The McDermott family took the reins of OQ Farm in 2023, their aim was to continue the trajectory of the farm’s predecessors while putting focus on incorporating the land’s unparalleled beauty into the guest experience. From the moment our guests step foot in our accommodations, they are instantly
transported to a place created in the mind where pure relaxation and decompression from the Modern
World exists. Our Farm joins people
together and connects singular beings deeper with themselves. Check out the farm here.

Well you can tell by the smile on my face that I sure love what I do. For almost 30 years Holly has been bringing the gospel of food love to folks everywhere. From restaurant and catering kitchens to home kitchens, indoor and outdoor classrooms, farms to farmers markets, corporations and small businesses, she’s had the joy of interacting with people in so many different settings. Her career has been an amazing evolution of learning and experiences. Holly is a professionally educated chef. She also holds certifications in nutrition and holistic healing, human behavior, spirituality and mind-body practices which give her a unique perspective and approach to food and wellness. Holly is also deeply passionate about local food, farming and agriculture. This connection to the earth and each other sustains us - literally and figuratively. 

From Holly “I adore meeting and cooking for people, and I feel blessed to share my what sparks my soul. I am inspired every day. My work is truly a labor of love.” For more about Holly, the Soul Check, visit her website here.

Sarah is a painter and mixed media artist based in Vermont. ​At just 12 years old, she sold two paintings and used the proceeds to pay for an oil painting class at a local university. Sarah went on to study art history at Dartmouth College (BA) and the Courtauld Institute of Art at the University of London (MA). These days, she works primarily in acrylic on canvas to create landscapes, portraits, and abstract explorations of color and texture. She is an artist member of the AVA Gallery and Art Center and her work is on sale at the Bank Street Gallery. Visit Sarah’s website to see her beautiful work.

Michelle is a creative educator who thrives on community engagement. She has over twenty-five years experience in developing artistic programming along with extensive project experience in both the public and non-profit sectors. In addition to serving on two educational boards in the greater Woodstock community, she has also served as an advocate against abuse within the state of Vermont. We are so lucky to have such an experienced and talented artist teaching us sculptured beading! You can learn more about Michelle through her linkedin bio here.

Yup, ya get me too! I won’t give you my full history, but this is the second retreat I’ve led and the first was just fabulous. I am a knitwear designer, instructor, author, boutique owner and now… retreat hostess! For more about you, visit my About Me page.