Dear Guests,
I wanted to share a little about why this retreat holds such deep meaning for us.
When I was younger, my family experienced the devastating loss of my little brother to suicide. My mother, the heart and glue of our family, was shattered emotionally and physically. Watching her grief and the ripple of pain that followed profoundly shaped who I am and inspired the purpose behind Raven’s Retreat in Hocking Hills.
Even from a young age, I understood the unbreakable bond between a mother and child. In my work as a vet tech on dairy farms, I witnessed the cries of mother cows separated from their babies — a sound so heartbreakingly similar to my mother’s own grief. These experiences left an indelible mark on me and deepened my understanding of the universal nature of love and loss.
All of our retreat spaces are designed as a sanctuary for reflection, creativity, and healing. Raven’s Retreat was chosen because its surroundings so closely resemble where my mother grew up in West Virginia. It is a place to reconnect — with yourself, with nature, and with one another.
During your stay, you will be supported on your journey through thoughtfully prepared body and soul nourishing meals, Creative Activation, and Art Immersion Tour — all designed to nurture your body, mind, and spirit.
Our deepest hope is that your time here brings peace, renewal, and a sense of belonging.
With care,
Raven & Dustin
Raven’s Retreat | Hocking Hills