Caregiver Wellness: Brain, Body & Boundaries
Is a partial scholarship for you?
We believe in making personal growth and education accessible to everyone, which is why we offer partial scholarships on a needs-aware basis for many of our programs.
These scholarships support individuals facing financial challenges, including — but not limited to — members of underrepresented communities. If financial stress might prevent you from attending a workshop, we encourage you to apply.
Partial scholarships, provided through the Association for Growth and Education, are limited to 2–3 seats per workshop and reviewed in the order received. We recommend applying as soon as possible, as scholarship decisions are typically confirmed 90–120 days before the workshop date.
Barbara Kreisman
Founder, PurposefulAging.org | Leader of The Wisdom Group | Author & Advocate for Soulful Aging and Caregiving
Briony Catlow
Neuroscientist | Aging Researcher | Director, Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging
Dr. Paula Enrietto, Ph.D.
Passionate educator and advocate
Caregiver Burnout Is Real. Learn How to Care for Yourself While Caring for Others.
When you’re caring for someone – especially a loved one facing cognitive decline – your own needs can disappear.
Fatigue builds. Decisions pile up. Stress seeps into your body, your perspective, your identity. You’re not just tired. You’re carrying guilt, burnout, and the risk of your own health breaking down.
Caregiving drains emotional reserves and can accelerate your own decline if left unchecked.
This workshop is for caregivers – whether you're caring for a loved one or caring for others as your work – who want to protect their brain, body, and future while continuing to show up for those who need you
Led by University of Denver neuroscientist Briony Catlow, PhD (BRY-nee), purposeful aging expert Barbara Kreisman, PhD, and aging innovator Paula Enrietto, PhD, this three-day intensive at MEA Santa Fe will help you:
Together, Briony, Barb, and Paula bring the science, systems, and soul of caregiving into one shared conversation – helping you clarify what matters, honor your limits, and move through this chapter with resilience and intention.
Meet
Briony Catlow, PhD
Neuroscientist | Aging Researcher | Director, Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging
Dr. Briony Catlow helps people understand what’s really happening in the aging brain and what they can do about it. As a neuroscientist specializing in brain aging, neurodegeneration, and healthspan, she translates cutting-edge research into real-world practices that improve cognitive resilience.
Briony’s work spans sleep science, nutritional neuroscience, and the emerging links between chronic stress and neurodegeneration. But what sets her apart is how she brings that data down to earth, empowering caregivers with tools to protect their own cognitive health while supporting others through decline.
Meet
Barbara Kreisman, PhD
Founder, PurposefulAging.org | Leader of The Wisdom Group | Author & Advocate for Soulful Aging and Caregiving
Barbara Kreisman is a seasoned guide through the emotional complexity of caregiving and aging.
Drawing on her experience founding and leading PurposefulAging.org, she helps caregivers navigate grief, guilt, and identity shifts with clarity and compassion.
A longtime MEA contributor and former business school professor, Barb blends personal experience, evidence-informed insight, and soulful connection to help participants reclaim their voice and values in the midst of life’s hardest transitions.
Meet
Dr. Paula Enrietto, PhD
Passionate Educator & Advocate
Dr. Paula Enrietto, Ph.D. began her career as an academic scientist conducting oncology research, but her life’s path was deeply shaped by her role as a caregiver within her large, close-knit family. When her mother became ill, Paula experienced firsthand the challenges of long-distance caregiving and ultimately relocated to provide hands-on support during her mother’s final years. This transformative experience inspired a career shift into senior healthcare.
Paula served as Executive Director of independent living at Balfour Senior Living in Louisville, Colorado, where she quickly recognized the need for personalized, high-quality home care and care management services. In response, she acquired AffirmiCare, a company with a 17-year legacy of supporting individuals with cognitive and physical challenges. Under her leadership, AffirmiCare continues to deliver compassionate, client-centered care to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers.
A passionate educator and advocate, Dr. Enrietto believes that education is key to “enhancing independence during life challenges.” She served as President of the Louisville Senior Foundation, which provided heat relief to vulnerable seniors, and has worked in medical missions for Advent Health Global Missions in Rwanda, Lesotho, Nepal, and Peru. She serves on the board of Hover Senior Living and the Knobel Institute of Healthy Aging at the University of Denver.
Supported By the MEA Team
Daniel 'DL' Landes
Experience Facilitator
Before joining MEA, Daniel “DL” Landes spent decades as a restauranteur, author, and publisher. As the owner of multiple restaurants in Denver, CO – and then a hostel in Mexico – he dedicated himself to creating environments where people could work out their humanity while eating and drinking (which i ...
View BioThis Workshop Is For You If…
What You'll Gain
A science-backed understanding of how caregiving impacts your brain, body, and long-term health and what you can do about it
A personalized roadmap to preserve your cognitive vitality, emotional well-being, and resilience
Concrete tools for setting boundaries, reducing guilt, and reclaiming a sense of agency in your caregiving role
Practical tools to advocate effectively in medical systems and reduce the chances of misdiagnosis for your loved one.
Clarity on available care options, support systems, and how to advocate for yourself and your loved one
Vetted toolkit of resources, questions, and frameworks to help you navigate hard decisions with more confidence
Our Agenda at a Glance
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
4:00 PM: Arrival / Check-In
5:30 PM: Welcome Reception & Dinner
7:00 PM: Orientation Session
9:00 PM: Free Time
Friday:
7:30 AM: Mind + Body
8:30 AM: Breakfast
10:00 AM: Classroom Time
1:15 PM: Lunch
2:00 PM: Free Time
3:00 PM: Classroom Time
6:30 PM: Dinner
Saturday:
7:30 AM: Mind + Body
8:30 AM: Breakfast
10:00 AM: Classroom Time
1:15 PM: Lunch
2:00 PM: Free Time
3:00 PM: Classroom Time
6:30 PM: Dinner, Dessert & Graduation
8:00 PM: Evening Gathering
Sunday:
7:00 AM: Breakfast
10:00 AM: Checkout / Departure
*Please note that not all “classroom time” activities take place in the actual classroom.
*Please note all times are estimates as some activities go longer or shorter depending on the group. This agenda is meant to give you an idea of the general flow of activities.
Step into transformation in the high desert
Rising Circle Ranch | Santa Fe, USA.
Our spectacular Santa Fe campus is located on an upscale regenerative ranch featuring traditional Pueblo architecture and nearly 2,600 acres of wildlife, hiking trails in the arroyo, and awe-inspiring beauty. Close to historic Santa Fe, an artisan’s mecca.
PLUS: Gourmet from-scratch meals, snacks, and drinks featuring locally sourced ingredients, made by our in-house chefs
Explore the ranch
on horseback
Our Rising Circle Ranch spans 2,600 acres of New Mexico high desert, offering guided horseback riding for all experience levels through diverse terrains under the vast Southwest sky
You’ll experience highlights like:
Horseback riding is an optional add-on activity you can book once you arrive on the ranch. Whether you’re seasoned or brand new to horseback adventures, this guided experience lets you discover the ranch’s natural wonders alongside our gentle horses.
Your Workshop Also Includes:
Caregivers Are Burning Out – and Most Don’t Know Where to Turn
Caregiving is one of life’s hardest roles. Too many carry it alone – overwhelmed, isolated, and exhausted. While pouring everything into others, their own health and sense of self quietly erode.
This workshop is a reset.
Step out of the swirl of grief, guilt, and burnout. Get grounded with evidence-based practices and the support of experts who understand the toll caregiving takes.
With Dr. Briony Catlow, Dr. Barbara Kreisman, and Dr. Paula Enrietto, you’ll explore how caregiving impacts your brain, body, and spirit – and what you can do to protect yourself now.
The earlier you equip yourself with the right tools, the better off you and your loved ones will be.
You’ll walk away with:
This isn’t about just getting through. It’s about protecting your health, reclaiming your energy, and staying yourself while caring for the people you love.
Book Your Spot Today
Caregiver Wellness: Brain, Body & Boundaries
Is a partial scholarship for you?
We believe in making personal growth and education accessible to everyone, which is why we offer partial scholarships on a needs-aware basis for many of our programs.
These scholarships support individuals facing financial challenges, including — but not limited to — members of underrepresented communities. If financial stress might prevent you from attending a workshop, we encourage you to apply.
Partial scholarships, provided through the Association for Growth and Education, are limited to 2–3 seats per workshop and reviewed in the order received. We recommend applying as soon as possible, as scholarship decisions are typically confirmed 90–120 days before the workshop date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly will I take home from this workshop?
- Caregiver self-care toolkit (printed and digital)
- Science-based strategies to protect your health under pressure
- Curated list of support resources and questions to ask medical professionals
- A resilient mindset anchored in clarity, boundaries, and grounded support
What if I can’t leave my caregiving responsibilities for three days?
We recognize this is a real challenge. If this workshop feels essential, we encourage you to explore financial aid and reach out to your network for help. If attending isn’t feasible right now, we’d love to help with a shorter or virtual pathway in the future.
Will I be overwhelmed by medical or scientific jargon?
Nope. Briony Catlow and Barbara Kreisman balance solid science with accessible, real-world tools. Everything is grounded in practicality, so you can focus on what actually helps without feeling lost in the details.
Will this just feel like one more thing to do?
Not at all. We intentionally build in space to pause, reflect, and breathe. You’ll leave with strategies you can start using immediately – not just ideas, but small, sustainable shifts that support your wellness and clarity.
Do I need to be a caregiver right now to benefit?
No. As long as you are in a caregiving role or anticipate one, this workshop offers proactive tools and insights. It’s ideal whether you’re just starting out, in the thick of it, or recovering from caregiving burnout.
What’s different about this workshop compared to other caregiving courses?
This isn’t a caregiver support group or a clinical webinar. It combines neuroscience-informed tools with emotional wisdom and group connection. You’ll gain brain health strategies, caregiving clarity, and a renewed sense of self in a grounded, practical format.
I’m a nurse/doctor/healthcare worker – is this relevant for me?
Absolutely. While most participants are caring for loved ones, the science, tools, and support will apply to professional caregivers too. You’ll gain research-backed strategies to protect your own cognitive health, set sustainable boundaries, and build resilience against compassion fatigue, all while connecting with others who understand the unique weight of caregiving work.
Still deciding or have questions?
Connect with our helpful team of Advisors
Our Advisors are all MEA alumni who can offer genuine insights into our programs. They’re passionate about helping you finding the right fit to make your next chapter the best one.
Daniel Booz
Lucas Erie
Leslie Bartlett