Meet the Team
Melissa Fernandez
Retreat Director & Founder
Melissa Fernandez recently departed from her corporate career of more than 25 years with Showtime Networks and Paramount honing skills in account management, partnership marketing, business development and event activations. After attending my first yoga retreat, I decided to pivot and utilize my background in corporate leadership and organizational skills to create experiences that nurture wellness and relational healing to transform mother–daughter relationships.
My personal journey into yoga, breathwork, and meditation has not only transformed my own life—cultivating resilience, presence, and connection—but also inspired a mission: to create safe, guided spaces where mothers and daughters can reconnect emotionally, spiritually, and joyfully. Our team of caring licensed therapists, yoga facilitators, and sound healers are committed to this mission. We strive to weave psychology-backed communication tools together with somatic practices like restorative yoga and sound baths.
Yoga Facilitator
Erica Jacobs
Erica Jacobs is a Los Angeles–based yoga and movement teacher with nearly two decades of experience guiding students toward strength, freedom, and presence in their bodies. Her classes are dynamic and soulful, blending yoga, functional movement, and creative sequencing with philosophy, storytelling, and a touch of her background in stand-up comedy. Known for bringing both depth and levity to the practice, Erica creates classes that are grounding and inspiring while also reminding students that movement can be joyful and connective. She invites students of all ages and backgrounds to discover movement as a form of connection—both to themselves and to one another—while emphasizing curiosity, play, and creating steadiness and spaciousness.
Retreat Therapist & Co-Founder
Melissa Hogan
Melissa Hogan is a Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in Hermosa Beach. I do play-based therapy with children, and work with teens and adults. I do parent work and I am trained in ERP for OCD. I completed an M.A. in Counseling at LMU and earned a PPS School Counseling Credential. I hold a B.A. in Creative Writing from CSU Long Beach and earned an Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certificate from CSU Dominguez Hills. I was born and raised in Redondo Beach and love working with my community.
My parent and family work is important to collaborate and fully support the system surrounding the client. I take a client-centered approach and meet my clients where they are. I focus on Self-Acceptance, Self-Compassion, and Self-Understanding. When we can understand ourselves, we can communicate to others to help them understand us better. I care deeply about social issues and continue to evolve my competency in cultural awareness to provide safe and understanding support. I love to spend time with my people. Family and friends are my number one. I love music, food, reading, writing and film. The beach is my church!
MindfulwithMelissaH.com | Instagram @melistens
Christina King
Retreat Therapist & Co-Founder
Christina King is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Manhattan Beach. My work specializes in tween and teen girls experiencing anxiety, depression, and social relationships. I received my BS from the University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign and received my MS from the University of Southern California.
I was born and raised in Southern California, and as a kid, I was full of energy and never seemed to sit still. Sports quickly became a central part of my life. Despite my size, I was a competitive basketball player, earning a CIF championship and finishing second in state during high school. With my Jordan's on the shelf, I can often be found soaking up the surf, escaping to the mountains, or enjoying a hot yoga class. I cherish slow mornings spent sipping coffee, diving into a good book, and practicing meditation.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist / LMFT 145704
https://www.christinakingfamilytherapy.com/ | Instagram @christinaking
Yoga Facilitator
Katie Riley
Katie Riley is a South Bay-based yoga teacher, musician, and storyteller who blends movement, mindfulness, and creativity to inspire connection and joy. As the Creative Director of Sol Seek Yoga in Manhattan Beach and Santa Barbara, she designs experiences that unite body, breath, and community – from dynamic classes and trainings to sound baths and seasonal events.
A nationally published author, musician, and public speaker with Our Sunday Visitor, Katie writes and presents on topics of family ministry and education. She is certified in Kids Yoga through Learn to Breathe and trained in Yoga and Mindfulness for Diverse Abilities through ChildLight Yoga. Locally, she has also led private classes for the Exceptional Kids organization in the South Bay and has facilitated enrichment programs for youth with the SMET Foundation’s Onward to High School initiative. Mother–daughter relationships are near and dear to her heart. Katie previously co-led Mommy + Me music series with her mother on the East Coast and credits her mom – a lifelong elementary school teacher – as one of her greatest influences in teaching and leading with care.
Support & Creative Lead
Norma Fernandez
Norma Fernandez brings a steady, caring presence to the Mother Daughter Collective, supporting the retreats through thoughtful logistics, creative touches, and behind-the-scenes care that help each gathering run smoothly. After more than 20 years as a Financial Controller, Norma is gradually transitioning toward retirement and has found deep fulfillment in supporting this meaningful work. She is especially drawn to the mission of strengthening communication between mothers and daughters – something she values personally through the close and cherished relationship she shares with her own mother. At each retreat, Norma can be found doing whatever is needed, keeping things organized, and making sure the environment feels welcoming and cared for. Inspired by witnessing the joy and calm that participants experience –particularly doing yoga sessions – Norma has even begun her own yoga journey. She believes in staying active, moving throughout the day, and supporting the team in ways that keep both the retreat flowing and her own spirit energized. She is grateful to be part of a family-centered retreat that nurtures connection, presence, and lasting bonds between mothers and daughters.
Yoga Facilitator
Priya Prince
Priya Prince, PT, DPT, MA, APCC is a physical therapist, mental health counselor, certified yoga teacher, as well as a certified strength and conditioning specialist. She is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Orthopedic Specialist with over a decade of experience helping patients and athletes recover from injury. She specializes in post-surgical return to sport and is passionate about injury prevention. Recognizing the mental health challenges that often accompany injury and recovery, she earned a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and now practices as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, offering both in-person sessions in Hermosa Beach and virtual counseling. She supports athletes through the psychological side of recovery, helps mothers navigate life’s demands, and works with adolescents, adults, and couples facing a variety of life challenges. She provides physical therapy at Evolution Physical Therapy and Fitness in Playa Vista and also runs a concierge wellness practice, offering physical therapy, strength training, and yoga in clients’ homes throughout the South Bay and at Triton Gym in North Redondo. As a mom of 2 boys, ages 13 and 10, and a 4 year old dog named Pixie, she can appreciate the joys, complexities and challenges that come with being a mom. For her self-care, she enjoys practicing vinyasa yoga, surfing, biking and strength training, and more than anything else, loves being with her family and at the beach.
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