For medical providers, including physicians, nurses, CNAs, counselors, and social workers
MARCH 19-20, 2026
Thursday 5 P.M. – Friday 4 P.M.
The Thunder Bay Inn, Big Bay, Michigan
PRESENTERS
- Sophina Manheimer Calderon, MD, Chief Medical Officer with The
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community - Michael Grossman, MD
- Shaina Levee, Mind/Body Therapist
- Jon Magnuson, MDiv., MSW
- Hospice Guests
This retreat experience has been subsidized by The Cedar Tree Institute in partnership with the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan Foundation, The Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Upper Peninsula Education Foundation, and The Superior Health Foundation
REGISTER BY: March 12, 2026
CONTACT: Michael Grossman at 906-362-9004
Or Email swimdoc8@gmail.com
Photo: Will Sharp
COMING HOME
RETREAT #I: FEAR AND HOPE
MARCH 19-20, 2026
MARCH 19, THURSDAY
4-6 P.M. Registration at Thunder Bay Inn Big Bay, Michigan
For those interested, a casual walk from the Inn to the Lake Superior shoreline is available. Weather permitting.
4:45— 5:45 P.M. Meet in the Lobby.
Dinner: 5:45 – 6:45 P.M.
SESSION #1: 7 – 8:30 P.M.
Introduction and Overview of The Coming Home Project
“The Dynamics of Emotion in the World of Medical Care.”
“Masks of Fear: Perception – Listening – Responding”
–Grossman and Magnuson
MARCH 20, FRIDAY
7:15 -7:30 A.M. Mindfulness Practice (Sitting Meditation)
Optional. Lobby
7:30 – 7:45 A.M. An Introduction to Tai Chi and Qi Gong
Optional. Lobby
Breakfast: 7:45 – 8:30 A.M.
SESSION #2: 8:45 – 9 A.M.
“Fear & Hope: An Indigenous Perspective on Illness and Health”
Part I
-Calderon
Break 10:00 – 10:15 A.M.
SESSION #3: 10:15 – 11:15 A.M.
“Guided Meditation as a Resource for Facing
Fear in Severe Illness”
-Grossman and Levee
Break 11:15 – 11:30 A.M.
SESSION #4: 11:30 A.M. – 12:15 P.M.
Guest Hospice Patient Interview. The Journey
Lunch: 12:30 – 1:15 P.M.
SESSION #5: 1:30 – 2:30 P.M.
“Fear & Hope: An Indigenous Perspective on Illness and Health”
Part II
-Calderon
2:45 – 3:30 P.M.
“Lessons. Hopes. Insights. The Wisdom of the Circle”
3:30 – 3:45 P.M
THE CLOSING
PLANNING TEAM
- Mike Grossman, M.D.
- Stuart Johnson, D.O.
- Jon Magnuson, MDiv., MSW
- Melissa Cavill, BSN-RN
- Doug Russel, Grant Administrator
- William Sharp, MSW Graduate Intern
- Caroline Cheng, PhD, NMU Social Work
- Elise Bur, BFA, NMU Rural Health
- Megan Murphy, MPA, SHF
This retreat is part of the 2026 COMING HOME PROJECT, A year-long training and support project for hospice and palliative care providers serving Michigan’s rural Upper Peninsula.
Through overnight retreats, community gatherings, and consultations, this project brings providers together to share wisdom and strengthen relationships. It features nationally respected medical voices, the lived experiences of those receiving hospice care, and cross-cultural insights from medical providers serving the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. This initiative coordinates culturally grounded care; helping providers stay connected, resilient, and fully present for patients and their families at the end of life.
Our featured presenter for this retreat is Dr. Sophina Manheimer Calderon, MD. who serves as Chief Medical Officer of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. She was recipient of Arizona’s 2021 Rural Health Exceptional Health Professional of the Year Award and is a member of the Navajo Nation.
The COMING HOME PROJECT is coordinated by The Cedar Tree Institute, a nonprofit organization in Northern Michigan that provides services and initiates projects in the areas of mental health, interfaith collaboration, and the environment.
