Our Facilitators
At Sacred Peaks Retreat, we collaborate with licensed psilocybin facilitators who bring their own unique experiences, perspectives, and approaches to this work. Our relationships are rooted in shared training, deep personal connections, and friendships that extend well beyond our professional lives. We are united by a shared vision and a genuine respect for one another and the work we do.
Each facilitator brings a commitment to ethical practice, thoughtful preparation, and compassionate, individualized support. Together, we offer guests the opportunity to connect with a facilitator whose experience, approach, and presence resonate with their personal intentions and needs.
MIKE CRUZ
Natural Medicine Facilitator
Michael Cruz is a Licensed Psilocybin Natural Medicine Facilitator who trained through Elemental Psychedelics, with clinical experience as a Psychedelic Support Specialist/Clinical Observer at CenExel supporting current psychedelic trials.
He specializes in psilocybin facilitation guided by a Master’s in Consciousness and Human Potential. His work helps support clients through preparation, expanded states, and integration that deepens self-awareness and lasting transformation.
Michael is grounded in trauma-informed care, research-based safety protocols, and uses practices drawn from ancient wisdom traditions and modern consciousness studies. He focuses on helping people translate profound insights into everyday clarity, presence, and aligned living.
Michael is bilingual (Spanish) and loves to create safe, intentional spaces, especially in nature, where the journey can unfold with depth and the wisdom can be embodied and carried forward.
JOE REID
Natural Medicine Facilitator | Licensed Social Worker | Psychotherapist
I am a licensed natural medicine facilitator and licensed social worker. I offer clients a safe, supportive, trauma-informed space to journey with psilocybin.
My approach draws from my training as a psychotherapist and my years of experience with altered states.
I work collaboratively with clients to establish a foundation of trust, intentionality, and psychological safety, with particular attention paid to preparation, the therapeutic relationship, and integration.
My aim is to create a supportive space in which clients can explore their inner worlds with curiosity, honesty, and self-compassion – and translate meaningful psychological and spiritual insights into their everyday lives.
I hold a MSW from Smith College and a BA from American University. I was trained in natural medicine facilitation at Memoru and Elemental Psychedelics and I completed clinical social work practicum at Harvard University and the Painted Brain.
SACRED PEAKS SETTING
THE SACRED SUITE
Tucked into the mountainside at 7,500 feet, Sacred Peaks Retreat is a private sanctuary where wilderness, wildlife, and wonder converge. This tranquil, secluded space is perched among pine forests and boulder fields, offering expansive views of Boulder, Bear Peak, and the Green Mountain Range.
Step out onto the flagstone patio or soak in the sky-deck hot tub and you’ll be greeted by sweeping vistas, crisp alpine air, and star-filled night skies that stretch into eternity. Frequent visits from deer, foxes, bears, hummingbirds, add to the enchantment — especially in the golden light of summer.
As a daily cannabis user, I questioned how a cannabis Journey could be effective for me on a different level. I found out very quickly that using cannabis in an intentionally healing way is a very different experience.
Karen provides a very safe, comfortable space where I felt I could relax into the journey without stress or anxiety. The music she curated to guide me along the journey was perfect. We incorporated breath work into my session. I really didn’t have any expectations of breath work as I had never tried it, so I was really blown away by how powerful it is. It took the journey to the next level both somatically and visually. I feel like the breath work allowed me to access trauma that I had stored.
Once the session was over, Karen helped me process the journey in a compassionate and professional way.
Her insight and guidance was invaluable for me to understand how to work with this trauma.
I look forward to continuing my magical journey with Karen to expand my growth and healing.
– Tracie M., Longmont, CO
What made this experience so meaningful was the beautiful harmony between thoughtful preparation, a safe and welcoming space, and a deep connection to nature.
It felt powerful, lasting, and full of little moments I am still unpacking. Genuinely profound!
– SD, Spring Hill, KS
As a newcomer to the psychedelic experience, I was a bit nervous leading up to my day—both about the physical sensations and what might surface psychologically. I was also timid about having someone present for an extended time as I processed internally, and possibly verbally.
The setting for Sacred Peaks Retreat is just far enough from Boulder to feel immersed in natural beauty with views and rock outcroppings, and conveniently a bit removed from the city. Karen’s professionalism, combined with her caring and attentive nature, immediately put me at ease. She gently guided me when it was time to settle in and let the medicine take its course.
Throughout the journey, Karen was fully present—laughing with me, and asking thoughtful questions when the timing felt right. The day was pleasant and comfortable, and I wasn’t ready to leave when it ended.
In the days following, I felt very tired but also calm, with a clearer sense of the changes I want to make in myself and in my life. I’m already looking forward to returning to Sacred Peaks Retreat and have recommended her to others.
– Emelie G., Boulder, CO
I’ve been hearing my spiritual call for years, but for some reason, I didn’t answer it till I was in contact with Karen.
I felt she was the one to help me understand and explore my inner universe.
With the help of the sacred plant, we did 2 journeys, they were very different, but at the same time, perfect for me.
I was very pleased with the experience, the music, the words, the silence, and the end. It was made for me!!
Thank you Karen for all that you give and your guidance.
– Joel B., Boulder, CO
There aren’t enough wonderful words or adjectives to describe how beautiful my experience was with Karen at Sacred Peaks retreat.
I’d done so much personal work to try and free myself, but I was stuck with these trapped childhood traumas and triggers that were making my life difficult. I had always wanted to try psychedelics but I live in Florida. My husband and I had an upcoming trip to Colorado and he found this place, which turned out to be more perfect than what I could have dreamt up in my wildest dreams.
I was hesitant because I feared reliving the traumas and I also have trust issues. One zoom meeting with Karen, and I felt comfortable with her knowledge and professionalism, along with her heart being in the right place to help people heal.
When I arrived I was greeted with a warm loving embrace and felt so at ease and safe (priceless). I believe Karen’s vision and thoughtful creation of this tranquil and sacred space immersed in nature, helped me to surrender totally to the process and to trust in the healing possibilities of the medicinal mushrooms.
The medicine took me deep beyond ordinary awareness to my inner child and I was able to release trapped emotions without reliving them. Karen was gently guiding me through the process the whole way, along with her trusted “ co- facilitator” dog Tulsi. It was crazy how intuitive he was and knew just what to do at certain times. I could probably write a book on this experience because it was so beautiful and freeing and transformative. I rank the experience up there with holding my children after birth for the first time. I will be forever grateful to Karen for all the ways she guided me through the whole process and gave me a safe place to heal naturally. She truly is a gift to this world.
– Mary P., Tampa Bay Florida