Get to Know Stéphanie / Rise Up’s Retreat Manager
Ever notice how some people just get it? The ones who make everything feel calm and connected even when chaos could jump out at a moment’s notice?
That’s Stéphanie.
She’s the heart and grounding force behind every Rise Up retreat. The one weaving together all the moving parts so guests can drop in and truly be present. Whether managing logistics or leading a soul-soothing yoga class, Stéphanie brings intuition, empathy and creative spark to everything she touches.
In this interview, she shares what connection really means, how curiosity keeps her grounded and why flow starts with paying attention.
Let’s get to know the woman behind the calm.
Hey Stéphanie! Thanks for chatting with us. Can you tell our readers what a retreat manager actually does and how you bring such a high level of care into every retreat?
As a retreat manager at Rise Up, I take care of everything from the moment someone books until they’re back home… airport transfers, meals, schedules, activities, you name it!
My job is to make sure all those moving parts come together so guests can truly unplug and be present. If little hiccups happen, I quietly smooth them out so no one feels the stress.
At the same time, I’m tuned into the group’s emotional flow.
Reading the energy, adjusting the pace and making sure everyone feels supported. It’s a mix of logistics and intuition that keeps everything flowing with ease.
You grew up between cultures in Montreal. How has that shaped the way you connect with people now?
Growing up between cultures gave me an early sense of how layered people are. How we can belong to many worlds at once.
It made me attuned to subtle things like tone, body language and energy, because connection isn’t always about words.
I think that’s why I love creating spaces where people feel seen and safe to be fully themselves, no matter their background.
You’ve surfed and traveled all over the world. Was there a moment or place that really shifted the way you see the world?
Yes. India, without a doubt.
I spent a few months there when I was 21, traveling solo (to my parents’ horror haha). The culture shock was intense. Everything was louder, brighter, more alive than I’d ever known.
But what stayed with me most was the generosity.
I met people who had so little yet shared everything… their food, stories and time. It shifted something deep in me. I realized abundance isn’t about what you have but how open your heart is.
You also speak three languages! Do you feel like each one brings out a different side of you?
Absolutely! Speaking three languages feels like moving through the world in different rhythms.
Sometimes they blend effortlessly, sometimes they surprise me, but they always make life more interesting.
Your yoga classes lean toward the spiritual side. What does that look or feel like in practice?
My yoga classes are quite immersive. I weave in guided meditations and reflective phrases that invite people to pause and look inward.
Sometimes I use oracle cards. And I always curate music that matches the energy in the room. The ambiance matters to me… incense, calming scents, even cold towels at just the right moment.
I love creating a space where people can relax, reflect and feel held.
Learn more about how to cultivate mindset and mental clarity post-retreat.
Do you have any little rituals before teaching or when a retreat kicks off? Or even morning rituals you love?
Between retreats, I have this little ritual I call my “everything shower”.
Especially when retreats are back-to-back, it’s my way of washing off the energy of the last group so I can welcome the next one with fresh energy.
It’s a complete wash, exfoliation, shave, hair mask… the whole thing! Feels like hitting reset every time.
You’re also involved in Rise Up’s illustrations and design. Where does your creative spark come from?
Creativity’s always been part of me. Since I was a kid drawing, painting, playing piano, singing, dancing… anything I could turn into art.
Working on Rise Up’s visuals feels like a natural extension of that. A way to weave all those creative threads into something that speaks to people.
What does “connection” look like for you at Rise Up? Is there a moment that stands out?
Connection at Rise Up is that magical moment when people open up, inspire each other and you can feel the energy shift.
One memory that sticks is seeing someone step into their confidence after meeting such inspiring people. It’s like a spark lights up not just in them but in everyone around.
That shared curiosity, vulnerability and joy is what makes connection feel so alive and unforgettable.
Is there a lesson from your childhood that still shows up in how you live today?
Definitely! One lesson that’s stayed with me is to stay curious and keep exploring.
Whether it was sneaking around my neighborhood, trying new art projects or asking a million questions. That sense of wonder still guides me today and keeps life full of surprises.
What’s something guests might not know about you but should?
People might not know that I’ve worn a lot of hats. From the corporate world to being a lifeguard, a 911 dispatcher and more.
All those experiences taught me how to adapt, stay calm under pressure and connect with all kinds of people.
Quick fire!
- Last song on repeat: Me lo Merezco by Elena Rose
- Dream dinner guest: Madonna. Hands down
- Go-to post-surf snack: Honestly, anything. I’m a food lover and anything tasty makes me happy
- One thing you never travel without: My emotional support sleep mask haha! If I forget it, panic mode is activated
- Sunrise or sunset: A day I get both is perfect. But truthfully, I’m not an early bird… so sunset for sure
