Meet Felicia Mendes of Resurgence Retreats

Today we’d like to introduce you to Felicia Mendes

Hi Felicia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi! I’m Felicia Mendes. I’ve been in Colorado for 20 years. I’m not really “from” anywhere in the traditional sense. By the 8th grade, my family had lived in five different states. People often assumed we were a military family, but the reality was far different—my parents struggled with alcoholism and maintaining jobs. This transient upbringing taught me an invaluable lesson at a young age: I am the only one with the power to change my life.

In 2004, I moved from New Mexico to Boulder, Colorado, for college, where I naturally gravitated toward studying psychology. I threw myself into every opportunity, becoming president of my Latina sorority and graduating with honors. Afterward, I pursued my graduate degree in school psychology at the University of Denver. It was during this time that I met my now ex-husband.

I spent nearly a decade working as a school psychologist in the metro area, and during that time, we welcomed our son, Athen, who is now seven. Life took a sharp turn when I experienced two major life changes almost simultaneously: a divorce and a career pivot. I stepped into a new role as a Workforce Development Specialist with the Department of Early Childhood, where I now train early childhood mental health consultants to support the social-emotional needs of preschool staff and children.

As anyone who has been through profound change knows, it’s like a rebirth through fire. These shifts forced me to ask hard questions: What do I want my next chapter to look like? Who am I now? Growth is not linear—I’ve learned this firsthand. After Athen was born, I struggled with postpartum depression and turned to alcohol as a way to cope. These were some of the darkest moments of my life, but they were also pivotal. Shortly after my divorce I chose to release alcohol from my life.

As someone who has worked in the mental health field for over a decade, I am deeply committed to breaking the stigma around mental health struggles. I share my story openly to show that these challenges can happen to anyone. Today, I’m proud to say I’m sober, breaking generational patterns of addiction and healing the world by healing myself. When I say “sober,” I’m specifically referring to alcohol, as I continue to use plant medicines for spiritual growth and well-being. I also recognize that sobriety looks different for everyone, and I honor those diverse experiences.

Through my healing journey—therapy, plant medicine, wellness practices, and self-reflection—I had a powerful realization: what if I could package these tools to help other women navigating major life transitions? That idea became the foundation of Radiant Resurgence Retreat.

Recently, we rebranded to Resurgence Retreats to reflect the expansion of our offerings and community. The name represents the essence of the phoenix: rising, evolving, and stepping boldly into a new chapter. This rebrand signifies growth—not just ours, but that of our participants. Along with our flagship women’s retreats, now called Radiant Resurgence, we’ve introduced additional offerings, including microdosing with sound healing, ecstatic dance journeys, psychedelic education, and even men’s retreats.

This evolution reflects our commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces for all individuals to reconnect, heal, and thrive. The phoenix reminds us that every ending sparks a new beginning, and Resurgence Retreats is here to help people rise, grow, and evolve. I am passionate about empowering others to embrace their transformative journeys, just as I’ve done on mine. It’s a privilege to share this mission and grow alongside a thriving community of seekers and healers.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It certainly has not been a smooth road, but that comes with the territory of growing! Navigating the challenges of a burgeoning psychedelic industry has been both rewarding and complex. As the industry grows, so does the need for ethical considerations, education, and building trust with participants. Ensuring that each retreat complies with evolving legal frameworks, maintains safety protocols, and incorporates accurate, science-backed information requires constant vigilance. Balancing these responsibilities with the deeply personal work of guiding participants through transformative experiences can feel like walking a tightrope.

Last-minute cancellations, scheduling adjustments, and evolving participant needs add another layer of unpredictability. Accommodations must often be adapted to meet diverse dietary preferences, accessibility needs, or sensitivities. These logistical challenges can feel daunting, but they’re also a testament to the commitment we’ve made to meet people where they are and provide the best possible experience. Flexibility and problem-solving have become essential skills in keeping our retreats impactful and seamless.

On a personal level, navigating single parenthood alongside running Resurgence Retreats has been one of my greatest growth opportunities. As a single mom, the demands of parenting—school pickups, extracurriculars, emotional support—are ever-present, and finding balance can be tough. My son, Athen, is my motivation and grounding force. I’ve learned to embrace imperfection and prioritize self-care so I can show up fully for him and for the people I work with.

These challenges, both professional and personal, have taught me resilience and adaptability. They’ve also deepened my empathy for others who are juggling transformation and responsibility. While it isn’t easy, I believe these experiences make me better equipped to hold space for others as they navigate their own journeys of healing and growth.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Resurgence Retreats, we create transformative experiences designed to empower individuals on their unique journeys. Whether through women’s retreats, men’s retreats, custom retreats, or private group ceremonies, our mission is to guide participants toward more fulfilling and authentic chapters in their lives. Beyond retreats, we host community events that foster connection and growth in a supportive environment, ensuring that transformation doesn’t end when the retreat does.

Every experience at Resurgence Retreats includes a comprehensive framework for lasting change. Our “Becoming the One” pre-work course, a four-week online program, helps participants break unhealthy patterns, deepen self-awareness, and cultivate meaningful relationships. Post-retreat, we provide integration support, ensuring attendees are equipped with a community and tools to continue their growth and embrace their new paths with confidence.

I am deeply proud of our exceptional team, whose collective experience in the psychedelic and wellness industries is at the heart of what makes Resurgence Retreats so impactful. Each of our guides is a leader in their field, bringing expertise, passion, and authenticity to the work we do. For example, one of our yoga instructors is the founder of YouAligned, recognized as one of the top 10 wellness resources in the world. This wealth of knowledge and experience allows us to provide an unparalleled level of care and guidance. I encourage you to learn more about our incredible team by reading their bios on our website.

Another initiative I am especially proud of is the BIPOC scholarship we offer for our women’s retreats. This scholarship is a reflection of my gratitude to the women in the community who saw potential in me and supported me on my journey. I am honored to now pay it forward, creating opportunities for others to access the healing and transformation they deserve.

Our retreats incorporate a range of holistic services designed to nurture physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Participants have the option to explore medicinal mushroom journeys, guided under Colorado Law Proposition 122, with a focus on harm reduction and safety. Additional offerings include sound bath ceremonies, yoga for mindful movement, gourmet chef-prepared cuisine, and personalized counseling and guidance from experienced facilitators.

At Resurgence Retreats, we believe that transformation is best supported within a community. When you join us, you become part of an empowered network dedicated to walking with you through life’s challenges and triumphs. Resurgence Retreats is a place where transformation begins and community thrives—a sanctuary for rewriting your story and discovering what’s truly possible.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5-10 years, I see massive growth for the psychedelic industry, particularly as more research highlights its potential to revolutionize mental health treatment. As a psychologist, I believe our current system leans heavily on over-medicating, which often serves as a temporary fix, masking symptoms rather than addressing the root cause. True healing requires us to confront and process our emotions—what I often refer to as “feeling it to heal it.” Plant medicine offers a pathway to do just that, allowing individuals to access and work through underlying issues in a profound and meaningful way.

My hope is that as these resources become more widely available, more people will turn to plant medicine as an alternative to traditional medications, finding a deeper and more lasting sense of healing. This includes those seeking treatment for addiction, an issue close to my heart. Addiction is rarely the problem itself but rather a symptom of deeper mental health struggles. I know this firsthand, and I believe plant medicine can provide a new avenue of hope for individuals caught in cycles of dependency.

The research is incredibly promising. Studies show that psilocybin can be a powerful tool for healing conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and addiction. As the industry grows, I anticipate a greater integration of these therapies into mainstream mental health care, breaking down stigmas and opening up new possibilities for healing. This is an exciting and transformative time, and I’m optimistic about the role plant medicine will play in creating a more holistic and compassionate approach to mental health.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://resurgenceretreats.com
• Instagram: @resurgence_retreats

Image Credits
Sway Photography