About US

This Retreat Program was designed by two Registered Nurses (type 1), a chef/author (type 1) and a psychotherapist (type 2 )with diabetes for women with diabetes to integrate extraordinary self-care techniques in their day to day lives. We are wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, and grandmothers who have honed the skill of caring for others. Be it in the workplace or at home, we cook nutritious meals, care physically, emotionally and financially for our loved ones and yet, often, find little time to care deeply for ourselves.

Our Presenters

Connie Hanham-Cain RN, BSN, MSN, CDCES

Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist - Type1

Connie has extensive experience as a holistic behavioral health nurse and CDE working with diverse populations of all ages. Her background includes lifelong study and practice of dance and body awareness disciplines, meditation and spiritual awareness techniques. At the Retreats, she teaches classes in diabetes topics, developing body awareness, advanced duration diabetes as well as energy medicine and dance. Connie is a contributing author to the book My Sweet Life: Successful Women with Diabetes, available at Amazon. She has lived with T1 diabetes since childhood.

Judith Jones-Ambrosini

Chef, Author, Athlete, Dexcom Warrior - Type 1

Judith has lived an active life traveling throughout the world with T1 diabetes for over fifty years. She is a Dexcom WarriosShe is a professional chef, published diabetes journalist, recipient of a "Lilly For Life" award for journalism and is the author of the book The Sisterhood of Diabetes, which is now available at Amazon.com. Judith teaches cooking classes, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and movement exercises at the Retreats.

Ann Marie DiNino BA, MS

Creative Artist - Type 2

Ann Marie has a BA in fine arts and an MS in public service administration, concentrating in arts administration. She works with elders in assisted living and has an extensive background in health care settings. Ann Marie conducts Art Therapy and Creative Expression Classes at the Retreats.She has lived with Type 2 Diabetes for over 20 years.

Janet Doucette, MA LMHC

Behavioral Health Specialist- Type 2

Janet is a psychotherapist and behavioral medicine specialist who offers clinical biofeedback, hypnotherapy, and mindfulness based psychotherapy for individuals with medical conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. She is a Reiki Master teacher as well. Janet teaches classes in stress management, biofeedback, meditation, and energy medicine at the Retreats.Janet has lived with Type 2 Diabetes for 15 years.

Gita Patel MS, RD, CLT

Dietician - Type 2

Gita is a dietician with one simple goal in life: Helping people to feed their health with tasty and colorful foods that are simple, easy and quick to prepare. Her philosophy and approach to creative healthy cooking relies on both her traditional Indian background combined with modern nutritional science. As an antidote to our busy, stressful lifestyles, food is health. Gita is passionate about promoting the medicinal qualities of fresh plants within delicious meals and snacks. Her book Blending Science with Spices is available at Amazon.

Melanie Masdea-Dignum LICSW, LCSW, ACHt

Behavioral Health Therapist -Type 2

Melanie has worked in an integrative functional medicine environment as a behavioral therapist, helping individuals and couples with lifestyle change through the facilitation of attitudinal shifts and habit modification. Through the development of highly individualized action plans, she has encouraged individuals who are often experiencing the challenges of a delicate health profile. She uses a multitude of techniques to teach people how to jumpstart a sustainable wellness intention. She has lived with Type 2 Diabetes for over 20 years.