Nicasio Creek Farm
Women Physician Wellness Retreats
Yoga, Coaching, Mindfulness & Culinary Medicine in Nature
with Dr. Jessie Mahoney
Bask in natural beauty
Melt away stress. Rest, restore, rejuvenate. And come alive.
Unless you’re one of the many women who return for a second, third, or even fourth time, this experience will be unlike anything you’ve done before.
“Powerful, inspirational and transformative!!! Jessie Mahoney is nothing but phenomenal, wise, bright and fun. - Dr. Michelle, ICU, Cleveland Clinic
Spaces where women physicians can be honest, open, and connect deeply are rare
Medicine is isolating. The pace is relentless. Schedules rarely align. And vulnerability is often risky. Especially for women.
At Nicasio Creek Farm, we gather in small groups of women physicians.
Shared understanding replaces explanation, and no performing or translating is needed.
Conversations are real and direct.
Connection is not extra. It’s deep, real, and it lasts.
"More valuable than I can say. This was a deep and profoundly healing experience."
- CMO, ObGyn
Place Matters
This retreat could not happen in a hotel or conference center.
Nicasio Creek Farm is a 4-acre microfarm in West Marin, nestled in a gorgeous valley between Napa and Point Reyes in Northern California.
It sits near Spirit Rock Meditation Center, surrounded by trees, open sky, and land held sacred for generations. A creek and waterfalls run through it, as do deer and quail families, and occasionally, wild turkeys and foxes.
Nicasio Creek Farm has a magical presence that physicians feel the moment they arrive.
“The minute you step out of the car and smell the amazing aroma of the trees and fresh air, you know this place is special.”
-Dr. Jenny D, Pediatrics
Small Group By Design
The retreats' small size contributes to their magic. A maximum of seven women can attend at a. time. This ensures no one gets lost and everyone is safe to be seen.
Those drawn to this experience are a finely-sifted group of incredible women physicians.
As a result, trust, honesty, depth, laughter, tears, and big transformations unfold quickly.
Introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between loves these retreats.
“Approximately 1000X better than any CME I have ever done.” - Dr. Cyndi Speelman
Mindful Sunrise HIke at Big Rock Trail, Lucas Valley Preserve
What the Days Look Like
Every retreat is specifically tailored to the season and the group of women in medicine attending.
Every day is deeply nourishing. We enjoy food as medicine and nourishing farm-to-table, culinary medicine experiences prepared with love and shared together in community.
We enjoy sound healing, forest bathing, and mindfulness on mountain tops, creekside, and in the redwoods.
We practice mindful, hatha, yin, restorative, and even “pajama yoga.”
We dive deep into coaching and mindset work. Discussions are engaging, practical, spacious, and perspective-shifting.
There is also downtime.
Time to journal. Reflect. Read. Walk. Nap. Sit by the creek, float in the pool, soak in the hot tub, or relax in the hammock.
“I cannot recommend this retreat more highly.
Through the coaching, the camaraderie with the other female physicians, and the time for introspection, I was able to uncover the things that were making me frustrated, angry and stuck. It’s been 1 month since I attended the retreat, and the lessons I learned continue to make both my work life and my home life more fulfilling and less chaotic. Do yourself a favor and go!”
- Dr. Jen Anderson, Neonatologist
What Changes After Jessie Mahoney’s Retreats?
The changes are often dramatic - in a good way.
Women leave feeling lighter.
More peaceful. More inspired. Deeply hopeful.
They also see their lives differently.
What felt heavy or confusing becomes clear. Decisions that have been swirling come into focus.
Women tend to go home and take meaningful action.
Aligned impactful action from a place of inspiration, groundedness, and self-trust.
When women physicians return a year later, their lives are often completely different — on the outside and the inside.
They feel more connected, purposeful, passionate—more at home in their bodies, their relationships, and in their careers.
Evening Mindfulness Walk
Women Physicians Meditating at Chimney Rock in Point Reyes - in March
Sunrise Hike at Big Rock In February
McClure's Beach, Pt Reyes National Seashore
Why Women Keep Coming Back
Many women physicians return, two, three, even four times. Because they can’t get enough.
This type of experience, and the combination of depth, connection, nourishment, and clarity, don’t exist anywhere else.
Each year, they grow. Their lives evolve. And new epiphanies and insights emerge.
“Take the leap! You will find like-minded women, space to breathe, rest, and learn, with care and thought put into every detail.
There will be a leader at the helm who is ready to guide you to your best life and your best self. “
- Zeba, Pediatrics
Retreat Details, Planning, & Sign Up
When are retreats offered?
About fifteen times a year, between mid-March and mid-November.
How much do they cost?
Prices range from $4,100 to $5,500, depending on the length of the offering (4 or 5 days) and whether you "come with a friend" or on your own. (Both are amazing!) Keep in mind, you will NOT have hotel, restaurant, or spa charges on your credit card bill when you return home. The ultimate cost of these experiences will be the same as, or lower than, that of most other medical conferences.
What time do retreats start and end?
They start at 2:30 pm. Arrival is between 1 and 2 pm on the first day. They end by noon on the last day.
Travel
The closest major airports to Nicasio are San Francisco (SFO), Oakland (OAK), and Santa Rosa-Napa Regional Airport (STS). STS is absolutely fabulous if you live somewhere with a direct flight.
Nicasio Creek Farm is about an hour from all of these airports. You will need a car unless you arrive in SF and want to take the Marin Airporter. The bus costs about $30 and will drop you off about 15 min from the farm by Uber/Lyft.
CME
CME credit is provided by AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare. In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare, and Pause & Presence, LLC. AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare, designates this live activity for a maximum of 12 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
CME Program Overview & Curriculum
Draft Email with Details to request CME approval for this program
*You are responsible for being aware of your own organization’s rules surrounding CME.
“With other conferences, I usually feel drained. At the end of this retreat, you feel stronger, clearer, trusting of yourself, and full of energy.”
-Dr. Erica Bove, ObGyn, REI
Your Guide | Dr. Jessie Mahoney
Jessie Mahoney is an experienced physician wellness leader and exceptional coach. She is a board-certified pediatrician and yoga and mindfulness teacher.
After two decades leading physician wellness for a large healthcare institution, Jessie stepped out on her own in 2020 to build something that would actually help physicians in the moment and long-term. That something is Pause & Presence.
She has been leading physician wellness retreats since 2015 and coaching physicians full-time since 2019. This retreat is her dream offering.
Jessie is a graduate of Dartmouth College and UCSF Medical School. She spent 18 years as a pediatrician and physician leader at The Permanente Medical Group.
She is co-host of the Healing Medicine Podcast, a nationally regarded physician wellness speaker, a mom of three young adult sons, and a grandmother of three littles. She has been married to her neurodiverse high-school sweetheart, Mark, for over thirty years. They have led this retreat side by side more than 35 times since 2021. Just like those who come, they can’t get enough.
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“Jessie is so warm and wise. Regardless of how tightly wound up or zen you are on arrival, you will leave feeling lighter.” - Trauma Surgeon
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“This is more than continuing education. It’s life education. Jessie is a master at her craft.” - Family Practice
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“This experience is life-changing. The value of diving deeply into our learned belief patterns in the company of other supportive colleagues is immeasurable.” - ObGyn
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“Jessie and this experience gave me practical, real-life tools to improve how I approach problems, both big and small. I recommend this to all physicians.” - Surgeon
FAQ’s
Should you come alone or with a friend?
Both are amazing! Many women come with a medical school or residency friend or colleague, and it becomes the best ‘girls’ weekend’ they’ve had in years. Others come solo and leave with the friendships and connection they have been desperately missing.
How much personal sharing will you have to do?
You don't have to share anything you don't want to. The retreat design allows as much or little sharing as you desire. Most people end up sharing a lot over the week even if they thought they wouldn't. Another super special part of this retreat is that everyone has a 30 minute 1:1 private coaching session with me as well. Some people send me an email prior to the retreat about big things going on prior to the retreat so they feel more comfortable when they arrive.
What if you are introverted?
Introverts love this retreat. There is space, quiet, and no pressure to perform.
Do you need experience with yoga, mindfulness, or coaching?
- No. The yoga is accessible for almost all bodies. It is similar to that offered on my YouTube channel. Opting out of poses and choosing "variations that work for you" is highly encouraged. Because coaching and many retreat themes are woven into yoga classes, you are expected to particpate in the classes in some way.
- We practice mindful hatha, yin, and restorative yoga. Most classes are a blend of these. These classes are not "exercise yoga." Yoga is designed to be an experience that offers deep relaxation, nervous system and heart healing.
- Mindfulness sessions happen inside and outside in nature. They often happen in locations that require walking on unpaved, uneven trails. If you have mobility issues reach out to discuss modifications.
- Coaching and the CME currculum happens in small group discussions, reflection questions, and reading. There are no lectures or powerpoints. Each person gets a 30 min 1:1 coaching session with Jessie.
Is this retreat a good fit if you don't identify with being burned out?
Many women come feeling restless, disconnected, and/or ready for change. Others come to enjoy a girl's trip, meet amazing women phsyician colleagues, practice yoga and mindfulness, experience sound healing and forestbathing, enjoy time in nature in West Marin, and learn about culinary medicine.
Can you arrange a retreat for a group of friends or a team?
Yes! If you want to organize a retreat for 5-7 med school, residency, or fellowship friends, reach out by email to request a date. Alternatively, you can all sign up for the same retreat if there is room. If you want to come with less than 5, simply sign up for the same retreat and take advantage of the come with a friend discount if available. You can also arrange a day retreat for a leadership team.
“I have never been this completely engaged in a CME activity in 15 years in medicine.”
- Dr. Natasha, Emergency Medicine
Enjoy plant-forward culinary wonders
The Culinary Medicine Experience = Food as Medicine, Community, Awe & Wonder.
Nourish body, mind, spirit, and soul. Taste with your eyes.
This is a true farm-to-table experience. Organic vegetables, herbs, and fruit are grown on the property.
You’ll learn about ingredients and simple, nourishing, mindful cooking and gardening techniques. If you want, you can help harvest and prepare seasonal food in a relaxed, teaching-kitchen environment.
“The meals - OMG the food was so delicious, colorful, healthy, and abundant! A constant that felt so kind and loving.”
- Internal Med MD, AZ
Meet Mark - Culinary Craftsman, Super Husband, Keeper of Everyone’s Needs.
Mark Mahoney is our culinary craftsman, creative force, and behind-the-scenes hero.
He brings an inspired, plant-forward approach to cooking that is simple, beautiful, and deeply nourishing. His superpower is making food and cooking feel possible, joyful, and grounding—while quietly making sure everyone feels cared for and comfortable.
Mark learned to cook from his mom. He cooked at Faneuil Hall during a gap year before attending Cornell where he worked at the Statler Hotel during college. He then helped open Michel Richard’s Citronelle in DC after graduation. While Jessie was in med school and residency, he worked at Wolfgang Puck’s Postrio in San Francisco. He eventually went to law school and practiced law for twenty years. In 2023, he left the legal world to support these retreats and everything else that Pause & Presence offers full-time.
He and Jessie met in high school and have been together ever since.
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“This experience is unlike any CME I have ever attended before. If you are looking for a place to rest, replenish, and reconnect with something meaningful you’ve lost and yearn to find again, this is the place for you.” - Kaveri Patel, DO, Family Medicine
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“I loved the intimacy of this experience. There was time to get to know other participants. The small-group format fostered great discussion in a safe space. The agenda was flexible based on our needs, and there was plenty of downtime to journal, read, and reflect on what we were learning.” - ER, TPMG
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“If you are struggling with burnout, or even a hint of it, go to this and learn to care for yourself.” - Family Practice, OR
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“It is worth every penny! The things you will learn will help you navigate toward a life that is aligned with your core values and wishes for your future.” - Peds, Mayo Clinic
Women physicians at nearby Samuel P Taylor State Park
Mindfulness practice at Lucas Valley Preserve
March wildflower hike at Chimney Rock, Point Reyes National Seashore
McClure's Beach "Cold Toes Clarity Plunge"
“You will leave more in touch with your own heart, values and desires. It will help you be a better doctor, partner, friend, family member–and a better human.”
-Zeba, Peds
Nourish yourself with nature, mindfulness, community, and transformational coaching.
If you’re ready to rest deeply, reconnect honestly, and return to your life with clarity, peace, purpose, and belonging, we hope you will join us in Nicasio. - Jessie & Mark
“It’s magical. Even more powerful than the gorgeous environment is Jessie’s coaching and how she brings you back to your best self. I was ready to quit medicine two and a half years ago and Jessie guided me back.
I’m heading to my fourth retreat soon, have done coaching, follow her YouTube and podcasts, and absolutely love what she has created.”
-Dr. Joanne Oakes, Emergency Medicine
Tomales Point Trail Point Reyes National Seashore
You Will Want Arrive Early or Stay Longer
West Marin is truly a hidden gem. Breathtaking landscapes, delicious food, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Nestled among Point Reyes National Seashore, Mount Tamalpais, and Muir Woods, the area invites deep rest, reflection, and adventure. Muir Beach, Mount Tamalpais, or the Marin Headlands are worth adding to your journey.
Wander through misty redwood forests
Walk the serene beaches of Stinson: Limantour, McClure’s, Kehoe, or Drake’s
Kayak across the quiet waters of Tomales Bay
Watch Tule Elk roam and listen to Elephant Seals bark along the coast
West Marin is also the heart of the locavore movement, offering fresh, artisanal, farm-to-table delights. A few local favorites include:
Point Reyes Cheese & Nicasio Valley Cheese – Award-winning, locally made cheeses
Bovine Bakery & Brickmaiden Bread – Small-batch, handcrafted pastries and bread
Marin Sun Farms – Sustainable, grass-fed meats
Tomales Bay Oyster Company – Fresh oysters straight from the bay
After you sign up, you will receive recommendations for nearby lodging and my favorite places to explore.
“ More than the sum of it’s parts - this experience is alchemy and a crucible that you need”
- ObGyn & Physician Leader, Portland