Our Story
The idea for Rustic Mama Retreats was conceived from a fairly simple desire… The desire to getaway, to relax, to refresh and to reconnect with what’s important to you in this life. To remember what it was like to not have a care in the world. To be that kid with the sun in her face and the wind in her hair. To Laugh, Dance, Cry, Run, Jump, Craft.. whatever your heart and soul desires.
That idea grew to include opportunities — opportunities for adventure, excitement, passion, reflection, self-discovery, education and creativity; a chance to embrace life in all its wonderful facets, and do so in the company of other like-minded adventure seekers. If there is one thing we have learned, it’s that when women gather… something magical happens!
Team Members
Jennifer McKee
Founder/Executive Director
As a busy mom to 3 kids, an entrepreneur and an outdoor adventurist, Jennifer is known for embracing the chaos and for running with a new idea. Although focusing specifically on Retreats is a fairly new venture, she has been involved in large number event planning for over 20 years.
Growing up in a small town, she spent her teenage years volunteering at summer camps, and then began running her own day-camp programs for youth in her late teens. Later, trained as a social worker, she spent many years facilitating events for special needs children and adults before launching her own small business that focused more on her creative side.
Jennifer also has a passion for volunteering and works with many organizations. As a leader in Girl Guides, the Chair of the local School Council and a very involved mother to her 3 children, she has planned many large events for over 200+ people including outings, camps, sleepovers, fundraisers, reunions and parties.
Tiffany Klein
Guest Services Manager & Team Lead – East Coast Division
Tiffany joined our team in 2022 to teach our retreaters the life skills of homesteading. Forgotten skills that, in the world today are starting to be picked back up again. Tiffany is owner/operator of a homestead called Windy Hills Homestead practicing permaculture ways. Along side her husband and 2 young girls, they manage to raise 75% of their own food! In fall of 2024, Tiffany and her family relocated to Nova Scotia to live out there dreams of becoming full time farmers. She now heads up the East Coast Division of RMR.
Teaching people how to learn these skills is a true passion of Tiffany’s, both through Rustic Mama retreat workshops and through a social media platform. Some of these workshops include Pasta making, canning, harvesting honey , garden planning and Intro to homesteading. When not at retreats, you’ll usually find her puttering away in her garden while talking to her chickens and ducks.
Heather Aire-Gibbs
Master of Ceremonies & Event Manager
Heather first attended a women’s retreat back in 2018 and quickly became a repeat guest, joining us for five retreats of all kinds—women’s, mama & daughter, and mama & son—over just two years. Her dynamic personality, infectious laugh, and outgoing nature made her an instant part of the Rustic Mama Retreats family, and it wasn’t long before she joined our team.
As the longest-standing team member, Heather knows our retreats inside and out. She brings a rare mix of operational know-how and warmth, managing behind-the-scenes logistics while keeping our guests feeling welcome and cared for from the moment they arrive. You’ll often find her greeting you with a smile, running a hands-on crafting workshop, or out on the dance floor until the very last song.
Outside of retreats, Heather is a proud mom to three amazing kids, a financial representative at her local hospital, and the owner of a successful cake-baking company. Her life is as full and vibrant as she is—balancing family, business, and her work with Rustic Mama Retreats. Her energy, dedication, and genuine care for others are felt in everything she does, making her an irreplaceable part of our team and the guest experience.
Dawn Harman
Program Facilitator & Guest Services Coordinator
Meet Dawn, a married mother of four and proud grandmother of one. She first came to Rustic Mamas on sister’s getaway, and after four retreats decided she wanted to be part of the team.
Becki Korhonen
Photographer/Videographer
Becki (with an i) joined the Rustic Mama Family in 2021 after moving from Medicine Hat Alberta where she worked as a television commercial producer for the local TV Station. She currently lives in London Ontario and works at Rogers Sports Media as a producer.
Her 20-year career as a videographer and photographer has taken her across the country and the world, but she has never loved a job as much as working for Rustic Mama Retreats. Her love of gadgets, photography, and crazy fun people is the perfect combination to creating special memories of your time with us.
She also really loves “Cheese” so when you see her, give her your best smile and say it proudly…CHEESE!
Lee-Ann Turza
Program Facilitator & Guest Services Coordinator
Joan Van Raalte
Program Facilitator
Joan joined the RMR team in the spring of 2024 after attending several of the RMR women’s retreats over the years. As a retreater, Joan loved the opportunity, empowerment, and growth this program offered her and wanted to become part of the dynamic team that brings the same opportunity to her fellow “sisters”.
As a mom to two grown boys and a 25+ year management career in the transportation industry, she is now afforded the time to devote to her own passions of crafting, nature, travelling, and physical activity.
Joan looks forward to meeting you at your next retreat!
Lisa Millar
Program Facilitator
Lisa joined the Rustic Mama Retreats team in the Spring of 2022 and came onboard to share her incredible background and passion for art with guests as she loves being able to help others find their creativity! Lisa majored in Fine Arts, with a minor in dramatic arts while attending The Ontario College of Art, followed by a sharp left turn, attending Georgian College, where she graduated with a diploma in Law & Security Administration.
She spent her teenage years as a member of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. Lisa then enrolled as a Reservist in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in June of 1990 where she worked in the Air Cadet program at various units, holding a number of leadership positions until recently ending her career as the Commanding Officer of 2818 RC(Army)CC, in Belleville Ontario.
Lisa now lives in Eastern Ontario with her husband Ross, where they also run a First Aid Training, and Wilderness Survival business. She is a self proclaimed work-a-holic and proud mum of four F’ids (Furry Kids) Chloe, Jack, Argus and Paxil.
Leona Campbell
Photographer & Program Facilitator
Leona also enjoys travelling, crafting, playing ultimate frisbee and doing outdoor activities including camping, paddling and hiking…always with camera in hand. She was once told it was surprising that she did not have a tan line around her face from the camera. Working with RMR combines all her interests and she wishes that it was her full-time job. Her favourite saying is “Smile, you never know when someone is taking your picture!”…it is usually her doing it.
Laura Venditti
Program Facilitator
Laura is an experienced Early Childhood Educator and small business owner who joined the Rustic Mama Family in 2023. She was introduced to the retreats by a former teaching partner and dear friend who raved about the company, and knew she would be a fun addition to the team.
Laura has a passion for creativity that knows no bounds and has an infectious enthusiasm for all things fun and adventurous. Her love for dance is matched only by her willingness to dive headfirst into new experiences, always with a smile on her face and a witty remark ready to lighten the mood.
During retreats you’ll find Laura dancing, crafting, guiding mindfulness and everything in between!
Ross Thistle
Program Facilitator
Ross Thistle, born in Toronto, Ontario, grew up in a military family, living in various locations including Trenton, Chatham, and Goose Bay. He joined the Primary Reserves at 18, then transitioned to the Regular Force at 20, serving as an Infantryman, Artilleryman, and Traffic Technician in the Royal Canadian Air Force. His career included postings in Germany, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario, with tours in the former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Alert, and other global deployments. After 29 years of service, Ross retired with numerous commendations, including Air Person of the Year and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Ross has a passion for teaching, mentoring, and the outdoors, which led him to become a Wilderness Survival and First Aid Instructor. He runs FACT Plus Inc., offering courses in wilderness survival, first aid, and CPR across Ontario. In his free time, Ross enjoys whitewater rafting, camping, bee keeping, and skiing. He is married to Lisa, his business partner, and has a son currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Jean Luc & Nick
Program Facilitators
Jean Luc & Nick are a vibrant duo dedicated to “Helping People Smile” by inspiring wellness, positivity, and personal growth. With a passion for health and community, they’ve built a welcoming space through their website and social platforms, where they motivate thousands to embark on their journeys toward fitness, wellness, and happiness. They really strive to make health and wellness enjoyable and accessible for everyone.
Jean-Luc and Nick started out as guest workshop leaders with RMR back in 2022, but guests just couldn’t get enough of them, so they joined RMR as official team members in 2024! You will find this dynamic duo running fitness classes, teaching healthy cooking workings and even intro to various languages courses!
Krystal Cane
Master of Ceremonies & Program Facilitator – East Coast Division
Meet Krystal, a mother of 3, grandmother of 1, relocated to the East Coast in 2014. By day Krystal works as a pre-primary support worker and spends her spare time as an committed hockey and dance mom. She is an active volunteer in her community and loves to craft whenever she gets the chance.
Krystal joined the East Coast team in 2022 where she wowed the guests with her impressive karaoke rap skills and MC voice. Her past career as a radio DJ certainly helped her in this area! Ever since then, Krystal has been a staple at retreat and loves teaching all things arts and crafts. She looks forward to sharing her skills at future events and connecting with more East Coasters!
Brent McKee
Program Facilitator/Bartender
Brent, a carpenter by trade for over 30 years, joined the RMR team back in 2023 and spends countless hours behind the scenes preparing all the materials needed for any workshops. On site at retreats, you will find him running all wood working and home improvement classes, doing the heavy lifting and being a fan favourite by running the alcohol and wine bar each evening.
Outside of retreats, Brent is an avid outdoor adventurist who enjoys camping, hiking, road trips, kayaking and building projects. He, along with Jennifer, are currently developing and building the future permanent home of Rustic Mama Retreats and they look forward to sharing that with RMR guests soon!
Paula Boudreau
Program Facilitator – East Coast Division
Paula joined the Rustic Mama Retreats team after her move to New Brunswick in 2018 and loves sharing her passion for the East Coast with guests. Paula has a background in Human Resources and spent many years as a Recruiter in Waterloo ON. She attended Rustic Mama a few times when it began in Ontario and fell in love with the amazing experience and you could spot her sharing her love of Wonder Woman with her Best Friend!
Paula has two children who are grown adults and has a beautiful Golden Retriever “Dolly” that keeps her busy! She loves making new friends and can’t wait to welcome you at these wonderful retreats.