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Grounded in Training; Guided by Intention

Becoming a Certified Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide grew from my own experience of discovering how profoundly nature can help us slow down, listen, and reconnect with ourselves.

My training through the Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership gave me a framework for creating that same kind of space for others. It brought together mindfulness, sensory awareness, nature connection, contemplative practice, and intentional group experiences—not as a way to reach a particular destination, but as an invitation to notice what happens when we move a little more slowly and pay attention.

That philosophy is at the heart of the experiences I create through True North Rising. I’m not here to tell you what you should find in nature. My role is to create the space, offer gentle invitations, and walk alongside you as you discover what is already there—around you and within you.

Experiences that create space for reflection, connection, and growth.

Whether you're joining a Mindful Outdoor Experience, planning a retreat, or exploring a customized leadership workshop, every offering is thoughtfully designed to meet you where you are. Together, we'll create an experience that fosters clarity, connection, and purposeful action—for individuals, teams, and organizations.

  • Step away from the noise, reconnect with the natural world, and return to what matters.

    Root & Rise offers guided Mindful Outdoor Experiences and retreats designed to help individuals, groups, and organizations slow down, become more present, and reconnect with their inner clarity. Rather than focusing on distance, speed, or reaching a destination, these experiences invite participants to engage with nature through mindful movement, sensory awareness, reflection, and moments of intentional stillness.

    Some experiences may include gentle walking or hiking, guided mindfulness practices, nature-based reflection, journaling, creative exploration, or time gathered in community. Each offering is shaped by the season, the landscape, and the needs of the group.

    Mindful Outdoor Experiences

    Mindful Outdoor Experiences are typically 60 to 90 minutes and take place in parks, gardens, forests, and other natural spaces throughout Northern Virginia and the surrounding region.

    These experiences offer an accessible way to pause within the rhythm of everyday life. Participants are invited to move from Kronos—the measured time of schedules and responsibilities—into Kairos, a more spacious experience of time shaped by presence, connection, and meaning.

    No previous mindfulness or outdoor experience is necessary. These are not fitness classes or strenuous hikes. The pace is intentionally unhurried, with opportunities to participate in ways that feel comfortable and supportive.

    Retreats

    Root & Rise retreats offer more time to step away from daily demands and enter into a deeper process of restoration, reflection, and renewal.

    Retreats may range from several hours to a full day or weekend and can incorporate mindful hiking, forest bathing practices, individual reflection, facilitated conversation, creative activities, shared meals, fire building, or seasonal rituals. Each retreat is thoughtfully designed around a central theme and the needs of the participants.

    Retreats are available for individuals, private groups, leadership teams, community organizations, and mission-driven workplaces.

    What You May Experience

    Every Root & Rise offering is unique, but participants may leave feeling:

    • More grounded and present

    • Calmer and less mentally overwhelmed

    • More connected to themselves, others, and the natural world

    • Renewed clarity around a decision, transition, or sense of purpose

    • Restored by time that does not ask them to perform or produce

    You do not need to be an experienced hiker, an athlete, or someone who already practices mindfulness. You only need a willingness to slow down, become curious, and experience the outdoors in a different way.

    Guided with Care

    Root & Rise experiences are facilitated by Krista Gauthier, a certified Mindful Outdoor Guide through Kripalu’s School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership. Krista is also certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR and has completed training in orienteering.

    Her approach blends grounded outdoor practices, thoughtful facilitation, and a deep understanding of leadership, learning, resilience, and personal transformation.

    Come as You Are. Leave More Connected.

    Explore an upcoming Mindful Outdoor Experience, join a seasonal retreat, or create a private experience for your group or organization.

  • Workshops • Professional Learning • Custom Programs

    The Learning Lab delivers experiential learning experiences for schools, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations. Programs are designed to be practical, engaging, and responsive—connecting reflection with real-world application.

    Learning Lab offerings may include professional development workshops, facilitated learning sessions, and custom program design. Each experience is shaped by the needs of the organization and grounded in whole-person learning.

    Programs are developed in partnership and tailored to context.

  • Youth Programs • Emerging Leaders

    Root & Rise Youth supports young people as they navigate growth, change, and emerging leadership. These programs emphasize confidence, resilience, and a sense of direction—meeting students where they are developmentally and experientially.

    This work builds on the foundation of Dyslexic Edge, an award-winning education and youth development initiative that has supported students through innovative, strength-based learning experiences. Drawing on that legacy, Root & Rise Youth blends guided reflection, relationship-centered learning, and experiential activities to support whole-person development and agency.

    Programs are offered in partnership with schools and youth-serving organizations.

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