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Welcome to The Power of Hope
Hope has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities, and inspire recovery. The 2026 Wellness in the Woods Annual Conference brings together people with lived experience, family members, peer support professionals, behavioral health providers, advocates, and community members for two days of meaningful learning and connection.
Through inspiring presentations, practical strategies, and authentic conversations, we will explore the many ways hope helps us navigate adversity, build resilience, and create lasting change.
Registration is now open! Reserve your spot today and join us for two days of education, connection, and hope!
Conference at a Glance
Free VPSN Series on September 4, 11, and 18
September 24–25, 2026
Sourcewell • Staples, Minnesota
Free VPSN Pre-Conference Series
Begin your conference experience with three free virtual sessions hosted through Wellness in the Woods' Virtual Peer Support Network.
These sessions are free and open to everyone. Conference registration is not required to attend.
Building Confidence That Builds Hope
Brandi Knutson & Jennifer Compeau
Self-Guided Forgiveness: Process and Practice
Tom Delaney
Reclaiming Yourself: Finding Hope After Hardship
Marianna Bassimakopoulos
Main Conference Schedule
Thursday, September 24
Resiliency in Action
Theodore Boosalis
Recovery U: A College Course Focused on Wellness
Melissa Hensley
Turning HOPE Into GRACE: How to Take Care of Yourself While Supporting Others
Kayla Schmidt
Friday, September 25
The Hope Prescription: The Science and Spirit of Hope, Healing, and Human Connection
Dr. Tolulope Ola
The Quiet Fight
Sara Jane Lowry
Making Tamales
Katrina Mendoza
Community Lunch
Yoga, Mental Health, and the Power of Hope
Kimberly Holm
Hope and “Forcing Smiles” Through the Music of Peer Vulnerability
Brian Jost
Community Building Activity
Voices of Hope
Brandi Knutson
Building Confidence That Builds Hope
Jennifer Compeau
Building Confidence That Builds Hope
Tom Delaney
Self-Guided Forgiveness: Process and Practice
Marianna Bassimakopoulos
Reclaiming Yourself: Finding Hope After Hardship
Theodore Boosalis
Resiliency in Action
Melissa Hensley
Recovery U: A College Course Focused on Wellness
Kayla Schmidt
Turning HOPE Into GRACE
Dr. Tolulope Ola
The Hope Prescription
Sara Jane Lowry
The Quiet Fight
Katrina Mendoza
Making Tamales
Kimberly Holm
Yoga, Mental Health, and the Power of Hope
Brian Jost
Hope and “Forcing Smiles” Through the Music of Peer Vulnerability
Registration
Registration is now open!
Early Bird pricing is available until August 21, 2026. Early Bird ticket types expire at 9:00 AM CT on August 21, 2026.
| Registration Option | Early Bird | Regular |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday Virtual Pass | $49 | $55 |
| Friday Virtual Pass | $69 | $75 |
| Two-Day Virtual Pass | $109 | $115 |
| Friday In-Person Pass | $89 | $95 |
| Hybrid Conference Pass | $119 | $125 |
Continuing Education: Minnesota Certification Board approval for Peer Recovery Specialist continuing education is currently pending.
Register NowSponsorship Opportunities
Interested in supporting this year's conference? Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations and community partners who want to help make this event accessible, welcoming, and impactful.
Ask About SponsorshipFrequently Asked Questions
Is the pre-conference series free?
Yes. The VPSN Pre-Conference Series is free and open to participants through Wellness in the Woods' Virtual Peer Support Network.
Can I attend virtually?
Yes. Thursday is fully virtual, and Friday is available in both virtual and in-person formats.
Where is the in-person portion held?
Friday's in-person conference will be held at Sourcewell, 202 12th St NE, Staples, MN 56479.
Will sessions be recorded?
No. Conference sessions will not be recorded.
Will continuing education credits (CEUs) be available?
Wellness in the Woods has submitted an application to the Minnesota Certification Board for approval of Peer Recovery Specialist continuing education credits. Approval is currently pending. Updates will be posted on this page as soon as a determination has been made.
Who should attend?
This conference is open to people with lived experience, family members, peer support professionals, behavioral health providers, advocates, community members, and anyone interested in hope, healing, recovery, and connection.
Questions?
For conference questions, please contact monica@mnwitw.org.
Hope grows stronger
when communities come together.
Wellness in the Woods