Breathe Retreat
October 18 - 20, 2024
We are so pleased that you will be joining us for the BREATHE Retreat October 18-20, 2024. We look forward to being with you and more than fifty other mothers who will be participating in the retreat. In order to make your retreat experience memorable, please be sure to read and review everything on this page. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please email us at
Retreat Personnel:
Kay Warren | Founder of Hope for Brighter Tomorrows, Speaker, Host
Kay Warren is the founder of Hope for Brighter Tomorrows, the Christian nonprofit that sponsors the BREATHE Retreat. Kay cofounded Saddleback Church with her husband Rick in Lake Forest, CA in 1980 where they served until Rick’s retirement in September 2022. After the death of her son, Matthew, who lived with serious mental illness for most of his life, she founded Saddleback’s Hope for Mental Health Initiative to support individuals and family members of loved ones with mental illness and suicidal ideation. The Initiative also trains others in the faith community how to launch or expand existing mental health ministries. In 2019, Kay started BREATHE to minister to parents of children with serious mental illness. BREATHE events include weekend respite retreats, online retreats, and free Zoom calls with mental health professionals.
Kay was a board member of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and is active in mental health/suicide prevention efforts in Orange County, CA. Kay is the author of Sacred Privilege: Your Life and Ministry as a Pastor's Wife, Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn't Enough, Say Yes to God: A Call to Courageous Surrender, and the coauthor of Foundations, a popular systematic theology course used by churches worldwide. Her children are Amy, Josh, and Matthew (who is in heaven), and she has five grandchildren.
Kelly Rosati | President, Hope for Brighter Tomorrows
Kelly M. Rosati, J.D. has been an advocate for children and families for nearly 30 years. An attorney by education, she began her career in government and legal affairs in the healthcare arena. Her full-time child and family advocacy began in Hawaii where she was a proponent of child-friendly policies in the legislature and media. She then served as the Vice President of Advocacy for Children at a national family ministry and after that was the founding director of the Flying Horse Foundation, where she launched equine-assisted learning programs for at-risk kids in Colorado, Costa Rica, and Kauai. Her passion for children has been both professional and personal as she and her husband, John, adopted their four children from foster care and wrote about the journey in their book, Wait No More (Tyndale, 2011). She was named by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin in 2001 as one of the “10 Who Made a Difference” in the state of Hawaii for her child advocacy work and has testified before Congress about the needs of children in foster care. She joined Hope for Brighter Tomorrows as its President in 2024 with a passion for serving families like hers who are impacted by mental health challenges.
Luan Sy, MSW | Program Director, Hope for Brighter Tomorrows
Luan began her professional life in architectural design and real estate development. During these years, she experienced several medical emergencies which left serious mental health consequences. Through her own experiences, Luan became passionate about care for the whole person, as well as the vital role of the faith community in cultivating welcoming, informed, and supportive environments for people with mental health challenges. Through launching a mental health ministry in her local church, she was led to complete a Master of Social Work with a special interest in faith and mental health integration. She went on to lead a large Care & Recovery ministry and has a heart for pastoral care and counsel. Luan remains active in the mental health community, volunteering with NAMI and the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Luan married her college sweetheart, and they cherish life together with their two daughters.
Ashton Weber | Events Manager, Hope for Brighter Tomorrows
A graduate of The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree, Ashton's journey in the realm of Christian ministry began during her college years when she felt a deep calling to make a difference in people's lives. With a keen eye for beauty and creative ingenuity, Ashton has honed her skills in event management and nonprofit leadership. Ashton excelled as an Operational Manager for a local Christian nonprofit, where she gained invaluable experience in organizational leadership and event directing. Before this, her career path led her to serve as a Community Director for Crossline Community Church for five years, where she played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of belonging and community among members. Ashton takes pride in her ability to understand the needs of others and create moments where individuals feel seen, heard, and safe.
Dee Eastman | Senior Coach - BREATHE Mentor Moms
Dee’s passion and joy come from bringing out the best in others and creating clear pathways to build resilience and optimize well-being in body, mind and spirit. With 30 years of experience in wellness and behavior change, she’s had the honor to work alongside world renowned experts in her field, including her decade serving as the Founding Director of The Daniel Plan. Dee and her husband Brett of 40 years are endlessly thankful for their five incredible adult kiddo’s, their new amazing grandson, and of course for their two adventurous golden retrievers.
Taylor Williams | Campus Worship Manager, Saddleback Church
Taylor is one of the worship leaders at Saddleback Church. He's been serving with the team at Saddleback for the past 6 years. His heart is to curate spaces where people can lift their songs and prayers to God and experience His healing grace.
Kathryn Carrington | Christ-centered Yoga Instructor Kathryn is a wife, mother, writer, speaker, home educator and Christ-centered Yoga Instructor (C-HYI 500) on the Central Coast of California. With a love for Jesus and others, she is passionate about holding space for women to slow down, worship and connect with Christ in an authentic way. Kathryn is passionate about encouraging women to rest in the Lord on and off the mat. She finds joy in sharing Biblical Truth, encouragement, prayer, spiritual discipline practices, movement, and laughter with others. Kathryn has personally experienced the Love, Peace, Freedom, Healing, and JOY that comes from having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She loves sharing the good news with others and inviting as many women as she can to flow in the unforced rhythms of God's amazing Grace with her.
Jim Dobbs | Saddleback Visual Arts
Jim is currently a Missions Pastor at Saddleback Church. He is known for being a creative visionary, his love for evangelism and basically loving others. Throughout his advertising and design career, God has given Jim the unique opportunity of being a liaison between creatives and executive leadership, agency clients, corporate executives, and pastoral leadership. Visual Arts has always been a key passion and Jim has taken his skill in painting, ceramics, and Kintsugi and helped develop workshops within the church and in public for paths to healing hurts.
Michelle Chen | Walk & Worship Guide
Michelle began her search for mental and physical health in an attempt to overcome personal past traumas. After reaping the benefits of attending Tony Robbins seminars she felt a strong desire to help others move through their struggles. She has worked professionally with Tony Robbins and as a corporate consultant leading Women’s Day seminars internationally. Today she lives a full life with her husband and three boys. She feels blessed to lead the Lake Forest Saddleback Daniel Plan Ministry. Through the Daniel Plan she has found health and healing applying the life essentials of faith, mental focus, fitness, food and friendship. She has found purpose in sharing these principles and watching others gain the health necessary to live out their God given purpose. She is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of BREATHE team connecting and walking beside women as they move through their journey.
Michelle Montgomery | Certified Integrative Aromatherapist
Michelle is the Principal of Botanical Blends and Balance, a holistic aromatherapy and wellness practice in Southern California. In addition to her certification as an Integrated Aromatherapist , she is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) with training in Trauma Sensitive Yoga as well as a specialization in Integrative Health & Medicine from the University of Minnesota. She is a member of the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists and The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists. The primary goal in helping people is to restore the balance in an individual’s mind, body and spirit with education, awareness, natural botanicals, relaxation techniques, breathe and body work, and self-care.
Prayer Team, Counselors, and Massage Therapists
Breathe Alumni Mom Facilitators
*Please check back for information on additional program personnel
Retreat Schedule
Friday, October 18, 2024
1 pm | Check-In Begins
1 - 4 pm | Meet & Greet (Open House) and Optional Free Time Activities
2:30 - 3:45 pm | Optional Aromatherapy Workshop
4 - 5:15 pm | Optional Aromatherapy Workshop
5:30 pm | Dinner with Discussion Groups
6:45 pm | Session One
8:30 pm | Dessert and Optional Late Night Activities
8:45 pm | Optional Aromatherapy Workshop
Saturday, October 19, 2024
7 am | Optional Christ-centered Yoga or Walk and Worship
8 am | Breakfast
9 am | Session Two
11 am | Group Time and Lunch
12:30 pm | Activity Rotation One
2 pm | Activity Rotation Two
3:30 pm | Free Time
- Optional Activities (Lawn Games, Art, Journey with Jesus, Board Games, and Snacks)
- Optional Individual Care Sessions (Experiential Prayer, Personal Counsel, Chair Massage)
5:30 pm | Dinner
6:45 pm | Session Three
8:45 pm | Dessert and Optional Late Night Activities (Surprise!)
Sunday, October 20, 2024
7 am | Optional Christ-centered Yoga or Walk & Worship
8 am | Breakfast
9:15 am | Group Photo
9:30 am | Session Four
11:30 am | Check Out
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the retreat begin and end?
Check-in opens at 1:00 p.m. (PT) on Friday, October 18, and check-out is at 11:30 a.m. (PT) on Sunday, October 20.
Where are the closest airports?
Southern California has multiple airports to choose from (John Wayne/Orange County, Los Angeles International Airport, Long Beach, Burbank, Ontario, and San Diego). For reference, John Wayne/Orange County (SNA) is about 20 minutes from the retreat center, and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about an hour and 15 minutes away without traffic. There is no public transit system to The Ranch. Please plan to rent a car or take an Uber.
The retreat address is:
Rancho Capistrano Retreat Center
29251 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
What are the accommodations?
In the heart of bustling Orange County, the Rancho Capistrano Retreat Center is an unexpected jewel. The 170-acre grounds include beautiful walking paths, buildings inspired by Spanish architecture, and a historic adobe ranch house built in the 1800s, all overlooking a serene lake surrounded by shady trees, weeping willows, and palms.
The Rancho Capistrano Retreat Center offers simple and comfortable accommodations in either the Hacienda or Lakeside buildings. Each retreat attendee will be provided with a private room which is furnished with two queen-size beds and an ensuite bathroom. Linens, towels, and an iron/ironing board are included. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the campus. There are no televisions in the room.
*Please note that hair dryers and toiletries are not provided.
What optional free activities are offered?
There will be a number of optional activities (included in the registration price) offered throughout the weekend to refresh your body, mind, and soul.
- Meet & Get acquainted with BREATHE alumni and other retreat attendees and enjoy refreshments in the casual Library environment.
- Morning Yoga: Participate in a Holy Yoga class where the instructor weaves in meditation and scripture.
- Morning Walk & Worship: Join other women on a guided morning stroll around the retreat center.
- Journey with Jesus: Engage with the Stations of the Cross experience. This is a self-guided outdoor prayer experience aided by locally created mosaic artwork.
- Scenic walking paths: Enjoy the beauty of Rancho Capistrano Retreat Center on your own.
- Play lively lawn games hosted by BREATHE staff.
- Relax with board games and art supplies provided throughout the weekend in the Library.
- Unwind with fun late night activities and treats will be available on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Get ready for a fun surprise!!!
What optional workshops are offered?
- Aromatherapy Workshop: Learn how to elevate your spirit, promote mental clarity, and support calming habits through the use of essential oils while creating a personalized keepsake.
- Guided Breathwork Workshop: Explore a proven scientific approach to caring for our bodies. Discover how deep breathing and prayer can bring powerful internal peace and rest for your body and soul.
- Art for Healing Experience: Participate in an art experience that supports healing and self-exploration through the creative process.
- In addition, attendees will have the option to select one of the following individual care activities, which will be available during free time. We will do our best to accommodate each participant's choice based on availability.
- Experiential Prayer: Experience a safe, private, and guided prayer session with two female prayer partners who will come alongside you in praying for your journey.
- Personal Counsel: Receive counsel and pastoral care with a female Christian mental health professional.
- Chair Massage: Enjoy a relaxing, decompressing head, neck, shoulder, and back massage, all while remaining clothed.
What are the meals?
Five delicious meals will be provided throughout the weekend, as well as snacks and beverages (bottled water, coffee, tea, select sodas, and sparkling water).
What should I bring?
If you’re comfortable, please email a photograph of your child/ren with mental health challenges for us to display in the Family House, a “house” dedicated to prayer for our children. Alternatively, you may bring a physical COPY of a photograph (no larger than 8x10") to the retreat with you for display.
Please bring casual, comfortable clothes as many of our activities will be hosted outdoors. Southern California nights can get chilly so we highly recommend you bring a jacket or sweatshirt. We suggest you bring tennis shoes as the retreat center is rustic and includes wooded areas, undeveloped land, and critters.
Additional items to bring:
- Printed COPY of a photograph of your child
- Bible
- Journal
- Sunscreen
- Yoga Mat (We will provide mats but feel free to bring your own)
- Hair Dryer
- Toiletries (Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Toothpaste & Toothbrush)
- Phone Charger
- Medications
Is this retreat for a mom who has lost a child to suicide?
We are so sorry for the loss you have experienced. There are no words for the loss of a beloved child. This particular retreat is designed for moms who currently have a child with mental illness. We do not recommend this retreat for a mom who has lost a child to suicide. Please email to receive other options for support.
Can my husband or child stay onsite at the retreat center with me?
This is a women’s only event. To be respectful of the privacy of the women who attend, we are only able to offer lodging to retreat attendees.
The BREATHE Retreat will be hosted at the beautiful Rancho Capistrano Retreat Center in San Juan Capistrano, California.
