About

Our Mission  

Our Mission is support, educate and inspire men on their life journey toward personal growth and healing. We aim to help men address the therapeutic issues that contribute to their personal suffering, disappointment, regret and brokenness. Through education, workshops, individual sessions and group process our intent is to empower men to move “forward” in their lives with passion and authenticity.

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Meet Ralph Garofano  

Founder, Avanti Retreats

For 25+ years, Ralph has worked with men in prisons, hospitals, mental health centers, and spiritual organizations and settings. His calling has always been to walk alongside men who carry shame, grief, regret, and loss and to help them move forward.

Ralph founded Avanti after seeing how many men suffer silently because they’ve been told to “be tough,” “don’t cry,” or “handle it alone.” Avanti offers a counter-story: that true strength comes from reconnecting with ourselves and each other, identifying our problems, and moving forward in community.  

Credentials & Background

ACPE Certified Educator
Nearly three decades leading men’s groups in clinical settings and 1:1 coaching
Experience with grief, trauma, shame, and life transition
Deep commitment to compassion and transformation

Avanti’s Values

Intention

Live deliberately, not on autopilot.

Honesty

Say what’s true, even when it’s hard.

Humility

Growth requires humility.

Heart

Reconnect thought and feeling to rediscover meaning.

Forward

Avanti means forward in Italian. Moving men forward in whatever storm of life they may be in is the core focus of our retreats.

Real Experiences. Real Growth.

“Ralph has worked with diverse groups of men for several decades and has a unique ability to connect with men in a respectful, supportive way, while also challenging them to be the best version of themself. I have enjoyed working with him and seeing firsthand the real difference he has made in the lives of the men he has walked alongside.”

Clinical Psychologist, Columbia, SC