Nature as Medicine
Practitioner Training
with Susan Abookire, MD MPH
October 8 - 11, 2026​​
Retreat Overview
This nature retreat is the first step in this evidence-based, Harvard accredited 6 month training program for healthcare professionals. The entire training supports healthcare providers to become certified as both a Forest Therapy Guide, and then to learn how to incorporate nature-based activities into clinical practice.
Who This Retreat Is For
This initial 3-day immersion retreat is for all healthcare professionals who are interested in incorporating nature into their clinical practice. Dr. Abookire's 6-months online training program begins with this Nature Immersion at Well Being Retreat Center in Tazewell Tennessee.
About Your Facilitators
Dr. Susan Abookire
Dr. Abookire is a former systems aviation engineer, a Harvard Medical School Assistant
Professor, and a seasoned healthcare executive with
over two decades of leadership experience.
She has served as Chief Medical Officer, and Chair of Quality and Patient Safety at a Harvard-affiliated hospital.
With training in Internal Medicine, public health, medical education and as a certified Forest Therapy guide, Dr. Abookire brings an integrative perspective to provider wellbeing and healthcare transformation.
Ronna Schneberger
Ronna is a distinguished naturalist, certified executive coach, and professional hiking
guide with over 30 years of experience in Canada’s Mountain Parks. She is a forest therapy guide and Association of Nature and Forest Therapy trainer.
Ronna serves as Chair of Nature and Forest Therapy of Canada. In 2021, she played a key
role in the launch of Canadian Park Prescription Program, delivering forest therapy sessions to frontline health professionals during the pandemic.
To learn more about Dr. Abookire and Ronna, please visit: www.naturesystemsinstitute.com
What You Can Expect
While we immerse ourselves in the beauty of the outdoors,
participants will be:
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Guided in forest therapy
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Experience the wellbeing of this practice
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Engage in a solo walk
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Be behind the scenes as you begin your journey to becoming a forest therapy guide.
Our time outdoors receiving the benefits of this practice are complemented by supportive and interactive teaching about forest therapy and guiding.​
Meals
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Three freshly prepared, mostly organic, gluten-free, non-vegetarian meals will be served daily.
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A vegetarian and vegan option will be served at each meal
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Tea, coffee, lemon ginger water, and snacks will be available throughout the day.
Accommodations
We offer a variety of cozy lodging options.
Click the photos below to explore each one.
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For questions about the retreat or retreat structure please contact Dr. Abookire at abookiremd@gmail.com
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For questions about facilities or accommodations, please email Heather at registration@wellbeingfoundation.org
Questions
Registration & Payment
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Please register with Dr. Susan Abookire FIRST for tuition and THEN with Well Being Retreat Center for Accommodations
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Accommodations (lodging, meals and snacks) for this 3-night retreat range from $405 to $745, depending on the lodging selected.
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Please register with Well Being Retreat Center for your lodging and meals using the online form below.
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Full payment is required at time of registration.
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​Cancellation & Accommodations Policies can be found HERE