Story Strong

Retreat

Your story is sacred. Your voice is powerful. Your healing matters.

Your story matters. It matters to you, it matters to us, and it matters deeply to those still waiting for the freedom that your courage will unlock. You don’t have to carry or share your story alone.

At Story Strong Retreat, we stand with you—equipping you with the tools to communicate your story with clarity and strength, while surrounding you with a community of prayer partners, soul-care coaches, trauma story work counsellors, and speaking coaches who will journey with you in safety and solidarity.

Join us for a life-changing journey at our soul-care retreat, happening on Sept. 8 - Sept.10, 2025 at Conference Point Center in Lake Geneva.

WHO

Women looking to identify, heal, embrace and learn to communicate their Story in a safe and replenishing setting

WHERE

Location info: Conference Point Center in Lake Geneva

PRICE

$899

Early Bird Price $725 (until July 1st).

*Payment plans available

WHEN

September 8 - September 10, 2025

Why It Matters

As women in ministry and leadership, we live lives of constant outpouring—serving, speaking, leading, and lifting others. But even the strongest vessels need time to be refilled. The Story Strong Retreat is a sacred pause—an intentional space for you to slow down, replenish your soul, and reconnect with your divine calling, first and foremost as a daughter of God.

Tune in to the voice of God. Let your voice rise, infused with purpose, anchored in healing, and empowered by faith. This is your time to become Story Strong—not just in how you tell your story, but in how you live it.

What’s Included for $899:

  • Stunning accommodations
    Retreat to serene lodging for a 2-night stay as you revel in the beauty of God's creation on the beautiful Lake Geneva

  • Transformational workshops
    Experience 3 days of transformative soul-care and communications coaching designed to foster spiritual growth and healing while providing a nurturing and empowering environment.

  • Guided reflection moments
    Discover profound insights and self-awareness through expertly guided reflection sessions, helping you navigate life's journey with clarity and purpose.

  • Contemplative prayer walks 
    Embark on serene contemplative prayer walks amidst nature's beauty, connecting deeply with your inner self and finding solace in each step.

  • Chef-prepared meals
    Appreciate the convenience of professionally crafted meals, allowing you to savor delicious, nourishing dishes without the need to cook or dine out.

  • Snacks, teas, and refreshments
    Enjoy thoughtfully curated selection of snacks, teas, and refreshments available throughout your retreat, ensuring your comfort and satisfaction at every moment.

Meet Your Coaches

  • Cheryl Nembhard

    Cheryl Nembhard is a renowned Soul-Care Coach and leader in the area of emotional healing. With a passion for guiding individuals towards emotional and spiritual wholeness, Cheryl has dedicated her career to empowering others to navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace. Drawing from her own journey of personal growth and spiritual awakening, Cheryl developed 'The Lighthouse Project', a transformative 10-week online course designed to illuminate the path to trauma recovery and spiritual wellness. Through her compassionate guidance and innovative approach, Cheryl has inspired countless individuals to embark on a journey of inner transformation and reclaim their power and identity in God.

  • Tammy Melchien

    Tammy Melchien is a Teaching Pastor and Writer who is passionate about helping people take next steps with Jesus. With over 30 years of ministry experience, she currently leads the collaborative Teaching Team at Community Christian Church, a large multi-site church in the Chicago area. She is passionate about the study of Scripture and has earned an M.A. from Lincoln Christian Seminary. She will be publishing her first book, Choosing the Opposite, with NavPress in October 2025.

  • Kristi Bramlett

    Kristi is a Certified Movement Analyst who has worked in academia for the better part of 30 years. Her clients are encouraged through her work to embody their content, stepping into the person God created them to be.

    At the STORY STRONG Retreat, Kristi looks forward to encouraging the women to investigate movement patterns without judgement, connected in Mind, Body, and Spirit. Through the use of breath as an impulse for movement in the moment, Kristi’s profound sessions lead to the removal of facades, whole-self presence, and tangible discoveries of connection to the world around us.

  • Kelly Olson

    Kelly is the founder and executive director of The Baton Pass, a nonprofit organization that exists to empower women to overcome through the sharing of stories within safe and sacred spaces. In addition to her work at The Baton Pass, Kelly coaches individuals who have a dream to start a nonprofit or business, and desire guidance to establish and grow their God-given vision.

    Kelly, her husband Nate, and their two fun-loving daughters reside in the Chicago suburbs.

  • Aubrey Sampson

    Aubrey (M.A. Evangelism and Leadership) co-planted and serves as executive teaching pastor at Renewal Church in Chicagoland, and speaks across the country at churches and other ministry events. She is an award-winning author, a coach with Propel Women, and host of the What We Find in the Dark Podcast.

    Aubrey is passionate about helping hurting people find God’s presence in their pain. She and her husband Kevin, and their three hilarious sons, live, minister, and play in the Chicagoland area. Aubrey is the author of several books, including What We Find in the Dark: Loss, Hope, and God’s Presence in Grief (NavPress, 2025)

  • Karrie Scott Garcia

    Karrie Garcia is a pastor, author, CEO, and ICF-certified life coach who empowers others by sharing her honest journey to freedom. In 2014, she founded Freedom Movement, a nonprofit dedicated to creating safe spaces for healing and transformation. With nearly 25 years of experience in coaching and counselling, Karrie is known for her ability to hold space for people to process pain and pursue growth.

    She’s also the author of The Exchange, a nine-week course designed to guide individuals from hurt to hope. As a certified health and wellness coach, Karrie takes a holistic approach to healing, helping people connect mind and body for lasting change.

Tour the Conference Point Center

Take a virtual tour of Conference Point Center, beautifully nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva. Explore our historic buildings, scenic lakefront views, and peaceful walking trails—all from the comfort of your own home.

Guests will enjoy our modern accommodations, customized experiences, healing hospitality and creative spaces designed exclusively for you to create, rest, connect, and celebrate.

What to Expect at The Conference Point Center:

  • Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets

  • Stunning view of Lake Geneva

  • Beautiful indoor and outdoor gathering spaces

  • Delicious farm-to-table cuisine

  • Onsite Snacks

  • Cozy fireplaces

  • Free wi-fi

  • Free parking