First Responder Wellness Retreat
August 28-30, 2026
This conference is currently full. To join the waitlist, email us or call at 800.460.4401 ext. 246
This First Responder Wellness Retreat is a well-rounded program led by trained facilitators from Faith & Grief Ministries in partnership with Misty Ely, a veteran and first-responder specific trauma specialist. It is designed to address the unique grief that comes with such a demanding role. The retreat balances facilitated discussion, spiritual practice, and free time, and the spiritual aspect is approachable rather than church-like—people of all backgrounds are encouraged to participate.
This is one of two new events for First Responders hosted by Mo-Ranch as a way to say “thank you” for sharing your time and talents with our community, especially following the July 4th flooding.
What qualifies as a First Responder?
We are reaching beyond the traditional definition of First Responder, recognizing that other people were thrust into roles as first responders for our July 4th disaster. First responders participating may be employed or volunteer first responders, as well as school counselors, bus drivers, Search & Rescue personnel, community members, etc. who were called into acts of service. First Responders are not required to have served the Kerr County community to be a part of this retreat.
Have questions? Reach out to our Programs Department at 800.460.4401 x246
First Responder Wellness Retreat Leadership
Charles Kiser (he/him) is a pastor, theologian, and certified trauma-informed coach. He is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of The Healing Collective, an organization that creates spaces for healing religious trauma and equipping faith leaders in trauma-responsive care. Kiser is also the author of Becoming a Wounded Healer: Three Foundations for Trauma-Responsive Spiritual Care and co-author of Trauma-Informed Evangelism: Cultivating Communities of Wounded Healers. He and his wife have three kids and live in the Dallas area with their frenetic Boston Terrier, Gus.
Misty Ely, EdD, LCSW, MHPS, PSS, currently works in several areas, including clinical social work, as a CEU training provider, and as a certified training entity for the Texas Certification Board for Peer programs; she also owns her own company, The Compass Initiative. She is an Adjunct professor at East Texas A&M University in its MSW program and a published author. After serving nine years on active duty in the Marine Corps, she has worked in several capacities, including therapist for domestic violence/sexual assault victims, substance abuse prevention/education, suicide prevention/education (overseas), federal officer (federal prison) and a probation officer in Texas.
Dr. Ely has specialized training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) for the treatment of PTSD in adults and children. She received her Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health/Veterans Services from the University of Southern California. She also has a Master’s degree in Behavioral Medicine/Health Psychology from Northcentral University. Her love of academia led her to a Doctorate in Education in Community Counseling with an emphasis in Traumatology from Liberty.
Rev. Diane Pennington (CSD) is a Certified Spiritual Director, specializing in grief work. Her BA degree in counseling psychology focused on working with special populations.
Diane is a graduate of One Spirit Interfaith Seminary and is ordained as an Interfaith/Interspiritual minister. Her ministry focuses on better listening to and accompanying people from multiple faith traditions and spiritual seekers. Diane is a longtime Presbyterian (PCUSA) and has served as an ordained elder and deacon.
Her personal ministry includes serving through Faith & Grief Ministries as a senior grief educator and workshop facilitator throughout North Texas.
Shelley Craig is the program director for Faith & Grief, a multi-faith nonprofit that provides online and in-person grief support programs. She is an ordained Elder in the PCUSA, a certified grief educator, and holds a master’s in Education. She believes our suffering needs to be witnessed and that sharing our stories with others is essential to our grieving process. As a former ministry professional, she understands how personal and community grief over tragedies can impact our congregations and individuals.
This retreat is provided at no charge to participants. Registration includes tuition, meals and housing.
If there are questions regarding your registration, a member of our team will contact you to confirm additional details such as housing requests (roommates), dietary needs, etc. Otherwise, you’ll receive a “good to know prior to arrival” email two weeks prior to your event.
· Hotel housing (two queen/full beds with a private bath)
Transportation
Mo-Ranch is 90 miles one-way, or a 2-hour drive from the nearest airport (SAT), allow 3 hours travel/check-in time for departures. We recommend generally scheduling arriving flights before 3 p.m. and departing flights after 3 p.m. to be sure you do not miss any of your event. If you need shuttle service to Mo-Ranch, call Kars for Hire in Kerrville at (830) 890-8200 at least 15 days in advance to arrange transportation from San Antonio International Airport. Click here for directions to Mo.
Packing Suggestions
We encourage guests to dress comfortably during your stay.
· Comfortable/casual clothes
· Comfortable walking shoes (close-toed shoes recommended)
· Flashlight (it is very dark here at night)
· Toiletries
· Sunblock, sunshades and hats
· Rain jacket
· Refillable water bottle
· Beds are ready upon arrive; rooms do not have mini-fridges, microwaves, TVs or hair dryers, so please plan accordingly.
· Towel are in rooms, and river towels are at the river and pool.
Trading Post Gift Shop
Make sure to stop by the Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly gift shop during your weekend to pick out a souvenir!
General Notes
· Hotel rooms are equipped with bed linens, bath towels. River and pool towels are available at those locations.
· Coffee is available 24/7 in the Mabee Registration Building.
· Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided for guests.
· There is no public consumption of alcohol at Mo-Ranch. You are welcome to enjoy your adult beverages in your rented spaces.
· The front desk is staffed from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. daily (at the latest), and a manager on duty is available after these hours.
· If you have an after-hours emergency, please call the Manager on Duty at 1.800.460.4401. You’ll be connected to a live answering service that will connect you to our Manager on Duty.
Questions
We’re happy to help! For questions regarding your event registration, please contact the Mo-Ranch Program Office at 800.460.4401 x246 or programs@moranch.com.
