Serene Sand Retreats
Your Education and Wellness Team
Christy Quade
CRNA, Founder, & CEO
Birmingham, AL
Welcome to Serene Sands, the ultimate women’s retreat experience. As a wife, mother, CRNA and 2 time breast cancer survivor. I know firsthand how important it is to take time for self-care and nurture the relationships that matter most. Our retreats are designed to help you escape the stresses of everyday life and renew your spirit. Our activities are tailored to help you strengthen your body, center your mind, and restore your soul. Join us and indulge in yoga, meditation, massage therapy, healthy cuisine, getting to know some amazing women and so much more all while obtaining valuable anesthesia education. We can’t wait to help you find a peaceful sanctuary and education that will last long after the retreat is over.
Jackie Gravelle
CRNA
Birmingham, AL
ACLS/PALS/BLS Instructor
My name is Jackie Gravelle, and I am a certified nurse anesthetist with 19 years of experience in this field. During my 19-year career as a CRNA, most of my work has been focused on adult patients. However, for the past six years, I have been serving as a pediatric anesthetist at Children's of Alabama while also teaching advanced life support techniques through the American Heart Association. My expertise in the field of nursing anesthesia has enabled me to provide superior care to patients undergoing surgical procedures. My experience in both adult and pediatric settings has allowed me to develop a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs of patients across the age spectrum. My passions are spending time with my family and growing in my spiritual journey. I hold a bachelor's degree in Nursing and a Master's degree in Nurse Anesthesia from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I am blessed to reside in Birmingham, Alabama with my loving husband and three beautiful children.
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.
Su Chang
CRNA
Winter Park, FL
I'm Su Chang, a Nurse Anesthesiologist with over 20 years in healthcare. After starting my nursing career in 2003, I became a CRNA in 2013, specializing in pediatric cardiac anesthesia.
In 2017, I decided to expand into regenerative and functional medicine, studying stem cell therapy, hormone optimization, aesthetics, and holistic approaches to wellness. After earning my Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia Practice in 2020, I founded an integrative practice focused on cutting-edge therapies like peptides, stem cells, nerve blocks, hormone balance, weight loss, and sexual wellness.
My mission is to heal by addressing root causes and supporting the body’s natural ability to regenerate. I continuously review these integrative methods through ongoing education, patient outcomes, and evidence-based research to ensure safe, effective, and evolving care.
I'm committed to sharing what I’ve learned through my presentations, offering simple insights, real-life experience, and practical tips to help others understand and use these healing approaches in their own lives.
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.
Yelena Hamilton
MSN, CRNA
Houston, TX
She earned her nursing and graduate degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and has practiced anesthesia since 2016. She specializes in cardiothoracic anesthesia, bringing extensive experience in high-acuity airway and perioperative management. In addition to her hospital practice, Yelena has also worked in ketamine infusion therapy for mood and pain disorders. She is passionate about the intersection of anesthesia, emotional health, and wellness, and is expanding her training in nervous system regulation to support people in accessing their own inner capacity for healing and growth. Outside of her clinical work, Yelena enjoys hiking, traveling, and time outdoors with her two dogs.