accessing a more expressive, resonant voice – one that’s deeply connected to who you are beneath the roles and expectations. Together, we’ll explore using collaborative singing and sounding as a bridge to community, building connection, trust, and collective support. Bring your full self to what you love to do – and let your voice lead the way.
14h45-16h15
Purpose as a Process
with Martina Anguelova
Astrologer and Wellness Facilitator, Martina Anguelova, offers a soul-centred take on purpose as a process. Not as a fixed role to chase, but as a living rhythm to attune to. In this session, you’ll explore purpose as a constellation of symbols, seasons and turning points, drawing on Astrology’s cyclical wisdom to reconnect with your own timing, truth, and direction. Less charts, signs, or labels. More storytelling, myth, reflection and poetic prompts to help you meet your purpose as it is now: evolving, alive and ready to be reclaimed.
16h30-18h
Sound and Stillness in Turbulent Times
with Malcolm McQuirter and Eric Cetnarski
This experiential session introduces Nāda Yoga – the yoga of sound – as a way to ground the nervous system and restore inner balance during times of stress, intensity, or transition.
Using breath, voice, and deep listening, you’ll be guided through practices including humming, toning, and the resonance of singing bowls. These techniques support calm, clarity, and embodied presence – no prior experience needed.
Come as you are. Leave more connected.
GETTING THERE
Floresta Encantada
Floresta Encantada is a holistic retreat and event space in nature that cultivates transformation through yoga, workshops, trainings, and ceremonies.
Caminho da Azenhas 5, Sintra (Inside the Quinta São Sebastião)
Make sure to type the address into Google maps for either driving directions or walking instructions from the train station, as there are a couple of places coming up under Floresta Encantada.
The space is a 5-minute walk from Sintra train station, so very easy to reach by public transport. And free parking is also available on site.
Cushions and chairs to sit on are provided, as well as any equipment that might be needed for any practices.
Lunch will be vegan, gluten-free and sugar-free. Teas and flavoured water will be available throughout the day.
What to bring:
- wear loose and comfortable clothes that don't restrict your movement
- pen and paper
- reusable drinking bottle to avoid spillages
A trust-based model of contribution
PAY WHAT YOU CAN
This gathering is offered on a pay what you can basis. My intention is to make it accessible, while still honouring the real time, energy, and resources that go into creating a space like this.
To confirm your place, a non-refundable deposit of €100 is required. This helps cover upfront costs such as venue hire, catering, and materials. The rest is up to you.
At the end of the gathering, you’ll be invited to contribute whatever additional amount you are able – based on your financial situation and your sense of the value you received.
There is no minimum and no expectation. What you pay will be the right amount.
A gathering like this – including facilitation, guest speakers, a beautiful venue, nourishing lunches, and a filmmaker to capture the experience – would typically cost between €400 and €600. Some people will be able to offer more, others less. All contributions are welcome and appreciated.
This model is not about sacrifice or pressure – it’s about trust, reciprocity, and community care. It reflects the kind of culture I want this mentorship programme to grow from.
If the €100 deposit is a stretch for you right now, feel free to get in touch – we can find a way.
Dates and prices
- Sat 26th & Sun 27th July
REGISTER NOW
- €100 non-refundable deposit to secure your place
- plus whatever additional amount you are able to contribute
- 8 different speakers
- 2 days of meaningful connection
- beautiful forest location
- light lunch, snacks and teas are included
Prices don’t include travel to and from the venue or accommodation should you come from further away. You can check airbnb for nearby places to stay.
Guiding, questioning, inspiring
Our speakers and contributors
Katrin Heuser
Katrin is a bodyworker, teacher and mentor whose path has always centred around movement, presence, and the intelligence of the body. A background in dance and a personal journey with Scoliosis led her to explore Pilates, Yoga, Thai Massage and eventually Osteothai – which became her life’s work.
Her approach is rooted in deep listening and a belief that when we bring awareness to what’s happening inside, the body begins to release what it no longer needs – making space for restoration, growth and greater ease.
Katrin holds a Level 4 NVQ 500-hour Yoga Teaching qualification and has completed over 1,000 hours of continued education in therapeutic and somatic practices. She is trained in Manual Lymph Drainage and holds a Master Osteothai qualification, with particular expertise in trauma, chronic conditions, and nervous system-informed bodywork.
She is the founder of Little Yoga Space in Lisbon and runs her own school for Thai Massage and trauma-informed Yoga trainings internationally.
Martina Anguelova
Martina is a seeker who found truth in connection. She’s a Stargazer and Superconnector, seeing beyond the first intro.
Martina helps curious individuals, families and businesses unravel the puzzle of their potential through Astrology, Wellness Facilitation, Energy Work, Yogic Philosophy, Intuitive Guidance and practical spirituality. She loves a good question and leads you towards more room for reflection, clarity, healing and ultimately acceptance.
She believes wholeness is the essence of wellness and shares the practices that make her feel as she was meant to. Whole.
Marco Sukop
Marco is a breathwork and embodiment facilitator with a focus on nervous system regulation, emotional awareness, and accessible body-based practices. Drawing from a wide range of personal and professional experience, Marco creates spaces that support presence, reflection, and sustainable connection to self.
His path into this work was shaped by years of living in intentional communities, exploring self-healing approaches, and studying both traditional and modern modalities – from Eastern Philosophies, trauma-informed Breathwork & Thai Yoga Massage. With a background in chronic pain and physical rehabilitation, Marco brings a down-to-earth understanding of how the body holds experience and how simple practices can support meaningful change.
Marco is also the co-founder of Soulwalk Studio, a creative collective where he and his team support individuals, projects and brands through storytelling, film, and intentional design rooted in human values.
His approach is relational, grounded, and shaped by the belief that healing and growth happen when people feel safe, seen, and supported to move at their own pace.
Rebecca Saltman
Rebecca is a social entrepreneur, passionate essential oil hustler and change agent who is creating a better world based on reciprocity, values, and legacy, driving open-ended change to co-create a future that is equally distributed and disruption for good.
As a founder of Value Flow Innovations www.vfi.eco Rebecca along with her partners are exploring innovative technological solutions to create and measure impact, collaboration and investment with a focus on social and environmental results.
After a two year process in March of 2025 Rebecca is proud to have gotten her Portuguese residency and live in this amazing country!
Eric Cetnarski & Malcolm McQuirter
Eric and Malcolm are formally trained practitioners of meditation, sound healing and Ayurveda. They are dedicated to cultivating resilience, clarity, and embodied activism in a turbulent world. They draw from both diverse classic traditions and contemporary applications. In 2014 they founded Samana.Life, a health and wellness collective in Oakland California. In 2023 Malcolm and Eric moved to Lisbon and are evolving Samana.Life into a global community of people who have committed to walk the rewarding and difficult path of personal and spiritual evolution.
CLARINDA BRANDÃO
Clarinda is a relational psychotherapist, writer, and speaker with over 15 years of experience helping individuals and couples reconnect with themselves and each other. Known for her grounded, heart-centered approach, Clarinda weaves together depth psychology, attachment theory, and relational exploration to support meaningful emotional work. Her practice is rooted in compassion, curiosity, and the belief that healing begins when we feel truly seen.
saudeinthecity.com
insessionwithclarinda.com
@inthelifeofatherapist
Kate Smith
Kate is a vocal acrobat, composer, and facilitator known for her seamless blend of musical precision, free improvisation and physical exploration. As the creator of The Embodied Voice©, a research, performance and teaching practice, Kate’s many-faceted creative endeavors address themes of presence, the body-mind relationship, and human rewilding, through the expressive shaping of voice, movement and improvisation. She leads workshops across the world in a variety of contexts, including for the NHS, Harvard University, The Barbican, and more, and is the founder of Curiosa Ltd, a company that organizes international retreats and workshops. As a composer, Kate released her EP Songs from the Body in 2023, and has to date released five albums of vocal improvisation with various projects. Kate also regularly performs in a variety of projects, from voice theatre to classical and contemporary contexts.
Things people often Ask
Common Questions Answered
I understand that you might have some concerns before joining the gathering. Here are answers to the most common questions I get asked. If you have other doubts, please use the contact form to get in touch.
ELEVATE is for experienced practitioners who have already done a lot of inner work and are grounded in their field – whether through bodywork, therapy, education, coaching, creative practice or other modalities. It’s for those ready to expand their impact, refine their voice, and connect with others doing the same.
Neither, quite. This is a gathering – a space for meaningful dialogue, creative exploration, and nervous system-informed reflection. There will be structured sessions, but also spaciousness, embodiment, and real human connection. It’s not about content delivery – it’s about community, clarity and alignment.
We ask for a €100 deposit to confirm your spot, and after the gathering you’ll be invited to contribute whatever additional amount you can. There is no minimum. This model is based on trust, accessibility and reciprocity – supporting both the sustainability of the event and the diversity of those who can attend.
We’ll have a filmmaker and photographer with us to capture the energy and spirit of the gathering, but this will be done with care and consent. There’s no expectation to be on camera – you’ll have the option to opt out during the registration process.
Just one thing – we’ll be holding a Reciprocity Marketplace during the gathering, where you’ll have the chance to name a real need in your work or life (excluding financial requests) and receive support, ideas, or connections from the group.
You’ll be guided through this process on the day, but it’s helpful to arrive with something in mind: a project, offering, or situation where you could use support – and a willingness to ask. You don’t need to prepare a presentation, just bring clarity and openness.
All other materials and information will be provided in advance.
Please bring a reusable water bottle and wear loose, comfortable clothing you can move and breathe in. Some sessions may include gentle movement, breathwork or time outdoors. Layers are helpful, as the forest studio can shift in temperature. Everything else you need will be provided.
To honour the depth and rhythm of this gathering, we ask everyone to commit to the full two days. The experience is designed to unfold gradually – with conversations, relationships and ideas building over time.
This allows us to create a sense of trust, spaciousness, and continuity that’s essential to the kind of work we’ll be doing together.
If you’re unsure about your availability, feel free to get in touch and we’ll see what’s possible.
