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About Us
MEET THE TEAM
Behind every successful event is a team of innovators and collaborators. At Breathe Executive Retreats, WPortfolio Events pairs its event planning excellence with Ellevate's elite wellness expertise to deliver retreats that redefine luxury. Together, we're dedicated to crafting transformative executive experiences through a shared vision and unmatched collaborative efforts. Meet our team.
Christal Batson
Expert Event Architect
Christal Batson is a veteran corporate event planner, communications and business development specialist with nearly 30 years of experience across various industries, including education, health, and finance. Known for her strategic thinking, meticulous execution and problem-solving skills, she has successfully managed high-profile events for prestigious organisations throughout the Caribbean.
Her skill in merging innovative event concepts with effective marketing strategies creates memorable experiences for diverse audiences.
As a driving force behind WPortfolio Events, Christal is committed to excellence and dedicated to transforming visionary ideas into impactful outcomes, equipping organisations for success and nurturing meaningful connections through her dynamic events.
Arlene Ross
Coach and Curator of Soulful Experiences
Arlene Ross is a seasoned legal strategist and leadership coach dedicated to redefining the intersection of high-level achievement and personal well-being. With over two decades of experience navigating the complexities of international financial law and wealth management, Arlene understands the unique pressures faced in the upper echelons of professional life.
As the founder of Ellevate Women Collective, her philosophy is that self-care is a strategic imperative, not a luxury. Her work focuses on empowering women to move toward a portfolio career that balances professional excellence with personal purpose and psychological safety.
Arlene curates international immersive experiences that offer leaders the space to pause, recalibrate, and reclaim their agency. Her approach combines meticulous operational expertise with a commitment to "restorative luxury," ensuring that every retreat provides a grounded yet sophisticated environment for transformative growth.
An advocate for career liberation, Arlene is also the author of Cycles and Success, a guide that explores how understanding our biology can drive more sustainable business outcomes.
About Us
David Yarde
Culinary Genius
Chef David creates memorable, luxury culinary experiences, believing that great food and service elevate every occasion.
David started his career at the Barbados Flight Kitchen, cooking for Concorde and British Airways first class. His impressive trajectory included roles as Chef de Partie at Daphne's Restaurant and a twelve-year tenure as chef and partner at Bistro Monet.
David became the youngest Executive Chef in Barbados and the Caribbean to manage two hotels simultaneously, the Sugar Cane Club and Almond Beach Resort. He later held senior positions at the Royal Pavilion and Sun Group Inc, and recently served as Group Executive Chef for the Mango Bay Group, overseeing four restaurants and a catering company.
Natasha Whelan, C-IAYT
Yoga Therapist | Movement & Wellbeing
Natasha Whelan is a certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) with over twenty years of teaching experience. She supports people with pain, injury, fatigue, stress, and long-term health conditions.
Her work combines therapeutic movement, simple strength work, foundational breathing practices, guided relaxation, and Yoga Nidra meditation. The focus is on building awareness, improving resilience, and supporting practical self-care—rather than performance.
Based in Barbados, Natasha is the founder of Nourish Yoga Therapy. She also integrates Yoga Nidra and therapeutic art to support rest, recovery, and self-awareness.
Sheldon Marcelle
Holistic Wellness Pioneer
As the Founder and Managing Director of H.E.R.O.E.S Trinidad Ltd, Sheldon Marcelle has been transforming health services in Trinidad and Tobago for over 20 years. By integrating innovative wellness components, such as wellbeing zones and massage therapy, into national events like Carnival, Sheldon has pioneered holistic strategies that prioritise health and safety.
An expert with dual degrees in Kinesiology and Sports Management, and various diplomas, including Sports Medicine from FIFA, his qualifications are unparalleled. Beyond his role as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and an AEMT-Advanced, Sheldon is celebrated for introducing training for visually impaired massage therapists.
Currently working with Concacaf and FIFA, he travels as a sports therapist, offering his expertise in Thai yoga massage, Craniosacral Therapy, and more. At the Breathe Executive Retreat, Sheldon brings a unique blend of emergency medical training and luxury wellness experience, embodying an unmatched commitment to holistic therapeutic services and innovation.
Sonny Meraki
Music Master
Francois Sonny Meraki Clarke is a multi-talented Barbadian artist, renowned as the leader of Tuk Revolution Barbados and an accomplished trumpeter, guitarist, songwriter, and budding producer.
With a soothing voice that captivates audiences, Sonny's musical journey began at a young age in church and school performances. Blending genres and personal experiences, his music aims to inspire positivity and connection.
Influenced by artists like Sizzla Kalonji and Amy Winehouse, Sonny plans to release new singles soon. Despite challenges, including the impact of COVID-19 on performances, he remains dedicated to his craft and encourages others to use music as a vehicle for change.