Beyond the Clinic: Reflections from Our Second Annual Provider Retreat

By Christine Sagan, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

This past weekend, our Vitae provider team gathered for our second annual retreat—an intentional pause from the day-to-day busyness of clinic life. We met at The Apiary in Palmer, a space that offered the perfect setting to slow down, reconnect, and reflect.

I deeply value time together away from the usual pace. In the hustle of patient care, it’s easy to miss opportunities for true connection. This retreat gave us the chance to share meals, enjoy music, express ourselves through painting, and engage in thoughtful conversations.

A special part of the weekend was welcoming Michelle from Homer, founder of Sacred Vibration Arts. A gifted sound healer and multi-instrumentalist, Michelle guided us through an opening sound bath and meditation that set a grounding tone for the retreat. She later led a powerful drum circle, incorporating tuning forks and subtle energy work that left us feeling aligned and balanced. She felt so connected to the group that she stayed for the entire weekend—and we were so glad she did.

The time together was filled with laughter, honest dialogue, and shared joy. As the weekend unfolded, I was filled with a profound sense of gratitude. I realized how fortunate I am to work alongside such wholehearted, kind, and compassionate individuals—people who are not only committed to personal growth but also deeply dedicated to our patients and the core values of Vitae.

It’s a gift to lead a team like this. The mutual respect, willingness to grow, and genuine care for one another and our community are the heartbeat of our work. This retreat reminded me that when we invest in our own healing and connection, the ripple effect extends far beyond the clinic walls.