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What is Ascencia Retreats?

Ascencia Retreats provide a holistic healing experience, incorporating elements such as sound, breathework, trauma restructuring, movement, and a strong sense of community. Additionally, we offer safe access to healing medicines within the context of ritual and ceremony, with a primary focus on Psilocybin and MDMA. We believe that these medicines can help humanity awaken to their creativity, joy, and inherent ability to heal themselves. With a focus on holistic well-being, we embrace diverse modalities and practices that encompass mind, body, and soul. We believe in the power of psychedelic-assisted therapy, therapeutic movement, breathwork, and shadow work to foster personal growth, release emotional blockages, and promote healing on multiple levels.

While we acknowledge the profound healing potential of both sacred plant medicine and MDMA, we also recognize that it is just one tool in our toolbox for vitality and well-being. Both Psilocybin and MDMA open the heart, help move energy, and our experienced leaders and sponsors provide a safe space for you to be your authentic self. Additionally, our retreats emphasize vulnerability, sharing, and a non-judgmental community where participants can connect on a deep level. We include a variety of unique classes, such as intentional workshops and dietician classes that you can easily understand and incorporate into your life. Together, we delve deep into our inner selves to discover the personalized ways in which the mind, body, and spirit can thrive.

Mission Statement

At Ascencia Retreats, our mission is to be a catalyst for positive transformation, guiding individuals and couples towards a path of self-discovery, holistic well-being, and personal growth and empowerment. We are dedicated to facilitating profound experiences, fostering growth, and offering target support for those that seek our services. Through our carefully curated programs, including Couples Retreats with MDMA, Psilocybin Assisted Therapy, Yoga, Breathwork, Shadow work, Movement, Veteran Rehabilitation Programs, and Men and Women Empowerment workshops, we aim to create a space that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit.

We are dedicated to guiding individuals towards self-discovery, emotional healing, and deep connection. Our experienced professionals facilitate safe and supportive environments, allowing participants to explore their inner landscapes, gain profound insights, and unlock their true potential. With a focus on holistic well-being, we embrace diverse modalities and practices that encompass mind, body, and soul. We believe in the power of psychedelic-assisted therapy, therapeutic movement, breathwork, and shadow work to foster personal growth, release emotional blockages, and promote healing on multiple levels.

Additionally, we are committed to serving those who have served us. Through our specialized Veteran Rehabilitation Programs, we provide tailored support and resources to help veterans reintegrate into civilian life, heal from trauma, and cultivate a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

​Furthermore, we aspire to empower men and women by offering lectures and programs designed to enhance their personal development, foster leadership skills, and create a community of support and empowerment.

Our Team

Our team is composed of experienced practitioners and facilitators who are passionate about their work and dedicated to supporting your healing and growth. They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in a range of modalities, including yoga, meditation, breathwork, and plant medicine, to provide you with a transformative experience.

Jonathan Cherone

Founder and Operations Director

Jonathan Cherone, a visionary entrepreneur, was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1978. This is where his deep-rooted passion for being on the water and nature first blossomed. This fondness paved the way for his profound love for fishing, allowing him to indulge in diverse cultural cuisines while targeting specific fish species. Food and fishing- two of his favorite things. Jonathan’s upbringing was marked by frequent moves, driven by his father’s illustrious career in the hospitality industry, which ignited his lifelong interest for hospitality and travel.

In 1993, Jonathan made Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, his home, marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial adventure. It was here that he not only started his journey as a business owner but also where he met Marie Morris, his life partner and co-owner of Ascencia Retreats. Their enduring relationship, which spans three decades, has proven its strength over time. The tools, resources, and thought patterns they’ve cultivated together, along with various relationship programs, form the foundational backbone of many Ascencia Retreats programs.

Jonathan is a master of sales, networking, and building connections, skills honed through years of entrepreneurial endeavors. His expertise lies in team building, positive self-affirmations, and men’s empowerment. Jonathan is a staunch advocate for mental health awareness and entrepreneurship education, championing programs that foster personal and professional growth.

Currently residing in Portland, Oregon, with Marie and their blended family, Jonathan serves as the founder and CEO of Ascencia Retreats, Rose City Funguys (a mycology company), and Greenwayzzz (a marijuana and CBD company). He has transformed his life through the mindful use of psychedelics, advocating for their potential to facilitate inner healing and self-discovery. Jonathan’s journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to personal growth, entrepreneurship, and the belief that everyone has the potential to unlock their true selves and achieve greatness.

Marie Morris

Founder and Wellness Director

Marie, co-owner of Ascencia Retreats, is an experienced registered yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance, a Certified Life Coach, and holds both Mindfulness Fundamentals and Educator certifications. She has a passion for holistic living and mindfulness. With a background as an international teacher for 13 years, she has cultivated a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and experiences, reflected in her love for world travel. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies and Sociology and a master’s degree in Teaching and Learning, both from Texas Woman’s University. Off the mat, she embraces the joys and challenges of motherhood, finding balance through her dedication to mindfulness practices. Marie embodies a life dedicated to personal growth, cultural exploration, and nurturing connections with others. Originally from South Carolina, she currently resides with Ascencia Retreats co-owner, Jonathan Cherone, in Portland, Oregon, known for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant culture. Their focus at Ascencia Retreats is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths.

Support Team

Our retreats feature a dedicated support team of 4-5 leaders. Although they are not traditional therapists, our team consists of certified professionals in yoga, hypnotherapy, and nutrition. Most importantly, our facilitators provide a compassionate, non-judgmental environment for your healing journey, prioritizing your safety and empowerment. At The Buena Vida, we stand as your allies, devoted to guiding you toward becoming your own healer.