The Experience
The Girlfriend Getaway is more than an event. It’s a space for women to reconnect with themselves and each other.
Hosted by Nikki Johnsrud of COPE Consulting, the Girlfriend Getaway was created for women who spend so much of their time caring for others that they rarely pause to care for themselves.
This experience brings women together in a supportive, welcoming environment where authentic conversations, meaningful connections, and personal growth are encouraged. Whether you attend with friends or come on your own, you will be surrounded by women who are showing up with open hearts and a desire to grow.
Each Girlfriend Getaway features a variety of experiences designed to nurture both self-care and soul-care. In past events, women have enjoyed:
• Inspiring keynote speakers and powerful storytelling
• Small group conversations and connection circles
• Individual self-care sessions such as reiki, energy work, facials, and massage
• Wellness experiences that support mind, body, and spirit
• Opportunities for reflection, laughter, and real conversations with other women
One of the most loved parts of the Girlfriend Getaway is that every woman can personalize her experience. During registration, you’ll be able to choose from individual sessions and experiences offered throughout the day.
If you’ve attended before, you already know the magic that happens when women gather in this way.
If this will be your first time, welcome. You are exactly where you’re meant to be.
Come as you are. Leave feeling more connected, grounded, and empowered.
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A welcoming space where women can connect, reflect, and recharge
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Inspiring speakers who share powerful stories and real-life wisdom
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Opportunities to participate in meaningful conversations with other women
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Personalized self-care sessions you can choose during registration
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Experiences that support your mind, body, and spirit
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A day filled with laughter, connection, and moments just for you
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The chance to leave feeling grounded, refreshed, and more connected to yourself
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If you’ve never attended a Girlfriend Getaway before, you are not alone. Many of the women who attend come on their own and leave feeling like they’ve gained an entire circle of new friends.
From the moment you walk in, you’ll be welcomed into a warm and supportive environment where women show up exactly as they are. There is no pressure to be anything other than yourself.
Some women come with a group of friends. Others come simply because something inside them is telling them they need this time for themselves. Both are welcome here.
The Girlfriend Getaway is intentionally designed to make connection easy through conversations, shared experiences, and spaces where women can relax, reflect, and simply be.
If you’re feeling that little nudge to attend, trust it. There is a seat for you here.
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You spend most of your time caring for others and rarely take time just for yourself
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You are craving deeper, more meaningful connection with other women
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You feel a pull to pause, reflect, and reconnect with who you are in this season of life
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You enjoy learning from inspiring women and hearing real stories that remind you you’re not alone
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You love the idea of choosing self-care experiences that nurture your mind, body, and spirit
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You are looking for a supportive, welcoming space where you can simply show up as yourself
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You want to leave feeling refreshed, encouraged, and more grounded in who you are
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Experiences like the Girlfriend Getaway are even more meaningful when shared.
Many women attend with a sister, friend, coworker, or someone they simply know could use a day to reconnect and recharge.
You might come together to spend intentional time with one another, or simply enjoy sharing the experience of learning, laughing, and connecting alongside other women.
Some women even use the Girlfriend Getaway as their yearly tradition. A day set aside to pause from everyday responsibilities and pour back into themselves and their friendships.
If someone came to mind while reading about this event, consider inviting her to join you.
Sometimes the best memories begin with a simple invitation.
I came not knowing anyone and left feeling like I had found my people. The conversations, the laughter, and the space to just be myself was something I didn’t realize I needed so much.”
This wasn’t just another event. It felt like a reset for my soul. I left feeling lighter, inspired, and more connected to myself.
The speakers were incredible, but what surprised me the most was the connection with the other women in the room. There was such a feeling of support and authenticity
Every woman deserves a space like this. It reminded me that I am not alone and that taking time for myself is not selfish.
The Girlfriend Getaway is something truly special. Nikki has created an environment where women can show up exactly as they are and feel welcomed.
What Women Are Saying
Why the Girlfriend Getaway Was Created
The Girlfriend Getaway was created from a simple but powerful belief: women need spaces where they can reconnect with themselves and with each other.
So many women spend their days caring for others, managing responsibilities, and showing up for everyone around them. Somewhere along the way, it can become easy to lose touch with ourselves.
After years of working with women and hearing their stories, Nikki Johnsrud felt called to create something different. A place where women could step away from the noise of everyday life and enter a space filled with understanding, encouragement, and genuine connection.
The Girlfriend Getaway was born out of that vision.
What started as a simple gathering has grown into something truly meaningful. Women come together to share stories, support one another, laugh, reflect, and remember that they are not alone in their experiences.
At the heart of every Girlfriend Getaway is the mission of COPE Consulting: to connect women with themselves and with each other.
Every event is thoughtfully designed to create a welcoming and heart-centered environment where women can take time for themselves, learn from one another, and leave feeling more grounded, connected, and empowered.
Because when women gather in a space where they feel safe and supported, something powerful happens.
Meet Your Speakers
Throughout Girlfriend Getaway Weekend, you’ll hear from inspiring speakers who bring their own stories, wisdom, and experiences to the room. From courage and resilience to joy, healing, creativity, and self-discovery, each session is an invitation to connect, reflect, laugh, and leave with something meaningful to carry home.
Nikki Johnsrud
Nikki Johnsrud is the founder of COPE Consulting, speaker, coach, and creator of the Girlfriend Getaway. After spending more than 20 years helping others as a school psychologist and navigating the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Nikki discovered the power of connection, community, and self-discovery. Today, she is passionate about creating spaces where women can reconnect with themselves and one another, embrace their authentic selves, and find joy, healing, and purpose in every season of life.
Heather Traynor
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Heather Traynor, LBSW, works as the Youth and Family Court Specialist with the North Dakota Supreme Court's Court Improvement Program. With a career dedicated to child welfare, juvenile justice, and family advocacy, Heather works to improve outcomes for children and families involved in the court system. She is also a mother, breast cancer survivor, and passionate advocate for resilience, healing, and finding strength through life's most difficult challenges. Through both her professional experience and personal journey, Heather brings an authentic and compassionate perspective on courage, hope, and the power of moving forward.
Marilyn McMurray
Marilyn has a degree in elementary and special education from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. She spent 25 years working with people with disabilities. While Marilyn values her education, her most influential teachers have been her two children who have inspired, nudged and pushed her to think outside the box to embrace non-traditional ways of thriving. Marilyn has served as the Chief Visionary Officer for Trailblazing Communications for over 10+ years. Trailblazing Communications is an energy modality that addresses generational trauma. Marilyn is also coined as the Business Doula helping people create businesses and thrive in business while not having to put their heart on the shelf. Marilyn is dedicated to helping people live a life of peace and passion.
JennyLee O’Brien
JennyLee O’Brien is the founder of The Shine Studio, where she partners with purpose driven businesses and organizations to help them tell their stories, build meaningful connections, and grow their visibility through authentic marketing.
She is also the co-host of The Real Joy Project, a podcast and community for women dedicated to real conversations about life, growth, resilience, and joy.
At the heart of everything she does is a belief that every person has unique gifts, strengths, and potential. Whether working with business owners, creating community, or encouraging women to embrace who they are becoming, JennyLee is passionate about helping others find the confidence to step forward and shine.
Alex Johnson
Alex Johnson is a spiritual practitioner, energy healer, and owner of Sanctum and Stone in Williston, North Dakota. Through sound healing, intuitive work, Reiki, meditation, and spiritual education, Alex creates spaces where people can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and receive healing in a supportive environment. His work focuses on compassion, personal transformation, and helping others feel more grounded in their mind, body, and spirit.
Laine Hasper-Bittle
Laine is the co-owner of Ash & Ember Collective, a custom laser engraving business she runs alongside her husband, Jimmy. They create personalized pieces that celebrate humor, love, memories, and meaningful moments. While navigating Jimmy’s journey with young onset dementia, the couple has continued building a business rooted in creativity, resilience, and connection.
Outside of entrepreneurship, Laine is a Registered Nurse in Bismarck, where caring for others is just as much a part of her life as creating custom gifts. In their free time, Laine and Jimmy love traveling, exploring new places, and dreaming up new ideas for their business. Whether they are on the road or in the workshop, they believe the best memories are made through creativity, laughter, and time spent together.
Dr. Josi Jenson
Dr. Josi Jenson is a chiropractor, educator, speaker, and nervous system specialist who has spent more than a decade helping people improve their health, resilience, and quality of life. While her professional expertise is rooted in brain health, stress physiology, and nervous system function, some of her greatest lessons have come from stepping outside her comfort zone and fully embracing life's experiences.
From building a successful healthcare practice to booking one-way flights, traveling the world, and redefining what success and fulfillment mean, Josi has learned that life isn't meant to be divided into separate categories. Through her speaking, coaching, retreats, and podcasts, she inspires others to trust themselves, embrace uncertainty, and create lives that feel deeply aligned with who they truly are.
Your Weekend Experience
Jan
29
6:30PM
7:00PM
Registration
Jan
29
7:00PM
7:15PM
Welcome to the weekend: Nikki Johnsrud
Jan
29
7:15PM
8:15PM
Dr. Josi Jenson | One Life: The Courage to Stop Waiting and Start Living
What if the life you're searching for isn't found by working harder, planning longer, or waiting until everything feels certain?
In this inspiring and personal presentation, Dr. Josi Jenson shares how her journey from healthcare provider to adventurer, entrepreneur, and lifelong student of human potential led her to a simple realization: life isn't meant to be compartmentalized. Health, purpose, work, relationships, and adventure aren't separate pursuits. They are all part of the same life.
Through stories, practical insights, and lessons learned along the way, Josi challenges audiences to stop postponing what matters most and take the next courageous step toward the life they truly want. Because we don't get separate lives for our dreams and our responsibilities.
We get one life. How fully will you choose to live it?
Jan
30
9:15AM
10:00AM
Heather Traynor, LBSW | Resilience, healing, and reclaiming hope in the face of fear, loss, and uncertainty.
Drawing from her experiences navigating both cancer treatment and an abusive relationship, Heather will share an honest and heartfelt message about survival, self-worth, and the courage it takes to begin again. She is passionate about encouraging women to find their voice, trust their inner strength, and embrace the possibility of healing, no matter where they are on their journey. Through profound personal challenges, she has discovered the strength that can emerge from even the most difficult seasons of life. Her story is one of resilience, healing, and reclaiming hope in the face of fear, loss, and uncertainty.
Jan
30
1:15PM
2:00PM
Marilyn McMurray | The Scenic Route is your roadmap back to your inner knowing.
The Scenic Route is your roadmap back to your inner knowing.
It’s an invitation to:
· Trust your gut even when the path is unclear
· Follow the signs life keeps placing in front of you
· How can trauma stop you in your tracks
· Let go of the belief that everyone around you needs to understand
· Become your own guide, your own personal guru and get a PhD in YOU
Because the truth is simple: Man plans, and God laughs. But when you learn to listen to your intuition, to your body, to the quiet wisdom you’ve ignored for years you stop fearing the detours.
Jan
30
3:15PM
5:15PM
Laine Hasper-Bittle | Walk in Art Session: Create a beautiful keepsake while enjoying a moment of creativity and connection.
Create a beautiful keepsake while slowing down and enjoying a moment of creativity and connection. During this guided wooden embroidery activity, guests will stitch a floral design onto a laser-cut wooden piece using colorful thread and simple embroidery techniques.
This hands-on project is designed for all skill levels — no experience needed. Participants will have the opportunity to relax, create, and enjoy meaningful conversation in a welcoming atmosphere while making a one-of-a-kind piece to take home.
Blending rustic charm with modern embroidery, this activity encourages mindfulness, creativity, and self-expression while celebrating the beauty of handmade art. Whether you come for the crafting, the fellowship, or simply a peaceful creative escape, this workshop offers a memorable experience and a finished piece that will serve as a lasting reminder of the Girlfriend Getaway!
Jan
30
7:00PM
8:00PM
Nikki Johnsrud | Life After: A Conversation About Grief, Love & Moving Forward
Grief touches every one of us, yet each journey is uniquely our own. Join Nikki Johnsrud and a circle of courageous women as they share personal stories of loss, love, resilience, and the realities of life after grief. This is not a traditional presentation, but an honest conversation filled with real experiences, shared wisdom, and meaningful connection. Together, we'll explore what helped, what didn't, and how we continue to carry those we love while still allowing ourselves to live fully. Whether your loss is recent or years old, you'll leave feeling seen, supported, and reminded that you are not alone.
Jan
31
9:15AM
10:00AM
JennyLee O’Brien | Movement Activity: Reconnecting with yourself through music, movement, and joy
Join JennyLee for a fun and welcoming movement experience designed for every body and every ability level. This session isn’t about getting the steps right. It’s about reconnecting with yourself through music, movement, and joy. Together we’ll create space to let go of self judgment, embrace the present moment, and experience the freedom that comes from moving in a way that feels good.
Come as you are and leave feeling energized, empowered, and connected.
No dance experience required.
Jan
31
10:15AM
11:00AM
Alex Johnson | Relaxing and restorative sound bath to help calm the mind and reconnect you with your inner self
Join Alex Johnson for a relaxing and restorative sound bath designed to help calm the mind, release tension, and reconnect you with your inner self.
Using healing vibrations from instruments such as singing bowls, gongs, and other sound tools, this session invites participants into a peaceful space of
rest, reflection, and energetic renewal. No experience is needed. Simply come as you are, get comfortable, and allow the sound to move through you.
This session is perfect for anyone seeking relaxation, grounding, emotional release, or a moment of stillness.
Jan
31
11:15AM
12:00PM
Closing to the weekend: Nikki Johnsrud
Tickets
$0.00
Refund Policy:
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Refunds are available up to one month before the event with a 50% return (excluding processing fees).
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Refunds requested up to two weeks before the event will receive a 25% return (excluding processing fees).
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Tickets are non-refundable within two weeks of the event. Ticket sales close on January 30, 2026.