On Tuesday, March 24, the Penny Lane leadership team gathered in Cambria, California for a three-day pilgrimage—an experience grounded in reflection, connection, and personal growth. Hosted and facilitated by The Core Gift Institute’s founder, Bruce Anderson, the journey invited participants to slow down, look inward, and explore how the four elements—water, fire, earth, and spirit—show up in our lives and leadership.
"Several years ago, I found myself at a crossroads. It followed a period of profound professional anguish and personal heartbreak that left me questioning whether I still had the strength to lead or even the clarity to know who I was anymore. I found myself asking questions I never expected to face. Am I still meant for this work? Am I still meant to lead? Am I even worthy of taking up space in this world? With only two weeks notice and a heart that was completely broken, I found myself in Wales, walking alongside 10 strangers for one week, covering what felt like unending miles each day with blistered feet and emotional pain I could no longer outrun.
If I am honest, it was a moment that felt like life or death for me. I was in such agony that even the idea of falling off one of the cliffs that we were walking on, did not frighten me. But what saved me were the difficult, honest conversations, and the pure acceptance I received from people, who like me, we’re also standing at their own crossroads. Somewhere in that shared humility, I found something I didn’t even realize I had lost, my way back to myself. That Pilgrimage helped shape me into the leader I am today: full hearted, courageous, and willing to be vulnerable because I know firsthand that is where transformation begins. I never forgot what that experience gave me, which is why this March in Cambria, California, we offered our Penny lane leaders, the same opportunity to pause, reflect, and perhaps find their on way back to themselves. Because sometimes saving lives begins with remembering how to save your own." -Wendy Carpenter, Penny Lane Centers CEO
Each day began with intention. Mornings opened with mindfulness activities—one led by Elaine Ng and another by our very own Michael Morellino. These grounding sessions created space for stillness, helping us to center ourselves, focus on the present moment, and connect with our breath before stepping into the day’s journey.
Nestled between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the setting itself became a teacher. Leaders were divided into four groups, each guided by Ernesto Campos, Marvin Sandoval, Paul Vakselis, and Claudio Maluje. With a spirit of curiosity and openness, each group set out daily on different paths—walking along beaches, hiking rugged hills, wandering through forests, crossing desert terrain, and even climbing a 257-step staircase.
Each step offered an opportunity for reflection. At times, the miles passed with ease; at others, the terrain challenged both body and spirit. In those moments, the journey became collective—we leaned on one another for encouragement, strength, and support, reminding ourselves that leadership is not meant to be walked alone.
Along the way, nature revealed both its beauty and its unpredictability. Shipwrecks, sea lions, pelicans, chipmunks, and even snakes served as powerful reminders of the balance between wonder and risk that exists not only in the wilderness, but in our own lives.
As we walked, we also shared—stories, laughter, and at times, tears. Through these moments of vulnerability, we deepened our connections with one another and gained greater insight into ourselves. The experience created space for authenticity, reflection, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Our time together culminated in a closing ritual, where the four elements were brought together to create a collective shrine—symbolizing both our individual journeys and our shared experience.
Wild and Rooted was more than a retreat; it was a gift. One that will continue to unfold long after the journey has ended. We leave with gratitude—for the space to pause, for the courage to reflect, and for the strength we found in one another. As we return to our work, we do so more grounded, more connected, and better equipped to serve our clients and communities. -Judy Grant
Nydia Barakat also wrote:
There is something beautiful that happened when we step away from our daily routines and into nature especially when we do so with people with whom we want to connect. Our pilgrimage to Cambria was more than a retreat; it was a shared journey of connection, reflection, and renewal. Along the coastline and the forest, we found not only beauty, but meaning in ourselves and in one another.
It was a shared journey that brought us back to the heart of who we are as a Penny Lane family. Stepping into nature together allowed us to move beyond our roles and reconnect through presence, trust, and authentic conversation creating meaningful and lasting connections with one another.
Guided by the elements, water inviting us to release, earth grounding us in the present, fire igniting our purpose, and spirit reminding us of our shared humanity we deepened not only our self-awareness, but also our relationships, strengthening the bonds that support our work and each other. This experience also served as a powerful tool for rediscovering our purpose and growing as leaders, reminding us that leadership begins within.
"We returned from Cambria changed and energize not in dramatic ways, but in the quiet, lasting ways that matter most. We carried back a deeper understanding of one another, a renewed sense of purpose, and a reminder that connection is at the heart of everything we do. This pilgrimage was not about reaching a destination. It was about walking together with openness, with intention, and with heart. But also aligned with Penny Lane’s mission: to foster belonging, healing, and resilience. This journey reminded us that the work we do begins with how we show up with openness, compassion, and a commitment to walking alongside those we serve." -Nydia Barakat
Cameron Glasgow included:
“I went into this pilgrimage carrying a lot—personally and professionally. The start of 2026 has felt like a crossroads for me, with so many moving parts coming to a head at once. It’s funny how experiences like this show up exactly when you need them. From the moment I drove up the 101, surrounded by lush greenery and perfect blue skies, to arriving in Cambria—a place I’ve always loved but now feel even more connected to—I could sense that something about this trip would be different. And it truly was.
What made this experience so powerful wasn’t just the stunning landscapes, though walking along the coastline and through rolling green hills felt almost surreal. It was the people. Under Marvin’s guidance, our group of six transformed in ways I didn’t expect. What began with a bit of uncertainty quickly turned into something deeply meaningful—filled with laughter, vulnerability, and genuine connection. We had conversations I’ve never had before with colleagues I’ve known for years, and somewhere along those miles, I found a sense of belonging that I’ve often searched for. There was something incredibly grounding about walking side by side, sharing stories, and simply being present with one another.
This pilgrimage gave me exactly what I didn’t even know I needed—a reset, a reminder, and a renewed sense of connection to both myself and the people around me. I left feeling lighter, more open, and deeply grateful. Thank you to Wendy, Bernie, Rosana, and Judy for creating space for experiences like this. It’s moments like these that remind me Penny Lane isn’t just where we work—it’s truly a family.”
Check out some more photos below!
