Meet Cynthia

I am a visual artist and educator with a background in Classical music and arts administration. I’m a certified practitioner in both Equine Facilitated Wellness and Therapeutic Arts. I’m also a passionate advocate for donkeys – for their special nature and all the things they have taught me over more than two decades.

I am someone who believes in the power of slowing down, making with our hands, listening with our whole body, and reconnecting with the natural world.

We live on a gorgeous small farm on Denman Island with 4 miniature donkeys, 2 young cats, a flock of hens and a colourful Bantam rooster.

Surrounded by trees and bordering an extensive wetland, we are visited by deer, raccoon, ground squirrels, frogs, Bald eagles, owls and numerous species of small birds … all of the rich diversity of flora and fauna that come and go with the seasons in the Pacific Northwest.

Donkeys have been a huge part of my life since 2002.
I have studied positive reinforcement training (aka clicker training) attending clinics and conferences, training with some amazing teachers. My donkeys have been teachers too, teaching me to listen in new ways, to focus, teaching me more about patience and commitment and the benefits of slowing down.

I have profound, meaningful relationships with these sentient beings. Caring for them has me outdoors in all weather and at all hours – noticing the dawn and the night sky, tramping through trails and breathing in the sights and sounds of nature.

This work brings together the things I love most: art, education, donkeys, nature, and gentle human growth.