Due to the success of this past year’s Healing the Healers Retreats, we are inviting more of our area’s frontline healthcare staff—doctors, nurses, aids, janitors—all those who work in the San Diego’s COVID units—to join us for more retreats in 2022!

Retreat days include:

  • Morning coffee and treats
  • Docent-led tour of Ilan-Lael, the renowned home and studios of James and Anne Hubbell
  • Art instruction and materials
  • Lunch al fresco
  • Discussion group
  • Mindful movement and self-care

Sign up for the next HEALING the HEALERS Retreat:

There are no dates for healing the Healers on our schedule right now, please signup for the waitlist to be notified about future retreats

Healing the Healers Waitlist Sign up

We welcomed our first retreat attendees on a perfect April Spring morning in 2021. That first response—the looks of amazement and wonder at the magical surroundings at Ilan-Lael—is always a moment we cherish, and it set the tone for a truly beautiful day. Here is what some had to say about their experience.

“As tired as we are, we all need to find spots such as this to remind us that life is beautiful.” —Annette

“We weren’t sure what to expect. The surrounding is relaxing, the people are friendly, and yes, it’s therapeutic!” —Pinky

“It helped me reconnect with myself, nature and helped get stress out.” — Leamy


The Healing Power of Art and Nature…

This Ilan-Lael Foundation program provides Covid medical personnel a day of rest and rejuvenation in our beautiful Ilan-Lael surroundings of artful buildings, beautiful gardens, shady oaks, and undisturbed native landscapes that surround our 10-acre compound. The five-hour program offers a tour of the Hubbell Art Studios, a conversation circle with a licensed therapist, breathing, stretching and self-massage exercises, an art project, and lunch. This day of art and nature is our way of thanking health care workers who have sacrificed so much for our community.

This program is offered to Covid medical workers and funded by program fees and donations to the Ilan-Lael Foundation.


With friends, all things are possible

Knowing that Ilan-Lael Foundation is the custodian of a special place of unusual beauty where art and nature are a source of comfort and healing, we were inspired to offer this program in 2021.  We joined forces with our friends in the community—a partnership that began with our friend Holly Yang, MD, president of the San Diego County Medical Society. Cathy Conheim, LCSW, another long-time friend and supporter of Ilan-Lael, is a therapist and author who helped create the Healing the Healers program and understands the vital connection between healing and art.  Our first retreat was held on April 10th and we welcomed a group from Sharp Chula Vista’s COVID 19 unit.  (Photos below)

Here’s your chance to say “Thank you!” A donation of $60 will pay for a single healthcare worker to attend. $1200 will support an entire group! Your gift provides a full day’s retreat, art instruction and materials, along with morning coffee and treats and lunch.

Please help us give back to those who have helped us so much!

We plan to offer one retreat each month for the rest of the year, or longer if needed.
The healing power of art. PHOTO: Laurie Dietter
Handmade and heart felt. PHOTO: Laurie Dietter
Notice the smiles behind the masks! PHOTO: Laurie Dietter
Prayer arrows art activity. PHOTO: Laurie Dietter
Plenty of space for safe and socially distanced activities. PHOTO: Laurie Dietter
Prayer arrows art activity. PHOTO: Laurie Dietter
Nature’s healing in abundance. PHOTO: Laurie Dietter
Author and therapist Cathy Conheim, LCSW led the discussion group. PHOTO: Marianne Gerdes
A day of relaxation and fellowship. PHOTO: Laurie Dietter
A tour of our historically designated grounds. PHOTO: Laurie Dietter
Local artist Timothy Hinchliff leads the prayer arrows art activity. PHOTO Laurel Costa
Local artist Timothy Hinchliff leads the prayer arrows art activity. PHOTO Laurel Costa
Author and therapist Cathy Conheim, LCSW led the open air discussion group. PHOTO Laurel Costa
The healing power of art and music! PHOTO Laurel Costa