Wellness at WildHeart
Sessions by: Maria Bacha, Nikita Patel, Lillian Kemanis
February 7 & 8, 2026
Join us for a weekend of Wellness Sessions at WildHeart!
Three skilled practitioners will be offering a variety of sessions for you to choose from throughout the weekend. Whether you’re looking to connect more deeply with your body, recenter your mind, release built-up tension, restore safety within your nervous system, or find a sense of inner clarity, our practitioners each bring their own unique expertise in facilitation and guidance.
Browse each practitioner below and select the session(s) that resonates with you.
You’re welcome to book with one practitioner or multiple practitioners.
Schedule
Sessions will run on Saturday February 7 from 10am-7pm, and Sunday February 8 from 10am-7pm.
Option to stay overnight at WildHeart before or after – come early or stay late. Reach out to us at [email protected] to confirm your stay.
BIPOC spots
Each practitioner is offering one 25% discounted spot for BIPOC folx. Please select BIPOC Spot from the Pricing drop down to use one.
Somatic Osteopathy
with Maria Bacha, D.O.
Osteopath & Somatic Therapist
Maria offers integrative hands-on care for people and families navigating complex pain, grief, or pivotal life moments.
Moving Towards Safety
with Nikita Patel
Co-created experiences of safety utilizing movement, touch, voice and mind to help bring presence and awareness to what is alive in the body in any given moment. In this context, thinking of safety as the foundation for curiosity to explore, try, fail, learn – to reimagine new horizons. The session might unfold as a yoga class, a somatic movement exploration, talking and feeling into our bodies or all of the above.
Somatic Therapy
with Lillian Kemanis
Somatic Therapy is an invitation to reconnect with the wisdom of your living body through feeling, sensation, and embodied imagination. In these sessions, we create safety within the nervous system so you can expand your capacity to live fully. These sessions offer a soft place to land—where you’re guided inward to sense, feel, and open the subconscious terrain that shapes your inner world.
Session Descriptions
Maria Bacha is an osteopath and somatic therapist offering integrative, hands-on care for people and families navigating complex pain, trauma, or seasons of change.
People come to Maria when something in their body or life won’t quite settle or move forward. Pain that keeps returning. Tension that doesn’t fully release. Fatigue that makes everything harder. Emotional overwhelm. Repeating patterns of injury, illness, or loss.
For some, this shows up during major transitions or decisions—changes in relationship, work, or home. These are often crossroads of life direction when extra support is needed.
Many who seek this work already have experience with therapy, bodywork, movement, meditation, or medical care. They value collaboration and nuance, and are drawn to holistic support that can be with both physical and emotional experience together.
What we would do together — and how this work is unique
- Listen locally and globally — We begin with what’s most present; where you feel pain, overwhelm, or stuck—while also listening to the body and experience as a whole.Â
- Connect the pattern — Maria has a gift for seeing how things are linked beneath the surface. She helps connect the dots between the physical and emotional, between past and present.Â
- Make an atomic adjustment — Maria facilitates precise adjustments — through refined touch, focused attention, and a new experience —so you become more aligned on multiple levels. These “atomic shifts” allow protective patterns to soften, ease to return, and new options to emerge, without force or bypass.Â
A unique part of Maria’s work is her recognition of the lasting impressions of early experience. She is fluent in baby body language and attuned to how the body holds memory over time. This perspective informs her work with adults, and she also works directly with babies, children, teens, and families—meeting the deepest needs of the child at any age.
Who’s This For?
People living with persistent pain or tension that keeps returning
Highly sensitive people whose nervous systems carry stress deeply
Artists and dancers working with injury, conditioning, or frustration in expression.Â
Those in major life transitions such as fertility, pregnancy, postpartum or recent loss.
Parents seeking support for themselves or concern for their children (young or adult).Â
Co-created experiences of safety utilizing movement, touch, voice and mind to help bring presence and awareness to what is alive in the body in any given moment. In this context, thinking of safety as the foundation for curiosity to explore, try, fail and learn – in all aspects of life. The session might unfold as a yoga class, a somatic movement exploration, talking and feeling into our bodies or all of the above.
Somatic Therapy is an invitation to reconnect with the wisdom of your living body through feeling, sensation, and embodied imagination. In these sessions, we create safety within the nervous system so you can expand your capacity to live fully. These sessions offer a soft place to land—where you’re guided inward to sense, feel, and open the subconscious terrain that shapes your inner world.
As a Registered Somatic Movement Educator & Therapist, Lillian centers the body as the primary source of awareness. Through the subtlety of attention, movement, touch, sound, and creative exploration, Lillian supports you in making the unconscious, conscious. This process helps unweave habitual psycho-emotional patterns, attend to attachment wounds, regulate the nervous system, and enliven the authentic expression that lies beneath conditioning.
Sessions are a blend of verbal and non-verbal processing, beginning with dialogue and unfolding into guided inquiry, sensation-based exploration, and tools you can carry into daily life. Clients often leave feeling clearer, more connected to themselves, and renewed in vitality, creativity, and intuition. Lillian’s approach is co-creative, intuitive, and infused with spaciousness, playfulness, and presence—holding room for emergence and meaningful transformation.
Practitioner Testimonials
“One session with Maria did what decades of therapy couldn’t. I never reached this level of clarity. We barely talked about the trauma in a psychological way, but my whole system reorganized. It felt like my entire body became one unit — a team — and my thoughts finally aligned with that. I felt like an adult for the first time in my life, calm and confident in who I am.”
“You met me in the midst of so many rapidly changing life layers and made so much space for me. After 90 minutes that felt infinite, my whole body—feet, pelvis, neck, kidneys, vision, breath, creativity, voice—felt refreshed. I feel more ready and available for the journey ahead, with the birth of my child imminent.”
“I walked in the first session in physical pain from my worry, and walked out feeling like nothing could touch me. The panic, gut pain, and spiraling thoughts went quiet. I felt safe in my most vulnerable state for the first time in my life. Since then, stressful situations that would have sent me into a tailspin just don’t land the same way. I honestly don’t think it’s possible to go back to who I was before our session.”
“I loved how Nikita gently drew my attention inward so I could go deeper into my practice!” – Nandini G
“Nikita has a calming, grounding presence.” – Anonymous
“Nikita is always teaching me something new and interesting. Her cues are gentle yet effective, and she helps me feel safe and supported in my practice. She’s even helped me improve my sleep after a long time.” — Geeta S.
“Nikita brought me so much relief. I really appreciated her personal attention and support. She offers a wide variety of practices to meet different needs, and I value how genuinely she listens to feedback and works with me to find what works best.” — Harmony M.
“Lillian is a very clear and creative, honest and humble facilitator and she has the ability to be there for everyone and take us on endless amounts of different creative journeys that AWAKEN the BODY and MIND in a different way!”
— Josa G
“Lillian has a way of holding you that is so firm yet so gentle. During our session, I was able to step outside of my buzzing mind and quiet enough of my intellectualizing in order to finally hear what my body has been trying to tell me, and what a breakthrough that was! This gifted peace is absolutely priceless and I truly couldn’t have seen myself without her guidance.”
— Jazmin K
“My experience with Lillian has felt extremely authentic. She has a very kind nature and I felt seen and understood not only verbally but while moving together. Lillian has been able to provide a safe container for movement exploration that I felt I really needed to get out of my head and back into my own body.”
— Becky L
About the Practitioners
Maria Bacha, D.O., is a French-Canadian-trained osteopath and somatic therapist offering personalized healing immersions and retreats that address chronic pain and trauma rooted in early life and family history. She works with sensitive, carrying-a-lot adults as well as babies, children, and teens, with a mission to both prevent and heal developmental trauma. Her work offers attuned, body-based support that helps adults, young ones, and the inner children inside us all feel safer, seen, and more connected in their bodies and relationships.
With nearly two decades of practice, she has developed a unique integrative approach that allows physical, emotional, and transgenerational layers to surface and integrate with clarity and care. She is known for her nurturing presence and precise ability to feel, articulate, and help shift what is happening in the body in ways that leave people feeling deeply seen, understood, and rested.
Credentials & Training
- Diplomat of Osteopathy (D.O), Collège d’Études Ostéopathiques (Canadian School of Osteopathy) — seven years of study in structural, myofascial, visceral, and cranial osteopathy
- Pre- & Perinatal Somatic Psychology, 3 year Castellino Foundation Training
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) & somatic parts mentorship with founder Richard Schwartz and senior supervisor Bruce Anspach
- Co-Regulating Touch for Developmental Trauma with Kathy Kain and Stephen Terrell
- Feldenkrais® — four-year developmental movement training
- Structural Integration (based on the teachings of Ida Rolf)
- Body-Mind Centering® — Somatic Movement Education & Infant Developmental Movement Education (IDME) with Bonnie Bainbridge-Cohen
Maria lives in the Delaware River Valley of New York and offers healing immersions around the NYC region and globally. She especially loves holding healing immersions in the Lagoon of Seven Colors in Bacalar, Mexico. More background and contact: AquaJourney.org
Niki is a mover, performer, facilitator and cook. Finding dance early on in life as a way to transmute unfavourable early life experiences combined with training (later in life) in several movement modalities, has given Niki a solid foundation for working with the body in movement.
She aims to help folx experience safety in their bodies utilizing movement, touch, voice and mind. She is interested in a trauma-informed approach to the somatics of — movement (both physical and e-motional); relating (through relating to self/ communal living/ relationship anarchy/ nonmonogamy/ authentic relating); and nutrition (attuning to internal cues around what/how/why we eat).
She has completed a Diploma in Dance Studies from the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance in the UK, a 200-hr Yoga Teacher Training in Hatha/ Vinyasa/ Yin/ Restorative styles of yoga, and is currently pursuing a certification in Somatic Movement Education from the Body-Mind Centering® school.
Listening to her body has been a steady path toward self-compassion, with physical practice serving as a portal into deeper awareness and a catalyst for ongoing personal growth. With two decades of experience working with movement, her teaching style is direct and embodied —often using imaginative cueing, oppositional forces, and playful visualization techniques.
When not in the studio, Niki is busy either wandering in the woods with her dog Kismet, cooking up a storm or running programs at WildHeart.
Lillian Kemanis, is a Registered Somatic Movement Educator & Therapist (RSME/T) with the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA), and holds a master’s degree from University of Central Lancashire in Dance & Somatic Well-being: Connections to the Living Body. Lillian completed her studies under the guidance and supervision of Mary Abrams at Moving Body Resources in New York City.
Lillian offers support to individuals seeking a holistic and alternative approach to navigating life’s challenges. With over 10 years of professional experience in the movement healing arts, Lillian supports her community through personalized 1:1 Somatic Therapy sessions, immersive group workshops, and accessible online education. Her sessions prioritize body awareness as the primary pathway to address underlying emotional, mental, and physical needs, following a “bottom-up” therapeutic approach. Her methods facilitate the development of internal self-awareness and mind-body integration, helping clients restore a deep sense of connection to their vitality.
Lillian blends the therapeutic dimensions of the Expressive Arts with her extensive background as a professional dancer, performer, filmmaker, and choreographer. She integrates somatic techniques such as Authentic Movement, Continuum Movement, Body-Mind Centering, Somatic Parts Work, yoga, and meditation, offering a holistic and immersive experience for her clients. With an embodied psycho-spiritual approach, Lillian addresses the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—to foster deep and transformative healing.
As a facilitator, Lillian aims to provide immersive, creative, and dynamic learning environments for self-exploration. Lillian believes in each individual’s inherent capacity to heal, expand, and evolve. She leads her clients into the depths of their bodies and psyches, empowering them to unearth their hidden gems and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery.
Session Times
In-person sessions with Maria are approximately 90 min-2 hours.Â
Sunday, February 8
- 12:00 pmÂ
- 2:00 pm Â
- 4:00 pm
For new clients, an initial orientation session and integration session by phone or Zoom is scheduled with Maria directly at no additional cost.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in a session?
Sessions are primarily hands-on and conversational, guided by careful listening to what’s showing up in your body and lived experience. Maria works with refined touch, focused presence, and dialogue to support small but meaningful adjustments that help the system settle, reorganize, and find more ease. The pace is collaborative and responsive—nothing is forced.
How is this different from other bodywork or therapy?
This work brings physical, emotional, and developmental layers together in one process. Rather than focusing on a single symptom or technique, Maria listens for the patterns shaping your experience as a whole. Many people find this especially supportive alongside therapy, medical care, or other practices they’re already engaged in.
Do I need to talk about my trauma or personal history?
No. The work is trauma-informed, but you’re never required to share details of your past. Much of the process happens through the body, sensation, and present-moment awareness, at a pace that feels respectful and attuned.
Can Maria work with my child or family?
Yes. Maria works with babies, children, teens, and families. If you’re a parent with concerns about your child—young or adult—she often recommends beginning with a parent session first. You’re welcome to book a call with Maria to discuss concerns for child and confirm who should come first.Â
Session Times
Saturday, February 7 (90 mins)
- 10 – 11:30am
- 12pm – 1.30pm
- 5.30 – 7pm
Sunday, February 8 (90 mins)
- 10 – 11:30am
- 12pm – 1:30pm
- 2 – 3:30pm
Who is it for?
Anyone looking to create an embodied feeling of ease and safety.
Anyone looking to start or deepen a daily movement practice to create more awareness and ease in their body.
Anyone looking to explore their mind-body relationship.
Session Times
Saturday, February 7
- 10-11am
- 11:15am-12:15pm
- 12:30-1:30pm
Sunday, February 8
- 10-11am
- 11:15am-12:15pm
- 12:30pm-1:30pm
Who is it for?
These sessions are for those who want support you in:
- Managing psycho-emotional stress
- Learning internal resourcing skills through nervous system regulation
- Expressing and articulating your inner experience
- Healing attachment wounds
- Developing self acceptance and compassion
- Finding clarity within your season of life
- Feeling a renewed sense of vitality and creativity
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect from a session?
A Somatic Therapy session is a space for you to connect with your inner world through bringing attention to sensations, feelings, and mental formations. I will guide you through an inquiry process that invites you to come into relationship with various parts of yourself and inner sensations and feelings. The sessions are a blend of verbal and nonverbal processing, with the opportunity for movement, stillness, silence, and real-time somatic practice. You can expect to walk away with a deeper felt-connection to yourself and some somatic tools and practices you can work with on your own time.
Are you a licensed therapist?
No ⎯ I am professionally accredited by the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association. I follow the Scope of Practice guidelines as administered by ISMETA. The methods I employ in my somatic work help individuals in some way to:
- refine and expand awareness of body and self
- work with the subconscious mind
- learn ways to express and articulate one’s emotional and physical experience
- manage psycho-emotional stress through nervous system regulation techniques
I do not provide psychological evaluations and would advise a mental health provider to an individual seeking this kind of support.
Location
WildHeart is located on 46+ beautiful acres in the Hudson Valley. Retreatants will have the option to stay in a single room, double room, dorm, or camping in either our main retreat center or in private two-bedroom cabins. All options have access to shared kitchens and bathrooms. Daily events will take place in the studio, shared common spaces, and outdoors. Retreatants are welcome to enjoy the lawns, walk in the forest, and swim and boat in the lake during their stay! More info about directions and transportation options HERE.
Cost & Booking
Refund Policy
No refunds. Transferable to a friend or family member for the same in-person date and time.ÂCOVID Policy
Please do not attend if you are feeling sick of any kind, or showing any COVID or flu like symptoms.Bipoc Spot
Each practitioner is offering one 25% discounted spot for BIPOC folx. Please select BIPOC Spot from the Pricing drop down to use one.Immersion Costs
Sessions are offered with equity-based tiered pricing to support accessibility while honoring the depth of Maria’s training and care. Please choose the tier that best supports you. If you are able to pay the full cost, please do. You are welcome at any level.
Tier 1 (Full Cost): $540
Tier 2 (Middle Tier): $390
Tier 3 (Needs-Based): $240
For new clients, an orientation session before and an integration session after by Zoom are offered at no additional cost and scheduled directly with Maria.
If costs present a barrier or concern, you’re welcome to schedule a connection call with Maria. At times, additional support options may be available.
Session Costs
Sliding scale $75-150 + 1 BIPOC spot 25%
NOTAFLOF (No One Turned Away For Lack Of Funds)
Session Costs
Sliding Scale $150-250