fall retreat
Oct 25-28 in Shenandoah Valley, VA

Connection.
Healing. Empowerment.

The Empowered Adoptee Retreat is a transformative journey for Korean Adoptees of all genders to explore identity, heal in community, and learn tools to live life more empowered.

4 smiling Korean Adoptees hike through the Redwoods in California
Build Your Community

Find meaningful connections with other Korean Adoptees on a similar journey

Explore Your Identity

Connect with your heritage through Korean cooking, music, tea ceremonies, and more

Discover Your Power

A safe, nurturing space to help you process your emotions, build resilience, and grow

WHY CHOOSE US

A community where every story matters and every journey is supported.

The Empowered Adoptee Retreat is an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. We are dedicated to providing a transformative journey that empowers you to embrace your identity, build healthy relationships, and thrive as an adoptee.

Group Discussions

Foster meaningful connections, insights and belonging with others on a similar journey.

Expert-led Workshops

Proven strategies for healing and personal growth

Hollistic Wellness

Experience nourishment and healing for the heart, mind, body and soul.

Cultural Activities

Connecting to our heritage and identity through Korean cooking, tea ceremonies, music, dance and more!

Two Korean Adoptee women share a laugh, holding journals at a movement workshop
WHY CHOOSE US

Don't take our word for it. Take theirs.

Read what past attendees are saying about The Empowered Adoptee Retreat.

Lynn Murphy
San Francisco, CA

"Let me acknowledge how well organized and how much thought and preparation was put into the epic weekend: from the location to the meals to the handmade gifts, guided discussions and exercises."

Spring 2024
Retreat Participant
Dallas, TX

"I experienced a feeling of deep connection and bonding via innovative healing modalities, some familiar and some new. There is no substitution for healing in community with life journey peers. If you want to feel seen and heard, be exposed to eclectic healing modalities and to discover another layer within yourself in a supportive environment, attend this retreat. For KADs by KADs only.”

Spring 2024
Kyungmi Bostelman
San Francisco, CA

"The Empowered Adoptee retreat had it all. I loved being in community with fellow Korean Adoptees and hearing all of our individual life stories, while drinking wine and eating delicious food! All of the healing practitioners are experienced, compassionate, and excellent coaches.

I left the retreat feeling inspired, encouraged, and hopeful and I continue to practice EFT and somatic breathwork in my daily life."

Spring 2024
location

A luxurious retreat to nature.

Experience the natural beauty, serenity, and charm of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Immerse yourself in nature and find healing in our luxurious accommodations.

15 minutes from Shenandoah National Park
Luxury amenities - heated patio, sauna, and hot tub
Single and shared room options
The natural beauty of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley is the perfect setting for a relaxing getaway.
An expansive and luxurious heated patio for an atmospheric setting to the retreat, balancing the beautiful scenery with luxurious amenities.
Designer bedrooms are available in single and shared accommodations, perfect for any budget.
what to expect

Built for KADs.
By KADs.

Preview our curated, 3-night retreat experience.

Friday

Oct 25

Charlottesville Airport Shuttle

Welcome to the Retreat

A warm welcome and opening circle where we orient ourselves and set group norms.

Intersectional Identity Discussion

A guided discussion about the identities that make us and intersections with the adoptee experience.

Game Night & Noraebang

Connect with others through casual games and karaoke.

Saturday

Oct 26

Somatic Breathwork Workshop

Dig deeper and release stress with Somatic Breathwork Coach, Claire Magenheimer.

Group Hike

Explore the scenic Shenandoah National Parks, home to incredible views and beginner-friendly trails.

Happy Hour & Dinner

Unwind and recharge while enjoying home-cooked Korean food.

A Deep Dive on the Adoption Journey

How adoption affects our relationships and our beliefs with a focus on the Adoptee Consciousness Model

Sunday

Oct 27

Kimchi Making Class

Learn the process of kimchi, from salting to stuffing. Led by Dr. Hollee McGinnis.

Korean Tea Ceremony

Guided discussion led by Dr. Hollee McGinnis featuring wild green tea from Mt. Jiri

Bossam Lunch

Enjoy our home-made kimchi paired with a Bossam (boiled pork wraps) lunch.

EFT Tapping Workshop

Release stress, heal the heart and master the mind with regulation tools guided by EFT therapist, Laurie Vogler.

Monday

Oct 28

Mindfulness Practice

Start your day with guided meditation and movement.

Retreat Reflections

Reflect on your journey and share your gratitude.

Official Goodbyes

Say farewell to new friends.

Charlottesville Airport Shuttle

ready for your transformation?

Reserve your spot.

We have limited spaces available so don't miss your chance!

Includes all meals and wellness activities
Access to all amenities including sauna and hot tub
Complimentary welcome gift
Transport to Charlottesville Airport
Single room

$2199

Pay your deposit
shared room

$1599

Pay your deposit
Pricing Details

SAVE $100

Special offer

When you invite a friend, you both save $100!

Simply have them mention your name at check-out and we'll credit you both when you pay.

Meet Your Facilitators.

Claire Magenheimer is a certified Jay Shetty Empowerment Coach and Somatic Breathwork Practitioner with a mission deeply rooted in empowering individuals who have experienced adoption, especially in the context of transracial and transnational adoption. As a Korean adoptee herself, Claire possesses a profound understanding of the unique emotional journey that adoptees face.
Claire Magenheimer

Claire is a certified Jay Shetty Empowerment Coach and Somatic Breathwork Practitioner with a mission deeply rooted in empowering individuals who have experienced adoption, especially in the context of transracial and transnational adoption. As a Korean adoptee herself, Claire possesses a profound understanding of the unique emotional journey that adoptees face.

Laurie Vogler is a Bay Area based speaker, teacher and healer. Professionally facilitating healing for over 20 years as a Reiki Master, Emotional Freedom Technique Therapist and Craniosacral Therapist. With deep love and soul purpose she teaches others how to create sacred space and deepens one’s connection and healing with oneself.
Laurie Vogler

Laurie is a Bay Area based speaker, teacher and healer. Professionally facilitating healing for over 20 years as a Reiki Master, Emotional Freedom Technique Therapist and Craniosacral Therapist. With deep love and soul purpose she teaches others how to create sacred space and deepens one’s connection and healing with oneself.

Jolie Wermter is a bi-racial daughter of a Korean adoptee. She channels her passion for identity into her work designing inclusive experiences. She utilizes her expertise in user research and workshop moderation to work at the cross-section of new ideas and social impact.
Jolie Wermter

As a bi-racial daughter of a Korean adoptee, Jolie channels her passion for identity into her work designing inclusive experiences. She utilizes her expertise in user research and workshop moderation to work at the cross-section of new ideas and social impact.

Claire Magenheimer smiles at her partner during a movement therapy workshop.
Jolie proudly holds a gargantuan platter of japchae after our group cooking class.
Posters with various identities such as Race, Religion, and Socio-economic status hang on the window filled with participants' notes.
learn more

Have questions? We have answers.