Creative Healing Connections

After growing up in Montreal, I found my heart yearned for open spaces. I lived in several rural areas before settling in Saranac Lake in 2008, where I feel truly at home with the land and the people. 

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I started my own healing journey from childhood trauma and PTSD at 18, and sharing with others what was helpful to me became the foundation of my professional life. After teaching yoga and wellness practices for over 25 years, I felt called to explore further the inherent wisdom and healing power of nature. After discovering the practice of Forest Bathing in 2017, I trained with the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy and founded Adirondack Riverwalking & Forest Bathing to share with others the solace and sense of community that comes from this simple and beautiful practice that is accessible to everyone, regardless of level of ability, age or background. 

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Forests know that the welfare of each tree depends on the welfare of the whole community, a great metaphor for human communities as well. I feel excited about joining Creative Healing Connections' board, grateful for the opportunity to give back more directly in this community. 

I live with my husband Bob, and feel grateful each day for my life and our life together. I like to wade in rivers, meander in forests, as well as ski, hike, dance, garden and spend quality time with family and friends.

 

** Helene is a Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide, Licensed NYS Hiking Guide, Certified Yoga Teacher, meditation coach and wellness facilitator.** 

In 2019, Stacie became a member of the Creative Healing Connections Board of Directors. This is her first term as Vice-President for the Board and looks forward to continuing to advocate for women's health and wellness. 

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She proudly served our country in the United States Navy where she quickly earned her Plane Captain certification of the E6-A/B while also serving as an Aviation Administrator. Along with her degree in Psychology, Stacie has over 20 years of experience in administration management and professional service. Stacie approaches professional and personal challenges with enthusiasm, good humor, and genuine care. 

As a woman with PTSD and chronic illness, Stacie understands the importance of being there for others and having someone to listen and to care when facing a particularly difficult day. While most days can be a struggle, she is always there to lend an ear or be a shoulder to lean on for anyone in need. 

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Stacie loves spending her free time with her family; she adores being a wife to her best friend, Corey and being a mother to an amazing boy, Colden. She is an avid reader and will never be found without a book. She also enjoys writing fiction, hiking in the Adirondacks, baking bread and rooting for the Boston Bruins and PWH L Boston. 

Rachel has lived in the Adirondacks her entire life and with that has a deep appreciation for the mountains, waters, trees, and animals. Nature is her connection to art; finding the beauty and creativity in all that surrounds us. 

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Rachel has worked in the non-profit sector for over 15 years and has a background in hospitality and management. Providing people with positive experiences has been a focal point of her work. She is currently the Operations Manager for Franklin County Economic Development Corporation and enjoys working with people and businesses in the community.

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She lives in Saranac Lake with her husband, son, and pets. Rachel loves spending time with her large extended family and being outside hiking, swimming, paddling, skiing, and walking through the woods. 

I am Sydney Schmidt. I am from and currently live in Saranac Lake with my fiancé, Zach and our two dogs, Honey and Zoe! You can find me most of the time working on a freelance graphic design project for a local business. I also enjoy traveling to new places with Zach, cuddling on the couch with Honey or Zoe, and watching movies.

 

Cancer has impacted many of my loved ones in my family. For two years, I worked for a non-profit organization that helped to support women diagnosed with cancer. As the graphic designer for the organization, I heard so many women’s experiences with cancer. All of them really touched me. Every woman’s experience was unique, yet they shared a connection with each other and supported one another. When I was asked to join the Creative Healing Connections’ (CHC) Board, my answer was an immediate yes! CHC mission and vision aligns perfectly with women living with cancer’s need for healing and support. Supporting women living in the Adirondacks makes it more personal. While we have many military veterans in my family, none are women. Supporting women veterans is one way I can give back to those who have helped defend our country, who have kept us safe. 

 

Being creative has always been at the heart of who I am as a person. Ever since I was young, I was always asking for something craft or art supplies for Christmas or my birthday. Creating always makes me feel excited. As a graphic designer, making something for someone else to enjoy and share with others always makes me feel proud.

Hope McGill is a newly minted transplant to the Adirondack Park. She moved here in 2023 for a position as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant at Elderwood of Uihlein in Lake Placid. Falling in love with the land, the people, and her now husband, she has made the Adirondacks her home. 

 

Aside from a career in Occupational Therapy, Hope enjoys reading, being an artist, walks in nature, cooking, and laughing with friends. Throughout her life, she has always had a passion for compassionate care and companionship with and for others. This has taken on many forms in her 31 years, yet, the most important form was learning compassionate care for herself. Through various talk therapies, avid research, trial and error to soothe symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, Hope has found a tried and true method of healing through creativity (artwork and writing), counseling, the inner wisdom of the body (yoga, breathwork, meditation), and of course nature. Hope brings creativity, compassion, humor, and centeredness to herself, friends, family, clients, and is now honored to bring those qualities to her new community through the great organization of Creative Healing Connections. She looks so forward to her role on this board. 

Victoria D. Freundschuh has over 10 years of experience dedicated to community-led initiatives and grassroots advocacy. Throughout the years of working alongside diverse local groups, has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and strengths within local neighborhoods.

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As a recreational therapist she has experienced life is about more than just staying active—it’s about restoring a sense of joy and purpose. With a holistic approach to care, Victoria works closely with individuals to identify their passions and integrate them into their recovery journey. Whether through adaptive sports, creative arts, or community outings, they are committed to breaking down barriers to ensure that every community member has a seat at the table.