“Working with Fern Olivia is one of those experiences that’s hard to summarize because it goes far beyond technique.

What stood out to me most is the way she bridges knowhow and intuition. There’s a very clear depth of knowledge behind everything she teaches. Whether it’s Conscious Connected Breathing, pranayama or more nuanced elements like sequencing, bandhas or breathholds. But it never feels forced or prescriptive. Instead, it’s delivered in a way that invites exploration, personal discovery and even a feeling of 'fun' healing. Yes... it's a thing with her :).

Her approach to breathwork isn’t just about inducing intense experiences (though those can definitely happen) but about cultivating awareness and building a relationship with your own nervous system. That distinction matters. Because it shifts the work from something you “do” into something you actually integrate.

As a facilitator, she creates a space that feels both grounded and expansive. There’s a sense of safety that allows you to go deep, paired with a lightness that keeps the process human and accessible. That balance is rare.

What I also appreciated is how she encourages individuality. Rather than shaping students into copies of a method, she supports you in developing your own voice within the work. That’s something that will stay with me far beyond the retreat itself.

This training didn’t just add tools to my practice, it refined how I listen, how I guide and how I understand breath as a pathway into the body and beyond. It also gave me much more confidence.

If you’re looking to explore breathwork in a way that is both technically grounded and deeply experiential, learning from Fern is something I’d strongly and genuinely recommend.”

- Anouck Hoet, Foundations Facilitator Training in Costa Rica, March 2026

“Fern Olivia, the teacher I needed.

I came all the way to Puerto Viejo to dive deeper into the conscious connected breath, to learn more how to help others with breathwork.

I chose Fern as a teacher because I felt she knows how to guide breathwork for people who are not all the way healthy, and are in need of a slower and different approach, which is what I wanted to learn (as a social worker). Also, the 1on1 retreat, where I get to choose what I would want to learn and make an schedule together with Fern is great, not to demanding, with enough time to integrate.

As it turned out, Fern was exactly the teacher I needed. The things I know from my own journey towards health got a little buried, Fern helped me to remember that as a facilitator we only need to hold space and give guidance, to let go and not push, that less is more and feeling safe is the most important aspect you can provide.

She showed me a lot of different techniques and helped me grow by practice. I am very excited to go into the world and be a way better facilitator then before.

Leading a group on my last day was a bit scary, but getting to practice first on only Fern and then more people was really good. She even let me try out an experiment on her, which was especially good, to get her insights afterwards.

I am very grateful for all her teachings, but also for Fern also a person, she is so open, loveable, caring and funny.

Last but not least, learning or undergoing a breathwork retreat at Dragonfly, at Playa Chiquita is the best, with the most gorgeous nature, and right at the beach. This atmosphere helps to calm down and turn inward.

Thank you so much, Fern. I hope to see you again!”

- Sanne Jansen, Foundations Facilitator Training in Costa Rica, April 2026

“MAGICAL, UNFORGETTABLE & HEALING

Before going on this retreat, I was severely dysregulated and living in fight or flight. My capacity became so limited, and I stopped taking care of myself. I struggled trusting myself, disconnected from my body and mind, and life felt like it was happening to me. I was going to therapy and thought I was "doing the work" but I was in such a rush to "fix" myself that I wasn't slowing down enough to feel or listen. I was missing a spiritual connection, a reminder that I'm not alone in this, and life can happen for me if I trust it to. Fern's Intuitive Healing retreat description called to me immediately; I just knew it was the reset my mind, body and soul needed. My 30th birthday was approaching and I'd been feeling ready for a deep transformation, so I took the leap and booked it a week in advance. And then I extended my trip mid-way through, it was that good.

Fern held such a safe and sacred space to be vulnerable and truly seen. She intuitively guides each session and offers a personal, truly life-changing experience. Fern shows up as a friend (or the big sister you always wanted), never with judgment and always with love and warmth. Through each breathwork, meditation, sound healing, and intuitive practice, I loosened my grip and leaned in, unlocking new tools within myself. The retreat was a perfect balance of rest, play, and discovery. I connected with fellow retreaters, local people, the land and wildlife, and made so many beautiful friendships and memories. Virginia’s delicious meals truly healed my relationship with food. She delivers flavorful, balanced, vegan meals right to your door. (Cannot thank you enough, Virginia!) Shout out to Siren Sanctuary for hosting me the first half of the trip! Such welcoming hosts and the accommodations were beautiful and serene. I slept like a baby in the A/C. But the best part was spending my mornings sipping coffee, watching sloths and monkeys in their natural habitat, right outside my front door. A five-minute bike ride away, it is a dreamy, beach-side oasis. Vibrant tropical flowers, luscious greenery, towering trees. And my favorite, the beautifully crafted wooden yoga shala, just steps away from the ocean beach.

Since the retreat my perspective has totally shifted, noticeable to my friends and even acquaintances. I finally have the capacity to regulate, to pause and check in with myself in times of uncertainty or stress. I’ve reclaimed my autonomy in choosing to show up for myself, nurture my own needs, and create my own happiness. And now I do it out of love for myself, and because I believe I’m worthy of it. I no longer do things out of shame or needing to fix myself, because I trust myself enough to know I’m on the right path. This retreat truly reminded me why life is worth living. If you’re looking for a reset or a rebirth, you couldn’t pick a better guide, destination, and experience than Fern’s retreats will offer.”

- Heather Auffert, Retreat and Training in Costa Rica, April 2025

“I had the privilege of attending a retreat with Fern, and it was such a powerful and enriching experience. She shared so much wisdom and taught me valuable tools that I now carry into my own ceremonies. Fern holds space with such grace, depth, and authenticity, it allowed me to feel safe, supported, and deeply seen.

I’ll miss our beach sessions and the sacred portals we opened by the ocean, those moments were pure magic. Fern became not only a teacher to me, but also a dear friend. Her teachings continue to ripple through my work and my life, and I’m truly grateful for everything she shared. Thank you, Fern, from my heart, I love you so much!”

- Glenda, Advanced Mentorship and Training in Costa Rica, April 2025

“The breathwork facilitator training was a very powerful experience. I am so glad I was divinely guided to it!

Fern is so knowledgeable, she genuinely lights up with passion when sharing her knowledge. She is so encouraging and sure of our power to guide others to their spirit through their breath and song. I chose this training to become a certified breathwork facilitator and reconnect to my own practice, and I booked it immediately after searching through many trainings I discovered online because it offered me a solid foundation of breathwork facilitation methods and the confidence to guide others to their spirit through their breath. 

During the retreat, I discovered that my breath connected me to my inner strength and provided more ease in taking the role of observer of the circus of the mind- making it so clear the way the mind focuses so narrowly on “the problem” leaving the inner guidance system little room to whisper solutions. This phenomenon is something I am very intellectually aware of and talk about often in my work role as a mental health therapist. I have never experienced it quite so profoundly as I did during this retreat. Maxim and Fern together guided a powerful opening cacao ceremony which was one of my favorite experiences from this retreat. Together they radiate alignment. Their gentle guidance and powerful music are heart openers.”

— Alicia Reimers, Foundations Training in Costa Rica, June 2024

“I chose this training because I desired to learn  and become breathwork certified! Now I have this amazing tool under my belt and since the training have already been serving and helping others in life. "

Learning new things and having Fern be so flexible is what I loved. From all the different breathwork techniques, learning sound bowls, going to ecstatic dances, the cacao ceremony and sharing in the ritual and love of creation. and aquatic breathwork!!

My most favorite part is Fern sharing the love and feel of the tide pools and each shala she chose to do our lessons! What sets this training unique from others is Fern's kindness, a great team, diversity of experiences to glean from as tools and support for moving forward. 

Maxim is such a gem. He is just genuine in who he is and says it as it is. His passion for his music, being a pillar of support for Fern and his love for making cacao for ceremonies is beautiful. I was also able to witness him doing a cacao spa and being able to see a man do so and see that even in masculinity, he held on to his femininity at the same time. It was a reminder of how they can really coexist regardless of who you are. 

The breakthrough I had was right at the end. After I did my community breathwork as my final and saw how I was able to help and light up their souls (plus all the practice with Fern and other student in the training) it made me realize just how much power and gifts I really have to share.

The biggest breakthrough of all was after attending my last breathwork session with Fern. I felt myself release, feels beautiful and embodied all my power and femininity!

— Stacie Nguyen, Advanced Mentorship and Training in Costa Rica, June 2024

“I am confident teaching already and have received new clients right when I finished the training!"

I experienced personal training with Fern to receive knowledge on how to facilitate breath work classes to help others heal, and I loved my time in Costa Rica with her mentorship. Working with Fern and Maxim was my favorite part - they are so kindhearted, loving, knowledgeable and a joy to be around.

The beautiful energy, the amazing souls, the energetic connections, I will cherish in my heart always! I overcame some huge fears, let go of some grief, and envisioned myself on a new path! Through learning about conscious connected breath work, and continuously practicing for 10 days, I feel like I have gone through death and rebirth several times in such a short period of time. It is invigorating releasing so much that has not been serving me.

— Sarah Norla Shultz, Advanced Mentorship and Training in Costa Rica, December 2023

“I chose to come to Costa Rica on a breathwork retreat and training with Fern to calm down my nervous System, unlock my feminine radiance and connect with my true self. I particularly felt confident that Fern will know how to unlock my feminine essence and connect me with hidden maybe not so loved parts of myself - which she did! I had a feeling she would guide to me to more self-love, and she naturally embodies her feminine essence and made it feel safe and comfortable for me to surrender and receive her guidance and get out of my mind! I loved our ocean sessions and ceremony, and especially Fern’s warm-heartedness throughout my entire time, through all my waves of emotions she was there anchoring so much light! Fern hold space in a very calm and loving manner, always making sure she by herself is in a good energy, and serves as an amazing role model and embodiment for future facilitators.”

Desiree Reinert, Advanced Mentorship and Training in Costa Rica, January 2025

“My aquatic rebirthing breathwork with Fern was a beautiful and incredible experience. She has such a pure sweet loving and caring energy, and that radiates into the sessions she offers. The nurturing vibe that she carries is a large part of what allowed the experience I had to unfold, in which I literally felt like I was in the arms of and reconnected to the Divine Mother's presence when Fern was holding me in the water and afterwards. It was a profound moment. She was very much energetically filling this role in that moment, so she was clearly an open channel for that loving energy of the Divine Mother to come through and be experienced.

The breathwork she had guided led me to that moment where I had a big emotional release and then felt fully held for one of the first times ever - by Source, by life. The energy and space she was holding helped to facilitate this beautiful surrendering of the walls I had put up to keep myself cut off from the love and support of the Divine. I felt immense gratitude to Fern in that moment, for being a beautiful representation of the pure loving nurturing energy of the Divine Mother.
This experience was truly a rebirth on some level and another layer of the reconnection within me back to Source.

I've had the pleasure of getting to know Fern a bit outside of her offerings as well, and she is a genuinely sweet loving soul with a true desire to help spread love.”

- Andrea, Breathwork Retreat in Costa Rica, December 2024

“It was so beautifully planned!

I really adored the whole program. It was so beautifully planned, very rich of unique experiences and I am very grateful for my personal progress during those unforgettable days. The practices will enrich my work as trainer and coach and foster joy and connection in my life and the lives of others.”

- Marie Theres, Advanced Mentorship and Training in Costa Rica, August 2024

“I came on the retreat to experience soul connections, breakthroughs, and community, and experienced all of this and so much more, including fully embodying Tierra 2.0, my inner wild woman and being surrounded by women who embraced and loved me for who I am!

Fern embodies pure love and devotion, coherence, being herself while healing and shifting - which is an amazing quality of a leader. Through her leadership and openness, I opened my own voice and had huge lessons around my expression and self-love, and I am forever grateful for the amazing space she held for this.”

- Tierra, Retreat in Upstate New York, July 2024

“I loved my time with them and highly recommend their retreats and experiences to all who are seeking to have a sanctuary for body, mind, and soul.

Having followed Fern's healing journey with yoga (intermittently and from some distance) for around ~eight years, always recognizing her wisdom and her devotion; always feeling very positive about her; and, honestly, admiring all the ways in which she is different from the same old-same old. I had only seen a couple of photos of her and Maxim, and because I trust her to know (and also felt it intuitively), I knew that he would be equally wonderful, in his own way. I needed a break from the intensity of my life so I "bought the ticket and took the ride." I am so grateful I did! In our time together, I released the cords of attachments that were draining me. Felt free.

Loved the embodied experience that is my life-journey, again. Learned innumerable lessons. Many lessons are still dawning on me, even days later. This was my first ever retreat anywhere! I wish I had trusted that all would be so good afterwards, because things have been better than good: they have been great since. "Trust the process" was the teaching I took away!

Fern is charitable, gracious, sits in her feminine power so confidently, and shares the wisdom of her devoted ~decade of learning and ~lifetime(s) pure alignment. Yoga (Kundalini and Thyroid) and breathwork, and mantras and chanting, and being playful and attuned with humor.”

- Paris Bingham, Retreat in Upstate New York, July 2024

“I can’t thank Fern enough for being the most beautiful, bubbly soul I have ever met, she brings such a smile to your face, you feel instantly at peace and safe with her, she holds space for you and really, truly cares for you and wants to make your life better! I don’t think I would have ever left the country [USA] and gone somewhere myself if it weren’t for her!

If you are thinking about doing a retreat, I highly, highly recommend reaching out to Fern and setting up a group or personal experience!! She will help create an amazing time in a beautiful, beautiful place!!”

- Kelsey, Retreat in Costa Rica, July 2023