Raisi consciousness through the power of deep conneions and meaniful conveaons one communy at a me.
June 21 & 22 2025 st nd Nantucket Island
Welcome to the Happy Place Wellness Symposium,
Our intention this weekend is to empower you to find the tools that you need to create your own personal blueprint for a happier, healthier life.
We are thrilled to welcome sixteen dedicated instructors who will be sharing their knowledge in a diverse array of practices. The weekend will be filled with classes, strategies, time proven methods, and love. By coming together, we can begin to affect positive change in ourselves, in our community and ultimately in the world around us.
We are grateful for your presence.
This would not have been possible without the support of so many. We want to thank our sponsors and donors, our volunteers, friends and family. Thank you to everyone who has played a role in creating this event, we could not have done it without you.
We hope you have the best possible experience and you enjoy all this weekend has to offer.
and Gratitude,
Holly, Joann, and Ted With Love
Meet our community
"It is possible that the next Buddha will not take the form of an individual. The next Buddha may take the form of a community, a community practicing understanding and loving-kindness, a community practicing mindful living."
Thich Nhat Hanh
David McLain
BLUE ZONES
Saturday Keynote
SATURDAY | 5:30PM TO 7PM MAIN THEATER
Have you often wondered what you should be doing to live a longer, healthier life? National Geographic photographer, filmmaker and best-selling author David McLain has been traveling the world with Author Dan Buettner for more than 15 years, photographing centenarians from the world’s Blue Zones: five geographic pockets in the world where people commonly live spry, healthy lives past 100. During this talk, David will take you on a visual journey through all of the Blue Zones, introduce you to some of the amazing people he met, and tell you how to add healthy years to your life.
David McLain earned his chops the old-fashioned way—by shooting feature-length assignments around the world for National Geographic Magazine. The stories varied, but the mandate was always the same: work with every kind of person, under any kind of condition, and create timeless yet contemporary images for his clients with the highest visual standards on earth. His assignments took him to six continents and often required 200 days on the road each year.
People often think the best part of being a National Geographic photographer is the exotic travel, but what he has always valued most is the time spent with people whose lives are completely unlike his own. A lifetime in other people’s worlds continues to be his greatest professional gift—it keeps him curious and continually strengthens the empathy that defines his work. Because he genuinely cares, people sense that he deserves their trust. That trust allows them to open up and be vulnerable, and that vulnerability creates the authenticity at the heart of all of his work. You can’t fake this or learn it quickly—true authenticity isn’t a goal; it’s a byproduct of these things.
He is interested in original reporting that explores complex issues in the context of real people and their everyday lives. His work spans seven National Geographic Magazine features, the #1 New York Times best-selling Blue Zones Kitchen (now a top-20 best-selling cookbook of the century), campaigns for major brands like Sony, and the SXSW-premiered documentary Bounce and a 10-part series on health equity in America. At the core of it all is attentiveness—to others, his craft, and his clients.
He lives with his wife, artist Anne McLain, in a 220-year-old Maine farmhouse with a post-and-beam barn where they share studio space. Their children, Finn and Myla, grew up in Maine—one is becoming a builder in Maine, the other a teacher in San Francisco. His family, his home, and Maine ground him and fuel the boundless sense of possibility and hope he brings to his work. He continually marvels at how endless the opportunities are. Now is the time to start exploring them.
Thom Bond
NON-VIOLENT COMMUNICATION: THE ART & SCIENCE OF GETTING ALONG
SATURDAY | 8:30AM TO 10:30AM | MAIN THEATRE
COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION: AN EXPERIENTIAL CRASH COURSE INTO NEEDS BASED EMPATHY
SUNDAY | 8:15AM TO 9:45AM | HARBORVIEW
ROOM
Thom Bond is best known as the creator and leader of The Compassion Course, a comprehensive online training, that has served over 32,000 participants and been translated into 19 languages in over 115 countries. Thom is the author of The Compassion Book, the creator of "The Exercise - Shifting Toward Compassion" (theexercise.org), and "64 Days for Peace" an open source, online, self-led small-group introductory curriculum. He is a founder and the Director of Education for NYCNVC, (The New York Center for Nonviolent Communication, a United Nations Civil Society Organization) and the founder and Director of Education for Bushfield Farms (a demonstration farm, and educational center, focused on sustainability and social reform). He is a former member and Advisory Board Member for the Communications Coordination Committee for the United Nations (CCCUN).
Thom’s decades of experience in the practical application of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Transformational Technology, and compassionate thought, combine to create a practical, understandable, at times humorous, and potentially profound approach for learning and integrating skills that help us experience more compassion and understanding. He is described as concise, inspiring, sincere and optimistic, applying transformational and spiritual perspectives to real-life challenges. He has been featured in the New York Times, New York Magazine, Vogue, Yoga Magazine, and is a regular guest on podcasts throughout the internet. Thom's work is based on his years studying and teaching with Marshall Rosenberg and is greatly influenced by Werner Erhard, and his relationship with Albert Ellis. In his book and in his course, Thom has been able to articulate and share the underlying consciousness of Rosenberg's work, known as Nonviolent Communication (NVC) along with the wisdom of both Transformational Technology and REBT (Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy). From this “recipe for making life more wonderful”, Thom has created a curriculum, and comprehensive, step by step method for learning compassionate thinking and living that continues to grow in popularity, and is changing lives, throughout the planet.
MEGAN KLEIN
TURNING DOWN THE SHARKS, FINDING FREEDOM
SUNDAY | 9:45AM - 11AM | MAIN THEATRE
Megan Klein is the founder of Little Saints, a brand of non-alcoholic cocktails and spirits powered by mushrooms. As a two-time brand founder and three-time wellness entrepreneur, Klein boasts one successful exit (The Fresh Factory, a plant-based foods manufacturer) and one failure (FarmedHere, the one-time largest indoor aquaponic farm in the U.S.). Before diving into entrepreneurship, she was an environmental attorney for Earthjustice.
Klein created Little Saints in 2021 as a solution to a problem that many face: the work hard, play hard mentality surrounding booze took a toll on her health, but the non-alcoholic options on the market left much to be desired. With the help of an expert food scientist, Klein developed Little Saints: zero sugar, non-alcoholic cocktails and spirits fueled by mushrooms that capture the flavor, feeling, and enjoyment of alcohol—without the hangover.
Klein has been featured on Shark Tank Season 16, Marketplace Morning Report (2022, 2024), Taste Radio, Second Life Podcast, and more.
Jenny Johnson & Samantha Devine
REBALANCE, REVITALIZE & RESTORE: AN AYURVEDIC PATH TO HOLISTIC WELLNESS
SATURDAY | 10:30AM TO 12PM | MAIN THEATRE
Jenny Johnson is a three-time Emmy Award-winning executive producer and media personality with a deep passion for wellness and holistic living. Alongside her longtime partner Billy Costa, she co-hosts NESN’s Dining Playbook, Meet Boston with Billy and Jenny and WBZ’s weekly radio program, Food for Thought. The duo just published a cookbook A Taste of Boston, the definitive cookbook of the city we love. In addition to her media work, Jenny is a devoted advocate for community health and wellness, serving on the advisory board of Mass General Cancer Center, the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, and Camp Harborview. In 2018, Jenny returned to school to pursue her certification as an Ayurvedic Practitioner and Reiki Certification. As a mother of two young girls, Jenny is passionate about educating others on the transformative power of nutrition and Ayurveda to nurture the mind, body, and spirit.
Samantha Devine is the founder of Devine Ayurveda in Amherst, NH. As an Ayurvedic Practitioner, Biomagnetism Practitioner, bodyworker, personal trainer, reiki master and educator, she combines ancient healing practices with modern wellness techniques to support her clients’ physical, mental, and emotional health. Samantha’s approach integrates personalized Ayurvedic nutrition, bodywork, Vedic Psychology, and Biomagnetism, helping clients achieve balance and vitality. She is also passionate about educating others on holistic wellness through workshops and individual consultations, empowering people to embrace lasting health and transformation.
katy bowman
MOVE YOUR DNA: FIND THE MISSING "MOVEMENT NUTRIENTS” IN YOUR YOGA PRACTICE
SATURDAY | 10:30AM TO 12PM | STUDIO THEATRE
Katy Bowman, M.S. is a biomechanist, bestselling author, and founder of Nutritious Movement. She has written many books on the importance of a diverse movement diet including Move Your DNA, Rethink Your Position, and My Perfect Movement Plan. Named one of Maria Shriver’s “Architects of Change,” Bowman is changing the way we move and think about our need for movement. She has been featured by national media like The New York Times, NPR, and TODAY, and has worked with companies like Patagonia, Nike, and Google as well as a wide range of non-profits and other communities, sharing her “movement as nutrition” message. She is the host of the Move Your DNA podcast and lives in Washington State.
Vanessa Ross
HORMONES & HEALTHSPAN: ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR AN EMPOWERED MENOPAUSE
SATURDAY | 1:30PM TO 3PM | MAIN THEATRE
Vanessa has been a practicing Certified Nurse Midwife since 2001, providing care to women of all ages. When she hit perimenopause, she realized her training had not prepared her enough for this phase of lif She found that other women's health providers were operating on out-of-date information and were no better able to help her find solutions for the hot flashes, anxiety, & weight gain she experienced.
Educating herself inspired Vanessa to become a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner and to provide evidence-based care to midlife women. This year, she co-founded a private practice, Menopause & Sexual Wellness Care of Western Mass, to offer individualized care to midlife women both in-person in Florence and Great Barrington, and via telehealth for the entire state of Massachusetts. She is also on staff at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield and a member of the faculty of the Baystate Midwifery Education Program and UMass-Chan Medical Center-Baystate. Vanessa is passionate about training other providers and has been an invited speaker on menopause care in local, regional, and national settings.
Vanessa believes that midlife is a powerful time for personal growth and that when women have the information and support they need, the second half of life can be the best half. She is a Certified TraumaInformed Life Coach & yoga teacher and offers health & life coaching for midlife women.
Vanessa lives in Florence, MA and enjoys spending time with her partner and two amazing teenagers, as well as hiking, paddleboarding, & pickleball.
ryan hurst
DON’T DIE WITHOUT EXPLORING WHAT YOUR BODY IS TRULY CAPABLE OF
SATURDAY | 8:30AM TO 10AM | STUDIO THEATRE
PAIN FREE: SIMPLE FIXES FOR BACK, KNEE, NECK, SHOULDER AND HIPS
SUNDAY | 3:30PM TO 5PM | STUDIO THEATRE
Ryan Hurst is an internationally-known expert in physical autonomy and fitness education, serving as the Head Coach and Program Director at GMB Fitness. With a career in martial arts and gymnastics that spans over four decades, Ryan brings a depth of knowledge that few can match. He’s the creative force behind GMB’s flagship program, ‘Elements,’ which The Guardian recognized as one of the best home workouts on the market.
Ryan’s coaching wisdom has been featured in Men’s Fitness and Esquire, solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in the fitness industry. With a global client base exceeding 110,000 individuals, his influence is undeniable. He’s conducted seminars in over a dozen countries, training a diverse range of people—from kids to elite paramilitary operators. Yet, his true passion lies in helping everyday adults— those juggling families and jobs—become strong, agile, and pain-free.
Ryan is particularly known for his expertise in handstands, wrist and hip mobility, and ‘animal’ locomotor exercises. His philosophy, ‘Training for a Healthy Life,’ has become a guiding light for those disenchanted with the mainstream, one-size-fits-all fitness culture.
@gmbfitness
JACQUI BONWELL
FULL BODY ROLLOUT
SATURDAY | 1:30PM TO 3PM STUDIO THEATRE
THE CHAKRA IMMERSION
SUNDAY | 8:15AM TO 9:30AM STUDIO THEATRE
THE SUTRA BOWL
SUNDAY | 9:45AM TO 11AM STUDIO THEATRE
Jacqui graduated from the very 1st 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training that Open Doors Yoga in Weymouth, MA ever held in 2005. She was raised by strong energetic teachers like Richard Lanza, Jene Rossi, Sean Corne & Pat Iyer. She is grateful she was initially raised from this perspective. It really pointed ou doesn't matter if you can balance on your eardrums if you have no alignment in your soul. Since then, s has gone on to aggressively study some of the energetic greats like Caroline Myss and Anodea Judith.
Prior to that, her track was Social Work/Probation/Child Law until after almost a decade of working with Domestic Violence survivors, and over 7 years working for the State of Massachusetts Department of Social Services, (now DCF) she developed ulcers. That was just one of a whole laundry list of side effects from STRESS. She sadly realized that you can't trick your nervous system. Years of having no control and swimming in work that is never done made the stress outweigh the joy of continuing to do Social Work in that way. She spent years teaching Yoga all over Massachusetts after she graduated. Her teaching regular dropin Yoga classes evolved into Guest Teacher trainings, presentations, workshops, motivational speaking, creating and leading the Yoga certification programs since 2011. She is passionate about fundraising. She works hard to motivate people, raise awareness and generate momentum for several causes.
She considers Rolf Gates & Johnny Gillespie HUGE teaching influences. Their delivery, their heartfelt words, wisdom and humor have consistently added depth, meaning and perspective to her life. She feels blessed to have received her 500 hour Advanced Yoga Certification under Rolf's tutelage & more CEU's than she can count with Johnny!
In 2011, she began creating her own Advanced & Basic Yoga Certification Programs. She is proud to say she has graduated hundreds and hundreds of students through the Yoga Alliance. She calls them each “bird”; They know who they are. She deeply bows to her family, kids, dog (Glory) , friends, all the birds and other wonderful influences: David Vendetti, Dr. Rick Hanson, Caroline Myss, Anodea Judith and all ETHICAL Yoga teachers who have passed down these teachings generation to generation.
@jacquibonwell
JULIE VINCENT
EMBODYING JOY
SATURDAY | 8:30AM TO 10AM HARBORVIEW ROOM
Julie is a Certified Mindset + Wellness Coach and yoga + meditation instructor (RYT200) dedicated to helping you achieve transformative wellness by embodying your most joyful life. She provides innovative holistic coaching and teaching that focuses on wellness from the inside out, incorporating intentional mindset work, mindfulness practices, guided deep dives, and mind-body nourishment support. Julie offers a fresh approach to enhancing wellness through small daily rituals and mindset shifts that empower you to embrace life's flow and find daily joy.
Julie has taught yoga, meditation, embodiment, breath work and nature walks in New York City and across Fairfield County, CT where she now resides. She believes in the incredible power of the mindbody-heart connection to help you find self-awareness, clarity, and calm.
Julie also offers 1:1 coaching, a Mindful Book Club, small group mentorship, and is a featured thought leader in publications and events, empowering the audience with knowledge, inspiration, and joy.
Mary ForieroPatel
YOGA FOR RESILIENCE: RESTORE, REVITALIZE & RECONNECT THE MIND, BODY & SPIRIT
SATURDAY | 1:30PM TO 3PM | STUDIO THEATRE
Mary's dedication to movement, music, and mindfulness shines through her extensive experience and certifications. As a certified RYT 500 HR Yoga Instructor registered with Yoga Alliance, she brings knowledge and expertise to her teaching. Her additional Trauma-Informed Yoga and Somatics and Oncology Yoga certifications demonstrate her commitment to providing safe and supportive practices for her students.
Mary's approach to teaching yoga is deeply rooted in tradition while maintaining an adaptive and inclusive environment. She gently guides her students, emphasizing the importance of breath and mindful movement. By integrating creative themes into her classes, Mary encourages her students to explore their practice with curiosity and self-awareness, fostering a sense of compassion towards themselves and others.
Through her teachings, Mary seeks to cultivate peace from the inside out. Her classes provide a sanctuary for individuals to connect with their body, mind, and spirit, leaving them feeling rejuvenated and centered after each session.
Renée Wellman
DEEP CHILL
SATURDAY | 3:30PM TO 5PM HARBORVIEW ROOM
Renée Wellman is in the gratitude business: as a seasoned philanthropic leader, she works to advance the missions of cultural and academic institutions, empowering people to give back with impact. As a yoga teacher, she is known for creating space away from the busyness of life to recenter on purpose and self.
Based in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Renée is a teacher of teachers, serving as a lead trainer for her home studio’s renowned teacher training and a mentor for teachers honing their craft. Renée’s own teaching covers a range of modalities. Her vinyasa offerings are grounded in functional anatomy and combine super healthy alignment with dynamic sequencing to explore the “why” and the “how” behind our movements. Deep Chill blends yin and restorative poses with a crystal bowl sound bath for an immersive healing experience.
Beyond the physical, each class opens with a centering meditation designed to bridge the space between the body and the mind, often drawing inspiration from her work off the mat.
Renée’s teaching philosophy borrows from poet Anne Lamott: yoga will meet you where you are, but it won’t leave you where it found you.
Tyler Rice
RELATIONAL BREATHWORK
SATURDAY | 10:30AM TO 12PM
HARBORVIEW ROOM
BREATHWORK: CREATIVITY, VOICE
& SPIRIT
SUNDAY | 9:45AM TO 11AM | HARBORVIEW ROOM
Tyler Rice is a dedicated teacher and facilitator specializing in breathwork, yoga, and men’s work. His journey into holistic well-being began in 2013, leading him to certifications in Kundalini Yoga, Tai Chi, and Meditation. As the founder of his own men’s program with international men’s groups spannig across time zones from Hawaii to Berlin, Tyler integrates Eastern and indigenous wisdom to guide others toward selfawareness and transformation. His deep spiritual connection and commitment to personal growth shape his work, inspiring men and women to cultivate resilience, purpose, and inner peace.
Alongside his partner, Elizabeth, Tyler co-founded Breathe, a non-profit wellness center in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Through community programs, public school yoga, beach cleanups, and retreats, they create spaces for deep healing and connection. For the past five years, Tyler has worked closely with renowned breathwork teacher David Elliott and is now certified to lead facilitator certifications in this lineage, expanding the reach of this powerful practice.
Born and raised in the Virgin Islands, Tyler’s deep connection to nature infuses his teachings, particularly his work with men and young men. His programs blend breathwork with masculine archetypes, guiding men on journeys of self-discovery, strength, and personal transformation. With an open heart and a commitment to following spirit, Tyler brings authenticity and depth to all who seek greater connection, balance, and purpose.
Elizabeth Nurse
RELATIONAL BREATHWORK
SATURDAY | 10:30AM TO 12PM HARBORVIEW ROOM
BREATHWORK: CREATIVITY, VOICE & SPIRIT
SUNDAY | 9:45AM TO 11AM | HARBORVIEW ROOM
Elizabeth Nurse is a teacher and facilitator devoted to mindfulness, healing, and personal transformation. After leaving a corporate finance career in 2014, she immersed herself in the world of yoga and holistic wellness. Since moving to the Virgin Islands in 2015, she has embraced the healing power of nature and co-founded Breathe, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing mindfulness, sailing, and yoga to children and the local community. Through her work, she creates spaces where individuals can reconnect with themselves, each other, and the wisdom of the heart.
Elizabeth’s approach is informed by extensive training in yoga, breathwork, herbalism, Emotional Freedom Technique, astrology, and death doula care. Rooted in the practice of deep listening and self-love, she weaves together these modalities to support individuals in finding presence, healing, and clarity. Her students describe her as warm, approachable, and deeply compassionate, offering a grounded and inviting space for growth.
Guided by the teachings of Ram Dass and the indigenous medicine wheel, Elizabeth sees life as a journey of self-discovery, from joy to sorrow and everything in between. In her couples’ work, she helps partners explore relationships as mirrors for healing and transformation. With a heart-centered approach, Elizabeth empowers others to cultivate self-love, trust their inner wisdom, and embrace the fullness of life.
PUNNU WASU
THE SECRET TO LIFE? ENJOY THE RIDE!
Virtual Keynote
SUNDAY | 8:15AM TO 9:45AM | MAIN THEATRE
Punnu Wasu’s life journey seamlessly weaves together the strands of music, spirituality, and holistic healing. His teachings and performances resonate profoundly, leaving an enduring impact on those who partake in his transformative wisdom. Currently based in Bali and Switzerland, Punnu imparts his wisdom by teaching Meditation, Kirtan, Sound Healing, Reiki training, and spiritual courses globally.
As a seasoned Indian vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Punnu traces his roots to India, where the rich traditions of kirtan and spirituality shaped his upbringing. Commencing his musical journey at the age of 5 with harmonium and vocals, he delved into Hindustani classical music, showcasing versatility in instruments like tabla and mandolin. Guided by his father, a revered kirtan singer, and other esteemed Indian masters, Punnu's formative years laid the foundation for exploration across diverse spiritual practices.
From a young age, Punnu displayed a keen interest in yoga and meditation, embarking on a transformative journey with various masters in ashrams and schools across India and beyond. His extensive studies include years in a spiritual university, reflecting his commitment to spiritual growth. Nowadays, he offers meditation teacher trainings and advanced sessions, catering not only to those aspiring to become teachers but also to individuals seeking a transformative spiritual journey and a deep dive into meditation.
As a Grand Master in Reiki with over 30 years of profound experience, Punnu's expertise extends to both Usui and Karuna Reiki. His comprehensive skill set, including spiritual counseling, ensures a holistic approach to individual well-being.
JODI WELLMAN
LIVE LIKE YOU MEAN IT
Sunday Keynote
SUNDAY | 11:15AM TO 12:30PM
MAIN THEATRE
Jodi Wellman is a speaker, author, executive leadership coach, facilitator, and founder of Four Thousand Mondays, a professional and personal coaching practice that empowers people from all walks of life to not just live longer, but live with greater urgency, passion, and intensity. She is the author of the book, You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets.
Mixing personal development with professional coaching, Wellman teaches her followers, readers, clients, and audiences how to work well and live even better. She spent 25 years in Corporate America (most recently as Senior Vice President of Operations at a leading health and lifestyle organization) before the untimely passing of her mother forced Wellman to come to terms with her own impending mortality. Wellman was jostled awake from her glazed over life and realized that she needed to break free, seize the moment, and start helping herself and others learn to live with zero-regrets. She practices what she preaches, making big life changes over the years and actively working to build more vitality and meaning into her life.
Wellman has a Master’s of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where she is also an Assistant Instructor in the master’s program and a facilitator in the Penn Resilience Program. She is an ICF Professional Certified Coach and a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach. She travels across the country speaking to corporations, associations, conferences, team meetings, and summits with her powerful and inspiring message of life improvement. Her TEDx talk, “How Death Can Bring You Back to Life” has been viewed over 1.3 million times. In addition to being a regular contributor to Psychology Today, she has been featured on Fox Business, Forbes, and many other media outlets.
Sheri Perelman Jin Shin Jyutsu
Vendor Marketplace
Sunday June 22 | 12:30PM-4:30PM nd
Harborview Room Astrology
Readings with Suzanne Keating
Saturday schedule
Time
8:00am – 8:15am Welcome
8:30am – 10:00am
8:30am – 10:00am
Event Speaker Location
HPWS Hosts Main Theatre
Nonviolent Communication: The Art and Science of Getting Along Thom Bond Main Theatre
Don’t Die Without Exploring What Your Body Is Truly Capable Of Ryan Hurst Studio Theatre
8:30am – 10:00am Embodying Joy
10:30am – 12:00pm
10:30am – 12:00pm
Rebalance, Revitalize, and Restore: An Ayurvedic Path to Holistic Wellness
Move Your DNA: Find the Missing 'Movement Nutrients' in Your Yoga Practice
10:30am – 12:00pm Rational Breathwork
12:00pm – 1:15pm Lunch Break
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Hormones and Healthspan: Essential Information for an Empowered Menopause
1:30pm – 3:00pm Full Body Rollout
1:30pm – 3:00pm Yoga for Resilience
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Julie Vincent Harborview Room
Jenny Johnson and Samantha Devine Main Theare
Katy Bowman Studio Theatre
Tyler Rice and Elizabeth Nurse Harborview Room
Vanessa Ross Main Theatre
Jacqui Bonwell Studio Theatre
Mary Foriero-Patel Harborview Room
Pain Free: Simple Fixes for Back, Knee, Neck, Shoulder & Hips Ryan Hurst Studio Theatre
3:30pm – 5:00pm Deep Chill
5:30pm – 7:00pm Blue Zones
Renee Wellman Harborview Room
David McLain Main Theare
Sunday schedule
Time
Event Speaker Location
7:00am – 7:45am Rhone Mental Fitness Walk Julie Vincent Beachside Hotel: 30 North Beach Street
8:15am – 9:30am The Secret to Life? Enjoy the Ride Punnu Wasu Main Theatre
8:15am – 9:30am The Chakra Immersion Jacqui Bonwell Studio Theatre
Compassionate
8:15am – 9:30am
Communication: An Experiential Crash Course in Needs-based Empathy and Self-empathy Thom Bond Harborview Room
9:45am – 11:00am Turning Down the Sharks, Tasting Freedom Little Saints Main Theatre
9:45am – 11:00am The Sutra Bowl Jacqui Bonwell Studio Theatre
9:45am – 11:00am
Breathwork: Creativity, Voice & Spirit Tyler Rice and Elizabeth Nurse Harborview Room
11:15am – 12:30pm Live Like You Mean It Jodi Wellman Main Theatre
12:30pm – 4:30pm Harborview Room
@happy_place_happenings
our believers
Marine Home Center
Nantucket Dreamland
Blue Flag Capital
Rhone
White Elephant Nantucket
Alicia Carney
Thank you to our board
Jibo
Carolyn Durand
Morgan Winn
Corinne Nevinny
Marianne Elmasari
Jennifer Cohen
Kim Huffman Cary
Jenny Johnson
Beth Sheeler
Tracy Swyst
Kim Wepler
Grace Geier
The Dips Nantucket
Sara Farley
Cara Marquis
Nantucket Office Products
… and all of you!
Meet our Sponsors
Our heartfelt gratitude to our magical community of sponsors. Their contributions have been instrumental in making this dream of the Happy Place Wellness Symposium into a reality.
We are incredibly fortunate to have partners who are dedicated to enriching lives through health and wellness initiatives.
We look forward to continuing this journey together and hope to create more memorable moments in the future.
A Mobile Adtog B for your next evt.
What’s An Adaptogen
Mushrooms, Plts or Hbs that help your body adt to stress.
High-Frequcy Formulati With Scitific Backi to Combat Stress.
THE PERFECT BALANCE OF HAPPINESS, HARMONY AND HOSPITALITY.
Put yourself on the pathway to relaxation and reconnection at White Elephant Nantucket, with spectacular harbor views and extraordinary sunsets. Enjoy cocktails and conversations at the Brant Point Grill Deck, newly renovated for this season.
PROUD SPONSOR OF HAPPY PLACE, A WELLNESS SYMPOSIUM.
MEET THE HEARTS BEHIND HAPPY PLACE
JOANN & TED
CO-FOUNDERS OF DHARMA YOGA NANTUCKET AND CO-FOUNDERS OF THE NANTUCKET YOGA FESTIVAL
MEET THE HEARTS BEHIND HAPPY PLACE
HOLLY RUTH FINIGAN
AUTHOR, ENTREPRENEUR & MEDITATION ADVOCATE
For the past 41 years, Holly Ruth Finigan has embraced life as a student, always seeking to learn and grow. Her journey began at the University of New Hampshire, where she pursued a degree in English Journalism rooted in integrity.
As an early adopter of social media, Holly discovered her knack for building online communities founded on trust and connection. In 2012, she launched the Nantucket blACKbook, a digital platform she built to share the heart of the island, prioritizing advocacy over advertising.
Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to create Happy Place, which started as a clothing brand and blossomed into a beloved concept shop. Holly debuted the Happy Place tee shirt in 2015 at her favorite weekend event ... which was the Nantucket Yoga Festival.
A pivotal moment came for Holly in January 2018, when she underwent open heart surgery… an experience that profoundly shifted her consciousness. This transformative journey inspired her spiritual awakening, prompting her to travel to Bali. There, she studied under Punnu Singh Wasu, diving into mindfulness, meditation, and reiki training.
In 2020, Holly decided to put the blACKbook to rest and began to share her wisdom through her writing, her workshops and her retreats ... both online and offline.
In January 2023, Holly self-published her spiritual memoir, Wholeheartedly: The One You Want To Find Is You and celebrated its launch with Joann and Ted at Dharma Yoga Nantucket.
She is currently finishing her second book in the Wholeheartedly trilogy called The Queen Of Golden Hearts. A preview of it can be found on her Wholeheartedly Substack.
symposium reflections
This is how I’m feeling...
This is what I’m needing...
The Blue Zone I want to visit is…
This is how I’m going to live like I mean it...
