We didn’t wait for a crisis to create this
We created it to prevent one.
ATC Retreats exists because too many young people are waiting for help – and too many parents are waiting for things to get worse before they could get better.
We knew something needed to change. So we built it.
To offer young people the space, inspiration and connection they need to remember who they are – and reimagine what’s possible for them.
Our Mission
Lynne Pedersen
Meet our founder
Founder, ATC Retreats | Advocate, disruptor, true believer in young people
After three decades working in adolescent residential treatment, Lynne saw the same heartbreaking pattern play out again and again:
We wait.
We watch.
We downplay red flags until the crisis forces a reaction.
She asked a simple, powerful question:
In 2015, Lynne sold her house to launch ONE On Campus: a first-of-its-kind early intervention model for teens needing connection, not a diagnosis. She later introduced The ONE Exchange, a restorative justice alternative to school suspension now adopted by high-performing students across the country.
Still, she knew something bigger was calling. So she asked another question:
“If we could shift a young person’s life in just an hour a week… what could happen in one full, intentionally curated week?”
What if we stopped waiting?
That question became ATC Retreats… and it’s been changing lives ever since.
Adolescence isn’t a diagnosis.
It’s a stage of development. One filled with emotion, energy, confusion, creativity… and yes, chaos. But it shouldn’t require a mental health crisis to receive meaningful support.
ATC Retreats was created to be a new kind of space.
A powerful pause. A 7-day invitation to reset the story and shift the trajectory – without shame, stigma or labels.
What we believe...
Young people are some of the most intelligent, sensitive, and creative beings on the planet. They just need help navigating the emotions that fuel those gifts.
Self-doubt isn’t a flaw – it’s part of the process.
Not every emotion needs to be medicated away.
Parents aren’t the enemy. And neither are the kids.
We’re not here to fix anyone. We’re here to walk through the fire with them, and come out the other side together.
What makes ATC different
This is not therapy. But it might be the most therapeutic week of their lives.
Experiential
Every day is filled with real-world activities, from studio tours to beachside debriefs.
Personalized
Each week is custom-built based on who’s attending and what they’re passionate about.
Small Group
There are 8 participants max. Everyone is seen. Everyone is heard.
Story-Driven
We bring in mentors who’ve lived through struggle and built something real.
Cool & Curated
Designed to engage even the most skeptical teen or young adult.
Founder-Led
With Lynne’s decades of expertise behind every moment, conversation, and decision.
We’re not trying to replace therapy, school or family. We’re here to spark something that complements all of it.
Enroll on a Retreat
ATC Is:
Who we’re here for
Teens and young adults who are stuck, spinning, or shut down.
Parents who know their child needs something, but don’t want to send them to treatment
School leaders and clinicians seeking inspired, effective alternatives to expulsion or more intensive care
Families who believe in second chances, bold ideas, and investing in what matters most
Find out more
Let’s alter the course together.
If you’re reading this, your instinct is already speaking. Whether you’re ready now or need to talk it through – we’re here.
Apply Now
