About
I am a life long learner who has explored, pursued and shared with others about GARDENING, HEALING and LEARNING for over 40 years. Now I want to share some of what I have learned with you, too.
I learned to garden and love God when I was 5 years old. My beloved Grandmother shared with me her passions for gardening and wonder when, one day, she asked me to help her by planting some pansies along the back porch. Those little faces drew me into a world of joy, wonder and the excitement of possibility that has followed me all of my days.
I have created gardens wherever I have been. Sometimes because of life circumstances, the gardens were within me; at other times, the gardens came to life in more traditional forms. The overarching theme has always been a nurturing exploration and discovery process for understanding and for growth, both of plants and on a personal level.
I care deeply about adults in transition (having been one for at least 40 years, myself). Parallel to my GARDENING has been my growing awareness of the HEALING aspects of our natural world. In writing my master’s thesis I chose as my topic: GARDENING AND HEALING: GOD’S EXQUISITE PLAN. In my life and in the lives of others, I have witnessed the HEALING aspects of GARDENING.
I offer classes to enable others to follow their paths and more clearly understand why we choose what we do; how we discern when anger is our friend and when it is a block to our further growth; what motivates us and why; and how change can be just the challenge we need to face at this time. Each class or workshop, developed through years of experience, is thoughtfully prepared and presented using practical and creative ideas. All classes offered through PLEASANT AERIE ARTS PROGRAM are opportunities for personal growth.
Please note: While these classes and workshops are tried and tested and have been found to be helpful, they are not meant to be replacement for seeking therapeutic help. In fact, they may be extremely beneficial when incorporated into a therapeutic setting.
I have a B.S. in Speech Therapy & Audiology from Michigan State University, and a M.A. in Theology and the Arts from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. I also am a certified Horticultural Therapist (Denver Botanical Gardens), Spiritual Director (Christos Center for Spiritual Formation), Master Gardener (ISU Extension Service), Pastoral Care Specialist (Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center), and Compassionate Care Specialist (Institute of Compassionate Presence). I am a member of the American Folklore Society, American Horticultural Therapy Association, Iowa Holistic Healers, Flower Essence Society, and the National Storytelling Network (storynet.org).
My journey thus far has led me along paths of education, teaching, preaching, counseling, parenting, grandmothering, befriending and mentoring. All of those myriad pathways blossomed into beautiful insights to a world of joy, wonder and the excitement of possibilities that belong to all of us.
“Imagination is Evidence of the Divine” said Dante. By opening myself to wonder, beauty and the joy of the created world and the Creator of the world, I have come to know in my own way that Dante is exactly right. Come, imagine with me and seek to know for yourself that Beauty, Joy Wonder and the Excitement of Possibility are yours, too.
Visit my other website, GrandMotherNatureTales.com, for nature and arts programming for children.Testimonials
“My love to all the inhabitants of ‘Pleasant Aerie,’ and to the ‘Aerie’ itself—a living garden where the soul can bloom anew.” — Diana, Clarion, Iowa
“I am a wordsmith, but words cannot adequately convey the impact you have had on the course of my journey.” — Diana, Clarion, Iowa
“In the years I have known Thea, she has always been both spirited and spiritual in her own life as in her classes and workshops. She has always been ready to listen and help me to understand where I am exactly in my inner life, and then help me connect with my own creative energy. She is my spiritual director at once practical and passionate, guiding her clients to connect with their own creative spirit and zest in their inner life.” — Cynthia, Des Moines, Iowa
“Thea, I am delighted you are expanding your creative services offerings to a wider group…. I felt like working with you was truly collaboration, where your focus was on my needs and how I live my life. The garden is an especial joy…. I want to especially think you for being so supportive and encouraging me to explore my own creativity. Little did I know how much richer—and more fun!—my life could be just by being intentional about exploring my own creativity and sense of play….” — Sarah, West Des Moines, Iowa
"Thea gently guides me through paths of self-discovery." —Sue, St. Paul, Minnesota