Nicasio Creek Farm
Women Physician Wellness Retreats
Yoga, Coaching, Mindfulness & Culinary Medicine in Nature with Dr. Jessie Mahoney
"It will shift the trajectory of your life for the better in ways you never expected!" - woman physician
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 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
These retreats could not happen in a conference room, hotel, or spa setting. Nicasio Creek Farm was intentionally created as a healing space for healers.
Nestled in a gorgeous valley between Napa and Point Reyes in Northern California, just down the road from Spirit Rock Meditation Center, is a farmhouse surrounded by trees, open sky, and land held sacred for generations.
A creek and waterfalls run through the farm. Deer and quail families, and occasionally, wild turkeys and foxes roam around.
Note for CME approvers: Nicasio Creek Farm is not a resort, spa, or vacation property. The farm does not offer '‘recreational packages, entertainment agendas, or leisure or vacation-style programming.’ The space was purpose-built to educate physicians and healthcare leaders.
“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
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.
A maximum of seven women can attend at any one time. The small size ensures no one gets lost and everyone is not only safe to be seen but also gets personalized attention. I know of no other experience that is this intimate, supportive, and transformative.
Introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between loves these retreats.
“Approximately 1000X better than any CME I have ever done.” - Dr. Cyndi Speelman
What Does the Schedule 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 sound healing, forest bathing, and mindfulness on mountain tops, creekside, and in the redwoods.
We dive deep into coaching and mindset work. Discussions are engaging, practical, and perspective-shifting.
We practice mindful, hatha, yin, restorative, and even “pajama yoga.”
We enjoy farm-to-table, culinary medicine “experiences” shared together in community.
There is time to journal. Reflect. Integrate. Read. Walk. Nap. Relax by the creek. Float in the pool. Soak in the hot tub. Practice diastole in the hammock.
“Exceptional is the best word to describe this retreat.”
- Dr. Fromhold, Family Practice, Vermont
“I cannot recommend this retreat more highly.
Through coaching, camaraderie with other female physicians, and time for introspection, I was able to uncover what was making me frustrated, angry, and stuck. The lessons I learned continue to make both my work and home lives 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.
Women tend to go home and take meaningful action.
Action that comes from a place of inspiration, groundedness, and self-trust.
When women physicians return a year later, their lives are completely different — on the outside and the inside.
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 Do Women Physicians Come Back Again and Again?
This type of experience, and the combination of depth, connection, nourishment, community, and clarity, don’t exist anywhere else.
Many women physicians return, two, three, even four times. For some, it has become an annual pilgrimage.
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, Pediatrician
Retreat Details, Planning, & Sign Up
When are retreats offered?
About fifteen times a year, between mid-March and mid-November.
How much do retreats cost?
2026 retreats cost $4,500. If you "come with a friend," you can save on the registration.
What time do retreats start and end?
They start at 2:30 pm. Arrival is between 1:30 and 2 pm on the first day. They end by noon on the last day.
Travel
The closest major airports are San Francisco (SFO), Oakland (OAK), and Santa Rosa-Napa Regional Airport (STS).
Nicasio Creek Farm is approximately an hour from all of these airports. You can Uber to Nicasio Creek Farm from all of them (cost is $80- $120, depending on the time of day). If you arrive in SF, you can take the Marin Airporter Bus, which costs about $30 and will drop you off about 15 min from the farm. You can take an Uber/Lyft from the Smith Ranch Road stop.
You will need to rent a car if you want to explore beyond Nicasio Creek Farm.
CME
This CME program is structured differently from most CME conferences. The entire registration fee is for the Mindful Healers Physician Professional Development educational programming. It is NOT an all-inclusive offering; 100% of the registration cost goes toward the educational programming.
The program takes place at a private educational retreat setting that is not a resort, spa, or rental property. There are no available recreational packages, entertainment agendas, or leisure or vacation-style programs. Families are not included.
The 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.
“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
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 schoo, residency, or fellowship friend or current colleague. It become the best most impactful ‘girls’ weekend’ they’ve had in years. Others come solo and leave with the friendships and connection they have been desperately missing.
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 participate 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 curriculum 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 physician colleagues, practice yoga and mindfulness, experience sound healing and forestbathing, enjoy time in nature in West Marin, and learn about culinary medicine.
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.
Can you arrange a private 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. If you want to come with less than 5 of you, simply sign up for the same retreat and take advantage of the come with a friend discount. Click here for information about one day team and leadership retreats. 1: https://jessiemahoneymd.ck.page/retreats
“I have never been this completely engaged in a CME activity in 15 years in medicine.”
- Dr. Natasha, Emergency Medicine
Culinary Medicine: Community, Awe & Wonder
You’ll learn about ingredients and simple, nourishing, mindful cooking and gardening techniques. Organic vegetables, herbs, and fruit are grown on the property. You can help harvest and prepare seasonal food in a relaxed, teaching-kitchen environment.
You will learn to taste with your eyes and how to nourish your body, mind, spirit, and soul with plant-forward nutrition.
You leave with access to a treasure-trove of plant-forward recipes and new culinary skills to share with your family, your colleagues, and your patients.
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 University. After working at the Statler Hotel in college, he helped open Michel Richard’s Citronelle restaurant in DC. 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. He pivoted to support Pause & Presence full-time in 2023. 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
“ More than the sum of its parts - this experience is alchemy and a crucible that you need”
- ObGyn & Physician Leader, Portland
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"
“With other conferences, I usually feel drained. At the end of this retreat, you will feel stronger, clearer, trusting of yourself, and full of energy.”
-Dr. Erica Bove, ObGyn, REI
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 a sense of belonging, we hope you will join us in Nicasio.
- Jessie & Mark
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.
Tomales Point Trail Point Reyes National Seashore