About Us

About Your Hosts

Laura & Maria

Laura Bayne

Co-Founder & Guide at Breaking Free Retreats

I come from a line of builders—entrepreneurs, creators, and visionaries. For nearly 25 years, I helped run our general contracting business while raising kids, managing a hobby farm, and juggling the never-ending list of what “needed” to be done.

But somewhere in all of it… I lost myself.

I found myself in a relationship that was both mentally and physically abusive. Fear became my daily companion—until the day I watched every possession I owned set on fire. On Christmas Day, 2018, I lost everything I had… but I gained the courage to walk away.

I’ve never looked back.

Since then, I’ve rebuilt a life that is rooted in truth, healing, and purpose. I’ve reconnected with the woman I forgot.
And now, alongside Maria, I co-lead Breaking Free Retreats—to hold space for you to remember who you are.

You are not alone.
We are walking this path together.

Maria Marzano-Thielen

Co-Founder & Guide at Breaking Free Retreats

I was born in Chicago, Illinois, and began my first job at the age of sixteen—working for a Fortune 500 company the summer before my senior year of high school.

Thirty-six years later, I’m still there.

Along the way, I attended and graduated college while working full-time, met the love of my life, built a family, and raised two incredible young adults. I devoted my heart to my career, my marriage, and my children—pouring everything I had into the people I loved most.

But somewhere in that devotion, I forgot to pour back into myself.

Over time, the cost of putting myself last began to show up—in my body, in my mind, and in my spirit.

In 2021, I attended my first retreat. By January 2022, after a second soul-deep gathering, my life had completely changed.

I broke free of the invisible limitations I had placed on myself.

Since then, I have shed 30 pounds, come off prescription medication, and most importantly, come home to myself.

Now, alongside Laura, I am honored to co-create Breaking Free Retreats—a sacred space where women like you can awaken, heal, and remember your own incredible power.

We are here to walk beside you.
Your journey of breaking free begins now.