Our Team

A bearded man wearing a tan cap, gray athletic shirt with a 'Wounded Warrior Project' logo, and black arm sleeves, sitting indoors with a white wall and green artificial grass in the background.

“There are no atheists in a foxhole.”

My name is John Strom, and I’m a proud U.S. veteran living with PTSD.

A few years ago, I attended a Wounded Warrior Project retreat (Project Odyssey) in Duluth, Minnesota. It was a turning point—seeing how many other veterans were silently suffering, while also realizing how much healing was possible when we come together. That experience inspired me to create a new kind of retreat—one rooted not just in psychology, but in spiritual connection and camaraderie.

That’s how Ulfhednar Retreat was Conceptualized.

The word Ulfhednar means “wolf warrior” in Norse. I’ve been fascinated by wolves my entire life—I've even had dogs descended from wolves: a Norwegian Elkhound and two huskies. My home is filled with wolf art and imagery. That love led me to Viking lore, where I found powerful teachings that helped me reclaim peace and purpose.

Now, I’ve combined that wisdom with modern healing practices to create something sacred for fellow veterans.

Ulfhednar Retreat launched in February 2025. Our long-term vision is to build a self-contained Viking healing compound, where veterans can gather throughout the year—completely free of charge—and reconnect with themselves, the land, and each other.

If you’re a veteran who feels the call, or someone who wants to help… welcome home.

I

Meet the Founder: John Strom

Meet: Rev. Jessica Gadzia

Quantum Energy Alchemist & Co-Creator of Ulfhednar Retreat

Rev. Jessica Gadzia is a master-level energy practitioner, certified spiritual life coach, and the visionary founder of Energy4Life Global™. With over a decade of experience in metaphysical wellness and trauma-informed healing, Jessica has guided hundreds through personal transformation using a blend of modern science, ancient wisdom and quantum energy work.

Though not a veteran herself, Jessica’s commitment to the military community runs deep. She is the granddaughter, niece, and mother of those who have served—including her own son, who is currently active duty. This lineage fuels her unwavering dedication to holding space for veterans' healing, honoring their sacrifice with compassion and action.

In early 2025, Jessica recognized the urgent need for action with her own influx of Veteran clients suffering from PTSD. Inspired by John Strom’s vision to one day build a self-contained Viking-inspired healing compound for veterans, she offered a bold and powerful truth:
“Why wait?” Veterans need this now.

Bringing the mission to life without delay, she inspired John to bring his dream to fruition by proposing a traveling model. Bringing the essence of the future center to life in seasonal, mobile gatherings across the U.S. From that conversation, the Ulfhednar Retreat was born. Together, they co-created the Ulfhednar Retreat model: intimate, sacred, Norse-inspired retreats blending ceremony, outdoor adventure, quantum healing, movement, and nature offered completely free of charge to veterans with PTSD.

As the Director of Energy Services for Ulfhednar Retreat, Jessica helps shape the energetic and ceremonial arc of each experience—so that every warrior who attends feels seen, supported, and called back to their inner strength.

Jessica brings to each retreat her intuitive presence, reverence for ritual, and deep expertise in trauma-sensitive energy work. Her role is never to “heal,” but to hold the space and guide others back to the truth and wisdom they already carry within.

“I walk with you in honor and integrity—and in my presence, you will be seen.”
— Rev. Jessica Gadzia

🔹 Credentials & Training

  • Certified Spiritual Life Coach

  • Multi-Trained Master Reiki Practitioner

  • Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner

  • Director of the Energy Discipleship Program

  • Founder & CEO, Energy4Life Global™