Testimonials
Celebrating our 10th Year of Retreat Leading!

"The Moab Green River Trip was my second trip with NTN. The Green River canyon is an amazing space. For some reason I always equate the desert with lifelessness and instead found countless blooming plants, mosses and biotic soil (which is some of the most awesome symbiosis on the planet). Canyon wrens, gulls soaring like eagles, the silence, the water enveloping my heart, quieting the thoughts. I must give tribute to the women on this trip. I told my sister, "We did more in 7 days then many do in 10 years"; I carried them back in my heart. My thanks to Lisa and Jen and the mission of NTN. They sure have guided me home."
Janette Williams, Missouri

"The idea that one finds health and wholeness in the wilderness was not new to me. I had experienced it before. I could have taken a solo retreat from my busy life and gone camping alone. But then I would have missed the richness that a group of women offers. I felt buoyed by the support of the group and honored to witness the unfolding of others. Jen is a powerful leader, speaking truth from the heart in word and action. Not only did I really enjoy these eight wonder-filled days, but I am also returning home with a sense of balance and mindfulness that is carrying over into my family and workplace. Thank you." Jackie Grannis-Phoenix, Maine, August ‘05

"I draw on my experience with NTN all the time. I keep my Byron Katie book close by and have definitely benefited tremendously from my time with you and the rest of the group. As a matter of fact, one of my reflections was about whether or not I should pursue another job. I determined through reflection (at NTN) that I needed to take the plunge. I'm happy to report I did just that and was offered an incredible job...the experience of going through the decision making, interviewing, soul-searching helped reaffirm that I'm where I'm supposed to be. It's been a huge weight lifted--now that my mind isn't preoccupied with 'what ifs'." Weekend retreat participant

"This retreat was the nicest thing I have ever done for myself~no spa, cruise, concert, or travel has had the affect this week has had. I have seen beautiful places, met fascinating people, had my body pampered and my mind challenged, but none of these have given me this sense of self appreciation like the experience I had with Nurture Through Nature; I now have the determination to improve my life." SJ Kirksey, Maryland

"I so love and value the time I have been at your retreats. I have learned so much and carry so much of those times with me. In my next life, I hope I can start earlier and do more of the things and learn more of the things I am doing now.
I think you are doing such a great thing...You live what you teach. I am trying too! Thank you for being who you are. You enrich so many lives...&
Self-Care for the Givers Retreat Participant"

May 7, 2008
Dearest Jen,
I am so happy for you and the path you are on! You are a bright light and sharing your unique wisdom is a gift to those who cross paths with you. Please never question your thread in the tapestry of the Universe.
Do you remember the day I came to your sacred space and you opened my heart and mind? I do. I believe it was May 15, 2006. Prior to that experience, it was easier for me to not take responsibility for my own life, fulfilling my own destiny to be a Mom.
Well, now I look into my daughter’s eyes and remember that day vividly and I thank you for taking the veil off my eyes.
It would have been easy to step off the path of adoption, giving in to fear, financial issues, lifestyle change, whatever. But there are two events in my life that changed everything and one was the meditative experience with you. That awakening always brought me back to the essence of my soul and the knowledge that if I didn’t continue and adopt, I would regret it for the rest of my days on earth.
Julia is 20 days old today and the journey of her light finding us is a miracle...
Forever grateful to you,
Susan T

"My husband said I looked 5 years younger when I returned-I am sure it was the nourishing food, friends/leaders, and music that did it!"
Cheryle Fasano

"I have never felt so close to nature or at such peace." Linda Bedell

"Great mix of activity and quiet times. Excellent instruction on paddling and no pressure to do it right felt by this novice."
Eileen Brennan

Participant Comments:

"What I enjoyed the most was slowing down, going in and connecting with others." Lynn Deeves

"Great fun combined with deep work."

"The meditation and visualization was self-realizing for me."

"WOW, where have I been! I feel like I have been born again; like a heavy covering has been lifted!"

"Delightful~growth enhancing and just so wonderful to be outdoors as well."

"Perfect combination of all elements needed to feel safe, comfy, nurtured."

"There are no words to do justice to the transformative experience~emotional, spiritual, physical, mental! (The leaders) bring such open, nurturing energies to the process..."

"Fabulous Experience."

"Although I felt good about myself before, I now feel I am a beautiful woman with a rainbow-colored future."

"This was exactly what I needed to do for myself..."

"It is so hard to slow down and pace yourself these days and Jen's calming nature was very helpful, as well as the 'stillness' of our surroundings."

"What I enjoyed the most was the whole flow of the evening including solitary time and also sharing time with group and individuals."

"The location was ideal. A short hike up to a magnificent location for viewing both the sunset and awesome moonrise."

"I did come away for this retreat feeling renewed and re-oriented to my life and the world. I believe it will have lasting benefits and has set me on a path toward greater connection with the natural world."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you. I wish it was longer."

"So many new experiences~ yoga, guided meditations, tears...sorry I waited until I was 54 to start."

"The location seemed like a dream..."

"This whole journey is a process~by the end of the week I am able to see deeper into my inner self."

"Can’t help sharing this with you. Jennifer Deraspe is wonderful. I've had the pleasure to be in one of her classes during a Sierra Club women encampment held at Camp Veda a few years ago. She taught the Fox Walk ~ where you walk along a wooded trail bare foot and blindfolded with just a thin string to guide your way. Jennifer coaches you before the walk on what to observe and specific technique of walking sensing your forward movement with the bottom of your feet consciously placed at each step along the path."

"It's an experience I’ll remember throughout my life. I clearly recall the state of discombobulation I experienced when I took the blindfold off at the end of the path. It was as if adding back the visual changed my connection to where I was for a few moments. Moments before without sight I was forced to tune into a richer connection to the woodland path around me ~ when the blindfold came off the visual add diluted my rich connection to the woodland path around me. A most amazing exercise. Then again, you don't have to take my word for it . You can try a Nurture Through Nature adventure yourself."