Wellness and Leadership Events
An Unforgettable Journey of Transformation
Our retreats are intentionally designed to be more than just a getaway—they are an investment in your future. We combine a peaceful, restorative atmosphere with proven strategies to help you navigate stress, build resilience, and rediscover your purpose. This is where you'll gain the clarity and tools to transform not just your leadership, but your entire life.
Our Philosophy
Stress, overwhelm, and division can quietly take a toll on both body
and mind. At Next Level Wellness Retreats, we believe in creating
space to step away, reset, and build the tools that bring lasting peace
and resilience into daily life.
We’re Darcy and Shari, longtime friends and professional partners
with over three decades of corporate leadership and 32 years in
mental health. Together, we’ve witnessed the profound impact that
happens when practical strategies meet true restoration.
Our retreats blend a calming, restorative atmosphere with
actionable techniques you can immediately apply. You’ll have the
opportunity to disconnect, reflect, and practice life-changing tools,
leaving not only refreshed and inspired, but equipped with a plan for
lasting confidence, resilience, and balance.
We look forward to welcoming you into this unique experience of
growth, calm, and renewal.
Key Elements of Our Events
Stillness for the Body
What if you allowed yourself to quiet the noise? At our retreats, we honor the balance between movement and stillness, because while the body craves activity, the mind longs for peace. Each experience includes time for reflection, journaling, and mindful practices designed to refresh your mindset and gently guide you into greater self-awareness. Surrounded by nature and serenity, our retreat spaces create a calming escape from the constant buzz of the outside world and the chatter within.
Education for the Mind
Lasting change begins with self-reflection and a willingness to explore new ways of being. At our retreats, you will gain evidence-based tools to support nervous system regulation and emotional well-being. Immersed in natural beauty, you’ll find the clarity to quiet your mind and assess what’s truly working in your life. Our approach blends inspiration with practical, life-changing techniques--guided practices, personalized implementation plans, and strategies you can carry into your relationships, parenting, and professional life.
Connect for the Soul
Connection is one of our deepest human needs--connection to ourselves, to nature, and to one another. At every Next Level Retreat, you’ll experience meaningful moments of togetherness through shared adventures like cooking classes, mindful walks, or group discussions. But it’s the quieter moments we cherish most: laughter over nourishing meals, the stillness of the ocean waves, and soulful conversations that speak something within. These experiences ground us, inspire us, and remind us what it truly means to connect.
Upcoming Events
June 7-12, 2026
Reset to Rise
Hatillo, San Jose Province, San Jose, Costa Rica
Imagine this…You step away from the noise, the pressure, the endless to-do lists — and for five full days, you give yourself permission to just be. No deadlines. No distractions. Just you, in a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by the natural beauty of Costa Rica. What would it feel like to finally exhale, to reconnect with yourself, and gently explore what’s working in your life… and what isn’t?
With Darcy Carstens, Shari Simmons and Guest Speaker
Spring 2026
Calm is a Start
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
 This one-day event is your chance to move beyond the usual advice and dive deep into the science behind how stress impacts your body and mind. The day is designed to be a practical and transformative experience, where you'll learn actionable techniques to build a stronger nervous system, redefine what self-care truly means, and master the art of setting healthy boundaries. You will leave with knowledge to identify your triggers, allowing you to lead with renewed purpose and a profound sense of calm.
With Darcy Carstens, Shari Simmons, and Lindsey Pullman
Frazzled to Grounded
“I came to Shari and Darcy’s retreat feeling frazzled and a little bit lost, and I left feeling
grounded, refreshed, and more like myself again. The tools I learned were practical and
easy to bring into my daily life, and the peaceful setting gave me the chance to truly reset. It
wasn’t just about learning new strategies. It was about rediscovering my own strength.”
Emma Gold
Game-Changer
"This retreat was a game-changer for me. I left feeling empowered and inspired! Shari and
Darcy’s stories and healing journeys may be different from my own, but the way they shared--so
real and donw-to-earth--helped me connect everything back to my own life. Their presentation
style drew me in from the very start, and I never once found myself checking the time. Honestly,
when it ended, I wished we had more time. They have helped me begin connecting the dots
between my childhood self and who I am today, opening the door to meaningful healing."
Taleen Guest
Your Retreat & Event Leaders
Darcy Carstens
As a corporate leader and a breast cancer survivor, I know what it means to face challenges, rebuild, and find strength in unexpected places. My 30+ years of leadership taught me the value of confidence, clarity, and resilience--skills that are just as essential in life as they are in business. At our retreats, I bring both my professional experience and my healing journey to help women reconnect with themselves, restore balance, and discover the tools that support lasting wellness and empowerment.Â
Shari Simmons
With three decades of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Shari has held roles as
Executive Director in multiple mental health facilities. She presently serves as an adjunct professor, operates a private therapy practice, and provides consultancy services for treatment providers seeking to integrate evidence-based practices and trauma-informed care. Shari is co-author of Which Way?, a memoir and manifesto for living with resiliency. She is highly regarded as a trauma expert and is asked to share her expertise on mental health, epigenetics, and trauma across the country.
For more information, visit www.thetraumaspeakers.com