Testimonials

What People Are Saying

As a caregiver for a loved one with a serious mental health condition, there had been little time over the past 10 or so years to think about, much less actually find time, to nurture myself and my relationship with my husband.  Aside from my work, my thoughts and actions were completely focused on supporting my loved one’s needs,  With time my loved one began to stabilize, I retired, I expected my life to lighten up but instead an unsettling feeling started to creep in.  Although I was very busy with lots of voluntary work, exercise, gardening, and social activities,  I became more and more aware that something felt “off” but I could not name it.  

It was at the right time that as a National Alliance of Mental Illness volunteer that I received an invitation to join a Cultivating Wellness series which frankly, I was reluctant to join for a variety of reasons: I was too busy, I didn’t have the time, I could figure things out on my own, etc. However, the idea that I would spend time focusing on my ideal life and that the program had a horticultural component really drew me in so I decided to investigate further.  After meeting one-on-one with Sheryl I had a strong sense that this could be that nudge to get enlightened and reevaluate.

After the first session, I was hooked. The activities were very meaningful, engaging and well-spaced out and I found that the group of participants had so much in common.  The activities and materials were very thoughtfully selected and lovingly and beautifully created by Sheryl.  The time flew by,  I was so pleased with what we accomplished in just that first session and hereafter, I looked forward to each session.  I regularly found myself implementing the tools Sheryl was introducing us to.   

Week by week, with each activity and insightful and reaffirming discussion, I re-evaluated my goals and came to understand how to hone in on what it was that I needed to help me achieve greater peace, strength and focus.  

Having just completed the 4-week series, I have much needed clarity in what it is I need to feel more fulfilled and what I need to do to get there. I have been able to gently but firmly begin to take charge of my life.  I have found the courage to clearly and honestly communicate my needs and wants.  I feel less resentment and am finding it easier to find joy and hope as I move forward.  Sheryl guided me towards realistic and well-paced goals and strategies that I draw on daily.  Sheryl was so generous with her time always making herself available for one-on-one contact as might be needed between sessions.  She is a skilled, receptive, and intuitive facilitator who is clearly devoted to helping others by sharing all that she has learned through her vast training and personal experiences.

I’m looking forward to continuing my path of discovery with her as my guide.

Program highlights:

• Seed-planting activities.  I love watching them grow in my windowsill as I continue to grow.
• Whole Group discussions
• Pair/Share break-out sessions where we each teach and learn from one another
• Sheryl–She is truly a wonderful, delightful, and caring guide into self-discovery

Teresa Rodriguez

Many of my previous goals have been short lived, but through Sheryl’s workshop, I was able to clearly set my goals and plan for success – so far so good!!!  In the 4 short weeks of Sheryl’s class, we learned the process of establishing realistic goals and making a concrete plan to be successful.

Although I changed my goals a few times, Sheryl really gave me the tools and guidance to choose what was most appropriate for me with confidence. I enjoyed the interaction with others in the workshop and I loved how we were able to support and encourage each other.

I loved being in Sheryl’s workshop. She has an ability to really bring out the best in each participant by helping us think about what we want in our lives. Something we often don’t make time to do.

~Emily

I have just finished working with Sheryl and it has been a wonderful experience. Sheryl has helped me understand myself better by encouraging me to use my strengths in creative ways toward achieving my wellness goals. Sheryl listens and reflects back my stories to help me gain insight into strategies that help me gain better insight and understanding of myself and what I truly want to achieve. 

I had so many “a ha” moments! 

I feel more empowered now to continue on my wellness journey with tools that I helped develop for myself. How awesome!

~Mary

I worked with Sheryl to try and make progress in setting goals and actually achieving them, while increasing my productivity and well being. She helped me to set realistic and achievable goals, baby steps, to get where I’m going. I tend to get overwhelmed and give up, and she was so great at helping me get a clear vision and plan for achieving my goal. She was never pushy or disappointed when I didn’t meet it, just helped me to reframe it for the next try. She is patient and positive and I left each of our sessions feeling SO good and uplifted. Her support is amazing. I highly recommend working with her.

~Pam