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Shepherd U Holdings presents 

Opening a World of Grace 

 

The Sentinel
September 3 to September 9
This transformative seven-day, six-night retreat features three traditional plant medicine ceremonies, guided by The Sentinel’s founders and co-CEOs. These ceremonies are designed to open the mind to expanded states of consciousness, cleanse physical and energetic impurities, and foster deep inner healing. The sacred combination of plant medicines not only purifies but also illuminates, revealing pathways to profound visions and insights.
Your journey is supported by a comprehensive integration process, including a three-call pre-retreat coursework series and a three-call post-retreat integration series, spanning August to October to help you fully embody the experience. You’ll also participate in a guided 15-day detox cleanse and receive two months of access to all SUH weekly offerings, including yoga, Yoga Nidra, breathwork, and meditation.

The Location

Kootenay Lake in British Columbia is a place of deep healing and spiritual significance, where water, mountains, forests, and air unite to restore balance to the body, mind, and spirit. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of British Columbia’s rugged peaks, dense cedar forests, and pristine waters, the lake offers more than just tranquility—it is a sanctuary for renewal. Whether through physical immersion, quiet reflection, or deep energetic connection, visitors experience a profound sense of peace and transformation, reconnecting with both nature and themselves.

 

The Sentinel

Nestled on the serene shores of Kootenay Lake in Kaslo, British Columbia, The Sentinel offers guest rooms that blend simplicity with elegance, creating the perfect space to unwind and recharge. Each room features a beautifully appointed bed, heated en suite floors, a desk, a closet, and stunning lake or mountain views. Rooms can be configured with two singles or one king, and pet-friendly options are available. At the heart of the property is the Maloca, a breathtaking timber-framed roundhouse designed for intimate gatherings and transformative experiences. Nourishing, lovingly crafted meals cater to all dietary preferences, turning every bite into a culinary delight.
 

The Itinerary

 

Wednesday, September 3rd

Arrivals and Welcome

Opening Circle

Yoga Nidra and Energy Work

 

Thursday, September 4th

Morning Yoga and Breathwork

Traditional North American Sweat Lodge

‘Opening a World of Grace’ Coursework 

Ceremony 1

 

Friday, September 5th 

River Walk – Attune with Nature

Integration

Ceremony 2

 

Saturday, September 6th

Integration

‘Opening a World of Grace’ Coursework

Cacao Ceremony and Sound Healing 

Drumming Circle

 

Sunday, September 7th

Ceremony 3

 

Monday, September 8th

Morning Yoga and Breathwork 

Integration and Completion Circle

Departures

The Facilitators

The Sentinel’s founders and co-CEOs, Gillian Maxwell and Richard Kay, embody a powerful partnership in both marriage and life.

“We see The Sentinel as a custodian—a wise presence that watches over the land and cares for all who spend time on this beautiful property.” We believe the path to self-discovery is unique for everyone. Whether building resilient leadership through jazz or finding joy in conscious movement, we look forward to being part of your journey.

Gillian is a profound force of healing and insight, embodying wisdom in medicine and human development. A sage, loving mother, and beautiful spirit, she creates sacred spaces where being seen and known fosters deep connection. With a fierce heart and precise focus, she channels diverse modalities for growth and healing. Her compassion and generosity illuminate transformative paths for others.

Richard is a dynamic presence where anything feels possible. Embodying the Divine Masculine, he is a fierce protector and loyal friend, dedicated to serving others. His belief in human goodness inspires people to recognize their potential. Comfortable with both the seen and unseen, he brings clarity from ancient wisdom, always kind, generous, and true to himself. A defender of the Divine Feminine, Richard’s unconditional love and joy radiate, making him a force of nature who inspires connection and creativity.

The SUH Team

MITCH

Mitch is the founder and CEO of Shepherd U Holdings, a company focused on empowering individuals and communities to live healthier, balanced lives through a diverse range of transformative programs, products, services, and experiences that promote well-being, inspire growth, and expand consciousness. Mitch is a visionary CEO and entrepreneur with expertise in leadership, compliance, and wellness innovation. He has led global events, developed growth strategies, and built partnerships with multinational companies, driving impactful transformation

ROGER

Roger is a compassionate leader and Reiki healer with expertise in customer experience and energy work. As Onsite Experience Manager at Shepherd U, Roger designs impactful journeys and integrates mindfulness into his work. Passionate about connection, he empowers individuals and communities to achieve balance and joyful transformation.

MICHELLE

Michelle, a wellness professional with a degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion, specializes in somatic healing. Certified in Breathwork, Reiki, and yoga (200-hour RYT), she helps others reconnect with authenticity and inner strength. Guided by the belief that “the body keeps the score,” Michelle integrates holistic practices for profound healing.

ASH

Ash is a catalyst of transformation with expertise in wellness, leadership, and program design. A 500-hour ERYT, Ash has taught 3,000+ hours of yoga courses and led initiatives for Fortune 100 executives and nonprofits. As Founder and COO of The Flow and Restore Collective, Ash developed and ran far-reaching and impactful wellness programs and online courses.

KARLA

Karla is a highly regarded clinical expert with a diverse and extensive background in mental health care. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management with a focus on Organizational Behavior, a Master’s in Psychology with a concentration in entheogenic-assisted psychotherapy, and a Post-Master’s in Trauma Counseling.

YOUR TUITION

$8,900 CAD / $6,500 USD 

ONE-TIME

Save 4% on the cost of the retreat by paying in full. Secure your spot by placing a $1,500 deposit and complete your tuition through one-time payment by April 1, 2025. 

Register Today

$9.256 CAD / $6,760 USD 

PAYMENT PLAN 

Create a payment plan over time. Secure your spot by placing a $1,500 deposit and schedule a call with our team to negotiate a rate of pay that works for you. 

Register Today

Participant Testimonials

Diego

The expansion of my heart and being from attending last weekend's retreat keeps moving me to tears. The capacity to experience love and accept myself as I am continues to expand beyond what my mind thought possible. My heart is open. I am humbled by God's/the Universe's grace with me.

Tracy

In my life, I really orchestrate everything around my clients. I give my partner hell about certain ways that he works with our clients because I want to protect them from being upset or being bothered. And it lands in my body. I'm in pain all the time of some sort or the other... And, the short story is, I'm completely pain free today. I mean... this was just not predictable.

Maureen

My experience has been one of literally being broken open. I was a slab of concrete walking into this place. And I'm not that anymore... My heart was broken so long ago by things that happened in my life, things that I has dealt with in therapy, but they were still in my body and I was just so rigid. And, I'm willing to give my heart, fully, to anyone now. I feel so free. That's just the best way to describe it.