INTIMATE RETREAT EXPERIENCE
Join Us
September 28-29, 2026
The Secret Garden
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Attendance is capped at 25
Click here to enter the lottery, with a $25 non-refundable payment.
WHAT THIS IS
A gathering for women who want to keep learning, connecting, laughing, and saying yes to new experiences.
You’ll hear from engaging speakers on topics that actually matter to us,
aging, relationships, health, wellness—and how to navigate it all with strength, humor, and intention.
And just as important, you’ll have space to reflect, think a little bigger, and get excited about where you’re headed next.
Warm, welcoming garden setting
Journaling, movement, and quiet reflection
Thoughtful round-table conversations designed for connection
Inspiring guest voices paired with guided conversations
who is it for
There's something really exciting about this stage of life...
You know yourself better. You care a little less about the noise. And at the same time, you’re still curious, still growing, still open to what’s next.
This is a gathering for women who feel that energy.
Women who want to keep learning, connecting, laughing, and saying yes to new experiences.
what we'll explore
Optimism
& Mindset
Your imprint
Wardrobe Refresh
Lasting Love
& Connection
Movement
A Life of
Meaning
& Joy
Our Speakers
Hi, I'm Dori, founder of poppy.
People often ask where the idea for poppy came from, and the answer is simple: it grew out of my own search for connection, inspiration, and what comes next.
For 15 years, I worked as an educational consultant, helping high school students and their families navigate the college planning and application process. It was meaningful work that allowed me to build relationships, encourage growth, and help others discover new possibilities for their future.
When I stepped away from that career in 2025, I found myself exploring new interests, hobbies, and adventures. Travel has always been one of my greatest joys, and over the past year I've spent time reconnecting with friends from different chapters of my life and meeting fascinating people along the way.
One day, while sitting in an airport waiting for my next flight, I began thinking about what was waiting for me at home. In that moment, the idea for poppy was born—a place where women could come together to learn, connect, be inspired, and build meaningful community.
I realized I wasn't the only woman looking for something more. Many of us still crave challenge, curiosity, purpose, and connection. We want to continue growing, discovering new passions, and surrounding ourselves with interesting, engaged women who are excited about life and all that is still ahead.
For me, that growth has included learning to surf—something that has been both humbling and rewarding. Every time I fall off the board or get tossed by a wave, I climb back on and try again. It's a reminder that growth doesn't stop at a certain age. We can continue to challenge ourselves, learn new skills, meet new people, and say yes to new experiences.
That is the spirit behind poppy.
My hope is that every woman who joins us leaves feeling inspired, energized, and excited about what's possible next.
About
Ilene Schaffer is a coach and speaker with a passion for helping women live with greater joy, meaning, and purpose at every life stage. She's a regular speaker at Rancho La Puerta, the host of the What's Possible podcast, and, for over 20 years, has had a practice dedicated to women navigating change. Ilene is a professional certified coach (PCC) with master's degrees in Counseling Psychology and Applied Positive Psychology. She blends science and heart as she helps women flourish.
Ilene grew up in San Diego, raised her two daughters here, and loves a great beach walk with her husband, friends, and clients. Yes, when possible, Ilene coaches while walking - in person and virtually!
About
Jennifer Chappell Marsh is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10yrs experience specializing in couples therapy, trauma recovery, communication, and attachment dynamics. She helps individuals and couples strengthen emotional connection, navigate conflict, and rebuild intimacy through practical, emotionally focused approaches. Jennifer is passionate about helping couples move from disconnection and loneliness toward deeper understanding, vulnerability, and partnership. She’s been featured in The Huffington Post, The Atlantic, PBS and the E network.
http://www.chappelltherapy.com/
About
Laing Rikkers is the award-winning author of Morning Leaves: Cultivating a Life of Beauty, Meaning, and Joy, a reflective work exploring grief, resilience, and renewal through art, nature, and personal insight. Drawing on a career that spans human resources, private equity, and entrepreneurship, Rikkers brings a deeply human perspective to change and growth. Recently, Laing has been on a national book tour and was featured in Katie Couric Media and Writer’s Digest. Through writing, grief workshops, and keynote speaking, Laing Rikkers helps individuals and communities transform loss into self-awareness and renewed joy. She lives in Southern California with her husband and spirited little dog and is the proud mother of two adult children.
laingrikkers.com
About
For artist Jill Treadwell Svendsen (JillTreadwellSvendsen.com), capturing a moment in time is what she strives to achieve in her paintings. Whether it is painting plein air, still life florals, figurative work or the landscapes of her travels, she conveys the emotion of time and space using the vibrant colors of the impressionist painters whom she studies.
After growing up in the South and obtaining a masters degree in Organizational Psychology, she now resides in Southern California. Following a career in Employee Benefits and Systems Software, she now immerses herself in artistic endeavors. She pursues her craft through self-study, as well as art classes and workshops across the country. For the past twenty-five years, she has honed her skills using oil as her primary medium. However, she has also developed a love of the fast and unpredictable nature of watercolor and gouache.
Jill is an award-winning member of the San Dieguito Art Guild and the Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild. She shows her work in Studio 23 in Spanish Village as a member of The Southwestern Artists Association. Also, at Off Track Gallery in Encinitas. She has displayed work in many local venues, including the San Diego County Fair Fine Art Exhibition, multiple City of Encinitas venues and Gallery 21 in San Diego. She has also created commissioned works of art.
,
About
Inspiring Style & Confidence for Women 50+
Former Nordstrom Fashion Show Coordinator, Personal Shopper & Special Events Coordinator
With more than 30 years of experience in fashion and styling, I am passionate about helping women in midlife look and feel their very best. My goal is to open the door to new style possibilities, inspire confidence, and encourage women to embrace fashion at every stage of life with authenticity and joy.
My background in Art Education — where I studied color theory, sculpture, graphic arts, painting, and design — deeply shaped my understanding of texture, proportion, and the power of color. Those artistic foundations continue to influence my approach to personal style today.
I believe style should evolve with us. A wardrobe consultation should feel insightful, modern, encouraging, and fun. Most importantly, I believe it is never too late to redefine your style, step into confidence, and look absolutely fabulous.
Description Title
Nadin is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach who loves helping people live healthier, more fulfilling lives. She meets every client with compassion, zero judgment, and a real commitment to their well-being — walking alongside them as they discover paths forward that actually feel right for them.
She has a deep passion for metabolism — understanding how our bodies truly work and sharing practical, doable tools that make a real difference. Her goal is simple: help clients stop guessing and start feeling like themselves again.
As a thyroid cancer survivor living with an autoimmune disease, Nadin brings more than knowledge to her work — she brings lived experience. She also works as a Certified Personal Trainer specializing in helping women build bone strength and protect against osteoporosis, because feeling strong from the inside out is at the heart of everything she does.
FAQ
Registration Lottery: How does it work?
To keep our inaugural retreat intimate and meaningful, participation is limited to 25 women.
Starting May 18, you can submit a $25 deposit to enter the registration lottery. On June 25, we will randomly select the 25 women who will attend this special gathering. At that time $500 will be due, if you are selected to attend.
Once attendees are confirmed, we will also create a waitlist in case a spot opens up.
What is the cost to attend?
The cost to attend is $500.
Registration includes all sessions and activities, Monday evening’s welcome happy hour, and coffee, lunch, and snacks throughout the day on Tuesday.
Registration fees will be collected once we finalize the attendee list.
Do you have an agenda for the event?
Yes. Our speakers and topics are listed above, and each session is designed to be interactive, thoughtful, and engaging. We’ll share a more detailed schedule as we get closer to the event.
For planning purposes:
Monday, 9/28 | 4:00–7:00 PM
Welcome, introductions, event overview, and happy hour.
Tuesday, 9/29 | 8:30 AM–6:00 PM
A full day of presentations, conversations, movement, creativity, snacks, and lunch.
We’re looking forward to spending this time together.
Where will the event be held?
The retreat will be held at the
Secret Garden (formerly The Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club)
I'm in for the whole experience, where should I stay?
Pamper yourself and stay within walking distance:
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
https://theinnatrsf.com/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=GBP
Short drive:
Hilton San Diego, Del Mar
https://theinnatrsf.com/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=GBP
Holiday Inn Express, Solana Beach
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/solana-beach/solca/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-EX-_-US-_-SOLCA
Courtyard by Marriott, Solana Beach
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sansb-courtyard-san-diego-del-mar-solana-beach/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0
L'Auberge Del Mar
https://www.laubergedelmar.com/?utm_source=gmb-hotel&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb
This sounds amazing — thank you for creating such a fun event. Some of the topics may not appeal to me. Will there be opportunities to choose which activities or speakers I participate in?
Yes. We know different topics will resonate with different women, and we want everyone to feel comfortable engaging in the activities and conversations that interest them most. We also hope to offer alternative activities and quiet space throughout the event.
I have a conflict and I’m unable to attend in September. Do you plan to host another event?
We hope this is just the beginning. Our vision is to offer these gatherings 1–2 times a year in different locations, creating space for women to connect, reflect, and grow together. We’ve been deeply encouraged by the response to this first event and look forward to what’s ahead.
