Eating disorders – some have called them the hardest battle any human could face, and we agree. They are hard for those in the fight, and they are hard on the friends and family members caring for the fighter. Both need support. Both are hurting in their own ways. Both need reminders of truth. And both need a moment to breathe and just be.
If you find yourself in either the Fighter or Friends and Family role, our Recovery Retreat is for you. Take a few days to come away to beautiful Amelia Island. Be surrounded by others walking a similar road; hear from incredible speakers on topics surrounding recovery, relationships, healing, practical tips, and more; enjoy times of refreshment, rest, and renewal; and be prepared to come home recharged, refocused, and renewed.
PRESENTERS
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Ashlee Benson, MS, RD, LDN
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Rosemary Gamin, LCSW
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Shane Johns, D.Ed.Min., LMFT
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Holly Pudwill, MS, RDN, LDN, CEDRD-S
Ashlee Benson is honored to serve the ministry of Bring Your Brokenness as the Clinical Director of Residential and Partial Hospitalization Eating Disorder Programs. She has spent the last 16 years working in the eating disorder field, with experience at all levels of care. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics and Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition from Florida State University. Ashlee began her career as a Registered Dietitian providing nutrition therapy services to adolescents and adults in residential eating disorder treatment which led to various leadership positions within the organization, ultimately serving as Clinical Director for 7 years. Through her years of serving patients and families in eating disorder treatment programs, she developed a passion for creating clinical programming to support individuals who struggle and the loved ones who bravely journey beside them.
Rosemary Gamin has been practicing Psychotherapy in the Tallahassee/Thomasville area since 1997. She has an undergraduate degree in Psychology, and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Florida State University. She holds a current license in the State of Florida, and has held dual licensure in both Florida and Georgia. In addition, she is certified as a Qualified Supervisor in the State of Florida. She has experience working in Psychiatric Inpatient Hospitals, Outpatient practices, running her own Private Practice, and most recently has been working in the role of Primary Therapist in a Christian-based Residential Eating Disorder Treatment Center, providing individual, group, marital and family therapy to adolescents and adults. Rosemary specializes in women's issues that includes trauma resolution, eating disorders, and areas that impact overall mental health to include depression, anxiety and adjustment issues. She also has significant experience in working with couples and families to promote healing, communication, and bonding. She applies evidenced-based techniques such as: CBT, EMDR, CPT, and IFS in her work, and is open to accommodating therapeutic approaches to match the client's needs and preferences. One important influence in her work is to apply Biblical principles and truths which serve as a guide for clinical practice. She has been blessed to work in a Christian-based facility that promotes spirituality as an essential part of healing. When she is not working she enjoys time with her family, participating in her children's activities, time in nature, and singing in the church choir.
Dr. Shane Johns is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida. He graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2002 with a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling and later earned a Doctorate in 2022. The church where he served as a student pastor became his primary counseling platform. Following 13 years of youth ministry in Texas, he served as a high school pastor in Florida for 9 years, continuing to counsel students, parents, and families through the ministry of the church. Because of his background in student ministry, Shane is uniquely gifted at helping children, adolescents, and parents through challenging situations. His experience also enables him to be a valuable asset as part of a comprehensive treatment team for eating disorders. With two decades of counseling experience, he is well-equipped to come alongside clients with a wide variety of needs and goals.
Holly Pudwill is a Registered Dietitian with a passion for helping others achieve their nutrition and lifestyle goals. She graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food and Nutrition from Florida State University and went on to complete a Master of Science degree in Food and Nutrition at FSU, as well. With over 14 years of experience in outpatient, residential, and inpatient levels of care, Holly supports individuals with healing their relationship with food. She is uniquely gifted in understanding the complexities of eating disorder recovery and is passionate about helping those who struggle to find full freedom.
We recognize that eating disorder recovery is expensive and financially draining.
For that reason, we’ve worked very hard to keep expenses as low as possible. We are able to offer the retreat to you at a cost of $350/person. This cost includes lunch, dinner, and snacks; all sessions; a t-shirt; session materials; and a recreational outing activity. Outside of this retreat cost, your responsibilities will include travel and hotel/lodging (option below), for which we’ve tried to negotiate the best price possible. If staying within the room block of our reserved hotel, breakfast is included in your room rate.
Our retreat will begin on Thursday evening at 7:00pm with a casual meet and greet time. The retreat will conclude on Sunday at 3:30pm. Sessions on Friday and Saturday will be held off-site of the hotel at the beautiful Amelia Chapel on the Omni Plantation. Please plan transportation from the hotel accordingly. There will likely be many attendees there with vehicles, so ride sharing is highly possible.
Please note that hotel accommodations are secured outside of this registration (see below). Rooms at the discounted rate are available to us to book through Tuesday, October 8th. After that time, they will be available on a case-by-case basis at a non-guaranteed rate, according to what the hotel allows.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Overnight accommodations are being offered at a discounted rate at the Marriott Springhill Suites Amelia Island if you book before Tuesday, October 8th. Please use the link below to book your room. Parking is complimentary for those staying at the hotel.
Register today.
Take a few days to come away to beautiful Amelia Island. Be surrounded by others walking a similar road; hear from incredible speakers on topics surrounding recovery, relationships, healing, practical tips, and more; enjoy times of refreshment, rest, and renewal; and be prepared to come home recharged, refocused, and renewed.
STEP 1: Complete the form below.
STEP 2: Submit payment for all retreat attendees.
STEP 3: (Fighters) Complete an ROI for your dietitian so that we can speak with him/her about your nutrition needs. Please send your signed ROI with your dietitian’s contact information to info@bringyourbrokenness.com. We will request the information needed.
STEP 4: Get excited! We’re planning a wonderful retreat for you to help you on this recovery journey.
FAQ’s
Food.
We recognize that’s not a question, but it raises all the emotions and all kinds of questions. This is an eating disorder recovery retreat. The last thing we want to do is enable the eating disorder during our time together. On the flip side, we don’t want “food” to be a deterrent to anyone needing support. Understanding that eating disorders are competitive and twisted and terribly complicated, we want to be proactive in setting everyone up for success and safety. We ask for your full support of the strong framework we establish and accountability to keep yourself – and others who are trying to do the right thing – safe.
A complimentary breakfast is provided by Marriott each morning. There will be a variety of options available to you to adequately cover your needs. You’ll complete this on your own, prior to arrival of the first sessions of the day. Staff will be available for support and to ensure that you are fueling your body properly.
Snacks will be pre-packaged and distributed for you to eat on breaks and/or fellowship groups. Support and accountability will be available.
Lunch and dinner will be plated for you in accordance to your meal plan. We will work with your dietitian to plate your food specifically to your individual needs. If you are not currently working with a dietitian, our BYB dietitians will assist you in determining what you need. The expectation is that you will complete all plated meals, since we are ensuring that amounts are appropriate. Support and accountability will be available to you throughout the meals.
Menus will be emailed to your dietitian in advance for you to work through together, as they deem appropriate. Vegetarian options can be provided if required. We are unable to accommodate vegan diets. Food allergies will be honored if they are medically necessary and must be confirmed through your dietitian or medical documentation.
Can I attend by myself?
This retreat is a recovery retreat for those with eating disorders (Fighters) and we also have a track for those who are supporting them (Friends & Family). Wherever you are and whatever recovery looks like for you right now is what we want for you.
Are there scholarships available?
We hope to be able to answer yes, but scholarships are dependent upon those who provide funding for them. Please inquire if there is a need, and we will advise as to funding at such time.
What should I pack?
We suggest you dress for comfort. Please be modest in attire selections. Weather in Florida is unpredictable, so check your weather app before packing. Bring a jacket or sweater, as meeting rooms are sometimes chilly. If you plan to walk on the beach, know that even in mild weather, the wind coming off the water can feel chilly. Be sure to pack your Bible, toiletries, medications, etc. We will attend a worship service together on Sunday. However, it’s an “Island church,” and anything goes. Pants, jeans, etc. are typically the norm.
Can I extend my stay beyond my reservation dates?
The hotel has made this an option to us in the past. When you register with the hotel, you will be able to view all dates for which that rate is available. If the dates you’re seeking are not available, please contact their Sales Department to request an extension of your dates at 904-206-5605.