St. Petersburg native Dr. Vikki Gaskin‑Butler, a psychologist with more than three decades of experience, and Tampa‑based Dr. Stephanie Reed have taken their joint wellness venture, Rest and Re‑create, LLC, to the next level. The organization, founded in 2025, provides women with experiences designed to foster healing, sisterhood and personal empowerment.
After a complimentary virtual “Taste of Rest and Re‑create” event on Zoom last month, the pair announced their first in‑person retreat, “Stillness by the Shore,” scheduled for October 9‑11 at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida. Attendees will participate in a series of workshops, yoga sessions and other activities aimed at cultivating rest, self‑awareness and creative expression.
Program highlights
The retreat will feature guided meditation, mindfulness exercises, and group discussions that address the pressures women face in both career and home life. According to Gaskin‑Butler, “Rest is valuable because we deserve it simply because we exist. We don’t have to earn it; we need it to care for ourselves and to unlock our creativity.”
In addition to the weekend retreat, Rest and Re‑create plans to launch a six‑week virtual series in September or October. The online program will explore practices that nourish the individual, promote sustained well‑being, and help participants develop greater self‑awareness.
Focus on inclusivity and corporate partnerships
Gaskin‑Butler emphasized that the initiative prioritizes “curating healing spaces for Black women, women of color and all women.” The organization also offers limited‑capacity coaching and collaborates with corporations and nonprofits that are concerned about employee health and well‑being.
Both founders collect interest forms from prospective participants to tailor the retreat experience to the specific needs of each group. “When we curate, we create a space that speaks directly to the experiences of the people we’re working with,” Reed explained.
Vision for broader impact
Rest and Re‑create’s mission extends beyond individual retreats. Gaskin‑Butler noted that the culture often pushes constant activity, which can hinder personal growth. “We hope to influence people to embrace the model of rest so that it can transform their lives and the lives of those they connect with,” she said.
The organization is also exploring local, national and international trips that align with its healing philosophy, signaling a long‑term commitment to expanding access to restorative experiences for women throughout the region.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
