The Care for the Caregiver Retreat is underway in Owensboro, drawing more than 200 attendees from 36 states — including keynote speaker Tanner Smith, known for his appearances on Love on the Spectrum — for a multi-day event focused on education, support, and connection.
The retreat began Thursday and will continue Friday at the Owensboro Convention Center, with final sessions scheduled for Saturday at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum.
Among the featured keynote speakers are 27-year-old Tanner and his mother, Nicci Smith. Tanner, who has autism, appeared on seasons 2 and 3 of Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum. Speaking to attendees on Thursday, he shared his experiences navigating life with autism, including overcoming challenges, gaining employment, and his time on the reality television series.
Nicci provided additional perspective, discussing her journey as Tanner’s mother, including his early diagnosis, the challenges their family faced, and the milestones he has achieved.
While in Owensboro, Tanner spent time exploring the community, including visiting Smothers Park, walking along the downtown riverfront, and dining at Lure Seafood & Grille.
The Care for the Caregiver Retreat is part of a national initiative led by caregiving advocates Kate Swenson of Finding Cooper’s Voice and Amanda DeLuca of Advocate Out Loud. Together, they co-founded The More Than Project, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting caregivers through resources, community, and advocacy. The retreat is designed to provide caregivers with access to education, peer connection, and opportunities for rest and reflection.
Bringing the retreat to Owensboro involved collaboration with Puzzle Pieces, a local nonprofit organization that supports individuals with disabilities and their families. The organization assisted the event hosts, helping position Owensboro as a destination for national conferences focused on caregiving and inclusion.
In addition to keynote sessions, the retreat includes workshops, networking opportunities, and scheduled time for attendees to connect. Organizers say the event continues to grow in both attendance and reach, highlighting the ongoing need for caregiver support.
