Our Team

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Meet Our Team

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At SoCal Wellness Retreats, we believe true transformation happens when you prioritize your well-being and dive deeper into practices that nourish both body, mind and soul. After my own struggles, I found peace through yoga, meditation, and breathwork and it’s these same practices that now fuel our retreats to be so transformative. My goal is to make wellness accessible and fun, helping you discover the power within to heal and thrive and the community that will support you on that journey. — John Quirk, Founder of SoCal Wellness

John Quirk

FOUNDER

John Quirk founded SoCal Wellness Retreats in 2017 to create accessible and transformative experiences. Combining yoga, breathwork, and science, his retreats emphasize growth, community, and fun. John has received training from of the world leaders in holistic health including Wim Hof, Dr. Joe Dispenza and Dr. Jean Houston. John has also been a part of research projects with UCSD that have proven the profound effects of meditation and mindfulness.John left corporate life in 2014 and followed his dream to become a world traveler and leader in the world of holistic health. He hosts a podcast called “the not so woo woo guru” and has been an educator for several top corporations including Deloitte, Rakuten and Neurocrine. He is an avid athlete playing hockey and pickleball weekly and loves the dog beach with his dogs Lola and Lani.

Chef Perla

Head Chef

Chef Perla, founder of Elevation Eating, specializes in nourishing meals for wellness retreats. Using sustainable, local ingredients, her dishes promote health, ecological balance, and community connection. Believing in food as medicine, Perla’s culinary vision inspires change, healing, and delicious moments, supporting participants on their transformative wellness journeys with thoughtful, wholesome meals.

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Ralph Hamrick

Ralph Hamrick enjoys a full-time career as a hypnotist and mentalist. He has treated clients for a wide range of issues using direct and powerful hypnotic techniques for over 10 years. His approach is conversational and relaxed, while maintaining a laser focus on immediate subconscious change. In his career, Ralph has helped thousands of people from all walks of life and beliefs with the benefits of hypnosis. Ralph is currently certified as a Professional Hypnotherapist by the Jacquin Hypnosis Academy. As a leader in the field, he is continuously expanding and collaborating with the top minds of hypnosis on an international level through groups, professional workshops, and published studies.

HYPNOTHERAPIST

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Amanda Joy

Facilitator

Amanda Joy blends reiki, yoga, and public health expertise to inspire wellness and growth. With a decade of global experience, she guides participants toward balance and transformation. Amanda’s compassionate energy, adventurous spirit, and holistic practices create meaningful healing spaces, welcoming everyone with open arms and support at SoCal Wellness Retreat

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Shannon French

Shannon is a San Diego native, born and raised in the community Shannon has dedicated her career to serving. With 20 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, Shannon has worked as a Massage Therapist, Yoga Instructor, and Sound Bath Practitioner, witnessing firsthand the profound impact of alternative medicine in nurturing the mind, body, and spirit.

In addition to their holistic healing work, they have also served as a Respiratory Therapist in numerous hospitals throughout San Diego, experiencing the life-saving power of modern medicine. Their mission is to bridge the gap between Western and Eastern healing modalities, recognizing the value of both in achieving true balance and harmony.

Massage, Sound Healing

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Lola and Lani

Lola and Lani, SoCal Wellness Retreats’ playful HR & Love Ambassadors, bring joy and comfort. Lola inspires adventure, while Lani offers gentle cuddles. Together, they create a welcoming, loving environment, reminding guests to embrace life’s simple pleasures and fostering connection, happiness, and unconditional support during every retreat experience.