Serene Sand Retreats
Your Education and Wellness Team
Christy Quade
CRNA, Founder, & CEO
Birmingham, AL
Welcome to Serene Sands, your ultimate retreat experience! As a sprinter at the University of Louisiana Lafayette where I earned my BSN, and later my MSNA from TCU, I understand the importance of self-care and resilience. As a wife, mother to four wonderful children, CRNA, and two-time breast cancer survivor, I know how vital it is to nurture my mental, physical, and spiritual self. I am unable to care for others if I don't first take care of myself. Join us to escape everyday stresses and renew your spirit through yoga, meditation, massage therapy, and healthy cuisine, while with incredible women and gaining valuable anesthesia education. We can't wait to help you find a peaceful sanctuary that leaves a lasting impact!
Genevieve Stewart
Pilates Instructor-Studio G
Homewood, AL
Genevieve Stewart has owned and operated Studio G Pilates for 16 years in Homewood, AL. In her practice, she focuses on the mind-body connection using a combination of therapies to treat the whole person. Genevieve believes that pilates has the capacity to heal both internally and externally. In conjunction with pilates, she uses myofascial release (taught by John Barnes) and Active Isolated Stretching (with Aaron Mattes) to assist in whole body integration and nervous system reset. She believes that helping people reclaim their deep core leads to reclaiming their true self. A native of Nashville, TN, Genevieve has called Birmingham, AL home for the last 16 years and is a proud wife, mother of two, stepmom of three, and owner of Studio G. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her friends and family, explore nature, read books, practice pilates, and dance. She is very excited to be a part of Serene Sand Retreats and is most excited to connect with others in a peaceful setting to inspire lasting growth and change.
Heather Rankin
CRNA
Birmingham, AL
She is a CRNA at Children’s of Alabama, located in Birmingham,
Alabama, where she has worked since 2006 as both a staff and a senior CRNA. Heather received her
DNP, MBA, and BSN from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and her MSN from Samford
University. Heather has a passion for pediatric anesthesia!
Heather has served both the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology and the Alabama
Association of Nurse Anesthetists in many roles on the board, committees, or task forces since 2007 and
was ALANA President 2010 – 2011. She was recognized as a Fellow of the AANA in the inaugural group.
In addition to clinical practice, Heather is adjunct faculty at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Heather, her husband, Wes, and their energetic boys enjoy watching and playing sports and being on
the water at the lake or the beach. Go Cavs and War Eagle!
India Finke
CRNA
Milwaukee, WI
With nearly 16 years of anesthesia experience, including more than 6 years in a high-risk obstetric practice, I am passionate about advancing the knowledge and confidence of anesthesia providers in the OB setting. My teaching philosophy is centered on building a strong foundation in obstetric anesthesia principles while tailoring education to meet learners where they are. I incorporate real-world scenarios, hands-on learning, and open discussion to create interactive and practical learning experiences.
In addition to extensive OB anesthesia experience, I have trained in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia and vascular access, skills that have enhanced both my clinical practice and my ability to mentor others. Currently, I practice as both a W2 and a 1099 locums CRNA, which has allowed me to work in diverse clinical environments and adapt to varied patient populations and practice models.
Outside the OR, I am also a Beautiphi-trained aesthetic injector and enjoy providing botox and filler treatments. At home, I stay busy with my four children, who play competitive travel sports that have taken our family across the U.S. and abroad. This has inspired me to become a self-taught sports photographer. My husband and I also enjoy real estate projects and currently manage two short-term rental properties in Wisconsin. I love the challenge of finding and renovating a property to create an amazing vacation experience for people while learning all of the tax and income benefits that apply to professionals like us!
My goal is to provide you with a refresher on obstetric anesthesia while also creating a safe and engaging environment for thought-provoking, clinically relevant discussion. I hope to send you back to your practice with practical strategies, useful tools, and renewed confidence in managing OB anesthesia.
Ellen Neufeld
CRNA
Denver, CO
Ellen Neufeld MSN, CRNA has been a nurse for nearly 27 years and a CRNA for over 17 years. After graduating from Rush University in 2006, she worked there as staff and faculty, including course directing for their anesthesia program. In 2009, Ellen moved to the Denver, Colorado area where she currently lives with her husband, 2 daughters, and 2 pups.
In 2017, Ellen decided to pursue aesthetics and founded Aviva Med Spa. Though she began small, she quickly grew and expanded her services. She loves helping her clients look and feel their best with a variety of treatments for both the face and body.
Ellen also saw a need for better education in the aesthetics field. She is incredibly passionate about teaching and deeply missed this aspect of her career after leaving Chicago. Thus, in 2021, she created Aviva Academy where she offers CRNAs advanced training in neuromodulators, dermal fillers, as well as other treatment modalities.
Her courses include both a comprehensive didactic and hands-on experience. The didactic portion focuses heavily on anatomy, assessment, and complication management while the hands-on portion provides ample opportunity to safely learn and practice skills and techniques to become a proficient injector. After the course is complete, Ellen maintains a close relationship with her students as a mentor while they continue to grow and enhance their skills.
Ellen is incredibly excited to be a part of the Serene Sands retreat. She looks forward to getting to know all of the attendees in addition to sharing her knowledge and expertise in this exciting field.
Laura Luckie Finch
LPC, MA
Mountain Brook, AL
Laura Luckie Finch is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds a Master's degree in Counseling from the University of Alabama.
Her undergraduate degree is in Psychology and Sociology from Birmingham-Southern
College.
She has worked in various settings with various populations throughout her career tor 25 years. Private practice counseling is what she enjoys most.
Her specific areas of interest include:
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Women's Issues
Post-Partum Depression
Infertility
Miscarriage -
Depression
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Anxiety
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Relationships
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Lite Transitions
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Grief
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Trauma
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Boundaries and Codependency
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Acceptance
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Parenting a child with special needs
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She has extensive experience counseling clients with addiction. She is trained in EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Laura typically works with adults.
In 2013, Laura attended intensive training with psychologists and best-selling authors Henry Cloud and John Townsend in Costa Mesa, CA. Please learn more about Cloud's and Townsend's work at www.cloudtownsend.com.
Laura sees clients individually and in group settings. Presently, Laura is conducting groups based on Cloud's and Townsend's book Boundaries and some of their other works as well.
Laura is a Birmingham native. She has recently relocated her practice to Birmingham from Chattanooga, where she lived for eleven years with her husband and two children.
Laura and her husband have a daughter and a son.
Chris Sherrill
Chef
Chef Chris Sherrill is a culinary innovator known for his deep commitment to sustainability, local sourcing, and creating unforgettable dining experiences rooted in Southern hospitality. With a career spanning over two decades, he has built a reputation for blending classic technique with modern creativity, transforming regional ingredients into refined, memorable dishes.
Driven by a passion for supporting farmers, fishermen, and artisans, Chef Sherrill has become a vocal advocate for sustainable food systems and coastal conservation. His kitchens emphasize zero-waste principles, responsible sourcing, and community engagement—values that have earned him respect both locally and nationally.
Throughout his career, Sherrill has led acclaimed restaurants, mentored rising chefs, and developed culinary programs that celebrate culture, flavor, and innovation. Whether he’s crafting seasonal tasting menus, leading large-scale culinary events, or collaborating with environmental organizations, Chef Chris Sherrill brings purpose, heart, and creativity to every plate.
