30: Life After Quitting My Job & All Of Our New Travel and Mindfulness Services For Families
Introduction
After a transformative decision to leave a 13-year career in engineering, Monica, the founder of Wanderwild Family Retreats and Wand(HER)wild, reflects on her journey and the exciting new offerings for conscious family travel and connection. With a clear vision for intentional motherhood and aligned living, Monica is carving a path that merges purpose, presence, and passion.
Slowing Down to Reconnect
Seven months into her transition from a high-powered corporate career to full-time entrepreneurship, Monica is embracing a new pace of life. The slower mornings, quieter phone, increased presence with her children, and a clearer mind have become hallmarks of her reimagined lifestyle. Monica shares that the leap wasn’t without uncertainty, but the emotional parallels with motherhood—moments of euphoria and surrender—have helped guide her.
Her reflections are deeply rooted in intentionality, acknowledging that the path she’s walking now was laid down slowly over time: countless journal entries, vision boards, and mind mapping that paved the way for what’s materializing today. From building a dream business to living with more rhythm and ease, this shift has become a profound act of self-alignment.
The Evolution of Wanderwild Family Retreats
Monica began Wanderwild Family Retreats in 2021 while working full-time and juggling two pregnancies. What started as a dream in the margins of motherhood and a corporate career is now a thriving, values-led business focused on conscious parenting, wellness, and curated experiences for modern families. With her full attention now on Wanderwild, Monica has expanded its reach with several new offerings designed to meet the evolving needs of mothers and families.
1. Seasonal Mother and Child Retreats (Catskills, New York)
The beloved seasonal retreats are continuing stronger than ever. The upcoming Summer 2025 Mother and Child Retreat in the Catskills, NY is a cornerstone offering designed for mothers and their children to connect through nature immersion, rituals, and mindful living. With only a few spots left, Monica invites mothers looking for depth, ease, and community to consider this soul-nourishing experience.
These retreats have grown in depth, supported by a passionate team and ever-evolving programming rooted in collective feedback. Monica emphasizes that every detail—from accommodations to activities—has been co-created with the input of past retreat participants, reflecting a community-driven approach to experience design.
2. Private Family Retreats (Worldwide)
Recognizing the need for more personalized, multigenerational family options, Wanderwild Family Retreats is now offering private family retreats. Designed for groups of 20 or more, these bespoke retreats are ideal for extended families, friend groups, or even milestone celebrations.
Monica crafts each private retreat with the same intentionality and wellness-forward approach that defines the Wanderwild ethos. Think: luxury villas, holistic activities for all ages, nourishing meals, and immersive cultural experiences without the overwhelm or stress of logistics. Families seeking alternatives to traditional all-inclusives or crowded cruise ships will find these retreats to be a mindful, restorative, and elevated alternative. Bookings are now open.
3. Family Travel Planning Services (Worldwide)
Wanderwild Family Retreats is also debuting custom family travel planning, designed for smaller family units who desire curated, conscious travel experiences without the need for a large group.
With over 80 countries under her belt, Monica is bringing her travel expertise to families who want deeper, more enriching adventures. Whether it’s an Andalusian road trip in Spain, a nature-based stay in Costa Rica, or a food-and-culture immersion in Greece, each itinerary is crafted to balance wellness, culture, and comfort.
From selecting boutique accommodations to booking age-appropriate activities, Monica handles all the details—creating an itinerary that supports both exploration and rejuvenation. Bookings are now open.
4. Digital Drop-In Events & Wand(HER)wild Community
For those who prefer to connect virtually, Monica is expanding the Wand(HER)wild digital space. From cacao circles and seasonal rituals to breathwork and parenting workshops, the online events are rooted in the same energy as the in-person retreats—bringing sacred connection and intentional conversation into mothers’ everyday lives.
Upcoming events include:
Cacao Circle with Ana
Pilates Yoga Fusion with Tommie
Breathwork Experience with Lucia
Mindful Travel Workshop with Monica
Drop-ins and six-month passes are available. The platform allows for live or on-demand participation, with accessible, high-quality audio/visual guides.
5. The Podcast: The Wand(HER)wild Podcast
The Wand(HER)wild Podcast now airs twice a week and has become Monica’s favorite medium for storytelling and connecting. The podcast touches on motherhood, personal development, feminine spirituality, and seasonal rhythms.
Listeners can expect:
Conversations with like-minded moms
Tips for conscious living and mindful parenting
Rituals and meditations
Travel insights and real-life stories
Episodes are available on Apple and Spotify.
How to Get Involved
To support community feedback and deepen personal connections, Monica encourages listeners and readers to reply to emails or book a virtual coffee chat. Whether you’re curious about upcoming retreats or want to brainstorm a custom trip, the team is always open to meaningful conversations.
Final Thoughts
In a world that often moves too fast, Monica’s journey is a powerful reminder that slowing down is a radical act. Her departure from the corporate world wasn’t an ending—it was a return to rhythm, creativity, and deep purpose. Through Wanderwild Family Retreats and Wand(HER)wild, she’s extending an invitation to all mothers who are ready to do the same.
A Call to Mothers Seeking More
If this conversation resonates with you, we invite you to become part of the Wand(HER)wild community—a space where we explore self-development and mindful motherhood together.
Join the Movement
If this story resonates with you, we invite you to explore more. Visit our free resources, upcoming digital events, in person family retreats, and follow us on Substack or follow us on Instagram for conversations on self-healing and intentional living. Let’s walk this path together.
