Ready to Embark on an Enriching Educational Experience?

“It is not the load that breaks you down. It’s the way you carry it.” — Lena Horne

  • Are you a carer, occupational or recreational therapist, or an activity director working with older adults and people living with dementia?

  • Do you want to enhance the quality of life for those under your care through meaningful connections with Nature?

  • Are you interested in learning about evidence-based green care approaches and how the human-nature connection promotes health?

  • Do you want to prioritize your well-being so that you can better serve those in your care?

  • If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then the two-day online learning retreat "Restore and Renew with Care Outdoors" is the course for you!

  • This course is designed to equip care providers, including engagement professionals, with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance the quality of life for older adults, and All Ages, people living with dementia, under their care through meaningful connections with Nature.

Retreat Learning Modules

"We do not learn from experience; we learn from reflecting on experience." –John Dewey

  • Introduction to Nature Connectedness

  • Growing Nature Connectedness

  • Green Care and Nature-Based Practices

  • Building Community with Care Outdoors

  • Sharing Care Outdoors in Daily Life

  • Awareness Awe Appreciation Activates ACTION

With Care Outdoors, You Will:

  • Boost Health and Wellbeing

    Discover the evidence-based pathways of nature connectedness and simple yet profound ways to alleviate mental fatigue, reduce stress, increase vitality, and rejuvenate your carer spirit. You will be equipped to promote health and wellbeing, purpose, less medication, joy, connectedness, and decrease isolation and loneliness for those you are caring with.

  • Earn Valuable Continuing Education Credits and a Care Outdoors Leader Certificate

    Green prescriptions are becoming increasingly mainstream, as a Care Outdoors Leader, you will find yourself uniquely positioned to lead the charge in promoting nature-based wellness programs and experiences.

  • Overcome Loneliness and Foster Connection!

    Discover the power of the human-nature connection while learning simple yet profound ways to remove barriers to sharing care outdoors. Inspire a more profound sense of community and be a catalyst for meaningful connection.

Online Course Retreat Outcomes:

Earn Continuing Education Credits!

  • Deeper Understanding of Nature Connectedness and Mindfulness: Gain insights into the evidence-based pathways to nurture nature connectedness and develop mindfulness and meditation practices through appreciation of the natural world.

  • Benefits of Green Care: Acquire knowledge of the benefits of green care approaches and learn the Art of Care Outdoors.

  • Importance of Nature Connectedness Capital and Outdoor Care: Recognize the importance of the human-nature connection for preventing loneliness and isolation, and learn strategies to overcome barriers to outdoor care, inspiring others to share care outdoors daily.

Instructor

Breathe Deep and BEE Happy!

Monica Ann Eastway, M.S. I am an eco-gerontologist and approved CE educator dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to unearth the full health potential of their surroundings. My expertise lies in generating supportive, accessible, and multifunctional outdoor spaces that enhance quality of life for people of all ages. I have a strong academic foundation, including a Master of Science in Gerontology from the University of Indianapolis and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Philosophy from the University of Toledo. Additionally, I have over 25 years of experience as a Healing Arts Professional, specializing in massage, sound healing, mindfulness, laughercise, play, breath awareness, and aromatherapy. My research interests are focused on Green Care, Nature Connectedness, AWE, and Community-Based Housing. Through my work, I have gained extensive knowledge and practical experience in the design, development, and execution of customized wellness programs that showcase cutting-edge research and innovative approaches to care. I am passionate about nature-based practices, recognizing their vital role in promoting the health and well-being of individuals and communities. Working closely with health professionals, carers, and communities, I strive to create fun and engaging outdoor opportunities that benefit both people and the planet. My mission is to deliver ethical and professional care grounded in evidence-based practices, using a person-centered and reciprocal-shared care approach. ~ Connecting All Ages to the Goodness of Our Planet ~

Monica Eastway

Instructor

  • Care Outdoors Leader Certificate
  • Care Outdoors Leader Jocelyne
  • Cloudspotting