There’s a moment many of us eventually meet.

Sometimes it arrives quietly.

Sometimes it comes all at once.

A job ends.

A role shifts.

A title disappears

And suddenly the question underneath everything surfaces:

Who am I when the thing I build my identity around is no longer there? This weekend is an invitation to explore that question with curiosity rather than urgency.

Hosted by Gillian Zettler, founder of The Drop In, and Kristen Forno of Life Threading, this immersive retreat blends movement, guided inquiry, and facilitated conversation designed to help participants reconnect with the deeper threads of who they are beyond their work, roles, and responsibilities. Over the course of the weekend, we’ll explore identity not as something fixed, but as something alive and evolving.

Together we’ll ask:

    •    What parts of your identity were built by expectation?

    •    What parts feel most true to you?

    •    What happens when a chapter closes — and who are you when it does?

Through somatic movement, reflective exercises, storytelling, and small-group dialogue, participants will be guided through a process of gently untangling identity from achievement, and reconnecting with the parts of themselves that may have been waiting quietly beneath the surface.

The setting helps.

Vermont in the summer invites a slower pace.

The mountains remind us that seasons change, and that transformation doesn’t require forcing.

Expect:

• grounding movement and somatic practice

• guided identity mapping exercises

• reflective writing and conversation

• shared meals and unique moments in nature

• space to consider what comes next

This retreat isn’t about reinventing yourself overnight.

It’s about giving yourself the rare gift of time, perspective, and thoughtful company while you explore the next chapter of who you are becoming.

Who This Is For:

This experience is especially meaningful for people navigating transitions:

• leaving or redefining a career

• stepping out of a major role or leadership position

• shifting identities as founders, parents, or creators

• anyone asking deeper questions about purpose and direction

What You Might Leave With:

Not a perfectly packaged answer.

But something better:

• language for the version of yourself that is emerging

• clarity around what still feels true

• a renewed relationship with identity as something that can evolve

Hosted By:

Gillian Zettler

Founder of The Drop In and longtime movement facilitator, Gillian’s work explores how movement, music, and community help us reconnect to ourselves and each other.

Kristen Forno

Founder of Life Threading, Kristen helps individuals and organizations explore identity, narrative, and the patterns that shape the stories we live inside.

Together they bring a blend of somatic experience and narrative exploration to guide participants through this weekend of thoughtful inquiry.

The Drop In’s Mat class is an opening, powerful, community-driven practice accessible to all levels. Expect a cathartic movement experience—a fluid blend of repetitious movement, bursts of cardio, and sculpting work. Grounded in somatic principles, this class is about connection, balance, acceptance, and inclusivity. It’s not yoga, Pilates, or HIIT, and it’s not just for experts—it’s an expansive, freeing, and communal experience, always set to purposeful music that drives both momentum and release.

Food is a big part of the experience—unhurried, locally inspired, and always nourishing. Each day begins and ends with thoughtfully prepared meals, whether enjoyed around the table at home or out in southern Vermont’s cozy cafés and chef-led kitchens. Breakfast and dinner are included daily, with time built in to explore the area’s culinary gems at your own pace. (Remember, Vermont was green before green was cool!)

All dietary needs are welcome. Just let us know at checkout.

Perched on a private hilltop with sweeping views of Okemo Mountain and the village of Ludlow, this newly renovated retreat is equal parts cozy sanctuary and spacious gathering place. Just five minutes from the slopes and two minutes from town, the multi-acre property feels worlds away—tucked among the trees with a panoramic vista that shifts with the seasons.

The estate features two distinct homes: a four-bedroom Lodge with an open-concept kitchen, sunlit dining space, inviting living room, and a basement game room perfect for winding down. Just steps away, the five-bedroom Carriage House offers multiple lounge areas, a full kitchen, and room to spread out—with cozy nooks for good conversation, shared stories, or simply watching the mountains fade into dusk.

A seasonal pool and plenty of outdoor space round out the experience, creating a perfect backdrop for slow mornings, fireside evenings, and everything in between.

Founded in 2023 by Gillian Zettler and Chandler Frisbie in Charleston, South Carolina, The Drop In is a vessel for experiences that move people toward each other.

Rooted in transparency, curiosity, and compassion, we design programming and spaces for the human pollinators: those who are curious and want to contribute. Our work spans movement and gatherings, built with the belief that impact doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting.

In summer 2025, The Drop In will open its first contemporary community movement studio. Nestled on upper King Street, this (literal) home will host a weekly schedule of multidisciplinary classes, pop-ups, and special events.

Bookings are first come, first served and are sold by the individual. Occupancy per room is noted in the room descriptions. Please be mindful of room type by occupancy, as pricing is listed per person, and the price will vary by occupancy.  If you are traveling with a friend or loved one and want to room together, you can note this request during registration.

Booking Best Practices

• If you are traveling with someone else and are managing and paying for your party’s entire reservation: Determine the double occupancy room you would like to book; when prompted, select (2) from the quantity dropdown; this will reserve the entire room under one participant. You will be prompted to pay both deposits at the time of booking and will see the full cost of the room for two people at checkout. Please note that if you see only (1) available in the dropdown for a double occupancy room, someone has already booked one of the two available spaces, and only one space remains in this specific room.
• If you are traveling with someone else and want to ensure you book the same room but are managing and paying for reservations separately: Coordinate with your travel companion and determine the double occupancy room you would like to book; when prompted, select (1) from the quantity dropdown and complete the reservation on behalf of yourself. The other member of your party will do the same, reserving the other (1) remaining spot in the selected room.
• If you are traveling alone and want to ensure a private room: Solo travelers wishing to have a private room can book any of the available single occupancy rooms.

If you are traveling alone and want a shared space: If you would like to share a room with another retreat guest, you may book (1) space in a double occupancy room. We will then work to fill the other bed with another solo retreat guest.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Secure your spot with a $350 initial deposit. Payment plans are available.

Cancellation Policy

The Drop In does not offer refunds for any reason. 

Should you need to cancel before August 1, 2025, you will not be responsible for the remainder of your payment. However, you will not be reimbursed for past payments.

Should you need to cancel on or after August 1, 2025, the remainder of your payments must be paid in full.

The Drop In is not responsible for your expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled retreat such as airline tickets, loss of work, and/or other costs associated with preparing for your trip. By booking and confirming your spot, you have agreed and confirmed that the payment is non-refundable. 

Payment Plan Terms and Conditions

All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If a payment is 7 business days late, the package is subject to a $50 admin fee. Should a payment be more than 10 days late, The Drop In has the right to cancel the package.

1. Who can attend this retreat?

Our retreats are for everyone! It doesn't matter what your age, gender, race, weight, height, flexibility, or level of experience is – the practice of movement is for every single being. New to spin or somatic practice? We all have to start somewhere, and retreats are the perfect space to start and/or grow your practice. Don't worry about how advanced others may be and remember this journey is yours. Take time and be patient with yourself. If you're new, let us know so we can make sure our teachers are prepped to assist you. 

2. I've never participated in a retreat before and I don't have anyone to go with. Can I come alone?

Of course! Before you go, we are here to guide you and get you prepared as much as possible for this retreat and travel experience. You may come alone, but you'll end up leaving with a community of like-minded people who will forever be connected through this experience. 

3. What do I need to pack?

We'll send you a guide of what to pack and bring two weeks prior to the departure date. 

4. Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, once you've paid the deposit amount, the remainder of your balance can be split and paid on a payment plan. You can set up your installments once you book your reservation and pay your initial deposit. 

5. What airport do I fly into?

To take advantage of The Drop In’s ground transportation arrangements, you must fly into Albany, NY. Please reach out to The Drop In for recommended flight times that will support ground transportation. If you arrive or depart outside of the requested window or fly into an alternate airport you will be responsible for your own ground transportation. Expect approximately a 1.5 hour drive each way.

6. How do I get to the house from the airport? Am I responsible for this cost?

To take advantage of The Drop In’s ground transportation arrangements, you must fly into Albany, NY. Please reach out to The Drop In for recommended flight times that will support ground transportation. If you arrive or depart outside of the requested window or fly into an alternate airport you will be responsible for your own ground transportation. Expect approximately a 1.5 hour drive each way.

Should you choose to fly into a different airport, opt for a different travel time, or coordinate your own ground transportation, you will be responsible for that cost.