Theresa Polley

Since launching Retreat in the Pines in 2004, I have been grateful to build a life around work I truly love. The path has included difficult seasons, but the encouragement and appreciation I’ve received from women of all backgrounds have kept me going. Over and over, I have heard, “Thank you for creating this place — I needed this,” and that reminder continues to inspire me. Women’s wellness is at the heart of everything I do, and I am deeply committed to offering every woman a safe space to share her story and connect with others. A pink slip from a job I loved became the turning point that led me into entrepreneurship.

When I first began this journey, I was drawn to the healing power of yoga. I have been teaching since 2004, and today I teach classes in the Dallas area as well as private lessons. While I still believe yoga can be a powerful path of transformation, I have come to see that the deepest healing often happens when women sit beside one another and realize they are not alone. We may come from different places and experiences, but as women, we share so much more than we think.

Each time I host a retreat, I am reminded how essential it is to create a safe, women-centered space. Community and connection are what make our retreats feel truly magical and what set them apart. There is something profoundly meaningful about women arriving as strangers and leaving as friends.

I know life is too short not to be fully present. For the sake of my health and peace of mind, I prioritize fitness classes and community, both of which I find at my local Y. The Dallas YMCA has been part of my life for more than 30 years.

I have three adult children and one still at home, and they are a constant source of joy. My oldest, Nina, and I love traveling together, and one of our favorite things to do is hike and then enjoy a delicious meal — ideally something breakfast-inspired. She is married to her wife, Spencer, and they are proud dog moms to three adorable dogs. I’m thankful to have my daughter Eden back in my life after years of struggles of her own. She is married to her husband, Randy, and together they have three special children. My son Landry recently returned from Colorado, and he and his girlfriend have one-year-old Daisy and live very close to me.

My youngest, Mason, is in third grade and loves soccer. As a single mom, he keeps me busy, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

I have finally come to appreciate the value of downtime and self-care. Whenever I can, I begin my day with coffee, a guided meditation, and journaling. This simple ritual helps me gain perspective and set an intentional tone for the day. If the weather is nice, I do this from my front porch. Along with staying active, time in nature, reading, and streaming comforting shows give me the reset I need to keep moving forward.

To read more about my story of creating and growing Retreat in the Pines, see My Journey.