SUMMER CAMP FOR BCBAS ® - JUNE 18-22, 2026 IN ASHEVILLE, NC
When You’re Doing Everything “Right”… and Progress Still Stalls
Reset momentum by rebuilding the conditions that make progress possible — across Environment, Team, Systems, and Self.
A 4-night retreat with 3 full days of training + application
Built for BCBAs® who want to unstick progress and leave with a clear plan they can use immediately.
When Progress Stalls, It’s Usually Not the Plan
Most “stuck” cases don’t stall because you missed a strategy. They stall because the conditions around the work are fighting the work.
Progress slows down when:
✔ the environment adds friction (sensory load, chaos, limited access to teaching moments)
✔ the team can’t stay consistent (turnover, unclear roles, mixed implementation)
✔ the systems create drag (documentation pressure, competing demands, broken workflows)
✔ your capacity gets depleted — and everything becomes harder to think through in real time
At Growing Together, we use the Pillars of Sustainable Practice (Environment, Team, Systems, Self) to identify what’s actually getting in the way — and practice the kinds of adjustments that help momentum return.
Retreat at a Glance
Dates: June 18–22, 2026 (4 nights • 3 full retreat days • arrive Thu / depart Mon)
Home base: Mars Hill, NC (private property • 25 minutes to Asheville)
Spots: Limited to 20 in-person attendees
CEUs: 9 BACB® CEUs
Focus: The Pillars of Sustainable Progress — practical ways to diagnose what’s stalling progress and strengthen the conditions for momentum
Experience: Small-group, hands-on learning + optional group hiking
Asheville day: Structured activities + time to explore downtown on your own
Small-group, hands-on learning built for real-world stalled progress.
How We Unstick Stalled Progress
When progress stalls, it’s rarely because you “missed a strategy.” More often, the conditions around the work are preventing progress from taking hold — even when the plan is solid.
At Growing Together, we use the Pillars of Sustainable Progress to identify what’s actually getting in the way first — then practice practical, real-world adjustments that help momentum return.
Environment
When the setting adds friction (sensory load, chaos, inconsistent routines, limited access to teaching moments), even great instruction doesn’t stick.
What we’ll practice: realistic environment tweaks that reduce friction and increase “ready-to-learn” conditions.
Team
When implementation varies by person, turnover is constant, or expectations aren’t clear, progress gets reset again and again.
What we’ll practice: collaboration moves and team supports that make consistency easier — without micromanaging.
Self
When progress stalls, it’s easy to default to urgency, over-functioning, or “just push harder.” That’s when decision quality drops.
What we’ll practice: values-based decision anchors, boundary scripts, and simple routines that protect clarity and sustainability—so you can stay effective without carrying everything alone.
Systems
Make It Repeatable
You can’t always change the systems you work inside — but you can design the systems you use to operate within them.
What we’ll practice: turning what you already know into repeatable workflows that reduce decision fatigue, protect quality, and help progress hold over time.
You won’t leave with a “perfect plan.” You’ll leave with clearer diagnosis + sharper next steps — and a way to turn what works into something repeatable.
How the Retreat Works
This isn’t a sit-and-get weekend. It’s structured, hands-on, and designed to help you translate what you already know into real-world action — especially when progress stalls and the usual answers aren’t working.
01
Diagnose
You’ll learn how to use the Pillars of Sustainable Progress to spot where momentum is getting blocked — Environment, Team, Self, and Systems. The goal isn’t more ideas. It’s clarity on what to change first.
02
Practice
Through guided activities, case discussions, and small-group problem-solving, you’ll rehearse practical shifts that make progress more likely to hold — the kind of adjustments that work in homes, schools, and clinics.
03
Make it Repeatable
You’ll turn insights into simple, reusable systems — decision anchors, communication moves, and workflows that reduce friction and make it easier to sustain progress after you go home.
Who This Retreat Is For
This retreat is built for BCBAs® who want progress to feel possible again — not by working harder, but by changing the conditions that keep progress from holding.
You’ll feel at home here if you’ve been thinking…
✔ “I’ve tried the usual stuff… and progress is still stalled.”
✔ “I can see what’s happening — but I can’t get the whole team moving together.”
✔ “The plan isn’t the problem. The conditions are.”
✔ “I want practical ways to adjust what we’re doing without burning everyone out.”
✔ “I’m tired of conferences. I want real learning, real connection, and real application.”
This is probably not the right fit if…
✔ You want a wellness retreat (yoga/sound baths) as the main focus
✔ You prefer a large conference with lots of passive sessions
✔ You’re looking for a certification or a credential
✔ Travel isn’t realistic for you this year
What You’ll Leave With
This weekend is designed to give you more than inspiration. You’ll leave with clearer clinical thinking, stronger collaboration moves, and practical ways to reduce friction so progress can actually hold — even inside imperfect systems.
A clearer way to diagnose stalled progress
A simple framework you can reuse when things aren’t moving — so you stop guessing what to change first.
Practical collaboration moves that reduce “implementation drift”
Ways to get teams aligned without carrying the entire case on your shoulders.
Repeatable systems that protect progress over time
Lightweight workflows and decision supports you can adapt to your setting — designed to reduce decision fatigue and make consistency easier.
No performative role-play. No generic self-care advice. Just applied learning, in a small group, with time to think.
Weekend Flow
Arrive Thursday, settle in together, spend three full days in applied learning, and head home Monday morning.
Thursday (Arrive + Welcome Dinner)
Arrive, get settled, and join us for dinner and a grounded start to the weekend.
Friday (Foundation + Hands-On Application)
We’ll kick off with the Pillars of Sustainable Progress and begin applying them through guided activities and small-group problem-solving.
Built-in space: quiet time, optional hike, and an evening campfire.
Saturday (Asheville Day)
One day in Asheville with scheduled retreat experiences — plus time built in to explore downtown at your own pace.
Built-in space: explore downtown Asheville or recharge back on-site.
Sunday (Integration + Make It Repeatable)
We connect the dots and focus on turning what works into repeatable ways of operating — so progress can hold after you go home.
Built-in space: unplug time + closing campfire (optional).
Monday (To-Go Breakfast + Departure)
Grab a to-go breakfast, exchange final info, and head out.
Built-in time to relax with people who truly understand.
Travel Snapshot
Home Base: Mars Hill, NC (quiet mountain setting)
Asheville Day: one scheduled retreat block + time to explore
Getting Around: you’ll want transportation for the Asheville day (carpool coordination available for onsite guests)
Local Connection: we’re partnering with Asheville-area organizations for a community-linked experience (details announced as confirmed)
Nearest airports + rough drive time (people love this)
Asheville Regional Airport (Approx. 45 minutes)
McGhee Tyson Airport (Approx. 2 hours and 10 minutes)
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Approx 2 hours and 15 minutes)
Onsite vibe: food truck + live music on the property on the weekend
Pacing note: structured sessions + built-in downtime to integrate
Rooming note: all rooms are private
You belong here
Our Retreat Home: Twin Willows Estate
Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains just 25 minutes north of Asheville, Twin Willows Estate offers the perfect balance of focus and renewal. With 14 private acres, historic charm, and plenty of gathering space, it’s a setting designed to spark both deep conversations and lighthearted connection.
For two of our three retreat days, this estate will be our home base. You’ll enjoy the spacious main house, cozy cottages, wooded trails, and fire pit for evenings under the stars. Whether we’re in small groups or gathered together, the estate creates a natural flow for learning, reflection, and community.
✔ 11 bedrooms across three unique homes
✔ Rolling creek, walking trails, and mountain views
✔ Outdoor gathering spaces, including a bonfire area
Walkable to local coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques in Mars Hill
Just 25 minutes from downtown Asheville, where we’ll spend Day 2 of the retreat.
Twin Willows gives us the space to grow, the privacy to focus, and the beauty of the mountains to remind us why we came together.
When progress stalls, you don’t need more CEUs. You need a reset.
Why This Retreat Is Different
This isn’t a conference and it’s not a wellness retreat. It’s a small-group, hands-on weekend for BCBAs® who want to step back, identify what’s really blocking progress, and leave with clearer next steps—without pretending your caseload (or your system) is going to magically change overnight.
We work on real constraints, not perfect scenarios
Progress doesn’t stall because you forgot reinforcement exists. It stalls because the environment, the team, the schedule, the parent variables, and the system collide. We’ll focus on the friction points that show up in real life.
Pillars of Sustainable Progress, applied
You’ll use the pillars as a lens to figure out what’s actually driving the plateau—environment, relationships, clarity/boundaries, and repeatable systems—so you can choose smarter adjustments instead of doing “more.”
Small group = actual problem-solving
With a capped group, there’s time to talk through your stuck points, learn from others, and pressure-test ideas—so what you take home holds up when Monday hits.
Downtime is part of the design
There’s built-in space to decompress, connect, hike, or sit by the fire—because integration matters, and burnout decisions don’t create good plans.
Led by BCBAs® Who Build Systems — Not Just Slides
Experienced instructors. Real-world constraints. Practical, values-aligned strategies you can actually use.
Amelia Dalphonse, MA, BCBA
Lead instructor. Co-owner of Master ABA with 13+ years in the field. Amelia teaches practical, client-centered strategies that help practitioners align their work with values—while building systems that make ethical practice sustainable.
Nicole Dionne, MA, LCMHC, BCBA
Licensed clinical mental health counselor and BCBA® with 19+ years across mental health and behavior analysis. Nicole brings a trauma-informed, relationship-based lens to collaboration, cultural humility, and sustainable progress.
Christi Wilson, MS, BCBA
A decade+ in ABA across residential, home, school, and community-based work. Christi focuses on leadership and mentorship—helping BCBAs® build stronger clinical decision-making without adding burnout.
MaKayla Smith, MS, BCBA
BCBA® since 2018 with experience across home, clinic, school, and community settings. MaKayla is known for naturalistic teaching, person-centered planning, and empowering families through clear, compassionate collaboration.
Ashlyn Hammerstrom, MA, BCBA
Former RBT®, special education teacher, and direct support professional. Ashlyn specializes in person-centered, school-based intervention and brings a grounded, classroom-realistic approach to ethical practice.
Megan Magrauth, M.Ed., BCBA
BCBA® with a background in education, hospitality, and camp leadership—and a parent of autistic and neurodivergent children. Meg brings warmth and clarity to soft skills, engagement, collaboration, and trauma-informed practice.
What BCBAs® said after our last retreat
The topic changes year to year, but the experience doesn’t: small group, real connection, and learning that actually sticks.
“I walked in anxious… and left renewed.”
I was overwhelmed walking in with a group of strangers. But within the first day, that shifted. I left feeling renewed—and grateful for learning you just don’t get in a typical conference setting.
Jamie S.
“Genuine connection is where the value is.”
Great value comes from real relationship with others in the field who share similar values while bringing different backgrounds. That kind of cohort connection is hard to find in day-to-day work.
Kayla M.
Reserve Your Spot
Retreat Pass without Lodging
$1400 (Early Bird)
3 full training/application days
Meals + materials included
Asheville day + community project
With Lodging
FULL
Everything in the Retreat Pass, plus:
4 nights on-site lodging (Thu–Mon)
Shared community spaces for evening reflection, connection, and downtime
What's Included
Included
3 full training + application days (Fri–Sun)
Thursday arrival dinner + welcome kickoff
Meals included: breakfasts + lunches + selected group dinners
Retreat workbook + materials
Asheville day + structured experience
Community contribution/project (collaborative, Asheville-connected)
Not Included
Transportation to/from the property
Transportation to/from Asheville on the Asheville day
Lodging (for the “without lodging” option)
Flights / gas / travel costs
Meals outside the included meals (specifically dinner in Asheville Saturday)
Optional upgrades/add-ons (ex: early arrival)
Bonus Resource Bundle (Included with Registration)
You’ll leave with your retreat workbook — plus a small bundle of resources that support the Pillars of Sustainable Progress, so the reset doesn’t disappear when you’re back on caseload.
The Inclusive Systems Blueprint ($47 value)
Turn what you know into repeatable supports across settings and teams.
Exclusive pre-release copy included for attendees.
The ABA Practitioner's Guide to Person-Centered Care ($47 value)
Practical guidance for assent, communication, and collaboration that holds up in the real world.
Inclusive By DESIGN (2 Ethics CEUs, $37 value)
A step-by-step approach to culturally responsive parent coaching — without turning sessions into compliance battles.
Should I attend?
This Retreat Is for You If You’re Ready To…
✔ bring compassion and ethics back to the center of your work
✔ rethink supervision so it feels meaningful for everyone
✔ rebuild parent trust and collaboration
✔ break out of autopilot and re-engage with purpose
✔ lead with clarity in systems that often feel chaotic
✔ create conditions where both you and your clients can thrive
Still Have Questions?
How long is the retreat and what are the exact times?
June 18–22, 2026. We begin with dinner Thursday evening and wrap up with a grab-and-go breakfast Monday morning, with three full training + application days (Fri–Sun).
Where is it held and what’s the Asheville day?
Most retreat activities take place in Mars Hill, NC (a small mountain town near Asheville). One day includes a planned experience in Asheville, with structured programming plus optional time to explore downtown.
How many CEUs will I earn?
We are planning to provide at least 9 CEUs, however details will be shared once final approvals and session structure are confirmed. The retreat is designed around high-application learning, not passive lecture blocks.
What’s included and what’s not included?
Included: retreat sessions + activities, materials/workbook, and meals (breakfasts, lunches, and selected group dinners).
Not included: transportation, optional off-site meals, and lodging (unless you choose the lodging option).
What transportation do I need?
Attendees are responsible for transportation to/from the retreat property and for getting to/from Asheville on the Asheville day. If you’re staying on-site, we can try to coordinate informal carpooling — but you should plan as if you’ll need reliable transportation.
If I stay on-site, will I have my own room?
On-site lodging is limited and includes private rooms. Room details and assignments will be shared before the retreat so you know exactly what to expect.
Food and dietary needs — how does that work?
Meals are included as listed on the page. We’ll collect dietary needs after registration and do our best to accommodate common restrictions.
What is the cancellation policy?
Because of venue and vendor commitments, registrations are non-refundable. If you can’t attend, you may be able to transfer your spot to another person with prior approval.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes for indoor training + outdoor time, layers (mountain temps change fast), walking shoes, a refillable water bottle, and anything you like for evening downtime (journal, sweater, etc.). A full packing guide will be sent after registration.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
You can reach us at [email protected] with any further questions.
A Glimpse Into the Retreat Experience: 2025 Empower, Advocate, Transform Retreat
The best way to understand what makes this retreat different is to see it. Below are a few snapshots from our 2025 retreat that capture the energy, learning, and community you’ll experience when you join us in 2026.
Learning in Action
Our sessions are designed for engagement, not passive listening. Small-group discussions, interactive workshops, and problem-solving challenges helped participants put ideas into practice right away. Every activity was built to translate directly back to their work as BCBAs, creating real, lasting impact.
Connection & Community
Transformation doesn’t just happen in sessions — it happens around the dinner table, in hallway conversations, and by the fire late at night. Shared meals and casual moments gave participants the chance to connect deeply, building relationships and support networks that continue well beyond the retreat.
Play & Creativity
We believe growth should be joyful. Games, puzzles, and creative activities sparked laughter, strengthened collaboration, and offered fresh perspectives on the challenges we face in the field. These playful moments reminded us that learning can be both serious and fun.
Looking Ahead
These are just glimpses of what’s possible when a group of passionate BCBAs comes together. The 2026 retreat will build on this foundation — with new activities, deeper conversations, and more opportunities to grow together.
Growing Together: Practical, Ethical Solutions for Stalled Progress
An intimate CEU retreat for BCBAs® in Asheville, NC
© 2025 Master ABA All rights reserved.