Serina and Silvana

Serina Payan Hazelwood (she/her/ella), is an experienced retreat host and facilitator whose expertise lies in creating seamless, enriching experiences that cater to the holistic needs of participants and facilitators alike. Embracing her identity as a queer, Indigenous Chicana, Serina's personal journey of decolonization guides her path to helping others create their own path toward liberation and healing.

As a scholar with deep roots in somatic practices and Indigenous epistemologies, Serina has dedicated her life to creating experiential experiences that honor the land's cosmologies  Her work is an interweaving of anti-colonial, decolonial, and feminist theories, which inform the creation of collaborative and sustainable learning environments.

At Casa Salcido, Serina's role as host coordinator is pivotal. She meticulously oversees every aspect of the retreat planning process, from developing balanced schedules that harmonize work and rest to curating nourishing menus with Chef Silvana that showcase local culinary arts. Her attention to the minutiae – the "little things" – ensures that facilitators can focus on their primary mission: to inspire and lead. Whether it's a facilitator's first retreat or their fiftieth, Serina's support is unwavering, allowing them to fully engage with their participants in a cared-for, nurturing environment.

Serina's commitment to excellence and her thoughtful approach to retreat coordination provide facilitators with the peace of mind that every detail is being handled with precision and care, guaranteeing not just a successful retreat but an opportunity for genuine rejuvenation and connection. {more about Serina's work}

Silvana Salcido Esparza is a baker’s daughter, an activist and a chef. She comes from a long line of cooks and bakers and was trained by her grandmother and parents, in business and in the kitchen. Now she's busy training the next generation.

Chef Silvana creates award-winning food and restaurants in Phoenix, where she is celebrated for her contributions to the city’s vibrant profile. Her food has been featured in Esquire Magazine, and on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Chef Silvana has been a semi-finalist for the James Beard Award numerous times and has been inducted into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame.

While Chef Silvana’s culinary expertise has earned her plenty of accolades, she is also a successful businesswoman and an promoter of the arts.  Chef Silvana advises and mentors young chefs-in-training and has been an outspoken civil rights advocate. As a citizen of both the United States and Mexico, she feels a personal responsibility to elevate popular perceptions of Mexican American culture.