​"I want to mention something. Initially, I thought, “Why do music therapists get asked to volunteer their talents?” I considered not doing this retreat because of this until I learned that EVERY volunteer is a highly trained individual in their discipline (Reiki, yoga, massage, counselor, etc.).  Melissa and her family, team and friends have created a mission to provide a FREE, (yes, you-read-that-right,) FREE day of giving back to the caregivers of people with dementia and Alzheimers. It is a full day with a variety of sessions to choose from plus 1:1 services if people choose to have individual time with the volunteers.  As a volunteer, I was amazed and humbled at the amount of generosity that was present. Caregivers need to connect with other caregivers. They need to pamper themselves. They often neglect themselves for the sake of their patients or their loved ones.  My experience there was truly amazing and I will not hesitate to volunteer again for this retreat or anything like it.  It also allowed me to network with other volunteers and caregivers. It is a total win-win."

-​Chris Webb, Music Therapist and Houston Volunteer

"Care, unlike cure, describes a continuum. Care is service. And, there is something beyond powerful about coming together in service to care for others. It is palpable, compassion in action. It is living ethics, social action, yoga, all rolled into one: being truly present for others, with the people you love and respect most in the world. This is the spirit that we bring to our annual Houston Caregiver Wellness Retreat. Our Caregivers Retreat is a FREE, all volunteer wellness event created by Melissa Smith and hosted in Houston (we have retreats in Calgary and Santa Fe too) at Jennifer Plessner's Elm Flats Ranch. If you haven't been to the ranch--it is a healing space, just an hour outside of Houston. 

This day is dedicated to sharing wellness, care, love, nourishment, peace, ease, breath, and, importantly, community with those who care for loved ones with Alzheimer's and other dementias. Many of us who volunteer are caregivers ourselves; never in my wildest thoughts would I imagine that I too would be a caregiver, or that relying on other caregivers would become such an integral part of my adult life.

And so it is. And, when we come together, to teach, love, support, care, and be, the magic of community, love, and service comes alive. I am so grateful to be a part of this community, and I can't wait to be together with the volunteers and caregivers on Saturday. To each volunteer--thank you, you are loved! To each caregiver--thank you, you are loved!”

-​Justin Fanarof, Houston Volunteer